Healing touch

The ancient Hindus believed, and with good reason, that there is no dividing line between the mind and the body. As they stated, the mind is body and the body is mind. They also believed that if beautifying the mind is to beautify the body, the concept can be applied to the soul as well - that beautifying the mind and body is to beautify the soul. It is with this philosophy as the core that the systems of yoga and ayurveda were developed.

Yoga and ayurveda are sister sciences of healing, transformation and integration on all levels of the being. Traditional ayurveda focusses more on treatment in this process, also called chikitsa, for body and mind, while yoga aims more at self-development and self-realisation, or sadhana. An inseparable component of the Indian ethos, both yoga and ayurveda have been in practice on the sub-continent for thousands of years. They have evolved from being merely medical systems to being the science of life itself.

A town of temples

Picture a place just sprinkled with temples, thousands of them. Then picture each temple intricately carved, each carving a work of timeless art, detailed and beautiful, so many that they cannot possibly be accurately counted. This is Khajuraho, a temple town famous for its exquisitely embellished shrines, many over a thousand years old. Many of the sculptures mirror the navarasas, the nine emotions - valour, fear, love, disgust, anger, laughter, sorrow, wonder and tranquility. There are also numerous graphically erotic sculptures based on verses from the Kama Sutra, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Khajuraho was once a centre for the arts, showcasing the best in dance, music, fine art, poetry and architecture, as well as sciences like astronomy and astrology. Today, festivals held at the base of the temples are prestigious events that invite the best in their field to show off their talents.

A feast for the senses

Dotted with swaying coconut trees, the seaside city of Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala. Like most places in the state, it is also known by its provincial name: Thiruvananthapuram.

Trivandrum is literally a sight for sore eyes. Since the city was originally built on seven hills, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and countryside. Eons ago, the city was the capital of the erstwhile Travancore state under the reign of Raja Marthanda Varma. And even though much time has passed, Trivandrum still retains the magical ambience of yore.

The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats along the eastern and north-eastern borders of the state make for enchanting picnic spots, with verdant greenery and rushing waterfalls. Historic monuments, serene backwaters, a rich cultural heritage and a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches - like the three cresents of Kovallam - make Kerala a treasured tourist destination.

The city of Trivandrum is at its vibrant best during the festival season, with celebrations held at the famed Padmanabhaswamy temple, a stunning landmark of the city, built in the Dravidian style with a magnificent seven-tier gopuram (tower). There are also the snake boat races and the elephant procession to look forward to. These revels are generally held in March-April or September-October.

Captivating Cochin

If there is one place in the riveting diversity of Kerala where there is tangible beauty and life full of good things, it is Cochin.

The largest city in Kerala with a population of 5.5 lakhs, Cochin's all weather harbour has made it an important center for commerce and industry. It has a maritime history that began in the remote past. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the English established themselves here at one time or the other. This unusual assortment of rulers transformed Cochin into an extraordinary melting pot of people and cultures.

Cochin has a sizable Jewish community and this is reflective in the Jewish synagogue, a magnificent prayer hall that was constructed in 1568 A.D. and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Another place of interest is the St.Francis Church, a Protestant church that was built by the Portuguese in circa 1510 A.D. Vasco-da-Gama's gravestone is located here though his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal several years later.

And if that isn't to enough to interest you, there's also the lure of the backwaters combined with the exquisiteness of Willington island, Fort Cochin - Mattancherry peninsula, Bolgatty and Gundu and Vypeen island.

A blessed land

There's more than one reason why Kerala is called ‘God's own country’. Geographically, the state couldn't be more blessed. There's the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east. There's also the remarkable network of 44 rivers. And if that wasn't enough, there are also tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife and breathtaking waterfalls to explore. Sprawling plantations and endless paddy fields add to the grandeur.

And then there is the high-intensity cultural life and an infinite number of intriguing customs. Age-old influences of Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity blend to form something unique to the region. The inspiring Ayurvedic lifestyle is steeped in tradition and history, with intriguing smells and tastes and a cure for almost anything. There are enchanting art forms and magical festivals. The famed snake boat races and the rather remarkable form of martial arts practiced by the people of the state are known worldwide. This is a land dotted with historic and cultural monuments and spiced with a fiery and exotic cuisine.

