west_india

Marble palaces rising from idyllic lakes - like gems studded in a setting of azure. Dunes and craggy citadels. Ruins that whisper legends. Picture-book cities in the folds of mountains. Regal opulence that lingers in ceremonial pomp. Men in vivid turbans and women adorned in shimmering silver. Tales of valour and chivalry. All vibrant images of the dazzling mosaic that is the state of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan, land of the maharajas, cradle of spirituality and lair of legends is located in the western part of India. The diversity and the exoticism of this place astound you no matter what you have visited before. It is a place where the reality and the mystique are twined together in an unbelievable weave, a place of strong traditions which hangs far away back in time, of a spirituality unmatched even by other old Asian traditions.

Quieter than much of India, and rich in beautiful silks and embroidery, Gujarat is a fascinating region. Apart from its famed Jain temples, Gujrat's major attractions include the last remaining Asiatic lions (in the Gir Forest) and the fascinating Inbdo-Saracenic architecture of Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, in the remote area of Kutch, the labyrinthine streets of Bhuj reveal palaces and pavilions.

A diverse trip starting from Mumbai (Bombay) at its most invigorating, on to the calm city of Aurangabad with its old mill and replica Taj Mahal to the neighbouring Ajanta Caves hewn from precipitous face of a curving gorge and dating back between 200 BC and 600 AD on to Madhya Pradesh, the heartland of India with its famous temples, deserted palaces, ancient caves and Jain carvings.

The main attraction of this tour is the Golden Triangle of the tropical state of Orissa which includes the grand temples of Bhubhaneshwar, the long sandy beach at Puri and the majestic Sun Temple of Konark. This trip also takes you the hills of West Bengal with its verdant tea plantations and on to the enigmatic state of Sikkim sitting against the backdrop of awesome mountains.

Arunachal Pradesh is endowed generously with natural beauty. Towering serrated mountain ridges, level pastoral valleys, gushing water streams and a rich variety of flora and fauna comprises its unique features. The highlight of this tour is the amazing tribal life of Arunachal Pradesh which has some 26 main tribal strains each with a distinct linguistic, ethical, cultural and social identity that sets them apart from each other.

This is an important and rare chance to visit a completely unexplored area of the Himalayas - the hitherto forbidden territory of Nagaland, India’s last frontier. The state is inhabited by 16 major tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character in terms of customs, language and dress. Music is an integral part of life. The colourful and intricately-designed costumes, jewellery and beads easily distinguish each tribe. The traditional ceremonial attire is awe-inspiring. This itinerary combines easy walking with visits to fascinating tribal villages as well as viewing the amazing crafts of Nagaland.