| Welcome to india The exotic land of mountains, | | | | villa, or staying with an Indian family as an invited guest. |
| beaches, forts, monuments, palaces and a combination | | | | Taking advantage of any of these travel opportunities, |
| of modern and historical buildings. A land where you | | | | India provides travelers with mysticism, magic, a drastic |
| find different languages, cultures and a rich heritage of | | | | change from Western culture and delights of the |
| people. There is something for everybody in india - | | | | palate, the body, and the mind. For end of summer or |
| whether it is culture, people, adventure, wildlife, religion, | | | | fall travel, India is an exciting option for people looking |
| ayurveda, yoga, spa, heritage travel, beaches or | | | | for something exotic and pungent. A Portuguese |
| temples. One can select any of these numerous | | | | explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river |
| destinations by his own choice or preference. | | | | Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the |
| Some of the most popular states of india include | | | | capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in |
| rajasthan, known for its rich culture and heritage. Sand | | | | one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious |
| dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and | | | | blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere |
| rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and | | | | of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. |
| skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, | | | | The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later |
| elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool | | | | when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and |
| evening breeze - are all there in abundance. Or kerala | | | | became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing,yachting, |
| - the green state where you can find a combination of | | | | windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the |
| a rich culture, beaches, health travel and also the | | | | more popular water sports, facilities for which are |
| popular backwaters. Garhwal & kumaon garhwal and | | | | available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued |
| kumaon regions of the uttar pradesh are collectively | | | | Goa's towns and villages with a unique culture. |
| known as uttarakhand. The temples at badrinath and | | | | Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the |
| kedarnath, are all highly venerated pilgrimage | | | | landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice |
| destinations. The trekking route to mt. Badrinath and | | | | fields.Panji -the capital of Goa feels like a sleepy |
| kedarnath, are all highly venerated pilgrimage | | | | Portuguese town. Set along the southern bank of |
| destinations. The trekking route to mt. Kailash | | | | Mandovi River, it provides linkage to Old Goa and the |
| parikrama and mansarovar lake in tibet passes through | | | | beaches. Every nook and corner of the city reflects to |
| uttarakhand. The awe-inspiring beauty of the central | | | | its Portuguese heritage with broad avenues spilling into |
| himalayan range and solitude of the mountain and | | | | cobbled squares, grand public buildings, and old houses |
| forest retreats have inspired countless generations to | | | | with overhanging balconies and numerous bars and |
| seek spiritual enlightenment in this land. This is one | | | | cafes. Margao, an important town, have private |
| more region of the himalayan range which provides a | | | | houses and government buildings that date back to |
| radical change of topography, climate and flora from | | | | Portuguese times. |
| the sub-tropical areas. There are many ways to see | | | | Se Cathedral with its Iberian exterior, Bom Jesus that |
| India. On your own, backpacking through the different | | | | enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and |
| regions taking busses and trains. With a tour company | | | | the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica are |
| that provides transportation, professional guides and | | | | some of the collection of Goa's largest Churches. |
| top- notch accommodations. Or long term, taking up | | | | Mapusa, a market town, comes alive every Friday |
| residence in an ashram, renting a short-term vacation | | | | with a quaint pavement bazar. |