INDIA DESTINATIONS

Delhi

Delhi is a timeless city rich in history, culture, architecture and the diversity between its people. The city is split up into New and Old Delhi. Time spent in 'Old Delhi' leaves you with insight into the colorful intricately woven streets of 'Chandni Chowk' - streets so narrow your only means of transport are a bicycle or your feet! While there take a trip to one of India's oldest mosques - Jama Masjid a classic example of Mughal architecture also apparent in the forts and monuments to be found in this part of the city. Venture towards New Delhi and you will see lingering influences of the British Empire in the stately governmental buildings and tree lined avenues. Connaught Place is the hub for some of Delhi's finest shopping, galleries, theaters and mainstream businesses. Delhi serves as a wonderful base city to start and end tours going to the cities of Agra and Jaipur that are only hours away.

Agra

Agra is home to the famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and stands as a timeless testament to love. Visiting this wonder made of marble and precious stones leaves everyone in awe. Enjoy a view of the Taj while being treated like Mughal royalty at the Amar Villas Resort. Agra is also famous for its shopping - intricately carved marble products, ornate silks and leather products can be found everywhere. While here also visit other architectural marvels such as Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is a few hours drive from Delhi and Jaipur.

Jaipur

Known as the pink city for all the red sandstone buildings found in this city. Part of the city is walled in and this is where you will see some of impressive courtyards, temples and buildings built by the Mughals. The city is best experienced by foot as you walk through the narrow history filled lanes and alleys. Skilled artisans display and sell their wares in bazaars, here you will find gem cutters, block printed textiles, blue potteries, durries, carpets and brassware.

Udaipur

Udaipur is known as an Oasis in the Desert and one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. Set amongst the glistening Lake Pichola, lush sprawling gardens, marble palaces and the contrasting Rajasthani desert, this city offers wonders galore. The highlight and focus of the city lies in the Lake Palace, now a luxury hotel that sits majestically in the center of the lake and has to be accessed by boat from the mainland. Enjoy exotic Indian cuisine while dining under open skies. Watching the stars reflected in the waters of the lake and be entertained by traditional dancers while staying at the palace. Visiting Udaipur will leave you with a true taste of the Mughal era and all its royalty.

Mumbai

Formerly known as Bombay, this home of about 15 million people is India's most vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Mumbai started off as a group of islands that grew into a city, It also served as the home to fisher folk and to Buddhist Monks during the Magadhan empire. Now Mumbai hosts a thriving economy and is known for it's famous 'Bollywood Film Industry' as well as serving as a hub for many multi-national corporations while still being home to millions of small businesses. The city offers beautiful architecture and numerous tourist points such as the India Gate, the Elephant Caves, Marine Drive, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and the Chowpatty beach. Mumbai is known internationally for its arts, music and theater as well as its endless shopping! While here dine at world class fusion restaurants or enjoy tasty treats at hundreds of Mumbai's up and coming trendy eateries - and who knows...you might even run into an Indian movie star!

Calcutta

Calcutta serves as the capital for West Bengal and is India's largest city. Home to Mother Theresa who spent years healing and helping the homeless and ill, this city truly has a strong sense of spirit. While in this city you will get a true sense of Bengali culture, through the architecture, cuisine and festivities that take place in the year. There are numerous places of interest to visit in this charming city such as the Marble Palace, the Shahid Minar - the view from this 52 meter high monument is definitely worth a trip, the Calcutta Art Museum as well as the numerous ancient temples, mosques and churches or the Victoria Memorial Hall known as Calcutta's Taj Mahal. The city is a metropolis with a metro railway running through the city, a new airport and an increasing infrastructure trying to meet the needs of this bustling city.

Hyderabad

This city has now taken on a tech savvy trend but still maintains some of the charm from the Nawabi and Shahi days. As much as this is a youthful and energetic city there still remains the a lot of the old world feel in its attractions and neighborhoods. While here visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs, the Golconda Fort and stroll through the colorful lanes at the Lad Bazaar. Hyderabad is home to many Muslims and the Islamic feel is apparent in the cities architecture - such as the Charminar, music and poetry and little things such as 'Nakko' an Iranian tea and the wonderful food - make sure you try the 'Biriani' a regional rice dish.

