India Destination Guide

Home to numerous religions, cultures and ethos, a tour of India is truly incredible, exciting and a learning experience. Noise, people, deserts, crowded markets, the Taj Mahal, tigers, ,snow clad mountains and a dazzling coastline are some of the many facets that make up the vast country of India. Travel in India is always an unforgettable experience, not always for the right reasons, but the rewards are huge: watching Sunrise at the Taj in Agra, Experience spirituality in holy city of Varanasi and Rishikesh, Witness rich wildlife while tracking Tigers, Elephants and Rhinos in finest National park of Corbett, Kaziranga and Tadoba, magnificent forts and palaces of Rajasthan , Picturesque towns of Kujaraho and Orchha in Central India, backwaters and spice plantation of Kerala, extravagant temples and Masala Dosas of South India, tasting tea in Darjeeling, hiking in Himalayas, visit remote tribal villages of North- East India the colorful villages of India and of course the food. India is truly a land of thousand colours and flavors.

Be it the cultural, spiritual, adventurous, or the natural aspects, we endeavor to make your India tour an event that you can cherish for years to come. Come; join us on a journey of lifetime!

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Delhi - City Guide

Capital of modern India, of the British Raj and the Moghul empire, Delhi – the City of Djinns – is a fascinating place to explore, bursting with centuries of colourful history, of old imperial splendour and modern manic mayhem. From the chaotic, narrow alleyways of the old town to the relative tranquility of the new, at almost every corner there is something – a fort, a mosque, an imperial palace – to excite and amaze the visitor. To wander unhindered down Rajpath – the Kingsway – from India Gate to Rajpati Bravhan, stopping for a while in the shade of the sheltering neem trees to feast your eyes on Lutyens’ extraordinary work of architecture will have even the most seasoned traveller gasping in awe. But just as impressive, and arguably a lot more fun, is to take a walk through the old town; down the bustling Chandi Chowk and off into the narrow, sunless alleyways that make up Shahjehanabad. Here, among the jewellery, fabric and wedding bazaars you will find a world barely changed from that of the Moghul times. With plenty more sight-seeing trips available to the Qutab Minar, Lodhi Gardens, the Lotus Temple or the awesome Humayan’s Tomb – inspiration for the Taj Mahal; shopping expeditions on Janpath, Santoshti or Khan Markets; or a quiet cup of tea at the Imperial… Delhi can have you busy for days. New Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and three of its monuments - the Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb - have been declared World Heritage Sites. But on the other hand, New Delhi is a modern city designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Tree covered wide streets with many roundabouts and wonderful gardens are notable in New Delhi. New Delhi is also home to many government buildings and embassies, as well as Rashtrapati Bhawan, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; India Gate, a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war.

The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as the Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) of Delhi is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa means "mosque commanding a view of the world, " whereas the name Jama Masjid is a reference to the weekly congregation observed on Friday. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656 AD, the Jama Masjid is the best-known and largest mosque in India; its courtyard can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque houses several relics in a niche in the north gate, including a priceless copy of the Quoran written on deer skin.

The Sikh holy site of Gurdwara SisGanj stands at the site where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in 1675 on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to accept Islam. During a time when the emperor was waging a war against Hindus, Guru Tegh Bahadur argued for freedom of worship and was executed as a result. Before his body could be quartered and exposed to public view, it was stolen under cover of darkness by one of his disciples, Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who then burnt his house to cremate the Guru's body. The severed head (Sis) of Guru Tegh Bahadur was recovered by Bhai Jaita, another disciple of the Guru, and cremated by the Guru's son, Gobind Rai, later to become Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru.

Whilst wandering through the lanes of Chandni Chowk we may stop at Paranthewali Gali, a street lined with stalls selling several different types of paranthas (stuffed Indian bread) straight off the tawa (frying pan). Besides the traditional aloo (potato) parantha, there is the unique kaju badam (cashew and almond) parantha. Accompanied by a variety of chutneys and pickles this is certainly going to be a memorable food experience.

The spice bazaar in Old Delhi is the biggest spice market in Asia and it teems from dawn till dusk, with shoppers, traders, rickshaws and porters wielding barrowloads of nuts, spices and seeds. Its shops are full of spices, teas, pickles, chutneys, dried fruit and nuts.

The giant circle of New Delhi's Connaught Place, more commonly called CP, sitting at the center of any map of Delhi, radiates with roads like spokes from a wheel. The circle's obviously Victorian architecture was modeled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. The market on Janpath came into being when refugees from Pakistan began peddling their wares along this road after Partition. Several decades later, it remains one of Delhi's most colorful markets.

There are a number of outstanding museums worth visiting including the Craft Museum, National Gallery, Birla House (Ghandi Smirti) and Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum. (Note many museums are closed on Monday).

The best of Mughlai cuisine can be enjoyed at Karims, (both in Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin) where recipes, dating from the times of the Mughals have been the closely guarded secret of generations of chefs. The finest Frontier cuisine is available at the Bukhara, recently voted as the best Indian restaurant in the world!! Or a meal at Lodi Restaurant inside Lodi Gardens is also very enjoyable. And at the other end of the scale there are the many popular roadside eateries where tandoori, naan and rotis (Indian breads) or dosas (south Indian pancakes) are the order of the day.

A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls at Dilli Haat. Here, the cuisine of different states is made available. Set in the midst of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.

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Agra and the Taj Mahal

As the most photographed building in Asia, the sublime Taj Mahal hardly needs an introduction here. It is quite simply the most perfect building ever created. This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal – Chosen of the Palace – and has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the Emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died in child birth in 1631 having produced him 14 children. (Speaking personally, though I have been to India countless times I only visited the Taj last year and I can honestly assure you it does not disappoint!). Also in Agra are the Red Fort, It- ma-dulla ( Baby Taj) , Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra and the Moghul gardens of Ram Barg.

