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. |