India conjures up familiar images: the Taj Mahal, the Ganges, far flung himalayan monasteries, turbans, saris, holy cows, tasty curries and refreshing lassis, snake charmers , man-eating tigers….. There is the hustle and excitement of the cities of Delhi and Jaipur, the serene Taj Mahal and the almost overwhelming devotion to religion seen at Varanasi. A dynamic democracy hurtling toward the 21st century, but rooted in tradition with a profound cultural distinctiveness and a history, culture and scenery lived to the full, not just packaged for the tourist.

Geography
To the north of the plains rise the mighty Himalaya source of the holy river Ganges, which flows across a densely populated plain. Jutting into the Indian Ocean the peninsula ranges from areas of tropical humidity on the beaches of Kerala to the high, dry ranges of Western Ghats.

Climate
India has three seasons: The Hot, the Wet and the Cool. By April, the heat on the plains becomes unbearable (45 centigrade). By June the monsoon breaks with heavy showers and sunny intervals, showing Rajasthan at its best. October sees the end of the Wet and the best time of the year ….still lush and green but with no rain and delightful temperatures.

Culture
Most Indians are Hindus, but there are still millions of Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and many minorities. All have fascinating beliefs intertwined in their every day lives. There are the colourful turbans of the Sikhs and the burgundy robes of Buddhist monks and nuns and the visibly stunning dreadlocked Saddhus: Hindu holy men. The religious monuments are equally impressive: ornate mosques and Hindu temples, the fascinating ghats at Varanasi and small shrines in people’s houses and on street corners.

Wildlife
The renowned Ranthambore National Park protects the elusive Bengal Tiger in its natural environment. Other natives include wild deer and sambal and many birds: purple heron, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, peacocks, jacanda, waders and partridge.

First timers sometimes cannot see past the filth, the British legacy of bureaucracy and press of humanity and poverty. However India is very much what you make of it and somehow gets in your blood, as frustrating as it is captivating, as overwhelming as it is deeply spiritual.

NEPAL
What strikes any visitor about the Nepalese is their universal friendliness and cheerfulness, especially considering their very tough existence. While their beliefs tend towards Buddhism in the north and Hinduism in the south, a tolerant amalgam of both religions is practiced and reflected in the myriad of exotic stupa and temples throughout the land.

Geography
Nepal can be divided into parallel regions, running east to west. Along the Indian border is the plain of the terai, either heavily cultivated or deep jungle (home to rhino, sloth bear and tiger). To the north run chains of hills with a greater part of Nepal’s population inhabiting the midlands, enjoying an equable climate and growing a variety of crops according to altitude, on an amazing series of skillfully engineered terraces. Most towns nestle in this region, including the architecturally delightful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and the capital, Kathmandu.

Northwards tower the giant peaks of the Himalaya, the ‘abode of snow’, and home of the gods. Between Dhaulagiri in the west past Sagarmatha (Godess Mother of Earth -Everest) and Kanchenjunga in the east the mighty chain is unbroken but for a few deep valleys worn by great rivers such as the Kali Gandaki.

Climate
Nepal is influenced by the monsoon, dictating two distinct trekking seasons between September and December characterized by clear skies and warm temperatures in the hills and when the rhododendron forests bloom in February to March.