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India
This is a land of
diversity, a vast country harbouring an
immense variety of scenery that ranges from
the palm-edged beaches of the tropical south
to the snows of the mighty Himalayas.
In between there are jungles and forests,
lush river valleys and barren deserts, busy
modern cities and quiet villages to explore
and provide an endless series of surprises
and pleasures. With a recorded history
of more than 4000 years of empires that have
risen and fallen, religions that have taken
root and flourished, a succession of foreign
invasions and conquests of trade, India
has always been an irresistible magnet.
In the 16th and
17th centuries, Agra was the capital of
India under the Mughals, and its superb
monuments date from this era. They
include the magnificent Agra Fort and
the Taj Mahal, which draws millions of
people from all over the world.
Udaipur (City of
Sunrise) is the capital of the erstwhile
kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest
surviving dynasties in the world which
was established around 1567 A.D.
Legend has it that the royal Rajput
rules are descended from the Sun God.
The golden sun, representing the Sun
God, is still the royal insignia of the
Maharana of Mewar. The chequered
history of Mewar is showcased in the
city with its rich and beguiling
tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts,
temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting
the varied influences of the centuries.
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