India People & Culture

1) Stay in Tibet Road when you are in Gangtok!!

2) Enjoy the life in Gangtok the locals are among the most friendly people I've ever met.

3) Ask about the history of Sikkim and you'll find your new best friends.

4) If your a bit low because you haven't eaten meat in India for 4 months then find the butcher in Tibet road, next to him there is a small restaurant where they fry up the best beef Momo's and the staff will drink a beer with you if you stay till late

5) Taste a "Hit Beer"... maybe the best in the world, but is sadly not sold outside Sikkims boarders. Its nice and stong.. i think 8% and is "sadly" only served in 750ml bottles :-)

All a real great make and mix one can say.... home city with the people that I love ... a nice cultural, historical and food city too ... at the same time, one huge construction site, polluted, populated, political...

Kolkata is home to 12 million people. It is also home to museum that holds huge blue whale skull. It is home where most of my family lives.

Cochin is the gateway to modern Kerala (India) and the hub of economic activity in the state of Kerala which is one of the unique and interesting places in the world The Malabar coast, long renowned in the ancient in the ancient world for its spices and the link to the far east as far as China had many ancient ports, not all of which have been identified to date. However, Kochi was not one of them. Presence of sand bars which obstructed ship movement and made it unsafe precluded its development as a major port for most of history. The most important port along the Malabar coast was Muziris, present day Kodungallur situated aprox 80 km north of Cochin. A major flood in the 13th century silted Muziris and opened the port of Cochin heralding its new era. At the time of the epic voyage of Vasco de Gama, the prime focus of international trade was Kozhikode, but a dsipute with the Zamorin, the ruler of Kozhikode forced Gama to look elsewhere (Cochin) for trade links. It helped that the Kings of the principality of Cochin (Perumbadappu swaroopam) welcomed the Portuguese literally putting Cochin on the world trade map. It has not looked back since. Kochi, as Cochin is known today, changed hands several times; Portuguese, then Dutch and finally British all leaving their marks on the life and culture of the place. Cochin soon attracted traders from around the world trading communities settled elsewhere in Kerala soon shifted base here. Most of the surface area of the region around Cochin is filled with waterways and backwaters. Tourist attractions Backwater cruises in "kettuvalloms" - house boats Food: a unique blend of old European (prior to the evolution of continental cuisine) and local tastes is unrivalled in taste. Dozens of varieties of fish preparations, appam (a frilly pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk) being the best example. Culture: Kerala has the greatest concentration of classical arts in whole of Indian subcontinent namely, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam. Music: While Kerala has made itls own contribution to Carnatic Music (the south Indian classical music), the real unique aspect of Kerala music is the variety and depth of percussion instruments and rhythms. Afficiandos of percussion music must not miss the percussion orchestras at "Pooram"s which are huge temple festivals. These can also be the opportunity to glimpse the Keral elephants. Elephants: Elephants are revered by the people of Kerala and form essential elements in cultural life and are integral to temple festivities. Ayurveda: Kerala is famous for its exponents of traditional healing system known as ayurveda. While it is excellent for rejuvenating the tired mind and body, travellers will be ill advised if they attempt to cure major illnesses (better take modern medical help) For the traveller who wants to venture off the beaten track, it offers a unique experience which cannot be described. Flip side: Kerala is expensive. Hotel rooms are always full in season due to heavy demand and small supply. Book your flights and hotel rooms at least a year in advance if you dont want to regret! Part of the reason for high prices is a deliberate attempt to discourage the non serious traveller and the back packer. However, a back packer who is willing to do some research and improvise (like the local Indian) can have a lot of value for money Places to visit Fort Cochin and Mattachery [ Jewish synagogue, St Francis church- the first European church in Asia, Dutch palace, Bishop's house - it houses a unique maritime musueum of the Portuguese period, the building itself was built by the Dutch] Best wishes

worth to stay couple of days. beautifull city.. not meny tourists - everyone runs to the beach insted of seeing what the capital of goa has to offer. cheep guest houses, good southern-indian food, warm people. what can u ask more?

All a real great make and mix one can say.... home city with the people that I love ... a nice cultural, historical and food city too ... at the same time, one huge construction site, polluted, populated, political...

