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.

The hills are alive...

The majestic Himalayas. For many, going to the Himalayas means taking on Everest. Luckily, this need not be the case for those who want a holiday in the high hills. A regular trip to the Himalayas is all about stunning landscapes, with fragrant pine and rhododendron forests, vivid-green rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, colourful Sherpa villages and out-of-the-way Buddhist monasteries. And amid the lofty mountains and charming flower laden valleys are a large number of retreats, comfortable, luxurious and welcoming. And if you'd prefer the more serious business of higher-altitude climbing, you'll find options aplenty. Either way, you can look forward to a journey that is sure to take your breath away.

Shimla - The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130 m). As the summer capital of British India, this was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Enjoy riding on the enchanting Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway line and a quaint toy train. Or go on the various treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. For the more adventurous, there's skiing at Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.
Dharamshala - Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountain ranges, Dharamshala (1,700 m) is perched on the high slopes in upper reaches of Kangra Valley. It is a charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick conifer forests.
Mcleodganj - near Dharamshala, this is also the home of the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Buddhists. Sometimes known as 'Little Lhasa' after the Tibetan capital city, Mcleodganj is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony.
Other places of interest - Dalhousie, Manali, Nainital, Mussorie, Srinagar and Gulmarg. Contact your nearest Mercury Travels office for more...

A sense of adventure

India is blessed with an unprecedented diversity of topography and climatic conditions. From the dizzying heights of the Himalayas to the expanse of the North Indian plains, from the sands of the Thar desert in Rajasthan to the raging torrents of rivers like the Ganga and the Bramhaputra, from the saltlands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat to the barren mountains of Ladakh, India has it all. With this incredible range of adventure possibilities, soft as well as challenging, there is something for everyone.

Climbing in the Himalayas is, for most, the ultimate adventure challenge. While mountain climbing expeditions can be organized for the serious climber, treks, hikes and mountain jeep safaris are ideal for those looking for thrills without the demands of high adrenaline sports. Treks run into regions of Ladakh, Zanskar, Markha, Nubra, Himachal, Lahul, Spiti and Kinnaur, Garhwal and Kumaon in the northern Himalayas. In the Eastern Himalayas treks run in Sikkim, the Darjeeling region and Arunachal Pardesh, while in the south they run into the lush green Nilgiris. Himalayan safaris can be timed to coincide with a ritual or festival in that part of Himalayan region.

Desert safaris are a great way to explore the colourful land of Rajasthan. You could opt for a short camel safari through a typical Rajasthani village or a long-distance expedition in open jeeps lasting a few days. The best times for traveling are the cooler parts of the day, the mornings and evenings. Of course, you can also combine camel and jeep safaris for a unique experience.

India is also prime white-water rafting country. High quality rafting can be experienced on the Ganga, Zanskar, Brahmaputra and Alaknanda rivers. Rafting on the Ganga is easily accessible from Delhi. The facilities are good and the guides and equipment are top-class.

Quality options also exist for scuba-diving, skiing, mountain biking, wildlife safaris and much more.

The wild life in India

The vast heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about 400 sanctuaries including special enclaves for birds. And that's not all - most parks and sanctuaries have numerous accommodation options, ranging from luxurious tents to forest bungalows and eco-friendly resorts, making it possible for you to explore the hidden depths of the wild. A paradise for the nature lovers, these forest areas are crucial for the conversation of the endangered species like the Bengal tiger, leopards, lions, Asiatic elephants and Siberian cranes. There are seasons that are best for animal-spotting, so be sure to ask your travel agent for the perfect time to watch the wild life!
Tiger - found in Uttarakhand - Corbett Tiger Reserve, Assam - Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan - Ranthambhore and Sariska, Uttar Pradesh - Dudhwa and Katerniaghat, Madhya Pradesh - Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park.
Elephant - found in Assam - Manas National Park, Kerala - Periyar Widlife Sanctuary (Thekkaday), Karnataka - Bandipur, Nagarhole Wildlife Park, Tamil Nadu - Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
One-horned rhinoceros - found in Assam - Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park.
Migratory birds - found in Rajasthan - Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur).
Asiatic Lion - found in Gujarat - Gir Widllife Sanctaury, Sasangir National Park & Lion Sanctuary.
Indian Bison - found in Uttarakhand - Corbett Tiger Reserve, Assam - Manas, Kaziranga National Park, Rajasthan - Ranthambhore and Sariska tiger reserves, Uttar Pradesh - Dudhwa and Katerniaghat, Madhya Pradesh - Bandhavgarh, Kanha National Park, Kerala - Periyar Widlife Sanctuary (Thekkaday), Karnataka - Bandipur and Nagarhole Wildlife Park, Tamil Nadu - Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

The food of India

India is a foodie's perfect destination, boasting not one or two, but about as many cuisines as the countless communities that call the country home. It's all very well to broadly categorise the foods of India into North Indian and South Indian for the purpose of simplicity. But that is a simplistic division, you'll realise, for even within every state in India you can find great culinary variation.

The Punjabis have created a combination of the northwest frontier cuisine and Mughlai recipes to present rich poultry and mutton dishes. The ubiquitous 'tandoori chicken' is a great favourite!
Goan cuisine, on the other hand, is the result of the blending of local Konkani and Portuguese food styles. This culinary amalgamation and adaptation has created fiery coconut based curries and stews using pork and beef and rich cakes and pastries, as well as an interesting range of port and red and white wines.

While the coastal regions display a preponderance of fish and fish dishes, the northern regions favour chicken and mutton. In the northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir, mutton is the piece de resistance in the formal banquet called 'wazawan', which includes a spread of over 36 courses cooked all night long by a team of chefs called 'wazas', descendants of the cooks of Samarkand.
The three states of Kerala, Goa and West Bengal constitute the fish loving populace. The culinary delights of Goa and Kerala differ from that of West Bengal in that they rely more on coconut in their preparations. In sharp contrast are the states of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, which display a clear penchant for vegetarian food.