Holidays in West India

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The western part of India comprises the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. What makes this part of India special is that each of these three states, though in the same geographical categorization, are fundamentally different from each other in tone, culture and spirit. Starting with Maharasthra we have Mumbai, the throbbing center of the fashion and commercial capital of the country with its indomitable spirit, its bindaas attitude, the beloved Bollywood, the awesome dabba-syatem and the relentless monsoon.

Maharashtra is also home to the Ajanta caves said to be amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art and sculpture and believed to have been created by Buddhist monks on the walls of caves possibly during the monsoons when the world outside became inaccessible. The caves at Ellora are equally spellbinding and are 34 in number with 12 being Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain.

Other than this there is ‘Elephanta’ which was so named by the Portuguese after an elephant shaped sculpture they found on the island. The most spectacular part of these caves is the energy and passion with which different aspects of Shiva's paradoxical nature are expressed.

The Western coast of India contains another tourist gem –the beach city of Goa. Goa requires no introduction. It is a place of sand, sun, surf and splendour. From the quaint villages in the city to the Portuguese influence evident in its churches, its local fishing community, its delectable cuisine of seafood in particular, its song, dance and bonfires, this is a place where one can just relax and party, interspersing these moments with times of peace and quiet, and orange sunsets against the rising waves.

As far as Gujarat, the land of the traditional garba, is concerned, this is a state that fills you with joy at the sheer sight of its mirror work, its flamboyant odhnis, its silver jewellary, and full-bodied vibrant skirts. Gujarat is especially famous for its rich handicrafts and the beautiful woodwork still found in its homes and markets.

West India therefore, is a mix of Jain, Muslim, Portuguese, Christian, Islamic and Hindu traditions- a true merging of the Indian spirit. With the Arabian sea lying to its west, and a tropical rain-forested coastline running all along its border with the waves, this is a part of India that is lovable for its uniqueness, its contemporary spirit and its universal appeal.