The rich plains of North India have nurtured many ancient civilisations that form an incredibly rich visual extravaganza. This rich cultural tapestry is woven with brilliant strands of many hues - dance, music, food, colours, costumes, languages, customs, festivals . a variety staggering in its appeal. The history of this land of the Vedas goes back at least 5000 years, the passage of the millennia peppered by the arrival of explorers, missionaries, envoys and traders. They all contributed to the cultural kaleidoscope that north India is today, a very colourful destination for the modern tourist.