India

Snow-capped mountains, golden beaches, ancient civilizations, the Taj Mahal in Agra; India blends the old with the new and welcomes visitors into its melting pot of cultures. See the real India in a Culture Vulture tour that introduces visitors to New Delhi. Enjoy a cup of Chai, see the markets of exotic foods, visit the bazaar, see some Hindu temples and view historical sites. Knowledgeable and friendly guides talk about the 1857 Mutiny and the struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Visit the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Aurangabad. This amazing archeological site demonstrates Indian Rock-Cut Architecture at its most impressive. The 34 caves, cut somewhere between the 5th and 10th century, are monasteries and temples of the Buddhist, Jainist, and Hindu faiths.

A wonderful tour to sign up for is the Mumbai/Bombay tour which takes visitors to the Gateway of India, built to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary's visit to India in 1911. Visitors also get the chance to see the Hanging Gardens, the harbour and the Dhobi Ghat, an outdoor laundry with 700 washing platforms where people have been laundering clothes for over 100 years.

Visitors to India should also see the Mother Theresa Ashram in Kolkota, the Charminar Mosque in Hyderabad, the famous Bull Temple of Bangalore and the palaces of Jaipur.