INDIA
Incredible India…!
India is a land of varied flora, fauna and biodiversity and has a great wealth of cultural diversity. Tourists who come here are always fascinated by its wealth of sights, cultural exuberance and geographical diversity. India has been considered to be a land with rich cultural heritage. Religion is central to Indian culture and its practice can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in the country. Various religions flourished at different times in this country like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism etc; which has played their role in making an impact on the culture of this country. India’s natural and scenic heritage is no less impressive and certainly no less varied. You can experience the lonely splendour of the high Himalayas; ride a camel out into the blinding colours of endless deserts; relax on palm fringed beaches; drive through the steamy jungles to spot tiger hunting and in each locale experience an extraordinary wealth of flora and fauna.
The sub-continent is set apart from the rest of Asia by the supreme continental wall of the Himalayas and touches three large bodies of water and is immediately recogniseable on any world map. India's northern border is dominated by Nepal and the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain chain. Every geographical feature is present in India, from mountains to plains, deserts to seas, and so is a wide variety of flora, fauna and climate; from the tropical to the alpine. India's geographical diversity is mirrored by the diversity of the Indian people, who reflect a myriad of racial characteristics, social patterns, cultures and stages of historical development, from the tribal to the urban, the feudal to the modern.
The climate of India depends not only on the time of year, but also the location due to its size. In general, temperatures tend to be cooler in the north, especially between October and March. The south is cool between November to January.
Explore some of the most aesthetic architecture with heritage tourism to be found in India, splendid natural scenery, as well as renowned pilgrimage sites. Two of the most amazing and beautiful places to travel in India are Sikkim and Darjeeling. Both offers to the traveler mystical allure.
The beautiful hill state of Sikkim lies on the eastern tip of the Himalayas bordered by Bhutan, Nepal an Tibet. With natural beauty beyond compare, tropical valleys and stunning mountain peaks, most people consider Sikkim to be a slice of heaven. Though the area comprises mostly of Nepalese Hindus, it is predominantly a Buddhist area. Apart from the stunning scenery in this area, there are many wonderful monasteries to explore. For trekking, you can follow any of the four trek routes: the Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek and Coronation Trek. River rafting is possible in the rough waters of the Teesta and the Rangit. West Sikkim boasts of the Rabdentse ruins, Pelling, and the former capital, Yuksom. In north Sikkim, one can visit Chungthang, Yumthang, the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and the Kanchenjunga National Park. South Sikkim is famous for trekking and offers some of the best treks in the region. One can walk through the sylvan mountains of Namtse, 100 km from Gangtok, Tendong hill, Varsey, Borong, Maenam hill and Ravangla. Buddhism, the major religion in the state, arrived from Tibet in the 13th century.
Darjeeling provides the perfect ambiance of a hill resort with its mild climate. Its green hills and valley’s and it’s lush green tea gardens are the major attraction. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) looming over the northern horizon gives a magical beauty to the land which entices thousand of visitors. Darjeeling offers one of the most dynamic mixes of culture on the subcontinent. Tibetan Lamas can be seen climbing the steep streets in their yellow robes, alongside Sherpas, Gurkhas, Gurung farmers and people from a host of other cultures and regions. Internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill resorts, Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty and crowned by the majestic Himalayas. While Darjeeling is a place of mythical significance to its people, its value was primarily practical to the British as the strategic gateway to Nepal and Tibet. Darjeeling offers a cool escape from the heat and dust of the plains below. The British started to develop the region as a summer retreat shortly after they arrived there in 1828. Darjeeling is a haven for tea growing as well, and its cool and misty tea plantations are among the most idyllic attractions in India.
The sun and warmth of the tropics and the icy cold of the snows are found in Sikkim and Darjeeling. It is possible to drop from arctic heights to tropical lowlands in a matter of a couple of hours. This area experience torrential rains during the monsoon. Between November and February the weather generally remains clear. Rainfall, however varies considerably from place to place because of the hilly terrain.
Indian visa must be obtained from your own country and it is best to have a multiple entry visa. Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in addition to normal Indian visa to enter Sikkim and can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Pemayangtse. No permit is required to enter and stay in Darjeeling and other parts of North Bengal including Kalimpomg. The permit can be obtained in Darjeeling or at Sikkim border after arrival.