FatehpurSikari

The political capital of India's Mughal Empire under the reign of Akbar the Great (1571-1585), Fatehpur Sikri was eventually abandoned due to lack of water. Considered the crowning architectural legacy of Akbar (who also built the Red Fort) it was the first planned city in Indo-Islamic style and still almost perfectly preserved, today the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building material predominantly used is red sandstone, quarried from the same rocky outcrop on which it is situated. Today it is a ghost city, its architecture is in a perfect state of preservation, and wandering through the palaces it is easy to imagine that this was once a royal residence and a dynamic cultural centre.

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Rajasthan

Home to the Rajput warrior caste for more than a thousand years, Rajasthan simply bursts with life and vitality, beauty and colour, unrivalled architecture and fine traditions of hospitality. Though Rajasthan is full of amazing spectacles, perhaps the most striking aspect of a visit to the land of kings today is the abundance of colour. As an antidote to the harsh, monotone desert landscape, the people of Rajasthan have created through their luminous canary yellow turbans, lime green saris and flame red headscarves, a vibrancy of colour unequalled anywhere on the subcontinent. To visit Rajasthan, its deserts and lakes, towns and villages, palaces and forts , is to witness India at its best .

Jaipur
The Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the capital of Rajasthan and represents a major attraction for the first-time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts and enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset. The Old City is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain its facade. It is a very well planned city laid out in a grid pattern and was designed by a young Bengali engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacharya". Jaipur was, and remains, the only city in the world, symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Jaipur is a royal city and this is its most noticeable aspect, small buildings and festivals testify to it. Jaipur and its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The city also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold pendants, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls and turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world.

Udaipur
If you ask us about our favourite town in Rajasthan , you would almost certainly receive the answer, Udaipur. As romantic as any city on earth – with its hilltop forts, city palaces, tranquil lakes and quiet alleyways – it is not without justification that it has been called the Venice of the East. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur rivals any of the world-famous creations of the Moghuls with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. The Lake Palace is certainly the best example of this unique cultural explosion but Udaipur is full of palaces, temples and havelis ranging from the modest to the extravagant. To wander around this town is simply a joy.

Bundi
The small sleepy town of Bundi, a rather unexplored city with rich historical wealth, is surrounded by the Aravali hills on three sides. An impressive medieval fort, a palace adorned with murals, temples with beautiful stone idols, numerous stepwells and a scenic lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm.

Bundi is often described as the undiscovered jewel of Rajasthan. Rudyard Kipling said ‘Bundi is the work of goblins not of men.’ The town is nestled in a natural valley at the foot of a large rocky hill, dominated by the Fort and Palace. It is also known as the “City of Wells”, with over 50 step-wells and tanks. The ancient rulers were Rajput and ruled from the 11th Century. In 1818, a treaty was signed with the British but there was never any British influence in the state. It is a truly medieval city in great condition benefiting from being off the main tourist routes.

Sekhawati
Havelis - the royal mansions, one of the prime most attractions of the Shekhawati. There are clusters of stunning Havelis in this semi desert town, which were once build by wealthy merchants, decked with rich carvings, painted murals, temples, courtyards, stone inlays, ornamental lattice and unique architecture. Some of them have bent the wheel of time and are in excellent condition even today. The word Haveli literally means enclosed place. In earlier times, havelis were generally the town houses, also known as the kothis or garden houses of suburbs. The original function of a haveli, apart from providing a residence, was to wall-in the domestic life of a family. The most interesting feature of Shekhawati Havelis is, most of them are having two courtyards, the outer (Mardana) and inner (Zanana). The outer courtyard serves as an extended threshold, since the main gate is seldom shut. The inner one is the domain of women who are entirely occupied with household chores. A great body of the vast amount of work, particularly in interior spaces and around the main entrances, tended to be a mythical and religious record of the people. The subjects, however, were not always painted in idolatry form, but used subjects from Indian religious legends and fables, so that entire canvases could be covered with the marriage processions of gods, or their great wars with the demons or depictions from the Ramayana. The legends of Krishna, and in particular Ras Leela, find representation in the circular ceilings below domes.

Jodhpur
A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert has the distinction of neither being a part of the Thar Desert nor out of it. At best it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. It is the home of the Rathors - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan, who conquered Marwar ,land of the sand after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj. In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stonewall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10 km in length and has eight gates facing various directions. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! From here, as you look at the fort, a tantalizing view rises before your eyes at sunset.

Bikaner
Lying in the north of Rajasthan , the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner served as a major trade centre in olden days when silk route was active. The town still retains the medieval grandeur that fill the city's rich lifestyle. The magnificent forts , palaces and Havelis created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Bikaner, more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeding farm in the world. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them set up his own separate kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.

Pushkar
Along the picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil town with the deep religious significance. The main Attraction is Pushkar Lake, The Lake with Ghats and an array of temples along the banks is an important pilgrimage centre. The holy lake of Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. It is as important as Benaras or Puri. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of one of the country's most colourful cattle fairs - The Pushkar Fair. Rajasthan is rightfully famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar. Wander around the markets of this sacred city - you won't be disappointed.

Jaiselmer
Rising from the heart of the desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendours, dominating this amber-hued city. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. In 1156 AD, when Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chief who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants. Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th - 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called 'the Museum city'.

