India & Sikkim: Land of Maharajas and the Taj Mahal

India the world's largest democracy and second most populous country has emerged as a major power after a period of foreign rule and several decades during which its economy was virtually closed. The mystique of India, its history, religions, fabulous historical monuments, art and culture, have all attracted visitors from time immemorial, to find India's experience unforgettable. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest Himalayan chain of the beautiful country Nepal. The towering temples of India, easily identifiable by their ornately sculptured surface, are associated with a great many crafts and performing arts of the region.  

In the desert of Kutch, Gujarat, on the other hand, a scattering of villages pit themselves against the awesome forces of nature, resulting in Spartan lifestyles made vibrant by a profusion of jewelry and ornamental embroidery used to adorn apparel and household linen. In the extreme north is the high altitude desert of Nepal Himalaya. Local culture is visibly shaped by the faith - Buddhism -as well as by the harsh terrain. Yet another facet of Indian culture is observed in the colorful tribal lifestyles of the north eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur with their folk culture. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam all exist within this country today.

It is a land where its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world's largest democracy where atomic energy is generated and industrial development has brought the country within the world's top ten nations.