Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
Located along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in the lower Ganges Delta, Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. This 350-year-old metropolis is the heart and soul of eastern India, and is known for its crumbling colonial architecture, elegant gardens, countless temples and bustling bazaars. Celebrated as the birthplace of the early 20th-century Bengal Renaissance, Kolkata is a major centre for drama, art, film, theatre, literature, spirituality and music. Visitors can roam the streets and soak up the atmosphere of faded grandeur, or take a ride in a rickshaw to one of the many Indian restaurants serving mouth-watering Bengali cuisine. Must-see highlights include the Victoria Memorial, with its east-meets-west architecture; the Indian Museum, with its range of rare artefacts; and the Kali Temple, an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
The capital of the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, Gantok is an enticing hilltop city bordered by rivers on either side. Its pleasant sub-tropical climate and superb views of the world’s third-highest mountain (and India’s highest) – Mt. Kangchenjunga – make it a popular tourist destination. Its primary attractions include two key Tibetan Buddhist monasteries – the Rumtek Monastery and the Enchey Monastery – as well as Tashi View Point, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, particularly in the light of the setting or rising sun. The best time to visit is after monsoon season, from October to May.
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of India, Darjeeling is best known for its rolling tea plantations and ‘Toy Train’ which meanders along the precipitous mountain routes of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. A picturesque hill station, Darjeeling offers access to a number of Buddhist monasteries, tea estates, railway journeys and is a great base for trekking in the Himalayas. Impressive jagged peaks of the snow capped Himalayas can be seen from town with Tiger Hill offering astounding views at first light.
Situated in the north eastern corner of India, the state of West Bengal has a rich history of rule and a diverse landscape supporting an array of climatic regions. Found within its borders are the densely populated capital city of Kolkata (for years the capital of British India), tea plantations clinging to the slopes of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, long stretches of unspoilt beach in the sleepy fishing village of Mandarmani, and the mangrove delta of Sunderban in the south – its watery inlets home to one of the largest concentrations of tigers on the planet.
As previously described
