The
history of this land of the Vedas goes back at least 5000 years, the
passage of the millennia peppered by the arrival of explorers,
missionaries, envoys and traders. They all contributed to the
cultural kaleidoscope that north India is today, a very colourful
destination for the modern tourist.
Uttar Pradesh is the confluence of the three mighty religions of the
world - Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Varanasi is one of the oldest
cities in the world and to this day one of the holiest of the Hindu
pilgrimage centres, followed by Gaya. Part of this State was called
the Middle Land in Buddhist literature, hallowed by the presence of
the Buddha and Mahavira 2500 years ago. It was also in Uttar Pradesh
that Muslim culture really blossomed in immortal literature, dance,
music, art and architecture.
Rajasthan is a State with an entirely different visage. Its medieval
forts and palaces, the very distinctive nomadic desert lifestyle and
stark scenery are unique in India.
The mountainous States of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are
dream destinations for tourists since they combine the awesome
beauty of the Himalayas with a delightfully distinctive ethnic
culture.
This rich cultural tapestry is woven with brilliant strands of many
hues-dance, music, food, costumes, languages, customs, festivals - a
variety staggering in its appeal.
Delhi - the Old and the New
India's
capital city,
Delhi is above all an historic city, an elegant capital,
content to leave to Calcutta and Bombay the roles of commercial
and business supremacy. It is the second most widely used entry
point into the country, being on the route of most major
airlines. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities -
among them Shahjahanabad and Qutab Minar - can be seen. It is in
fact really two distinct cities; the energy and colour and the
thronged bazaars and Mughal architecture of Old Delhi contrast
with the formal splendour of New Delhi, whose wide boulevards
offer ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen’s landscaped city.
Delhi has several world-famous luxury hotels, with the comfort
and style to ensure relaxation after your journey; from here,
set forth to experience the sights and sounds of the city. Most
fascinating of all is the character of Delhi which varies from
the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi kings set in a sprawling
park to ultra modern chrome and glass skyscrapers; and from
imperial India's Parliament House and the President's Palace to
the never ending bustle of the walled city surrounding Jama
Masjid. The gracious Red Fort, the Jama Masjid (the largest
mosque in India), the Qutab Minar complex with its soaring tower
- all are waiting to be explored. Allows some time to wander
round the inexpensive modern shops and handicraft centres.
Magicians and dancing bears entertain crowds in the
marketplaces, while fortune tellers may offer glimpses of the
future. The heat of the day gives way to balmy evenings; enjoy a
meal in one of the many splendid restaurants, the exotic music
of sitars and veenas and the subtle rhythms of the tabla
accompanying the delicious cuisines from throughout the country.
Flights and trains and buses run from Delhi all over north
India, so it is always easy to reach the next destination.
The Romance of the "Golden Triangle"
There
are so many wonders in the area south of Delhi known as 'the
Golden Triangle'; in this area is the sublime, world famous
Taj Mahal, the old ghost city of
Fatehpur Sikri, and the exotic pink city of
Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Agra can be visited first, as it is only 200 kilometers
south of Delhi, weep at the beauty of the Taj where love created
the world’s most beautiful building, and spend a day wandering
around the huge and truly magnificent
Red Fort. Here the romantic emperor who built the Taj was
imprisoned by his own son, and one can sit in the room where he
died looking at his own masterpiece. The road from here leads to
Fatehpur Sikri. The glorious Mughal courtyards and palaces
conjure up dreams of the mysterious wonders of the past - a
golden age of tragedy and love, the harem of beautiful wives
enclosed in the women’s quarters, of powerful emperors, of
magical prophesies and potent charms. Southeast of Delhi, in the
state of Madhya Pradesh, are the sculptured temples of Khajuraho
where enormous friezes of entwined human figures practise the
'arts of love’. Nowhere else in the world is mankind’s sensual
nature celebrated in such intriguing and graceful tableaux.
By now one will understand a tiny part of India, but even this
will not prepare the traveller for the exotic fantasy of the
State of Rajasthan, India's desert state. The region was
controlled for thousands of years by a warrior race of honour
and valour who would fight to certain death to protect their
homeland, and the landscape is dotted with their impressive
battle-scarred forts. The capital city,
Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three
hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important
attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the
stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell
embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and
other exotic wares. A proud and beautiful people in their
many-coloured garments will extend a warm welcome in this
powerful land of kings.
Western
Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the
Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and
architecture.
Jodhpur's exquisitely lovely fort, now a museum; art deco
royal palace converted into a hotel, and quaint markets, all
vividly testify to the history of the princely state.
Jaisalmer, in the heart of the desert, is surrounded by
sand-dunes which rendered the sand coloured fort impregnable.
Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is lacy
filigree of pierced stonework facades of private houses, and a
series of ornately carved Jain temples.
Bikaner too has echoes of the past in its sandstone palace,
temples and cenotaphs.
In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable by
road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are the deserted
mansions of local merchants decorated with a profusion of wall
paintings. The subject and styles vary greatly, and are not
encountered elsewhere in India. Nearby Dundlod and
Mandawa are forts, now converted into charming hotels.
Seldom visited Bundi is remarkable for its palace fort
and gallery of fine frescoes, executed in the style for which
the state is famous.
Approachable by road from Jaipur are
Ajmer and
Pushkar. Ajmer's presence is due to the shrine of a Muslim
saint who is believed to fulfill one's wishes. Nearby Pushkar
has one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma, the
Creator. The sleepy town with its placid lake is catapulted into
prominence for 10 days every November as India's most splendid
camel fair takes place here, attended by thousands of locals
flashing jewellery and exuding colour.
