Imagine stepping back nearly five thousand years to the banks of the Indus River, where the twin cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa thrived with sophisticated lifestyles, intricate town planning, and a mysterious script. This civilization spanned a million square kilometers and coexisted with the ancient cultures of Egypt and Sumer, outlasting them by centuries until natural disasters around 1700 BC led to its demise.
The Vedic Age and the Rise of New Beliefs
The Mauryan Empire and Emperor Ashoka
The 4th century BC saw the rise of Emperor Ashoka, who led the Mauryan Empire to control almost all of modern India. A passionate follower of Buddhism, Ashoka built the famous monuments at Sanchi and erected the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, which remains a national emblem today.
The Gupta Golden Age and Southern Dynasties
Following the Mauryans, the Gupta Empire took charge in the north, while the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras flourished in the south, trading with Europe and other parts of Asia. This era marked a time of significant cultural and economic prosperity.
India’s spiritual mosaic expanded further with the arrival of Christianity and Judaism, followed by the Parsees in the 7th century AD. Each new faith added its unique flavor to the cultural blend, enriching the tapestry of Indian society.
The Medieval Period: Turbulence and Transformation
In 1192, Mohammed of Ghori from Afghanistan conquered parts of northern India, establishing the Delhi Sultanate, which ruled for the next 200 years until Timur the Lame’s invasion weakened it. This paved the way for the Mughal Empire, known for its architectural marvels and cultural renaissance.
European Influences and the Path to Independence
The 15th century brought Guru Nanak and the birth of Sikhism in Punjab. Soon after, European traders, including the British, arrived. The British ultimately colonized India, ruling until the country gained independence in 1947, leading to the creation of two nations: India and Pakistan.
Modern India: A Nation of Progress
Since gaining independence, India has rapidly advanced, becoming the world’s largest democracy. With a rich historical heritage and a dynamic present, India invites travelers to explore its past and witness its vibrant growth.
Northern India
Days: 11 days
Destinations: Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi
Southern India
Days: 12 days
Destinations: Bombay – Cochin – Kumarakom – Periyar – Madurai – Trichy – Madras
Eastern India
Days: 09 days
Destinations: Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Gangtok – Pemayangtse – Kalimpong
Leh
Days: 09 days
Destinations: Delhi – Leh – Uletopko
Rajasthan
Days: 14 days
Destinations: : Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Mukandgarh – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Mount Abu – Udaipur
Kerala
Days: 14 days
Destinations: Bombay – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Varkala – Kumarakom – Thekkaddy – Munnar – Cochin
Jammu & Kashmir
Days: 08 days
Destinations: Srinagar – Gulmarg – Sonmarg – Leh – Khardongla Pass
Sikkim
Days: 06 days
Destinations: : Bagdogra Airport – ‘Tsangu Lake – Ganesh Tok – Silliguri
D8/8127 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India