Palolem (yes correct spelling)! used to be an idyllic, deserted place. Now days though, even though still beautiful, tourism has ruined it somewhat. The beach is alot busier, and girls have ignored culture and have taken to sunbathing topless-this is frowned upon by locals. My advise would be to keep your top on, to gain respect. Also do NOT wander around in bikini's along the street, it not only looks ridiculous but its lack of respect for yourself and for the locals. Palolem is a place i have still gone back to time and again even with its tourism and ignorant package tourists. It draws you in somehow, especially with its relaxed lifestyle. Also without the wonderful dogs, it wouldnt be the same. Most dogs have had their injections and rabies in Goa is not usual. Dogs do appreciate some food and water (seek out the skinny ones). Keep your left overs from your meals.

Cochin is the gateway to modern Kerala (India) and the hub of economic activity in the state of Kerala which is one of the unique and interesting places in the world The Malabar coast, long renowned in the ancient in the ancient world for its spices and the link to the far east as far as China had many ancient ports, not all of which have been identified to date. However, Kochi was not one of them. Presence of sand bars which obstructed ship movement and made it unsafe precluded its development as a major port for most of history. The most important port along the Malabar coast was Muziris, present day Kodungallur situated aprox 80 km north of Cochin. A major flood in the 13th century silted Muziris and opened the port of Cochin heralding its new era. At the time of the epic voyage of Vasco de Gama, the prime focus of international trade was Kozhikode, but a dsipute with the Zamorin, the ruler of Kozhikode forced Gama to look elsewhere (Cochin) for trade links. It helped that the Kings of the principality of Cochin (Perumbadappu swaroopam) welcomed the Portuguese literally putting Cochin on the world trade map. It has not looked back since. Kochi, as Cochin is known today, changed hands several times; Portuguese, then Dutch and finally British all leaving their marks on the life and culture of the place. Cochin soon attracted traders from around the world trading communities settled elsewhere in Kerala soon shifted base here. Most of the surface area of the region around Cochin is filled with waterways and backwaters. Tourist attractions Backwater cruises in "kettuvalloms" - house boats Food: a unique blend of old European (prior to the evolution of continental cuisine) and local tastes is unrivalled in taste. Dozens of varieties of fish preparations, appam (a frilly pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk) being the best example. Culture: Kerala has the greatest concentration of classical arts in whole of Indian subcontinent namely, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam. Music: While Kerala has made itls own contribution to Carnatic Music (the south Indian classical music), the real unique aspect of Kerala music is the variety and depth of percussion instruments and rhythms. Afficiandos of percussion music must not miss the percussion orchestras at "Pooram"s which are huge temple festivals. These can also be the opportunity to glimpse the Keral elephants. Elephants: Elephants are revered by the people of Kerala and form essential elements in cultural life and are integral to temple festivities. Ayurveda: Kerala is famous for its exponents of traditional healing system known as ayurveda. While it is excellent for rejuvenating the tired mind and body, travellers will be ill advised if they attempt to cure major illnesses (better take modern medical help) For the traveller who wants to venture off the beaten track, it offers a unique experience which cannot be described. Flip side: Kerala is expensive. Hotel rooms are always full in season due to heavy demand and small supply. Book your flights and hotel rooms at least a year in advance if you dont want to regret! Part of the reason for high prices is a deliberate attempt to discourage the non serious traveller and the back packer. However, a back packer who is willing to do some research and improvise (like the local Indian) can have a lot of value for money Places to visit Fort Cochin and Mattachery [ Jewish synagogue, St Francis church- the first European church in Asia, Dutch palace, Bishop's house - it houses a unique maritime musueum of the Portuguese period, the building itself was built by the Dutch] Best wishes

I spent 2 weeks here for work and overall it's pretty Westernized. Still an amazing culture, but not a lot of time to really check out the sites. Botanical gardens aren't really what you'd expect, but good for a nice break from the office. Lots of shops selling scarfs and such for the ladies - be sure to let them do their whole pitch before buying or leaving, they appear to work hard at their selling tactics and be sure to haggle, you can always get a bargain. Don't forget you can't drink the water if you're coming from the US - even on your toothbrush!

The cultural city of Kerala, a state know in India as Gods Own Country. A wonderful green streak of land with Coconut trees and long beaches. Travel time would be better during middle of January and till end of May. In May the 1st weekend is very famous Trichur Puram, a festival with 51 elephants all decorated with Jewels and umbrellas.

