India

India boasts an incredibly diverse landscape and culture from the majestic, dominating Himalayas in the north to the tropical deep south. In between are deserts, fertile hill lands, impressive rivers and of course a plethora of fascinating cities. India’s personality is multi-faceted and captivates so many who travel there; once you have experienced it, it is akin to the first amuse bouche of a tasting menu, leaving you intrigued and hungry to find out what else will be brought to the table.

Multiple religions within Indian society have given rise to varied styles of temples and cultural practises from weddings to festivals and clothing to dance, art and music. It is well known that cuisine is also of huge significance to each region and food as a whole is one of the binding elements of large Indian families and thus society as a whole.

The pace of economic development in India over recent years has been a catalyst for a rapid change in the outlook of the younger generation and this juxtaposition with deep-seated traditions and ancient culture along with little to no socio-economic development in many very rural areas makes for an even bigger contrast from one area to another.

With a multitude of National Parks boasting an array of wildlife from tiger and snow leopard to rhino and elephant, outstanding birding opportunities, phenomenal trekking, spiritual retreats, fabulous ancient sites to visit and a superb standard of accommodation, India should be visited at least once in a lifetime if not on multiple occasions.