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Central India

Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra are located right in the center of India. Its rich cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam , depicted through its monuments, temples, stupas, forts and palaces, have also contributed to its claim of the title . The state of Madhya Pradesh showcases an equally varied natural beauty , consisting of plateaus, mountains ,rivers and forests. On one hand there is Khajuraho, famous for its erotic temples depicting scenes from Kamasutra and on the other hand there lies the wildlife sanctuaries at Bandhavgarh ,Tadoba and Kanha. Mandu boasts of palaces, forts and tombs and Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monastries, temples and pillars. The holy city of Ujjain or the temples at Omkareshwar highlight a glimpse of what the state has to offer. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are famous for their architectural heritage in form of cave paintings from Neolithic age. The options in this state are aplenty.

Bombay (Mumbai)
Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India (the last population count was over 15 million). The fastest moving, most affluent and most industrialised city in India, it is also home to the busiest international airport and seaport, handling nearly 50% of the total foreign trade. It is the stronghold of Indian free enterprise and a major manufacturing centre for everything from cars and bicycles to pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. It is also, of course, the centre of the world’s biggest film industry. On your brief stay in Bombay there are many things to see including the Mahatma Ghandi museum, Prince of Wales museum, The Gateway to India, the Hanging Gardens, the Jain Temple and Haji Ali’s Tomb.

Kujharaho
The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. The world renowned temple town of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its archaeological and historical monuments. The Creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon

Orchha
Then on to picturesque Orchha enjoying the peaceful rural charm of this riverside town. Sitting on the banks of the clean, cool Betwa River, Orchha is the perfect antidote to the chaos and dirt of India’s cities. Experience a piece of the ‘real’ India, one that will likely change your image of this diverse country.

A typical, small Indian town, Orchha owes its popularity to an architectural heritage bequeathed it by its history as the oldest and highest in rank of all the Bundela states. Orchha dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by the Bundela chief Rudra Pratap. In the early 17th century, Raja Jujhar Singh rebelled against the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, whose armies devastated the state and occupied Orchha from 1635 to 1641. In 1901, the state had an area of over 2000 sq. mi, and population of over 300 000, warranted a 15-gun salute, and its Maharajas bore the hereditary title of First of the Princes of Bundelkhand, all hard to believe as you wander the sleepy town as it appears today. Eventually, Vir Singh, Pratap Singh's successor, merged his state with the Union of India on January 1, 1950.

explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, including the town’s imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj temple built on a vast platform of stone, and the numerous cenotaphs that dot the landscape.

Ajanta Caves
Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100km from Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horseshoe are the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. The caves date from the 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819 by a group of British army officers, these startling achievements took around 600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta – once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders – features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries).

Ellora Caves
Impressive in their own right are the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD). 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. The most remarkable is Kailas Temple (cave 16) which is the central attaction of Ellora.

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Himalayas

The Himalaya means 'Abode of Snow' ,is the world's mightiest mountain range. No other chain can boast summits of over 8,000 metres - there are 14 such peaks in the Greater Himalaya - and hundreds over 7,000 metres. It stretches 2,700km across the subcontinent from Assam to Pakistan. From its heavenly summits flow many of the subcontinents great rivers - the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus - and in its valleys and across its foothills lie some of the most magical lands on earth, offering the modern traveller a plethora of holiday opportunities. Kashmir, that long-forgotten tourist idyll - first enjoyed by Emperor Akbar in the 17th Century - with its clean, clear air, beautiful mountains and exotic houseboats is open for business once more. The mountain deserts of Ladakh offer fabulous trekking as well as fascinating Buddhish culture, exemplified by the Ladakh Festival in September. The forested foothills of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh provide history, architecture, epic views and any number of great views of snow clad mighty mountain peaks

Shimla
As the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla – or Simla as it used to be known – was once the seat of power for more than one fifth of the world’s population. For almost a hundred years (from 1864 to 1939) the entire colonial administration debunked en masse, first from Calcutta and then Delhi, into the hills to avoid the stifling heat of the Indian plains. Often described as Epsom in the hills, the quaint hill station is today a surreal place, with a mall lined by mock Tudor cottages, the Viceroys’ neo-Gothic palace at one end and Christ Church at the other. And halfway along is the Gaiety Theatre, a charming miniature Drury Lane. But today Shimla, is a schizophrenic town, on the one hand buzzing with modern Indian life while on the other echoing that of its colonial past.

Daramsala & Mc Leodganj
Positioned as it is on a spur of the Dhauladhar range this beautiful hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow-capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. Dharamshala today known for its Tibetan settlement .Since 1960, when it became a temporary hqr of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India".

Manali
Surrounded by pine forests at the top end of the Kullu Valley, in the 1960s Manali was regarded by many as a Shangri La. The quiet old town with its quaint stone cottages and peaceful alpine scenery – not to mention the large amounts of marijuana produced in the region – all contrived to make it the perfect sleepy backwater on the hippie trail. Today the new town has exploded with many of the lovely views vanishing behind the mass of modern buildings. However, it is still a fascinating place to spend a day; browsing for handicrafts among the Tibetan stalls; wandering up through the forests to the beautiful wooden Hadimba temple or through the old town; or hiking up onto the far side of the valley, through the village of Vashisht, to take a swim in the clear pool beneath the water fall. back to Ladakh

Mandi
The historic town of Mandi (800 M) is built along the banks of the river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre.This one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing town that still retains much of its original charm and character. The town is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving. Because of this, it is often called the "Varanasi of the Hills`. The town also has the remains of old palaces and notable examples of ‘colonial’ architecture.

