India

India for the Independent Traveller

India, situated in South Asia, is a significant part of humanity's past. The oldest remnants of Indian civilisation, painted rock shelters at Bhimbetka, date back to the Stone Age. The country is rich in historic artefacts, each offering a snapshot of that century's "modern" civilization.

The Taj Mahal

The Northern portion is dominated by the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, while the southern end boasts more than 7,000 kilometres of coastline and a deliciously tropical climate. India is home to two dozen world heritage sites, including Mahabodhi Temple, one of the oldest known Buddhist temples, the temple at Konarak, with marvellous stone carvings dating back to the 13th century, and the world famous Taj Mahal, a white marble masterpiece of Mughal architecture located in the ancient city of Agra.

 Capital: New Delhi
Language: Hindi + 14 others
Time: GMT +5.5 hrs
Currency: Indian rupee (INR)

The capital city of Delhi boasts temples and mosques dating back hundreds of years as well as a modern commercial metropolis. The ruins of Fort Aguada, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that have been transformed into a luxury resort, lie along the sandy coastline of Goa attracting scores of tourists longing to bask in the sun at the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Baga Beach, Goa

Indian cuisine is spicy, largely vegetarian and as diverse as its culture. Sightseers on the go are happy to discover the popular roadside snacks or "chaat." Munch a seasoned potato-filled samosa or a few chutney-dipped panipuri to keep your strength up while you explore the many wondrous sights of this mystical ancient land.