Goa

The allure of Goa resides in it's pristine beaches, wonderful weather and hospitable people. Goa was under the rule of the Portuguese for 450 years and their influence is still felt throughout the state. The state of Goa is split into North and South with numerous towns and villages dotted with cashew and mango groves in between. While here lounge on the beaches at luxurious resorts, visit water falls, coves, paddy fields and springs or for some history go to Fort Aguada. Visit Goa's differing places of worship that make this state renowned for it's harmonious blend of religions and its openness and easy going nature. The best time to visit Goa is between October and the end of February, at other times you may encounter blistering summers or the monsoon rains.

Bangalore

Nicknamed Indian's 'Silicon Valley', Bangalore is home to 6 million people, thousands of industries and the state capital of Karnataka. Flora is truly one of this city's selling points with the numerous parks, pink cassias, golden acacias and jacarandas that bloom throughout the city. Bangalore is an all year destination due to its warm weather and serves as an ideal central location to explore more of what Karnataka offers.

As far as shopping goes, silk products are definitely worth looking as well as Indian curios made of sandalwood and rose wood. As far as things to see in Bangalore, there are numerous temples, palaces, botanical gardens, museums and parks. Starting from Bangalore and within Karnataka you can embark upon several types of tours to other cities, such as a Hill Circuit, Beach Circuit or Wildlife Circuit.

Kerala

Kerala has quickly become one of the most sought out destinations in India. The Arabian Sea sits to the west and the towering ghats to the east while still being in the vicinity of 44 rivers. Kerala offers beautiful beaches, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Kerala has received a lot of attention recently due to its Ayurvedic Spa's, where focus on numerous healing and relaxation therapies are enhanced not only through the practices, but through the cuisine and settings. If you want something more in touch with nature then the opportunity to stay on houseboats while in Kerala might be the key. The people and authorities of Kerala place a lot of attention on education, the environment, health and spirituality. All this allows Kerala to exude endless tranquility and is the perfect getaway.

Varanasi

The Holy City of Varanasi, is a city of great cultural and spiritual importance. It takes pride in it's artists, poets, musicians and scholars that make it an important center for art, literature and culture. Known for it's temples and spiritual learning and situated on the banks of the Holy river, the Ganges, thousands of pilgrims frequent this city to share in it's uplifting ambience. The city hosts Tibetan learning center, Hindu temples and an Institute of Arabic Studies. While here taking a boat ride on the river allows you to sail past the sprawling ghats on the banks of the river, where pilgrims and holy men bathe in the river, or sprinkle the ashes of departed souls, or simply sit and meditate. The staggered temples and buildings on the banks give off beautiful glows at sunrise and sunset making this city feel like it was bathed in ethereal light. The city is also reputed for its fine silks, perfumes and artistic brass and copper wares.

Darjeeling

Probably known best for it's tea, Darjeeling is located in northern India on the border with Nepal. Set up near the hills and in proximity to the Himalayas Darjeeling is a popular venue for tourists wanting to enjoy the abundance of nature and a completely different side of India or partake in adventure activities in the mountains. The weather is temperate in the summertime and can get very cold during winter. While visiting the winding streets of this Hill Station town, Darjeeling's claim to fame its tea estates can be found. Things to do here include mountaineering, visiting monasteries, temples, botanical gardens, the Victoria Falls, handicraft emporiums, interacting with the locals and enjoying one of the most spectacular views of nature.

Himalayas

The Himalayas - where earth meets the sky. The Himalayan lands extend over India, Nepal and Tibet and so within it's expanse you can explore each region's unique geography, wildlife, culture and history. Most popular for trekking and mountaineering, the Himalayas sees thousands of tourists a year and offers numerous outfitters that conduct guided expeditions into the mountainous ranges and its towns. While trekking through the ranges enjoy flora and fauna unique to the region.