Almora
At a height of 1638 metres, Almora rests among a picturesque setting. On a horse saddle shaped hillock, surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees, flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi and Suyal and to top it all are the snow capped Himalayas in the background. Adding to the colours of nature is the colourful culture of Almora, people with rosy cheeks dressed in colourful attires, all this adds to the charm of the town. The town is still untouched by urbanisation and the people here have preserved their culture and tradition well. The roads and pavements are rather unplanned here but the beauty of the terraced fields and barrack like houses here and there can not be missed.

Back in 9th century, Katyur dynasty ruled in Almora, however by 16th century the rulers were Chandravanshis and then Almora passed to Nepali Gurkhas and finally to Britishers. Evidence of its rich past is available in the ruins of old forts, palaces and monuments built by Chandravanshis and Katyur dynasty.

Ranikhet
Ranikhet, literally meaning 'the queen's fields' is just like a heaven on earth. It is situated 6000 feet above the sea level in Uttaranchal. Thick forests, deodar and pine trees in the foreground and an unending range of Himalayas sweeping in the background, Ranikhet is spell binding.

The magic of queen began long back, that was before Britishers found the queen's secret fields. A British military base followed, a museum and a memorial today are the only reminders of the British regiment. But since Britisher's discovered it, time seems to stand still in Ranikhet. Aroma of pine trees which fills the atmosphere is intoxicating and scenic beauty exceeds description. An all weather tourist destination, Ranikhet with its forest cover is also a great place for bird watchers and those who wish to holiday in the lap of nature in solitude.

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Spiritual Centers

Varanasi
Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years and also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, It was at Sarnath, only 10 km away from Varanasi, that the Buddha, first preached his message of enlightenment, 25 centuries ago. Varanasi derives its present name from the two tributaries of the Ganga - Varuna and Asi - between which it is situated. According to historians, the city was founded around ten centuries before the birth of Christ. The city finds mention in holy scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and the 'Mahabharata'. The unique relationship between the mighty Ganga and the city forms the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'.

Tonsured heads, chillum-smoking sadhus, the chanting of mantras and cremation grounds where the fire never dies down. This is Varanasi - the holiest of Indian cities. Also known as Kashi or the city of light, the abode of Lord Shiva where, according to Hindu religious legends, the first rays of light fell after creation. It is here, in Varanasi, that the Hindu world converges to partake in an endless cycle of birth and death, life and salvation. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is paralleled only by Damascus in terms of antiquity. Attracting over a million pilgrims every year, the city lives and breathes traditional Hindu religion and culture. Yet it has evolved through the amalgamation of the sacred and profane, the spiritual and the commercial. This is a city that buzzes with activity; a city that is not just a dead mound of history.

What Varanasi offers is life itself, in myriad hues like the changing face of its ghats (river landings) with shifting rays of light. The numerous ghats along the Ganga, the narrow alleys and streets with a mixture of rickshaws, cycles, autorickshaws, pedestrians and even cattle and the religious shrines all form a bizarre circus. The devout come to die here, but it is also an amazingly

Rishikesh
On the banks of the River Ganges is the holy town of Rishikesh. Literally, Rishi’s (holy man) locks, this small town is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rest before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Signs of religious rituals can be seen all over Rishikesh – in the numerous temples lining the banks of the Ganges, the mythological tales that you hear about various spots and even the shops that sell books and religious objects. Rishikesh first acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles visited to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and begin their quest for spiritual salvation. During their stay they composed many of their best-loved songs, including Blackbird, Dear Prudence (about Mia Farrow’s sister who was also staying) and Ob-La-Dee, Ob-La Da… Life goes on! Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.

Amritsar
Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple. Located in the heart of Amritsar, the temple complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras, that house one of the busiest markets in India. But the Golden Temple is a serene presence, radiating a calm that makes people bow their heads in reverence. The gurudwara, as Sikh temples are called, is the holiest of Sikh shrines. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the Golden Temple to pay homage; Hindus and people of other faiths make the pilgrimage to offer prayers at Harmandir Sahib, equally revering the sacred shrine. Another major attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill with a lot of strutting and showing off by both sides.

The Ganges
The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It begins high in the Himalayas as a pair of head streams, in an ice cave in the mountains about 10,300 feet above sea level. The river then flows across the northern corner of India until it empties out into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world and represents the focus of the Hindu religion. As such while on the Ganges we must treat it with the spiritual respect it deserves. It will be a journey down the lifeline of the great subcontinent.

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Orissa

Bhubaneswar
This Land of Thousand Temples, Situated south west to Mahanadi River, Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Orissa. Name 'Bhubaneswar' in Sanskrit means 'God's World'. Bhubaneswar became the capital of Orissa in 1948, after India's independence. The city has also served as a capital for ancient Kalinga. Today, it is the commercial center of Orissa. It is said that, there were once 7000 temples in the city which earned it the name 'Temple City of India'. There are still more than 600 temples which makes it an important Hindu Pilgrimage. These temples have been constructed over a long period of time, thus showing he gradual changes that took place in styles of temple architecture. With Dhauli hills, a major Buddhist center, just few kilometers away from here, Bhubaneswar also receives a lot of Buddhism followers. Bhubaneswar is one of the three cities that form the golden triangle in Orissa. Puri and Konark are the other two.

Puri
The Abode of Lord Jagannatha, Situated right by the side of Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the oldest cities in eastern side of India. Puri is one of the four Dhams (Sacred places) in India along with Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and Badrinath. The presence of Lord Jagannatha Temple is probably the reason it is considered such an important pilgrimage destination. One thing that comes as a surprise is the appearance of many monasteries here. It is said that this port city once acted as the place from where thousands of devotees of Lord Buddha carried his message to far off places like Philippines and Java and these devotees built the monasteries.

