India conjures up familiar images: the Taj Mahal, the Ganges, far flung himalayan monasteries, turbans, saris, holy cows, tasty curries and refreshing lassis, snake charmers , man-eating tigers….. There is the hustle and excitement of the cities of Delhi and Jaipur, the serene Taj Mahal and the almost overwhelming devotion to religion seen at Varanasi. A dynamic democracy hurtling toward the 21st century, but rooted in tradition with a profound cultural distinctiveness and a history, culture and scenery lived to the full, not just packaged for the tourist.

Geography
To the north of the plains rise the mighty Himalaya source of the holy river Ganges, which flows across a densely populated plain. Jutting into the Indian Ocean the peninsula ranges from areas of tropical humidity on the beaches of Kerala to the high, dry ranges of Western Ghats.

Climate
India has three seasons: The Hot, the Wet and the Cool. By April, the heat on the plains becomes unbearable (45 centigrade). By June the monsoon breaks with heavy showers and sunny intervals, showing Rajasthan at its best. October sees the end of the Wet and the best time of the year ….still lush and green but with no rain and delightful temperatures.

Culture
Most Indians are Hindus, but there are still millions of Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and many minorities. All have fascinating beliefs intertwined in their every day lives. There are the colourful turbans of the Sikhs and the burgundy robes of Buddhist monks and nuns and the visibly stunning dreadlocked Saddhus: Hindu holy men. The religious monuments are equally impressive: ornate mosques and Hindu temples, the fascinating ghats at Varanasi and small shrines in people’s houses and on street corners.

Wildlife
The renowned Ranthambore National Park protects the elusive Bengal Tiger in its natural environment. Other natives include wild deer and sambal and many birds: purple heron, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, peacocks, jacanda, waders and partridge.

First timers sometimes cannot see past the filth, the British legacy of bureaucracy and press of humanity and poverty. However India is very much what you make of it and somehow gets in your blood, as frustrating as it is captivating, as overwhelming as it is deeply spiritual.