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.
Formerly known as Bombay, the bustling city of Mumbai sprawls along India’s West Coast and is the largest city in the country. This thriving metropolis is a go-to destination for travellers curious to experience a modern Indian city. It serves as the heart of India’s world-renowned film industry, the incomparable ‘Bollywood’, and offers a kaleidoscope of culture, colour and flavours to enjoy. Lapped by the Arabian Sea, this urban seaside peninsula is a melting pot of old and new India. Towering office blocks and shiny apartment buildings shoulder crumbling grand dames of architecture. People play cricket in the leafy central parks, taxis navigate the jam-packed streets, and families stroll along the seaside promenades of Mumbai. Visitors can look forward to viewing the iconic Gateway of India stone arch at the Mumbai Harbour waterfront, visiting the ancient cave temples on the nearby Elephanta Island or hopping on a tuk-tuk tour to experience the magic and madness of this incredible city.
The former capital of the Gujarat state, Ahmadabad, spreads over both banks of the Sabarmati River, and is known as one of the home towns of Mahatma Gandhi. The Sabarmati Ashram Museum, also known as Gandhi Ashram, on the banks of the River Sabarmati, was his temporary residence for about twelve years. The commercial hub of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is big, busy, and beguiling. The city hosts many colourful festivals, including Uttarayan, an annual kite-flying day, and the Hindu nine-day spiritual celebration of Navratri, invoking music, dance, and dress-up events across town. Travel back in time by heading to the old quarter where beautiful archways and architecture abound.
Set on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, the sleepy village of Dasada is a renowned birdwatching destination bound by the Dasada Wildlife Sanctuary and home to the world's only population of the Indian wild ass (khur), blue-bulls, blackbuck and chinkara. In addition to being the perfect starting point to explore Gujarat's culture, landmarks, landscapes and handicrafts, Dasada is also an excellent base to explore the Great Rann of Kutch, an awe-inspiring powder-white salt marsh in the Thar Desert. For the culturally curious, a trip to various temples and monuments in the vicinity is not-to-be-missed. The pastoral villagers of Dasada are known for their stunning embroideries, and within reach of Dasada is Patan, a small town home to over 100 Jain temples.
Located in India's Gujarat state, the historic town of Bhuj serves as the district headquarters of the Kachchh District. The town is known for its picturesque lake and lovely little local houses, ornately decorated with mud and mirrors forming intricate designs. Bhuj also features an array of ancient temples and palaces, including the magnificent white marble Shri Swaminarayan Mandir the Gothic-style Pragmahal Palace, and Aina Mahal, an 18th-century palace covered with mirrors and pieces of Venetian glass. Bhuj makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area's numerous villages known for producing exquisite local handicrafts.
As previously described