Apart form the Lord Jagannatha Temple, Rath Yatra is another religious attraction of the city. Held in the month of July, it is a procession of Lord Jagannatha and his siblings from the temple to Gundicha Mandir which is at a distance of 3 km. One more thing that makes tourist visit Puri is the Puri beach festival. With many performances and classical dance shows, it is a perfect representation of culture of Orissa.

Tribal of Orissa - A World of Its Own
Major population in Orissa is tribal. The number of tribes that reside in Orissa is the highest anywhere in India. All the districts of Orissa have a tribal population in it. While some regions have huge presence of tribals, some have only a handful of tribals. Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Naurangpur and Malkangiri are few districts where more than half of the population is tribal. In Orissa, few tribes are in a better economic position and are well mixed up in the society, whereas there are many that lead a completely secluded life. They are also the most backward in the economic ladder of Orissa. Different tribes have different culture, traditions, language and rituals. This enables a tourist to get an insight into many different cultures at the same time. The tribes that are living in developed areas sometimes get influenced by the western styles of lifestyle and alter their traditions and rituals. However tribes in completely cut off areas still preserve their age old customs.

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South India

The Indian South is a land of myths, mysteries and magnificent structures. It is a colourful delight of soft sensual pleasures, from the beaches and steamy backwaters of the Keralan coast, to the temples of Tamil Nadu and the sandalwood forests of Karnataka. But most of all, with its exquisite Aurvedic messages and its delicious cuisine, it is a perfect place for a truly relaxing holiday.

And it is perhaps Kerala – the land of the coconut (as the name denotes) – that draws the traveller most and for good reason. The serene beaches Kovalam , lush vegetation of Wanyad , mellow mountains in Munnar , spice-perfumed air in Periyar , the tranquil palm fringed canals of the famous backwaters. Or witness fascinating Kathkali dance performance in city of Cochin. A trip to Kerala is one of life’s highlights you will never forget.

Kerala
The state of Kerala is not called “God’s own country” without a reason. With its pristine forests , crystal clear beaches , famous house-boat rides and abundance of seafood and opportunities for spa and relaxation , makes Kerala a perfect tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum) is the state capital , Kovalam and Varkala are the famous beach towns , Kochi is the commericla capital with lots of history and heritage , Munnar is renowned for its tea estates , Periyar, the famous wildlife sanctuary. Southern India is known worldwide for its Backwater. Travel to South India will enable you to experience something different and Kerala is no exception to that. You will find enough reason to come back to this beautiful state of Southern India.

Munnar
The most famous hill station of Kerala with around 12000 hectares land under tea plantations - that's Munnar for you. An irresistible destination that brings alive the dream of seeing nature's exemplary creations, of breathing in fresh air redolent with the aroma of tea leaves, seeing animals rare and common and most of all lazing around doing absolutely nothing.

Kovalam
Kovalam, a tiny little town in the district of Thiruvanantpuram in Kerala, famous for its pristine beaches. Kovalam offers an amazing sweep of palm hemmed beaches, beautiful lagoons, coconut groves and paddies. It consists of two beaches- Lighthouse Beach concentrated with eateries and accommodation while Eve’s Beach (Hawah Beach) which is relatively unspoiled.

Verkala
The small town of Varkala, 46 km north of the capital city of Thiruvanantpuram is mostly known for the untarnished beauty of its beaches. It is actually a long stretch dominated by red cliff and green coconut palm trees. The two km long cliff extends from the south, Papnasham beach, to the north to the Thiruvambady beach. Providing a stunning contrast is the blue hues of the water and sky. In brief, the scenic beauty of Varkala beach is almost mesmerizing.

Varkala beach is more than just beach for it carries along a religious as well as medicinal significance. It is also one of the quietest beaches of Kerala and resembles Kovalam in its charm. However, the added attraction here is the lesser number of people which means more space with little dirt

Backwater
The charm of Kerala lies in its unique attraction, something which is not seen or experienced anywhere else in the world. For those who have come across the term backwaters for the first time, here's a bit of explanation as to what it actually is. Backwaters are formed when the sea water collects at the beach by the to and fro motion of waves. In Kerala, they constitute the canals, lakes, lagoons and estuaries. The entire network includes five large lakes connected by 1500 km of canals. Most of them are natural, however, there are man made canals as well. These are supplied by 38 rivers that flow through the entire state. In earlier times, Kerala's backwaters served as its main highway. Passengers and goods were transported from one place to another in equal measures by means of these backwaters.

Tamil Nadu
When Indians refer to "the South", it's usually TAMIL NADU they're talking about. The most visible legacy of this protracted cultural flowering is a crop of astounding temples. Tamil-speaking state is India's Dravidian Hindu heartland. Traditionally protected by distance and the military might of the southern Deccan kingdoms, the region has, over the centuries, been less exposed to northern influences than its neighbours. The main attraction are Mamallapuram, a seaside village that - quite apart from some exquisite Pallava rock-cut architecture - boasts a long and lovely beach. Pondicherry, a former French colony that's home to the famous Sri Aurobindo ashram. Chola capital for four centuries Thanjavur, boasts almost a hundred temples and was the birthplace of Bharatanatyam dance. Madurai, with majestic Meenkshi Temple bustling with pilgrims, priests, peddlers, tailors and tourists, is an unforgettable experiance. While Tamil Nadu's temples are undeniably its major attraction, the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty, situated in pristine Nilgiri Hills offer mountain views and gentle trails through the forests and tea and coffee plantations. To get close to any real wildlife, you'll have to head for thick forests cover of Wildlife Sanctuary around.

Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and dates back to several centuries before Christ. Madurai is located on the banks of River Vaigai. Is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu after Chennai. The presence of Meenakshi Temple, around which the city evolved, has made Madurai one of the most widely visited pilgrim as well as a tourist destination. The city is not overly crowded and has a population of around 1 million. Major part of the population speaks the native language Tamil but English is also used.

