A Passage to India

India remains relatively undiscovered by most Americans, but is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals. As for most exotic long haul destinations, many travelers turn to a knowledgeable travel agent to ensure a successful trip.

India is a collection of diverse states, each appealing to a unique type of traveler. The southern part of the country are several hours by plane from those in the north. Those interested in health and wellness should visit Kerala, a state known for its Ayurveda therapy centers and beautiful beaches. Kerala’s Trivandrum airport is easily accessible from the southeastern gateway city of Chennai, making Tamul Nadu State and Pond cherry a natural starting point. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is India’s fourth largest city, but has a much smaller feel than Mumbai or Delhi. The area is known for its festivals, especially from September through January, and for its temples. Chennai is home to both the Kapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the San Thome Cathedral, said to house the remains of the Apostle Thomas. Pondicherry, about a two hour drive away, was ruled by the French for 300 years and has a very Mediterranean feel.

Adventure travelers should enter through Delhi and head straight to Uttaranchal, India’s newest state. The capital city of Dehradun makes an excellent base for a wide range of outdoor activities. Located in the Himalayan Range, Uttaranchal offers world class trekking, mountaineering and rafting. Finding a suitable time to visit is more of a challenge though, since snowfall generally begins in October and doesn’t melt until late April. The monsoon seasons occurs from late June through August, so a good time to visit would be in late May or early September.

Heritage minded clients should visit Delhi, Rajasthan and Agra. Old Delhi, once the capital of Muslim India, has an amazing collection of forts, mosques, and monuments, including the Red Fort and India Gate, and even a drive through New Delhi’s wide tree-lined boulevards is a worthwhile trip into the not-so-distant British Imperial period. Agra could be a day trip from Delhi, but time permitting a stay at Oberoi’s Amarvilas resort can be a highlight of any trip. Every one of the 105 rooms in this ultra luxury hotel has a view of the Taj Mahal. Finally, Rajasthan is a mixture of beautiful architecture and colorful traditional dress. Rather than fly, you may also take a train ride from Delhi to Jaipur.

Travelers seeking a more ‘cosmopolitan’ feel will find Mumbai to their liking. Mumbai has many international flights from Europe and also serves as a good stopover on the way to Asia. The Gateway of India and the Victoria Terminus railway station are both popular attractions. The Gateway, built in the style of Paris’ Arc D’Triomphe, is located on the waterfront across from the Taj Mahal Hotel, so prominently features in the opening scenes of the movie "A Passage to India".

Ivy Tjok has traveled to India and loved it. For first-hand experience on this destination, contact Ivy.

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