Cochin is the gateway to modern Kerala (India) and the hub of economic activity in the state of Kerala which is one of the unique and interesting places in the world The Malabar coast, long renowned in the ancient in the ancient world for its spices and the link to the far east as far as China had many ancient ports, not all of which have been identified to date. However, Kochi was not one of them. Presence of sand bars which obstructed ship movement and made it unsafe precluded its development as a major port for most of history. The most important port along the Malabar coast was Muziris, present day Kodungallur situated aprox 80 km north of Cochin. A major flood in the 13th century silted Muziris and opened the port of Cochin heralding its new era. At the time of the epic voyage of Vasco de Gama, the prime focus of international trade was Kozhikode, but a dsipute with the Zamorin, the ruler of Kozhikode forced Gama to look elsewhere (Cochin) for trade links. It helped that the Kings of the principality of Cochin (Perumbadappu swaroopam) welcomed the Portuguese literally putting Cochin on the world trade map. It has not looked back since. Kochi, as Cochin is known today, changed hands several times; Portuguese, then Dutch and finally British all leaving their marks on the life and culture of the place. Cochin soon attracted traders from around the world trading communities settled elsewhere in Kerala soon shifted base here. Most of the surface area of the region around Cochin is filled with waterways and backwaters. Tourist attractions Backwater cruises in "kettuvalloms" - house boats Food: a unique blend of old European (prior to the evolution of continental cuisine) and local tastes is unrivalled in taste. Dozens of varieties of fish preparations, appam (a frilly pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk) being the best example. Culture: Kerala has the greatest concentration of classical arts in whole of Indian subcontinent namely, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam. Music: While Kerala has made itls own contribution to Carnatic Music (the south Indian classical music), the real unique aspect of Kerala music is the variety and depth of percussion instruments and rhythms. Afficiandos of percussion music must not miss the percussion orchestras at "Pooram"s which are huge temple festivals. These can also be the opportunity to glimpse the Keral elephants. Elephants: Elephants are revered by the people of Kerala and form essential elements in cultural life and are integral to temple festivities. Ayurveda: Kerala is famous for its exponents of traditional healing system known as ayurveda. While it is excellent for rejuvenating the tired mind and body, travellers will be ill advised if they attempt to cure major illnesses (better take modern medical help) For the traveller who wants to venture off the beaten track, it offers a unique experience which cannot be described. Flip side: Kerala is expensive. Hotel rooms are always full in season due to heavy demand and small supply. Book your flights and hotel rooms at least a year in advance if you dont want to regret! Part of the reason for high prices is a deliberate attempt to discourage the non serious traveller and the back packer. However, a back packer who is willing to do some research and improvise (like the local Indian) can have a lot of value for money Places to visit Fort Cochin and Mattachery [ Jewish synagogue, St Francis church- the first European church in Asia, Dutch palace, Bishop's house - it houses a unique maritime musueum of the Portuguese period, the building itself was built by the Dutch] Best wishes

Don't go for New Years.. don't go there period unless you want to be surrounded by 2,000 people (mostly men and naked Europeans) dancing to electronic and house music in an open field. Plus, there are many hungry children running around begging for food, along with stray dogs and fecal matter that floats by you in the water if you go in (thats not sanitary) Many of the beach "bars" are situated next to small villages that literally use the ocean as a toilet. I don't mean to sound bourgeois but I admit I have my tendancies and in this case they all came out. I did not appreciate being chased by a pack of stray, malnourished dogs in the middle of the night and having to camp out in an internet cafe, thank you very much!

If you're lucky enough to have some indian sic friends who are getting married jump on the occasion and take the oppotunity to see at least seven days of beautiful receptions between flowers, music, great food and a richness of colours!

Mumbai is huge to compress into a few tips... but having lived there for a few years, a few of my favorites included... long strolls up and down Marine Drive, theatre and music performances at the NCPA (at one end of Marine Drive) or Prithvi theatre (in Juhu), jazz at Jazz by the Bay (I think its got a slightly different name now), beer at Leopold's or one of the other bars in Colaba, book-browsing at the street stalls along Fort and at the Strand Bookshop, meals at Khyber Restaurant in Fort and Purohit's near Churchgate ... these are tame things, of course, compared to stronger interests for which most people throng to Mumbai... like business and Bollywood... and you may well find yourself tied to a neighbourhood like Andheri or Bandra depending on your work in Mumbai... in which case all these also have good places to relax, eat and explore... but if you are generally visiting, I guess its wiser to locate yourself in downtown Mumbai for the sights ... and for the better part you avoid Mumbai's packed-like-sardines city trains or its wildly speeding taxis... though both are worth a try...