Mamallapuram
Situated some 60 km south of Chennai, Mamallapuram has become famous for its temples, monuments and stone carvings. Mamallapuram once served as a port city to the great Pallava kings, the history of this city dates back to more than 2000 years. Many temples were built in that era and most of them were fashioned out of rocks, are considered among the oldest in south India and showcase the Dravidian style of architecture to perfection. This town was declared World heritage site by UNESCO, and houses many spectacular monuments like the Panch Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and many well carved caves like the Mahishasurmardini Cave.

Tanjavur
Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy and has the reputation as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It is not surprising that the great Cholas chose Thanjavur as the location of some of their most magnificent creations, since this now small city once occupied the proud position as their capital and most treasured territory. Though the history of Thanjavur is far older than the Chola period itself, it is during their reign between the 10th and 14th centuries that the city rose to dizzying heights, becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture. The Tamil University, set up recently is situated here and is devoted to the growth of Tamil literature and language. Today, what reminds of its glorious legacy are the temples of the Cholas, not less than 74 of which are around Thanjavur itself.

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North East India

Far away in the northeast corner of the Indian subcontinent, the lush Himalayan foothills teem with wildlife and flora is least explored and arguably the most beautiful region of India. Unlike so much of India, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland are still to make their way onto the mainstream tourist trail. Northeast India is waiting to be discovered, and we at Escape Voyages are determined to explore it. Among the meandering bends of the mighty Brahmaputra, the forests and grasslands of the Kaziranga National Park, harbor last serviving population of Asian Rhinos. Meghalaya’s capital Shillong, retains some of the colonial atmosphere from its time as the summer capital of East India. Majestic Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most remote states in India, and is inhabited by a fascinating range of peoples, many of them still lives in traditional bamboo houses. In the far northwestern corner lies the Buddhist monastery of Tawang, encircled by awesome mountains, while in the far northeast you'll find the remote wilderness of Namdapha National Park. To the south, the lush mountains of Nagaland are home to fourteen major tribal groups, each with a strong sense of identity and history. In this interesting part of the subcontinent also lie Sikkim and Darjeeling, where spectacular terraced paddy fields and rolling tea plantations cling to the undulating hillsides in the lee of the mighty Katchanjunga... the worlds third highest peak. Here the colonial past still lingers in the architecture much of which has been converted into fine heritage hotels.

Calcutta
Though the first time traveller to India might find the chaotic streets and bustling markets of Calcutta somewhat daunting, wander around a while and you will soon realise that this great city’s stereotypical image of a decaying, squalor-ridden mass of humanity is largely undeserved. Calcutta, the City of Joy, is in fact a thriving, colourful and extremely artistic place, described by many as India’s cultural heart. Though the city is home to some of the most impressive architecture of the British Raj, it also carries a distinctly Bengali soul. Bengal is home to India’s poets and writers, artists and reformers and it is from here that many of the country’s political changes are born. There are also plenty of wonderful places to see and things to do. Soak up the Bengali culture at the various museums, galleries, coffee houses and fine restaurants. Explore the historical collections of the Victoria Memorial, one of India’s most telling remnants of the British Raj. Stroll through the Maidan in the late afternoon and watch the heart of the city go about its business. Relax at the Botanical Gardens, an oasis of calm in this busy metropolis. Or simply chill out at the Tolly Gunge Club – playing tennis, golf, riding or swimming – in a true vestige of the city’s colonial past. Calcutta is a fascinating and enjoyable place to visit.

Darjeeling
Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds. Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.

Sikkam
Nestling amidst the lofty Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populated state and second smallest state in India. Sikkim covers an area of just over 7000 sq. km and Altitude of Sikkim fluctuates between 300 m to 8540 m above sea level. The most famous aspect of Sikkim landscape is the presence of world's third largest highest peak Mt Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is bordered by three different countries namely Nepal (West), Tibet Autonomous Region of China (North and East) and Bhutan (South-East). This variety in landscape provides tourists with some of the most stunning visuals and an experience of two different worlds at the same time. Sikkim is a state with much to see, lot to do and loads to experience. The main tourist attractions in the state are the many monasteries that adorn these lands. They have hugely influenced the religion and culture of the state. The monasteries here are considered among the most important ones in India. A walk inside these monasteries will virtually give you a glimpse into the entire history of Buddhism in Sikkim. And there are probably none better places than Sikkim monasteries for some peaceful, solitary and self enriching moments. Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Enchey Monastery and Phodong Monastery are the most important monasteries of all that are there in Sikkim.

Kalimpong
Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga. Kalimpong - means king's ministers strong hold - a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means 'ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organize field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit - hence the name.

Nagaland
The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills This predominantly tribal state is blessed with great valleys, meandering streams, high mountains, deep gorges and a rich valley of flora and fauna. 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes inhabit the State. Each of the sixteen odd tribes and sub-tribes have their own languages, customs and traditions and they can easily be distinguished by their colourful dresses, ornaments and beads that they wear. The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is very colourful and attractive.

Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal means “land of the rising sun”. The land of dawn-lit mountains is home to 125 tribal groups, the Brahmaputra Gorge, the jungles from which all the bananas and citrus fruit in the world originate. India's largest Buddhist Monastery famous as Tawang Monastery is also to be found in Arunachal. There are 61,000 sq km of forests of pine, oak, maple, fir and rhododendron in order to protect which the timber industry has now been banned in the state. It is a beautiful remote state with its haunting beauty and magical charm lures the visitor to imbibe of its natural beauty, tribal culture, craft traditions and splendid wildlife. Tourist attractions include the Namdapha tiger project in Changlang district, Sela lake near to Bomdila, the bamboo bridges hanging over the river!

