Travel India this summer

By TIM WATTS

If you want to visit India then the best time begins in about September.

September marks the end of the monsoon rains in the northern states and the temperature is pleasantly arm for most of the time until April.

India is such a large country it can be hard to know where to start. But if you are a first-time visitor, a state not to miss is Rajasthan.

Located in the north-west corner and sharing a border with Pakistan, Rajasthan was once a collection of princely kingdoms.

The city of Agra in Rajasthan contains one of the most recognisable icons of India, the Taj Mahal. Built as the final resting place of an emperor's wife, it is a lasting tribute to his love for her.

The white marble building is set in peaceful gardens and is visible from the magnificent Red Fort where the emperor who built the Taj was later imprisoned by his own son.

September/November also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, celebrated by Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated across India and is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Households are lit up with oil lamps and firework displays light the night sky.

With the many festivals in Rajasthan, it is rare that one is not in progress or about to take place. A popular regional celebration is the Pushkar Camel Fair. The whole area around Pushkar Lake is transformed into a spectacle of colour, noise, commerce and faith in November/December.

A train journey is an insight into the way most Indians travel and is recommended for the experience. It can be uncomfortable, dirty and crowded and trains rarely run on time so it is best to be mentally prepared for this.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra and Bombay. Remember to BYO toilet paper for the trip.

Rajasthan is also home to some of India's best National Parks. September-February is a good time to visit Bharatpur National Park. The park includes Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary which contains indigenous water birds and migrating birds from Siberia and China.

Ranthambhor and Sariska National Park's forest, plains and lakes are home to various deer and antelope, including India's largest deer, Sambar. All the better for the hungry leopards and tigers. Tigers are good for night viewing.

Australians require a visa, which allows for a maximum stay of 90 days.

More information is available from the web sites listed below.

WinIndia.com - An Indian Web Portal
IntrepidTravel.com.au - Offers group and individual tours
Travel.com.au - India - Guide to visiting India
Travel.com.au India specials through Intrepid Travel
India Tourism Rajasthan - Extensive resource on visiting Rajasthan