Ganges River - most famous attraction in Varanasi. The best time to go is at 6:00 a.m. to catch the many boats that take you along the river. There you can see a myriad of people bathing, praying and just dipping in the waters that they deem to be holy for the Hindus. Cremation takes place 24/7 in the ghats that line the riverbanks. Silk fabrics and the sitar (a wooden musical instrument) are what make this city famous.

Mumbai is a nice city to explore on your own and there's no need for a guide as such. If you want to meet backpackers then the Colaba area is full of them and there are many places like the Leopold's Cafe and Mondegar Cafe where you will find a lot of the travellers enjoying some fantastic breakfast early in the morning or some beers at lunch or dinner. You might just be lucky to be asked if you wish to act as an extra in a Bollywood movie too!!! If you are on your own, just visit the Gateway of India and you will also get a nice view from the top if you go to any of the higher floors of the Taj Mahal Hotel. If you want to visit the Elephanta island for the famous caves then take a boat from the Gateway and it will take you about an hour to get there. The tickets can be bought in front of the Gateway from one of the booths selling them. There is a free guide inside the caves complex from morning to afternoon (just inquire with the security guard for his/her whereabouts). After you get back from the islands you can carry on walking towards the Regal Theatre and see the Museum as well as the other places for art like the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Jehangir Art Gallery for some interesting art exhibitions. Then carry on towards the other side of the University of Mumbai buildings and see the Rajabai Clock Tower , Library and Convocation Hall. Also see the High Court of Mumbai buildings. Then if you look across there will be a game of cricket going on in one of the famous playing grounds (maidans) called the Oval Maidan. Across the street is the Eros theatre and opposite that is the Churchgate railway station and in front of that is the Western Railway Headquarters as well as the Tourism office. You can then walk down to the Marine Drive promenade and take a long walk towards Chowpatty beach for a snack of Bhelpuri, Pav Bhaji and also some Indian ice cream called Kulfi and another sweet dish called Rabdi. There are some other nice places to see in between like the Flora Fountain and Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square) and the St. Thomas' Cathedral, which is very beautiful with a lot of nice sculptures inside it. Nearby is the Bombay Stock Exchange building and also the Jewish David Elaiyahoo Synagogue and the David Sassoon Library as well as the Elphinstone College buildings opposite it. The Town Hall building with the Horniman Circle and gardens is also worth seeing behind the cathedral. Visit the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai city - the CST station building besides the other site in Mumbai which is at the Elephanta Caves on the island by the same name. There is the General Post Office building which is also worth seeing and a small part of the original Fort Wall next to the St. George's Hospital. You can visit Mani Bhavan (the house in which Mahatma Gandhi lived in Mumbai) which is now a museum devoted to his work and life as the father of the nation. Nearby is the F. D. Alpaiwalla Museum which has a lot of Iranian artifacts housed in the Khareghat Colony Hall and if you climb the steps leading up to the Parsi Towers of Silence and Hanging Gardens from the outside, then you will be able to get a good view of the Queen's Necklace from above. On the way down, you can visit a very elaborately carved Jain temple and then come down towards the Governor of Maharashtra's bungalow before reaching Chowpatty beach. You may carry on towards the Mahalakshmi temple and the Haji Ali shrine in the middle of the sea followed by a trip to see the Dhobi Ghat which is from the bridge over Mahalakshmi station. Upnorth in the suburbs of Borivali there is the 2nd Century old Kanheri Caves which are about 100 in number and built on a hill inside the Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali) National Park which is the only National Park in the middle of a metropolitan city.

If you are interested in shopping, then depending on what you want to shop for there are many specific markets like Zaveri Bazaar for gold and silver jewellery, Mangaldas Market for clothes, Chor Bazaar for antiques (and not so old stuff too!!!), Bandra Linking Road for lots of designer shops. Lots of other shopping arcades and malls have recently opened up in many areas so you can just walk into one for a quick look and buy whatever catches your fancy. There is a small shop called Avante just opposite the Regal Cinema at Colaba where you will get the best bargains in handicrafts, souvenirs, etc at very reasonable and cheap prices. Also nearby on the Phirozshah Mehta Road, there is a shop called Bombay Store which has a lot of handicrafts and good Indian teas as well for sale in attractive packaging which is another excellent gift idea.

