1 Explore INDIA
Michelle Hather digs into the country's lesser-explored north on an expert guided tour
Like its food, India is a country of infinite flavours. Cool as raita, fiery as vindaloo, no two regions are alike - but together they deliver a feast. So, how to choose from this menu?
From the spiritual heart of Amritsar to the serenity of the Himalayas and New Delhi - where people-crammed markets sit alongside monuments, grand avenues and gardens -northern India has always appealed to me. An escorted tour with a seasoned expert operator seemed the perfect way to go.
The thrills of a safari
Our tour began in Punjab, a vast state skirting Pakistan's border. Arriving at the rush of evening in the old city of Amritsar, its gilded Golden Temple glowed against the dark sky and was reflected in the surrounding holy waters. Tens of thousands of local Sikhs worship here and, early next morning, we witnessed its extraordinary langar - a bustling kitchen staffed by volunteers to feed the devotees. Mountains of veg were being prepped, curry was simmering by the gallon and piles of dishes were being washed.
Changing gears, our next stop was a Jungle Book-worthy animal adventure, Punjab style. Kipling's story is set in central India, but at Kikar Lodge, in the Shivalik foothills, we had a thrilling jeep safari in search of leopards, wild boar and antelope. Animals proved elusive, but we were quickly consoled by the scenic expanse and a couple of sunset G&Ts around the campfire.
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