Travel in India

India’s vastness in size, population and diversity make it a daunting yet rewarding and unforgettable place to travel in. The continent encompasses a great variety of geographical diversity from the mountains in the north and the great Thar Desert to the flat dry plains and lush tropical jungles in the south and the pristine beaches surrounding most of the country. A trip to India is like a wake up call for your senses. Sights, smells, sounds, beauty, poverty, wealth and the weird and wonderful all combine to make it one of the most exotic and exciting places to travel.

India is the originating place of three of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is home to many fine buildings, monuments, temples and monasteries, with ornate and lavish architecture. India’s colorful history and invasion of many cultures over 1000’s of years has forged this unique and wonderful place which has captured the hearts and imaginations of many a traveler, drawing them in and loosing them in its vastness.

Two of the most amazing and beautiful places to travel in India are Sikkim and Ladahk. Sikkim in the far north east and Ladakh in the far North West are both Himalayan provinces and both offer to the traveler a mystical allure that is often associates with the Himalaya...

With natural beauty beyond compare, most people consider Sikkim to be a slice of heaven. Tropical valleys and stunning mountain peaks dot this region in the far north eastern pocket of India. Bordered by Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, its tropical valleys are fed by the snow melts and support vast quantities of rice, mustard, mangos, bananas, papaya, wheat and millet. In this region, the native Lepcha people peacefully live side by side with Tibetan Bonpo’s and Nepalese. Though the area comprises mostly Nepalese Hindus, it is predominantly a Buddhist region. Apart from the stunning scenery in this area, there are many wonderful monasteries to explore. The nature and culture in this area is rich and diverse.

Sikkim also offers some very spectacular and un spoilt trekking with excellent views of the beautiful Mt Khanchenjunga. You may chance upon the shy Musk Deer or the exotic and very rare Red Panda perched among the tree- tops. Revel in the excitement of being part of a unique culture, a rich tapestry woven with legends, myths, rituals and festivals.

Ladakh is a sparsely populated, far flung pocket in India’s far North West. This mountain paradise is a high altitude snow desert cradled by the Karakoram and Great Himalaya Mountain ranges. It is criss-crossed by innumerable razor-shape peaks and ridges and often referred to as “Little Tibet” or “Shangri-La.” Ladakh is an inspiring, barren and breathless place, home to one of the last remaining pockets of Mahayana Buddhism, medieval monasteries, high mountain passes and quaint townships.

Dharamsala on the other hand is a lushly forested hill station and is famed as being the home to the Tibetan government in exile and also the home of the Dalai Lama. This chilled out place is a haven for travelers and back packers, you can just relax, meditate, do yoga, learn about Buddhism or go trekking in the surrounding hills. This bustling hill station also commands some of the most impressive Himalayan views on offer.

* Darjeeling – This colonial style city sits on a forested ridge above the heat of the Bengal Plans. Views, architecture, religion and culture all combine to make this the “Jewel in India’s Crown”.
* Views – Without a doubt the main highlight of traveling in any Himalayan region is the views. From Kanchenjunga and Everest to the mighty Karakoram, India offers it all.
* Ladakh – This remote region tucked away in North West India is a visually impressive landscape and home to the medieval city of Leh.
* Dharamasala – This quaint town tucked on a ridge is home to His Holiness the Dali Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile.
* Environmental Diversity – From the arid mountain climate and snowy desert-scapes to tropical valleys and richly forested foothills, Northern India offers a host of different environments to explore.
* Architecture – These mountainous environments are home to a surprising array of impressive architecture from forts and palaces to monasteries and temples.
* Culture – Explore a diverse and rich culture with history spanning back centuries.