The West of India offers the traveller the chance to visit bustling, vibrant cities as well as peaceful villages and beaches.

Though steeped in history, Bangalore, the capital of the state of Kamataka, is now a thriving ‘Silicon Valley’. It does, however, still retain a flavour of its colonial past with its magnificent State Assembly building, attractive botanical gardens and many relics of the Raj. The nearby city of Mysore is an explosion of colour with its fabled palace and bazaars.

Mumbai (formerly Bombay), capital of Maharashtra, is now the financial capital of India and a busy port redolent of the days of the Raj, while Elephanta Island, in the bay, is a reminder of ancient times with its decorated rock-cut temples.

A get-away from steamy summer days in Mumbai, the hill station of Pune (or Poona), now a prestigious university town, still plays an important role.

Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is now famous for its golden, sun-drenched beaches. Popular with budget travellers as well as those seeking upmarket resorts, it is linked by rail and air with Mumbai and other centres.

Gujarat is a state of many colours. The south has provided the backdrop to countless Bollywood films, while the desert to the west is home to numerous villages built on mounds as protection against the monsoon floods. Almost cut off from the outside world, the villagers spend their time creating unique tapestries and woven goods, afire with colour and sparkle. A visit to their markets is a truly a feast for all the senses.

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