The Andaman Islands are India's most remote state and are situated off the East Coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. You can get here by ferrie or flight from Chennai or Calcutta. Ihas crystal clear water, excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. Permits for up to one month are obtainable from Port Blair, Andamans small town.

Cochin is the gateway to modern Kerala (India) and the hub of economic activity in the state of Kerala which is one of the unique and interesting places in the world The Malabar coast, long renowned in the ancient in the ancient world for its spices and the link to the far east as far as China had many ancient ports, not all of which have been identified to date. However, Kochi was not one of them. Presence of sand bars which obstructed ship movement and made it unsafe precluded its development as a major port for most of history. The most important port along the Malabar coast was Muziris, present day Kodungallur situated aprox 80 km north of Cochin. A major flood in the 13th century silted Muziris and opened the port of Cochin heralding its new era. At the time of the epic voyage of Vasco de Gama, the prime focus of international trade was Kozhikode, but a dsipute with the Zamorin, the ruler of Kozhikode forced Gama to look elsewhere (Cochin) for trade links. It helped that the Kings of the principality of Cochin (Perumbadappu swaroopam) welcomed the Portuguese literally putting Cochin on the world trade map. It has not looked back since. Kochi, as Cochin is known today, changed hands several times; Portuguese, then Dutch and finally British all leaving their marks on the life and culture of the place. Cochin soon attracted traders from around the world trading communities settled elsewhere in Kerala soon shifted base here. Most of the surface area of the region around Cochin is filled with waterways and backwaters. Tourist attractions Backwater cruises in "kettuvalloms" - house boats Food: a unique blend of old European (prior to the evolution of continental cuisine) and local tastes is unrivalled in taste. Dozens of varieties of fish preparations, appam (a frilly pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk) being the best example. Culture: Kerala has the greatest concentration of classical arts in whole of Indian subcontinent namely, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam. Music: While Kerala has made itls own contribution to Carnatic Music (the south Indian classical music), the real unique aspect of Kerala music is the variety and depth of percussion instruments and rhythms. Afficiandos of percussion music must not miss the percussion orchestras at "Pooram"s which are huge temple festivals. These can also be the opportunity to glimpse the Keral elephants. Elephants: Elephants are revered by the people of Kerala and form essential elements in cultural life and are integral to temple festivities. Ayurveda: Kerala is famous for its exponents of traditional healing system known as ayurveda. While it is excellent for rejuvenating the tired mind and body, travellers will be ill advised if they attempt to cure major illnesses (better take modern medical help) For the traveller who wants to venture off the beaten track, it offers a unique experience which cannot be described. Flip side: Kerala is expensive. Hotel rooms are always full in season due to heavy demand and small supply. Book your flights and hotel rooms at least a year in advance if you dont want to regret! Part of the reason for high prices is a deliberate attempt to discourage the non serious traveller and the back packer. However, a back packer who is willing to do some research and improvise (like the local Indian) can have a lot of value for money Places to visit Fort Cochin and Mattachery [ Jewish synagogue, St Francis church- the first European church in Asia, Dutch palace, Bishop's house - it houses a unique maritime musueum of the Portuguese period, the building itself was built by the Dutch] Best wishes

A great little village to hang out for a few days in Goa, away from the trippy-hippy clowns of the northern beaches and the package holiday type apartments just up the road in Colva.
Colva beach is really, really long - a good ride on a bicycle to the end and back - and really beautiful. If you really feel adventurous, buy the guys on one of the fishing boats a cheap bottle of spirits and they'll take you out fishing for the day (or night depending on the tide). A truly awesome experience to see how the locals make a living on the ocean.

Amazing city under Communist rule. The first thing that hits you is the smell. People line the streets, and cars, rickshaws and bikes race around the city. So many sights, like the Victoria Memorial, but in my opinion, the best experience in Kolkata is working at Mother Theresa's. The people, the volunteers, the sisters, even the simple buildings make Mother Theresa's the best single experience of my life. Staying in Hotel Crystal, which I would rate about 1 star, you are able to experience squalor like you've never seen before, but it has nothing on the living conditions of most Kolkatans. Yet, they remain some of the most happy people I've had the chance to meet. In summary, one of the worst, but also one of the best cities I've ever been to. Wouldn't hesitate to return.

