Indian Subcontinent

Overview

The Indian subcontinent is a region of Asia centered around the Indian continental plate. The subcontinent has a range of scenery varying massively from North to South. In the far South there are the beautiful low lying atolls of the Maldives, you head further North to the beautiful beaches of India and Sri Lanka, further north still and the highest mountains in the world become visible.

Many of the countries are former colonies of Britain and as such were part of one colony, British India. It was partitioned in to India, Pakistan (at the time two disjoint regions east and west) , Burma (now Myanmar) and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), East Pakistan is now Bangladesh. The line between India and Pakistan divided the region in to it's mostly Hindu area, India, and it's mostly Muslim region, Pakistan (which included modern day Bangladesh). The placement of this line has caused some problems in the area that still continue today.

The region has been the origin of several of the worlds major religions, including Hinduism and Sikhism. Religion separates the countries, as well as India and Pakistan, Bhutan is close to being completely Buddhist, and actively seeks to maintain a Buddhist way of life for it's people. The devout nature of the areas inhabitants is visible in the architecture throughout, from the Islamic style Taj Mahal in Agra to the multitude of Hindu Temples throughout India to relatively humble Buddhist prayer walls in the mountains of Nepal.

The region boasts beautiful beaches, tall mountains, a humble culture and deep spirituality. The beaches allow for deserved relaxation session, the Mountains afford excellent opportunities for the adventurous and the culture will not be missed wherever you find yourself.

Note//Some of the Beach areas were badly affected by the Tsunami at the end of 2004 although the extent varies from place to place.