THE PEAKS OF THE HIMALAYAS, the most spectacular natural barrier in the world, mark the boundaries of the area that extends northwards from Delhi. A variety of cultures and landscapes lies within this region. Delhi’s bustling urban sprawl gradually gives way to the lush, flat farmlands of Punjab and Haryana, north of which are the serene mountainous lands of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
In geological terms, the Himalayas are very young, but for humans, they evoke a feeling of timeless eternity, and have been a source of spiritual inspiration for Indians for thousands of years. The monasteries and temples situated on their slopes perfectly complement the profound beauty of these mountains. Most visitors to the region start out from Delhi, the country’s capital, a city that is a blend of several historical eras. Its grand Mughal past is evident in its many superb monuments and tombs. The elegant tree-lined avenues and bungalows of New Delhi evoke the period of the British rule. Yet both coexist alongside the modern world of internet cafés, shopping arcades and posh multiplex cinemas.
Delhi’s population swelled massively to accommodate the millions of people displaced by the Partition of India in 1947, when the western portion of Punjab became part of Pakistan. Homeless refugees from west Punjab have since prospered in Delhi, and now dominate the city’s commercial life. As the nation’s capital, Delhi continues to attract people from all over India, giving this vibrant city a resolutely cosmopolitan air.
The hardworking, resilient Punjabis have also transformed their home state with modern farming techniques, introduced in the 1960s. As a result of this “Green Revolution” Punjab and Haryana today produce much of India’s wheat and rice, and one-third of its dairy products. Punjab is are also among the most successful immigrant communities in the world, and today, almost every family has at least one member living abroad, whether in London, New York, Vancouver or Hong Kong, as portrayed in Mira Nair’s film, Monsoon Wedding (2001). The name “Punjab” refers to the five (panch) rivers (ab) which traverse this green land. The sixth “river”, if one can call it that, is the legendary Grand Trunk Road . Travelling almost anywhere north of Delhi, one is bound to use this route. The kind of traffic may have changed since Rudyard Kipling’s day, and it is now rather prosaically rechristened National Highway 1, but it still lives up to the author’s description: “Such a river of life exists nowhere in the world”.
During the Rajera, the British would escape from the summer heat of the plains and head for the hills. Today’s visitors follow in their footsteps all year round. Himachal Pradesh has a number of delightful hill stations, such as Shimla, Kasauli and Dalhousie. The hill-sides are covered with orchards, and apple farming is an important part of the state’s economy. Himachal Pradesh also offers spectacular treks, some of which start from Dharamsala, a town with a distinct Tibetan flavour as the home of the Dalai Lama. Himachal Tour by Swan Tours , offers a great holiday experience.
Jammu and Kashmir, which includes Ladakh, is India’s northernmost state. Tragically, the militant separatist movement in the beautiful Kashmir Valley has effectively put an end to tourism there.
But Ladakh remains an oasis of peace. Often perceived as having a purely Buddhist culture, its population is, in fact, almost equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims, who coexist here in harmony. Ladakh’s uniquely syncretic culture, together with its astonishing natural beauty and the dramatic architecture of its monasteries, make it one of India’s most fascinating areas.
For more travel information on the destinations in North India , contact Swan Tours – One of the leading travel agents in India since 1995
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