By Kieron Sellens
India is a country of truly epic scale. It is over a million square miles in size, and with over a billion inhabitants it is the most populous democracy in the world. Since it achieved independence in 1947, its economy has grown rapidly, but despite India's evolution into a powerful modern nation state it still retains a vibrant traditional culture.
It is such a large country, that when it comes to choosing a holiday in India it can be hard to know where to begin. Certainly, unless you have the leisure to explore the country for several months, seeing every place of interest that the country has to offer would be impossible on a single holiday to India. Instead, it is best to concentrate on a single region; taking a tour of India's famous north, relaxing on the beaches of Goa to the west, exploring the off the beaten track countryside in the south, or hiking in the Himalayas to the east. Where you choose to go depends on your personal interests – here are some of the highlights of each region.
North India
In north India, tours and holidays typically concentrate on the ‘Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the three most significant cities in the north of India. Holidays here usually begin in bustling Delhi, India's capital, a sprawling city with over 14 million inhabitants and which offers an unforgettable, vibrant street culture. Agra, of course, has the Taj Mahal, one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, and Jaipur (capital of the desert state of Rajasthan) features beautiful traditional architecture and the best markets and bazaars in the country.
Further adventures away from the ‘Golden Triangle' in the north of India can include explorations of rural Rajasthan and a journey to the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
East India
Eastern India is tea growing country; a trip here will place you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. Most east India holidays will begin in Kolkata (Calcutta), a characterful city which was the capital of the British Raj during the colonial occupation of India. Tours of the tea plantations (including the famous town of Darjeeling) often culminate in a trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a tiny train that takes a breathtaking route through the mountains.
The north east borders with Nepal; this is the place to go on a trekking holiday to India, with the Himalayas within easy reach and plenty of great walking to be had in the isolated region of Sikkim.
South India
Less visited than the other corners of India, holidays to the south of the country offer a chance to get away from the crowds and see some unspoilt wilderness. An undoubted highlight of a south India tour will be a visit to Kerala, a state with picturesque towns, lush forests and several big wildlife reserves. Wildlife tours, rice boat trips and beach breaks are amongst the many options for a south India holiday.
West India
Mumbai will be at the heart of any west India holiday. This exciting port town is India's biggest city and is the commercial powerhouse of the country. It is also home to the Bollywood film industry, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Elsewhere in this part of India, the best beaches in the country can be found at Goa – golden sands and vibrant beach resorts fill this part of India's coast. Culture vultures will be delighted by the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, filled with ancient Buddhist art and spectacular to behold.
Whatever corner of this fascinating country you choose to visit, you can be certain that there is a holiday or tour in India that is perfect for you!
Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With AITO’s India tours, you can tailor-make the dream holiday.
Source:www.isnare.com |
