Delhi
When Bombay and Madras were trading posts and Calcutta a village of mud flats, Delhi had been the capital of an empire for five hundred years past. No fewer than eight cities have been built on this site, side by side. Created by Hindu, Muslim and British builders, this city can transport you in a few minutes from the neo-classical architecture of one of the most beautiful and elegant garden cities of the world, to the ancient, twisting lanes that surround the Red Fort, hoarding myriad historical secrets and keeping alive the traditional crafts for which Delhi has always been famous.
Darjeeling
The mighty Kanchenjunga, third highest mountain in the world, towers above this charming town like a gigantic ship floating upon a sea of clouds. In the distance, Mt. Everest retains its aloofness. The town itself is a typical Indian "hill - station", catering mainly to a large influx of plain's people escaping the summer heat. There is "The Mall", of course , a promenade with 'fashionable' stores alongside and Kanchenjunga playing hide and seek in the skies above. The lower regions of the town are teeming with colourful tribesman working or trading on seasonal basis. All around the town are picturesque tea - plantations and a visit to them is a must. On the way you might encounter the famous "toy-train" huffing up the hills from siliguri.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala, a background of snow capped mountains, forests of giant conifer and pretty tea gardens. Ever since the Dalai Lama chose it as his headquarters in exile from Tibet, the town assumed importance as a centre for Buddhist studies. |
