India is a vast continent that is tailored for the
independent holiday maker. We invite you to discuss
your travel plans with us and allow us to create a
tailored package to meet your budget and needs.
Below is a small selection of tours that we have
chosen for their special qualities, whether it is
the architectural splendor of the world famous Taj
Mahal, the palaces of the Maharajahs or the
opportunity to step back in time aboard the
magnificent Palace on Wheels. The Indus Valley
civilization, one of the oldest in the world, goes
back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the
northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with
the earlier inhabitants created the classical Indian
culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century
and Turkish in 12th were followed by European
traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the
19th century, Britain had assumed political control
of virtually all Indian lands. Nonviolent resistance
to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI and
Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947. The
subcontinent was divided into the
secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state
of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries
in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the
separate nation of Bangladesh. Fundamental concerns
in India include the ongoing dispute with Pakistan
over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental
degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and
religious strife, all this despite impressive gains
in economic investment and output. |