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.
Tucked in the heart of the Chhattisgarh Plain known as the ‘rice bowl of India’, the historic city of Raipur is the bustling hub of the state of Chhattisgarh in east-central India. Dating back to the 9th century, the town is renowned for its vibrant festivals, numerous Hindu temples, and historic landmarks set amidst the majestic natural scenery of hills, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Must-visit venues include Bhawani Ka Mandir, Mahamaya Temple, Chandi Temple, and the elaborate Dudhadhari Temple. The city also serves as the base for exploring numerous natural attractions within the region that include Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandak Caves, Bilaspur, Chitrakoot Falls, Bhoramdeo Temple, Mahant Ghasidas Museum, Amarkantak, Bhilai, Kanha National Park, and the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Also known as the Kanha Tiger Reserve, the Kanha National Park is widely considered to be the greatest of India’s wildlife reserves and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s classic, 'The Jungle Book'. This impressive expanse of wilderness is set in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, encompassing about 950 square kilometres of lush rolling hills, peaceful rivers, saal and bamboo forest, and endless stretches of savanna grassland. This spectacularly scenic environment provides a diverse range of habitats for an extraordinary array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, jackals, swamp deer, foxes, porcupines, sloth bears, pythons, hare, chitals, gaur monkeys, mongooses, and hundreds of species of bird.