arriver en inde, il faut toujours dire que c est votre deuxieme sejour,, il vous laiseront plus tranquille,, et ne parter jamais dans une agence de voyage,, allez de vous meme,,l inde est tres bon marche,, donc ne perdez pas vous sous pour des conneries

A gem in the centre of India ... reach there by taxi from Jhansi and stay at the Bundelkhand Riverside Hotel if you can (a property of the Maharaja of Orchha now converted into a hotel) ... the rooms have fabulous views of Betwa River and you can just step from them and reach the banks ... do visit the Jehangir Mahal for some intricate architecture and the Lakshiminarayan temple for some really fabulous frescoes ... and the more modest birthplace of the ancient poet Keshav Das housed in school compound and a bit more difficult to find ... worth fixing up the same taxi guy for getting you into Orchha, sightseeing within the city, and any trips out it, if you are going to Khajuraho for instance...

Famous for the Taj Mahal Agra is most popular with tourists therefore being very crowded. Foreign tourists have to pay way over the odds to get into see the Taj Mahal than Indian tourists, so its worth knowing that fridays are free.

heaven on earth...!!naini lake surrounded by mountains on all sides..its ZE BESHT place dat i've bin to..!!just a piece of advice..be well geared with ur winter clothes wen u go there..no matter wut time of d yr is it

Always travel to New Delhi in First Class express train!

Women, prepare to be harassed. Your bottom will be pinched, no matter how big, small, attractive, intimidating it is. Rickshaw man will try to rip you off - don't freak out, they do it to Delhites as well. The government emporiums are good to pick up things without the hassle of bargaining if you're tired of arguing over a rupee as they have fixed prices and most of the crafts have been hand picked for quality - you may pay a bit more but it's hassle free shopping. It's a 'love it or hate it' kinda city - best of luck.

Chandigarh, built by the utopian French architect Le Corbusier, was intended to be the symbol of modern India and is actually a tribute to its creator. While it amazes the local Indian visitor with its straight roads and simplicity, it is nothing new to overseas visitor used to the suburban sprawl. For the denizen of Chandigarh, the life is too tranquil devoid of the pressures of living in a "normal" "chaotic" Indian city. It grows on the person who lives there until he moves outside when he starts missing it. It is famous for the Mohali Cricket stadium situated in the satellite town of Mohali (outside UT Chandigarh in the state of Haryana). Average person in Chadigarh spends his free time looking at each other (men at women and women at men) in Sector 17 or Sukhna Lake. There is pretty much nothing to see beyond the "famous" Rock Garden Chandigarh is the staging point to visit many places around area. Places to visit from Chandigarh McLeodganj, the capital of Tibetan Government in Exile and the seat of Dalai Lama, and the trek in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges Solan and Shimla Amritsar and the Golden Temple

shimla was my first stop in the indian himalayas. it is an old british colonial town. it was in fact the place where the british raj retired in summer to escape the heat. the highlights are a hindu temple in a wood and the old british government building

When he's in town, HH the Dalai Lama often gives lectures on Tibetan Buddhism to visiting groups. If you are on your own you may be able to request to join one of these pre-arranged lectures, if the group doesn't mind. After the lecture, HH may take a moment to bless each of the attendees in Tibetan. If you have bought some of the red satin cords from one of the gift shops and hold them in your hands, he will also bless those, which you can then give to Tibetans you meet in Tibet, who will appreciate them greatly, without drawing the attention of the Chinese government police. (Pictures of HH or the Tibetan flag are illegal in Tibet.)

Kashmir has been a complicated issue and it finds itself in the news almost on a daily basis... The territory of Kashmir was hotly contested since the time before India and Pakistan won their independence from the British in 1947. Under the partition plan, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, was Hindu and his people predominantly Muslims... The Maharaja wanted to stay independent but once armed men from across the Pakistan border invaded Kashmir, he decided to accede to India, signing over key powers to the Indian Government - in return for military aid and a promised referendum fifty years later which hasnt been held yet. Since then, the territory has been the flashpoint for three wars: the first in 1947-8, the second in 1965, and a third in1999, when India fought a brief but bitter conflict with Pakistani-backed forces who had infiltrated Indian-controlled territory in the Kargil area. In addition to the rival claims of Delhi and Islamabad to the territory, there has been a growing and often violent separatist movement fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir since 1989. Srinagar has several beautiful mosques. Ladies be careful to cover your heads with a scarf or something before entering the mosque compound to comply with Islam.