History

The nation of India is barely 60 years old, yet it is one of the world’s oldest living

civilisations. India today is essentially many nations under one banner. Each of those

nations within the nation state has a diverse and fascinating history worthy of

discovery. Many areas have been invaded time and again, with each victorious force

destroying parts of the legacies of the defeated and then building another layer of

their own history for us to see today. Thankfully many layers remain today for you to

explore.

From the Tamils, Karantakans and lost civilizations of the South to the Kashmiris,

Rhajastanis and Punjabis of the North and the many variants in between, the wealth

of history and cultural diversity in each of the states makes them all worthy of

discovery.

Religion

India is the birthplace of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Bhuddism and many other

religions, all being practiced through rituals developed over centuries and for the

most part in peace and harmony.

The appeal of seeing these religions being practiced in India is not just the

beautiful temples and joyous festivals, though there are many of both. The practice of

religion is an overt display seen every day in

many surprising ways. The beauty of the devotion exhibited can only be truly

appreciated in the flesh.  Spirituality is something Indian people are more than happy

to share  with you. Learning first hand what makes their religion so great for

them can create inspiring and memorable experiences in your trip to India.

Culture

With multiple histories and religions coming together, there really is no one Indian

culture. The reality is there are distinct cultures in each state and often many within a

single city, each with their own complex elements.

India is a land where ancient ways continue in space shared with

the latest in western approaches to life. On the streets of modern India you can see a

businessman on his way to the share market in a Ferrari, jostling for space in traffic

with a cotton kurta clad man on the back of a bullock drawn cart, heading to his own

market. For the observer, the contrasts and contradictions of daily life in India are

fascinating and never ending.

Politics

With a nation of so many religions and cultures the politics of India is a moving feast

of ideas, disappointments and triumphs, often on epic scales. The battle within India

against religious influence and corruption in politics is ongoing and incredibly

entertaining for those with an interest in political life.

Whilst some politicians use the power of office to feather their own nests and assist

their wealthy backers, others fight for the people of their regions to

simply be able to enjoy basics such as electricity, running water and a decent education.

Others work to remove long held prejudices against people stuck in the stifling reality

of India’s own class system, where merit comes second to birthright.

The imbalance in the distribution of wealth and opportunity in India is clear for all to

see and the politics of each state is accordingly always a keenly fought battle of

idealism versus brutal reality. Election campaigns run for months and provide the

traveller a great opportunity to see what the real issues are for a nation with so many

opportunities and challenges trying ot better itself.

Nature

Away from the insanity of the major centres, India boasts all types of natural

landscapes to be explored, many surprisingly raw and untouched for a land of over 1

billion people. Whether it be the jungles and hill stations of the South, wild tigers on

the plains or the breathtaking mountain ranges and valleys in the North, there are

many very accessible destinations away from the crowds that are worthy of

consideration.

 

Festivals

With so many religions and cultures the casual visitor would be forgiven for thinking

religious holidays are nearly a daily event. The people of India take their festivals

seriously, and they don’t let the fact it may be part of another religion get in the way

of them taking the day off and having a good time! There are many opportunities

throughout the year to time your trip to coincide with one of the major festivals. It is

worth considering as each has a special atmosphere and you will be welcomed by

participants as a local. Remember, in India – Guest is God!

Sports

For those with an interest in sports, India does not disappoint.

Cricket -The nation’s love of cricket is something that must be seen to be believed

and there is no better way to do that then to attend a game. Whether it be a 20/20

game or a test match, the devotion and passion is infectious, even for those that

struggle to enjoy cricket.

Kabbadi – There are of course some peculiar games the Indians have developed

over the centuries that are worthy of some further inspection. Kabbadi is best

described as team’tiggy’. It is a game played throughout India and today boasts a

professional league. It is a true sport, requiring individual strength, agility and

cunning coupled with teamwork to succeed.

Malakhra – Wrestling indian style. There are many forms of wrestling that have

developed in India, each with their own rituals. Men in loin clothes and little else do

battle in dirt pits (Akhada Gurukula ). Whilst the wrestling competitions are a

spectacle in themselves, the training camps (Akhada) are a combination of wrestling

dojo and ascetic monastery and definitely worth a visit to see the ancient exercise

regimes they undertake to build their incredible strength and agility. If there is space

in their daily program you may also have the chance to see if you have what it takes

to get down in the dirt with the big boys.

This one may be more suited to the lads.

Ashrams, Yoga and Astrology

For those with an interest in physical and mental health and wellbeing, India is

the motherland.

As the home of Yoga, astrology, meditation and Ayurvedic medicine, India has a

multitude of astrology practitioners, ashrams, retreats and spas with courses and

programs to suit all levels of devotion to inner purity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more of the immense world of spirituality, take

some time to reset your mind and treat your body to some proper care and attention.

We can connect you with experienced astrologers, yoga masters and Ayurvedic

practicioners to prvide you with the opportunity to explore those elements of your

own spiritual and physical wellness. One further option to consider is adding a few

days or even a week at an Ashram, spa or yoga school onto your journey. After all

the energy sapping madness of travelling in India, there is nothing more rejuvenating

than taking a few days to focus on your body and mind. It is time well spent, learning

more of the importance of spirituality to the people of India and how you can apply

some of the well learned principles to your life. An ashram stay will ensure you return

home in the best frame of mind possible.