INTRODUCTION

Being one of the oldest civilizations of the world, spanning a period of 5,000 years, India has witnessed the fusion of several customs and traditions which are reflective of the rich culture and heritage of the country. Chronicling the history of the nation that gives a glimpse into the magnanimity of its evolution, we may say, with great pride that India has been excelling in many fields like Medicine , Technology, Education , Calculus, Architecture ,Spiritualism, Religion and Culture all over the world.

Despite being ruled by many empires and emperors, foreign invaders and native rulers, India has survived to become the greatest democracy in the world and has come up as one of the leading economies in the global scenario. More than anything else, it is the nationalistic fervor of the people that has been the contributing force behind the culmination of such a development.

Spaces fall short when we talk of the wonderful country that India is. Since ages India has been a great attraction on the world map. Many people came here to learn, get healed, meditate, gain wealth, and even to conquer the country. But India absorbed it all. It has such a magnetic force.
Yoga has its origin in India and has existed for over 5000 years. Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind, the father of medicine Charak consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago. Technically, India has become very sound today. It exports software to 90 countries worldwide. India has produced quite a few of the greatest scientists of the world. We have our own satellites working in the space. The art of navigation was born in river Indus over 5000 years ago. Algebra, trigonometry, and the value of zero were introduced to the world by India. The world’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century, was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. India was one of the richest countries till the 17 century and until 1886, India was the only source of Diamonds in the world.

This sparkling country is home to many religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, which are followed by 25% of the world population, were born in India. Jews and Christians have lived continuously in India since 200 BC & 52 AD respectively. India is a sovereign country and the capital of spiritualism. The Gandhian philosophy of non-violence is very well known worldwide and followed by many.

India has a rich & varied topography. From mountains to oceans, from deserts to rivers, from countryside to islands, it has a lot to offer. The country is indeed an adventurer’s hub. India has 29 states & 06 union territories, having their own individual identities, their different languages and dialects, cuisines, customs, costumes, culture, music, dance, architecture and life styles; all surviving homogenously on one piece of land that is INDIA. It is indeed the greatest example of ‘unity in diversity’.

India has a rich cultural heritage, not only in the field of architecture which is heart throbbing in nature, reflecting the evolution of the country, but also the cultural value system, that we follow. The consideration ‘ATITHI DEVO BHAVAH’ prevails in India, where the guests are treated like God.

India is truly a tourist’s paradise. So come and let India welcome you.

WHEN TO GO TO INDIA

With clear sunny days and mild to cold nights, October to March is generally the best time to visit the sub-continent. The monsoon rains break in coastal Kerala in May or June and travel inland to reach Delhi in July, lasting till early September. May and June are extremely hot except in the hills. The coastal and mountain areas get more rain than the central plains. Regional variations are outlined below.

North India

Northern plains are at their most temperate, dry and sunny from October to March. Delhi and neighbouring areas can experience light to heavy fog from mid-December to mid-January but the areas south of Delhi such as Rajasthan remain largely unaffected. In mid-winter night temperatures in the plains north of Delhi can touch freezing point. May and June are extremely hot with July and August being monsoon months. Many visitors travel in these months as the rain is not incessant and air-conditioning tempers the heat. The game reserves in the north normally open from November to May (Ranthambore opens a month earlier in October) with the hotter period better for sightings.

Himalayan Foothills and Beyond

The hilly regions are at their best from March to October except in July and August when it rains. There is often snowfall from late December to early February in hill stations such as Shimla, Mussoorie and Darjeeling. Ladakh and Kashmir lie beyond much of the monsoon rains; here the months of July and August, with their warm days and cool nights, are peak season.

East & West India

Kolkata, Mumbai and neighbouring coastal areas such as Orissa, Gujarat and Goa remain hot and humid throughout with winter months being somewhat cooler, especially inland. The monsoon is from June to August. The Kaziranga National Park is open from November to April.

South India

There is significant variation in weather among the southern states, with November to April being the best months. It remains hot throughout with only the hill stations requiring a light pullover in winter. For those keen on swimming in the sea we recommend the three-month period of December to February. The wildlife parks here remain open throughout. The monsoon is at its peak along the west coast from June to August – the east coast remains relatively dry with minimal rainfall in the central highlands. Rain falls on the east coast from October to December.