The Himalayas

Epic in sweep and intoxicating in their beauty, the Indian Himalayas occupy a special place in the Indian Psyche. Known as ‘the abode of the gods’ these mountains encircle a number of fascinating towns, many of which have evolved their own unique cultures and rituals.

Dharamsala, in the north-western state of Himanchal Pradesh, is home to the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan Government in Exile. Experience the flavour of Tibetan culture while wandering around this settlement with its numerous, intricately carved Buddhist temples adorned with fluttering prayer flags and children dressed in traditional costumes.

Once part of the Nepalese Kingdom of Shymala, Shimla gained fame as the British summer capital in India and is today the capital of the state. Further east, in neighbouring Uttaranchal, Rishikesh lies on the banks of the Ganges where the ‘Holy River’ emerges from the Himalayas.

Over the last 165 years, the Eastern foothills of the Himalayas have grown into one of the finest tea producing area in the world, making Assam and Darjeeling household names. Sikkim’s guardian, the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, dominates the landscape of one of India’s smallest, yet highest states and exerts a powerful physical and religious influence on the lives of the people. Mist floating over the lush countryside, exotic flora (such as orchids) and fauna (including the snow leopard and red panda), a plethora of Buddhist monasteries and the colourful lifestyles of the population, with their origins in the Himalayan kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, offer the visitor the opportunity to engage in a wealth of activities.