Mark Twain said: India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only. Or

French scholar Romain Rolland said: If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.

There's simply no other word that convincingly captures the enigma which is India. This Asian gem is literally a continent in its own right. Largest democracy in the world, it is home to more than one billion inhabitants. The subcontinent bristles with a diverse concoction, translating into an intoxicating cultural melange for the traveler.

From the moment you set foot in India, the traditional 'Namaste' gesture - two hands joined together in welcome, will greet you. And this greeting encapsulates the warmth, hospitality and culture that make a journey to India so memorable.

An ancient civilization, influenced by diverse and distant cultures, India has a rich and complex heritage.

India was home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the sub-continent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history.

Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. This is reflected in numerous outstanding monuments spread across the country, exuberant festivals and a distinctive yet varied lifestyle. A land of fantasy, mysticism and effervescent colors coupled with exceptional natural beauty and friendly people, it ranks among the world's most remarkable - and exotic - destinations

India is a diverse mix of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. There are few places that can stir people's emotions like India can - either love it or hate it! India offers a wide range of experiences with endless variety from different regions of vast contrasts and fascinating discoveries. With its ancient customs that peacefully co-exist with ultra-modern technology, it is a true melting-pot of people, languages, religions and cultures.

This enthralling diversity continues through dramatic deserts to palm-fringed beaches, verdant valleys to magnificent mountains. For those seeking spiritual sustenance, India has oodles of sacrosanct sites and stirring philosophical epics, history buffs will encounter gems from the past almost everywhere - from grand vestiges of the British Raj to crumbling fortresses looming high.

The aficionado of the great outdoors can paddle in the shimmering waters in one of many balmy beaches; those interested in wildlife can scout for big jungle cats on a blood-pumping wildlife safari, or simply inhale pine-scented air on a meditative forest walk.

And then there's the food! From squidgy South Indian idlis (fermented rice cakes) to zesty north Indian curries, foodies can look forward to savoring a seductive smorgasbord of specialties. Intricately planned Mughal gardens, fairytale palaces, soaring skyscrapers, quaint bazaars and opulent malls, once you touch down the subcontinent soil, you will quickly discover that cricket - India's sporting obsession is one of the most spirited topics of conversation along along with the latest high jinks in the razzle-dazzle world of Bollywood. All of this exemplifies the elements of surprise in the vast Indian canvas! India's assortment fascinates all the visitors. A journey to India leaves lasting impressions!