Udaipur and its environs are another facet of Rajasthan. Far
from being surrounded by flat arid desert, Udaipur is situated
in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravalli hills. Three lakes
form an attraction of the city whose focal point is the towering
cluster of honey coloured palaces that go to make up the complex
of the City Palace and other palatial apartments. The domed
cupolas of Rajasthan's largest and oldest palace complex look
out onto Lake Pichola whose twin islands house, respectively, a
palace hotel and a pleasure palace. Parts of the City Palace
itself have been converted into a luxury hotel and into a
museum. Lake Pichola's banks are cluttered with a myriad of
white washed houses that once belonged to courtiers and palace
retainers. Nowadays, anyone can be a king or queen for a while
by staying in a fairy-tale palace on one of the beautiful lakes
in Udaipur.
112 km from Udaipur is the fort of Chittaurgarh,
enclosing an area of 24 km. Crumbling ruins and desolate palaces
were once the centre of intrigue, valour and romance of
Udaipur's ruling family. Even more romantic Kumbhalgarh
which the locals swear touches the clouds. Indeed it does, being
the highest of all the forts in Rajasthan. One a clear day, when
it is not 'touching the clouds', it affords an unbroken view
until Jaisalmer. Kumbhalgarh has a comfortable little hotel near
it where facilities offered include horseback safaris to the
many places of interest that surround the fort. Every dream of
riding a camel or seeing a tiger stalking in the distance will
come to life in glorious Rajasthan. Mt. Abu is
Rajasthan's only hill resort, high in the Aravallis that run
through the whole area, well connected by road from Udaipur. The
Dilwara Jain temples are the town's greatest attraction, being
among the finest examples of Jain temple art in India. Each
temple has a forest of white marble pillars where not a
centimeter is left left uncarved. Mt. Abu also has a large lake
surrounded by the summer palaces of the erstwhile rulers of
Rajasthan's principalities.
The Timeless Ganga
It
is commonly believed that bathing in the Ganges (Ganga) at
certain holy places purifies the soul. The Ganges is a sacred
and holy river, worshipped by the Hindus, and numerous holy
towns line its banks, all waiting to be explored: Varanasi,
Allahabad, Rishikesh and Haridwar are some of the more famous,
and it is a delightful experience to mingle with the thronging
crowd of pilgrims. This is yet another experience of India, no
less fascinating and no less mysterious. It is uplifting to see
one of the oldest religions in the world still so alive and
passionately followed. The 'eternal’ city of
Varanasi is quite different and is the oldest city of India.
Here one can experience a mass of winding narrow alleys and
picturesque lanes full of colourful pilgrims, wandering sadhus
(holy men), Hindu priests (Brahmins) giving offerings to the
gods, sights and sounds all mingling with the aroma of incense
wafting from ancient Hindu temples. An important centre of Hindu
pilgrimage, it is believed that those who die in Varanasi will
be released from the cycle of re-birth. Pious Hindus still come
to Varanasi to spend their last days, living in spartan communes
run by a multitude of religious trusts. The focus of interest to
a visitor is the sacred River Ganga. In the clear early morning
light pilgrims perform their devotions on the steps leading down
to the river, women bathe discreetly in their colorful saris and
groups of children, no less colourful with flashing smiles and
dark shining eyes, play nearby. The delightful holy towns of
Rishikesh and Haridwar can be visited in the way up to the cool
of the mountains, the shimmering grandeur of towering peaks, the
fragrant fresh air...
The Majesty of the Himalayas
On
the journey towards the peaks of the Himalayas yet another
totally different and magnificent experience beckons. Imagine
standing alone in the top of the world with the swirling white
clouds beneath you and yet another snowy ridge towering ahead.
Jammu and Kashmir, India's fascinating northernmost state
consists of three regions differing in topography and culture.
Jammu was the stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings and abounds
with popular temples and secluded forest retreats. Silvery
Kashmir and its capital
Srinagar offers delightful holidays on the lakes with their
shikaras and houseboats.
Ladakh is the northmost province of the state, with a bleak
terrain of barren mountains. Hilltop monasteries and a colourful
way of life, completely at one with the surroundings, make
Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in
the worls today.
Himachal
Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it
a popular holiday resort. Journeys can easily be made to cool
and beautiful
Shimla, or the lush green
Kullu Valley, relax sitting on the balcony of one of the
beautiful hotels in the mountains, breathing in the clear
mountain air and idly watching the sparkling river cascading
down the mountainside. The ancient Mughal emperors, once the
greatest dynasty on earth, devoted their entire resources to the
task of complementing the natural beauty of Kashmir with gardens
and waterways to create a 'Paradise
on Earth’. Later, the British popularised the use
of houseboats moored in the tranquil Nagin and Dal lakes. Many
travellers join groups trekking into the heart of the Himalayas
and return to laze in their houseboats. Shimla, the 'Summer
Capital’ of India for the British, is a place designed
for complete relaxation, a delightfully situated hill station
retreat. Wander down the Mall, to watch all the local people
doing the same; breathe the pine scented air in the tall and
beautiful forests with the sun casting light through the trees
on the sparkling brooks. North of Shimla is the beautiful
forested Kullu Valley, with its flowing rivers and flower strewn
walks, known as the 'Valley of the Gods’. You can
bite into a crisp apple plucked from one of the many orchards,
or watch the local people in their homespun woollen clothes and
bright Kullu caps drying apricots in the sun. Himachal has, in
addition to popular retreats ideal for interested anglers,
trekkers and those wanting a quite gateway. Many of these
include: from Shimla - Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around
Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake; the
barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker's
delight. So many wonders, so much to feel and see, so different,
so exotic. Sri Paramahansa Yoganada, a famous Indian guru,
observed how mankind is engaged in an eternal quest for that
'something else’ he hopes will bring him happiness, complete and
unending. We don’t promise India will completely fulfill this,
but she will certainly put you on a new and different path. You
will never be quite the same again.