All this comes together to offer the visitor an amazing diversity of experiences. Visit Kerala - the perfect place to soak up culture while you soak up the sun. Take a trip to God’s own country.

Desert paradise

RAJASTHAN: The name itself evokes awe and visions of royal splendour. It brings to mind beautiful palaces and opulent lifestyles. It carries within it tales of valour and sacrifice. It is a land of kings and camel herders, queens and artisans, ladies-in-waiting and snake charmers. A place where grace and bravery walk hand in hand. A land of refined living and fearful battles. A land of sharp truths and gentle ways.

JAIPUR is the capital of Rajasthan. Often called the ‘Pink City’ because its buildings are washed with this colour, Jaipur's old walled area is home to the City Palace Museum, a medieval astronomical observatory. The atmosphere of age-old charm pervades the town. And the stunning backdrop of ancient forts like Nahargarh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of a bygone era and a reminder of timeless romance. Once ruled by Rajput princes, this territory is still sustained by memories of a feudal past kept alive by its deep-seated traditional culture.
The bazaars sell everything from precious jewellery to camelskin shoes - Jaipur is truly a shopper's paradise. From tie-and-dyed textiles to embroidered fabrics and block printed cloth to exquisite meenakari, silver and kundan jewelry, you'll find everything you may be looking for. There is also a wide variety of handmade leather goods, unusual blue pottery and exceptional miniature paintings.

JODHPUR isn't only famous for its trousers, but is home to some of the most staggering palaces and fortresses you will ever see. The city is embellished with infinite imprints of colour and chivalry, lively spirit and lingering music, harmony and hospitality, palaces and pristine nature. The 'Blue City', as it is known, was founded on the edges of the Thar desert in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. It was the capital of the Rathore kingdom, the largest in Rajputana. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan, and is encircled by a high 10 km long wall. The city is home to a number of temples, gardens and lakes, the most famous of which are the Umaid Bhavan and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
Jodhpur is also the place to find antiques from the Rajput era and traditional style Jodhpuri handicrafts. The characteristic bandhej and leheriya fabrics are widely popular.

UDAIPUR, also called the City of Lakes, is a lovely jigsaw of water bodies and lush green hills. It's no surprise then that Udaipur is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, as much for its gorgeous lakes as for the romance it inspires. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy tale and the forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes bring to mind tales of a heroic past, infused with chivalry.
Of the original 11 gates of Udaipur city, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the town. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion. Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the city palaces and the Jagdish temple are other noteworthy architectural sites. Several places of interest around Udaipur including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, the beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Ekligji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt Abu make a visit to Rajasthan a memorable experience.

Hill side story

NORTH EAST INDIA is a corner of this vast and wonderful country that is India. It is relatively unexplored, with lush forests, exotic wildlife and people that are esoteric.

Darjeeling - is the dreamland of the East. It (2134m) has been a popular hill station since the days of the British Raj. Surrounded by lofty mountains, it is a fascinating place rich in natural beauty and surrounded by Buddhist monasteries. To reach there, you can take the famous toy train - now a Unesco World Heritage Property - a meter gauge train operating over some breathtaking scenery.
Gangtok - (1780 m) is a city that could be out of a fantasy tale. The mighty Kanchenjunga peak (8500m) provides a stunning backdrop to this quaint town. In the mystery-laden mists, prayer flags whip in the breeze and wheels spin in the hands of lamas mumbling invocations to God. In the distance are the snows; on the streets, amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, are friendly, smiling people. The Tsomgo Lake lies on the outskirts of Gangtok, and is considered holy by the locals. It is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and is frozen for a large part of the year. Not too far away is the Nathula (or 'whistling') pass. It lies on the border between India and China and is famed for its dramatic scenery.
Shillong - (1496 m) the capital of Meghalaya was planned by the British as a hill resort and a summer retreat. The beautifully kept golf course and several English country cottages testify to another influence besides the local. Beautiful lakes and falls, hillside cottages, a large university, and the popular Bara Bazar are quaint aspects of this town. The place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth, is only 56 kms away from Shillong.