Just uttering the word “India” stimulates a bustling rush of sights, scents,colours and sensations that compete for our attention with the energy andvibrancy of the spectacular Pushkar Camel Fair in the nation’s iconic northernregion. A recent Quest traveller remarked that the second most populated countryis “one of the world’s most stimulating destinations”. After all, where else cana single itinerary feature both the world’s most legendary mammal as well aswhat is often described as the most beautiful building every constructed? Tigersand the Taj Mahal will dazzle any traveller. In addition to the Bengal Tiger,wildlife aficionados exploring Madhya Pradesh or “middle province” will seek todiscover the other members of India’s “Big Five”, including the Leopard, AsianElephant, Indian One-horned Rhinoceros and perhaps even the less-known AsiaticLion. North India’s cultural pulse undoubtedly lies in Rajasthan with itspalaces and temples. Almost a world unto itself, South India is home to “theVenice of the East” in Kochi. India’s complex culinary character and historywhich can be relived through ancient tales of trade and cultural intersectingthat stretch back centuries.