India is a fantastic world of its own. It is a large country with warm tropical land to deserts, beaches and snow-peaked Himalayas. Age old Hindu civilization, culture, god-men, yoga gurus, snake charmers and traditional lifestyles still flourish today. By the 11th century a new influence appeared in India - that of Islam. Majestic palaces, forts and monuments of powerful Muslim emperors testify the golden age of their rule. The first European reached the shores of India in the 15th century. In 1876 queen Victoria was crowned empress of "British India" which included the present Pakistan and Bangladesh. The diversity in geography, culture, tradition, religion and lifestyle make India an exceptional tourist destination.