India... where do you start?
Diverse would be my first word after a long time of pondering that question. The reality is that it is a country the size of a continent; as such it has room for a mix of everything, from the snow-capped mountains of the Himalaya Mountain range in the north to sun-baked beaches with swaying palm trees around the coast. Its home to Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world but also the metropolis of Mumbai, as high-tech and modern as they come.
Our book covers all the places that we have visited and explored across our years of travelling to India. The stories behind the places and people to help convey the history but hopefully all done with a light touch, enough to set the scene, learn a little but without feeling like a schooldays history lesson! We would like to think its sprinkled with a bit of humour, some from the characters that we have met along the way, the odd incident and our take on certain things... This is our travel story, our take - so it may be that others who have ventured around this incredible part of the world have a different view.
In the north share in the joy of a partisan crowd at the Wagah Border closing ceremony, now that really is a spectacle as Indian and Pakistan border forces have their nightly march off. Take in the serenity and breath-taking beauty of the Golden Temple, learn about the Sikh way of life and view the world's biggest canteen.
From the forts, palaces and temples of the old world of Rajasthan through to New Delhi, designed by an English architect at the time of colonial rule. Stories of wealth and power from Maharajas and Moghul Emperors of the past through to the love story behind the Taj Mahal.
In the central region visit Hampi, an incredible story of a kingdom that was once the world's second-largest medieval-era city and marvel at some of the well-preserved remains. A little further south is Mysore, home of a palace that is illuminated every Sunday evening, spectacular to see.
Continue your journey down to Kerala and witness the influence of the first European traders, the Portuguese first - swiftly followed by the Dutch; enjoy a lazy trip on a rice barge, discovering the backwaters of Alleppey before heading to the hills to explore the never-ending sights of tea plantations.
At the southernmost point of Indian mainland is the pilgrimage town of Kanyakumari, the point where the three oceans the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean all meet. It is also famous as being where one of the urns containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was immersed upon his assassination, a memorial is built on that exact spot for visitors to pay homage to one of the greatest sons of India.
Goa provides the perfect place for rest and recuperation, more western in style than anywhere else in the country, a gentle introduction to the chaos, noise and colour that make India such an addictive place to visit. By day enjoy the sun-kissed beaches laid on a comfortable bed with an ice-cold beer by your side. Come evening the place comes alive, fantastic restaurants and bars to chat the night away.
I think the word diverse does the country justice, there is really something here to suit everyone.
