There is a reason the National Geographic magazine chose to do an in-depth feature on the Bishnois and their commitment to the environment. Their now famous photo of the Bishnoi woman suckling a young deer had a tremendous impact and left the world awe struck. In an age where cutting ancient trees and uprooting forests isn’t given as much as a second thought, the philosophy, the life and the religion of the Bishnois is one that stands out. The Bishnois can be considered one of India’s and perhaps the world’s earliest environmentalists. Their 500 year old religion was founded by Guru Jambeshwar who established two clear principles . The first instructs the Bishnois not to cut down green trees and the second asks them to be kind and compassionate to all living beings.

MAJULI ISLAND, ASSAM

Located on the river Brahmaputra, Majuli is the largest fresh water island in India. 200 km from Guwahati it is accessible by ferries from Jorhat city which is about 20 km away. With a population of approximately 1.6 lacs Majuli is rich in ethnic culture and traditions.

India is a country rich in history and culture, from centuries of diverse and fascinating intermingling.

If you happen to visit Ladakh in the summer try your best to align your holiday with the Hemis Festival. The festival commemorates the birth of the revered Guru Padamasambhava who is said to have brought the tantric form of Buddhism to the Himalayan kingdom.

Travelling is not always about reaching your destination, a major chunk of the fun lies in the journey as well. If you happen to be a nature lover, road trips are a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and soak it all in so that the memories linger for a long time to come.

When it comes to festivals, no other country can quite equal India in terms of diversity in culture, customs and tradition. The country sees a number of festivals throughout the year celebrating a variety of religions, sects, beliefs, and values.

There is no better way to explore Benaras than by walking through the lanes and by-lanes of this ancient city and experiencing for yourself all that it has to offer. The magnificent city rises from the western banks of the Ganga and is known as the spiritual capital of India.

The soul of our country lies in its interiors. Taking off from that, the Dera Village Retreat near the charming village of Kalakho is a property that provides an immersive and unique experience in the heart of Rajasthan.