Twang Monastery
Tawang, a Buddhist Pilgrimage site, where the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, goes to preach & pray. The most striking building in this Buddhist village is the tall central monastery, the Tawang Gompa. The 400 year old monastery dominates the valley with grand view of the Himalayas. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze and inside, the monks - there are some 500 lamas - light lamps, rush about their chores and drone in joint prayer. An 8 meter high guilded statue of Buddha is here.

Rural India
A herd of Holy cows wander back from the fields, overhead, smoke rises from the cooking fires and the aromatic smell of spices flood the air. Women in brightly coloured saris carry water from the well, old men gossip and children play on the path. It’s that magical time when dusk settles in a thousand villages across the subcontinent and the night creeps in. The Indians have a word for it, Godhuli… ‘the homecoming’. At Escape Voyages we believe in stepping off the well-worn tourist trails and head into the heart of India, allowing our clients to witness firsthand the life that the vast majority of Indians live. In these lesser-travelled areas there is a richness of life that, in terms of memorable experiences, is guaranteed to rival the opulence of Golden Triangle. With a number of itineraries – suitable for both group, independent and family planned across Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh, Orissa to Uttaranachal and Spiti Valley in remote Himalayas, we have created an original and comfortable way to explore Rural Indian life , in a way that will benefit both the visitor and the host.

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National Parks

Corbett Tiger Reserve
Corbett is one of the finest National Parks in India. The park covers an area of 500 sq. km. and comprises the broad valley of the Ramganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. This has resulted in great habitat diversity and given the park scenic charm and some magnificent sub-mountain and riverside views. One can see Himalayan animals along with numerous other animals and flora of peninsular India. The park was established in 1936 and later renamed after Jim Corbett, who spent many years in this area and wrote the book, The Man Eaters of Kumaon. The park has always been noted for its tigers and it was here that the prestigious ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in 1973. The wildlife of the park includes tiger, leopard, jungle cat, Asiatic elephants, a variety of deer including muntjac (barking deer), spotted deer and hog deer. Some of other mammal species found are blue bull, sloth bear, jackal, wild boar, goral, yellow-throated marten, small Indian civet, Himalayan palm civet, Grey mongoose, porcupine, otters and hare. The park has a spectacular avifaunal diversity. Over 500 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in and around the park. Forty nine species of diurnal raptors are found here forming a characteristic element of the avifauna. Great pied hornbill, pallas's fishing eagle, lesser grey-headed fishing eagle, collared falconet are some of the endangered birds found in Corbett. The bird life is varied in different parts of the park and is at its peak during winters. The fish eating crocodile or gharial, a highly endangered species, is found along with the mugger crocodile in the Ramganga river and the reservoir. Mahaseer, goonch and trout fish with several species of turtle abound in the river. King cobra, python and monitor lizard are also found in the park.

Ranthambore National Park
Spread in 392 sq. km. Park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.The Park is one of the finest tiger reserve in Rajasthan. The majestic predators, assured of protection, roam freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters. Ranthambhor sanctuary has a large number of fauna, significant among those being sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar, peafowl and of course the King of the Jungle- the Great Indian Tiger. A system of three pretty artificial lakes-Padam Talab, Rajbagh and Milak Talab, alongwith a number of anicuts are part of the biosphere. Besides enhancing the scenic beauty of the Park, they are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. Ranthambhor's royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built in 994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 metres above sea level. Ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort. An 8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open land attracts thousands of devotees and is the venue for an annual fair held on "Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi", fourth day of the bright half, in the month of Bhadra.

Kanha National Park
Welcome to Kipling’s land. If you are also obsess about Tigers and want to have a thrilling experiences of coming across a Tiger roaming freely in the wilderness of its natural habitat, Kanha is a excellent place . Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. While on a mission to find a tiger, one can easily catch glimpses of all the grazers, a Porcupine, many Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even a Leopard. Other wild attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer - the Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, as well as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison and wild Pig.

Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra's oldest National Park created in 1955, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It is also one of India's 25 Project Tiger Reserve. The National Park is 623 sq. kms in area, consisting of two forested rectangles of the Tadoba and Andhari range. Thickly clad hills form the north and western boundary of the Tiger Reserve. To the southwest is a huge lake, which acts as buffer in between the Park Forest and the extensive farmland extending right up to the Irai Lake. Along with around 50 tigers, Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a home for rare Indian wildlife like, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Civet and Jungle cats, and many species of Indian deer like Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, and Barking Deer. The Tadoba lake sustains the Marsh Crocodile, which were once common all over Maharashtra. Tadoba is also an ornithologist's paradise with a varied diversity of aquatic birdlife, and Raptors. Tadoba Tiger Reserve is an undisturbed forest as it is not visited by many tourists. Once a carnivore is sighted, either on drives, or from machans, you can spend undisturbed hours observing it

Pariyar
Set amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats at the border of Tamil Nadu, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 777 sq km out of which 360 sq km forms the core area. The park is one of the most renowned and famous sanctuaries in entire south India and can also be termed as the pride of Kerala.

The history of the park states that as early as in 1895, a dam by the name of the Mullaperiyar was constructed across the Periyar River giving birth to the Periyar Lake. In 1934, the Maharaja of Travancore appointed S.C.H. Robinson as the first game warden and it was his recommendation that converted the area around the lake into a sanctuary by the name of Nellikkampetty sanctuary. In the year 1966, the sanctuary was consolidated with the forest department and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was created. The sanctuary was finally declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 1978, a few years after Project Tiger was actually initiated. Also, in 1991, the park was brought under the Project Elephant.

This lake today covers an area of 26 sq km and is a major source of water for the resident animals and birds. Moreover, the beauty of the lake is also soothing for visitors. The park was earlier also known by the name of Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur, 46 kms to the south-west of Delhi, is a green haven with a lake and wild birds. Sultanpur was declared a water-bird reserve in 1972 and its grounds are lush with lawns and trees and shrubs and masses of bougainvillea. It is recommended to spend some time in the small museum and library in the reserve, as one gets a fair idea of the birds and creatures you are likely to see during your visit to the reserve. A good pair of binoculars is a must to clearly observe the wildlife from a safe distance, without disturbing them.

Sultanpur is essentially a bird watching place with few trees obscuring the visitor's view of the lake. The birds can be easily spotted wading, swimming or flying. All this is possible, because the visitors are not allowed to paddle around in boats in this water bird sanctuary, thus allowing the birds to continue with their activities without human interference. One can very easily spot grey pelicans, cormorants, grey and pond herons, egrets, painted storks who tend to congregate and preen. The black-necked storks, white ibis, spoonbills, etc can also be spotted.

Chilka Lake
Home of Bird Population, Chilka Lake is one of the largest nesting grounds for migratory as well as residential birds in India. It also has one of the richest bio-diversity as well. The Nalabana Island has been classified as a Bird Sanctuary under the wildlife protection act. It is named as Chilka Bird Sanctuary. There are more than 150 species of migratory and residential birds here. It is said that, around a million migratory birds nestled here during the winter season. Many rare and endangered birds are also in the list of birds that regularly visit Chilka. Migratory avi-fauna come here from as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran and Himalayas. Few species of birds that have been found here are Flamingos, Egrets, Gray and Purple Herons, Storks and White Ibis, Spoonbills, Brahminy Ducks, Shovellers and Pintails. Avifauna is not the only type of life form that you are going to see here. Chilka lake is equally rich in aquatic life as well. More than 225 species of fishes have been recorded here. Irrawady Dolphins are also found here which are the most famous among tourists and kids.

Sunderbans Sanctuary
Situated on the lower end of West Bengal. Its world's largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga, that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. An area of 9630 sq. km., where 70 percent is under saline water makes the life of commoners, mostly honey-catchers, prawn-catchers and fishermen, very difficult. This is Sunderbans, the world's largest estuarine forest. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level. Wildlife: The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world. Sunderbans is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King cobra, Chequered killback, Monitor and lizards including the Salvator lizards. Best Season:The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March. Although the luxury tours to the Sunderbans carry on the year round, and the monsoon holds its own magic over tourists on the expanse of the Sunderbans, September-March is the most likely time for tiger-sighting.

Kaziranga National Park
Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam, Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430-sq-kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Due to limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary:

Beside ofcourse the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.

Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

Manas National Park
Situated on a gentle slope in the foothills of the Himilayas, was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985. Manas Sanctuary houses around 20 species of highly endangered birds and animals like Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc. The Manas reserve is also the primary habitat of the rare golden langur. November to March is the best time to visit the sanctuary. The Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam is a prime spot for viewing wildlife and offers glimpses of the elusive tiger through thick grass cover. At least 20 species of animals found in this park are highly endangered. Manas is also home to many rivers like Beki, Hel, Aio, Barnadi, Tanali, Sankosh and Manas gush through the reserve to join the Brahmaputra. This mighty river permeates every aspect of life in Assam, for its people and its wildlife. The reserve, north of the Brahmaputra, spills over into Bhutan where it is known as the Royal Bhutan National Park comprising nearly 1,000 sq km of forested hills. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life combine with this unique world heritage site to offer one of the most enthralling experiences.

Nilgiri Biosphere

Nameri National Park
Nestled at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, Nameri National Park covers an area of 200 Sq. Kms. With river Jia Bhoroli bifurcating the park, it is the most scenic of all the national parks of Assam. Its in the eastern border of Assam in the valley and mountainous Arunachal Pradesh, Nameri is home to some of of the endangered species like white winged wood duck, Sloth Bear, Tiger Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Sambar, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, four varieties of Hornbill and many other winged species.The other reason Nameri is famous for, is the herds of elephants. The park have a high density of elephant population and due to lessening of forest cover, they sometimes invade human inhabited villages, which have attracted the attention of wildlife conservationists worldwide.

Jia Bhoroli river of Assam is famous for the Mahseer angling, since the time of British. This perennial river enters Assam in the plains, near Bhalukpung after swirling through the rugged mountains of Arunachal. Its is home of the Golden Mahseer.

Namdapha National Park
It is the most well-known wild life park in Arunachal Pradesh. The Namdapha National Park is a only some kilometers away from Indo-Burma border. A trip to the Namdapha National Park is challenging, as it covers a wide range of altitudes from 200 m. to 4,500 m Namdapha National Park has diverse habitats and flora and fauna that are typical of this area. The majestic gaur or mithun, elephant, Himalayan black bear, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris, binturong and the red panda are all found here. The predators include the tiger, leopard, a rare snow leopard and clouded leopard in the higher reaches of the hills. A number of primate species are seen in the park, such as the Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and the distinctive hoolock gibbon. Hornbills, jungle fowl, pheasants etc. are also found amongst other colored bird species. Miao can be reached by Jeep/Gypsy from Margherita (Assam) and Pasighat

Moreover, the park presents a rich bio diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green under growths are thick with the crisscross of canes, bamboos, wild bananas and variety of vegetations The luxury of the wet tropical rain forest is breeding ground for various animals and birds, which is notable and worth seeing.

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