By: by James Langford

A land of mystery, India can provide your most adventuresome clients a journey into a world of lost and forbidden cities, jungles that can hide elephants and tigers, oh my, as well as sculptures and architecture that can embrace the heart and one's imagination.

However, for the first time traveler to India, I would recommend Delhi, Mumbai (once known as Bombay), and a side trip to Agra to experience the Taj Mahal.

India is the home of some of the world's most ancient civilizations and the 7th largest country geographically in the world. Your customers can't see it all in one trip unless they move there.

A diverse and strongly religious country, and the home of Hinduism, the religions of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroashtrianism, Christianity and Islam all exist within India today. Also, there are more than 20 different languages spoken throughout the country.

Delhi is a major travel center into the country and is accessed by most airlines. The capital of India, it combines much of the old with a new and growing economy.

Delhi is actually divided into two separate parts. The original Delhi was one of the capitals of Muslim India between 1100 and 1800. This is where your clients will find the old forts and monuments that reflect the Muslim history of the country. New Delhi is the imperial city that was created as the capital during the period of the British Raj and covers a wide area that features wide boulevards and some of the country's most attractive plants and trees.

Such a monument is Qutab Minar, a 239 foot sandstone tower that was started in 1199 to proclaim the victory of Islam over the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. The tower dominates the countryside and consists of five stories, each one featuring a projecting surround balcony.

For students of England's reign of empire, the Coronation Durbar site, which is marked by a lonely obelisk north of the old city is a treasure. There is a 50 foot high statue of George V, who was declared Emperor of India in 1911, in a grove of acacia trees that was removed from a main thoroughfare after Indian independence in 1947. Nearby, visitors can access a walled garden that features a number of marble statues of former imperial dignitaries.

For dining, I would recommend Karim's, which has been in its present location since 1913 and is an excellent choice for any type of grilled meat.

The cuisine features a wide use of milk, cream, spices, dried fruit and nuts.

I also would recommend Bukhara in southwest Delhi. Your clients can watch the chefs at work in the kitchen as they prepare kebabs. The fun part of eating here is there is no cutlery. Diners are provided with aprons and eat with their hands. Juicy faces make great dinner partners.

Then, there is the Taj Mahal in Agra. I grew up hearing and reading about the seven ancient wonders of the world, including the pyramids, the statue of Zeus and the hanging gardens of Babylon. I'm not going to waste words trying to describe this temple. Sometimes you just have to be there, and you walk away with an image you never forget. Construction began in 1631 as a tomb for the wife of Shah Jehan. It was completed in 1648. It is overwhelming. Just access Taj Mahal on your computer.

Bombay, or Mumbai, on the other hand will provide you with more images than you can ever remember. India's largest city, and probably one of the most energetic your clients will ever see is just plain active, all the time.

The Gateway of India is Mumbai's defining landmark. This 85 foot yellow basalt gate was originally designed to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. It truly is breathtaking. However, it was not finished until 1924. The last British troops to leave India in 1947 marched through this gateway.

Marine Drive, which is Mumbai's seaside promenade, is an 8-lane highway that features a wide walkway and extends all the way to Chowpatty Beach. The walkway provides an uncluttered view of the Arabian Sea and the apartment buildings along the way are some of the most desirable in the city.

The beach is a popular attraction that comes alive at night and on Saturdays. Unfortunately, the sea is polluted, so no one swims. Your clients, however, can enjoy the promises of astrologers, the exotic dances created by snake charmers, the entreaties of a wide variety of people who give massages, and children having a wonderful time riding different Ferris wheels.

For those of your clients who are looking for something different and would like to watch a cricket match, definitely an English import, the Oval Maidan in Mumbai is a huge park where amateur cricketers of all ages gather on weekends to participate in a wide variety of matches. And, you can usually find someone who will try to explain the rules. It is free and a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours in the park.

For the more curious, and those who like caves, I recommend two sites.

From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. boats leave The Gateway of India every 30 minutes for Elephanta Island. The trip takes approximately an hour but it is worth it when you discover the rock-cut temples that are estimated to have been carved between 450 and 750 A.D. The main cave or temple features large sculptured panels. The most awesome is a large depiction of the god Shiva as the ultimate creator, preserver and destroyer.

North of the city of Mumbai, your clients can discover the Kanheri Caves, which are spread out through hills that house a virgin forest. These caves were used by monks for shelter during the four months of the monsoon season and are thought to date from the second to the ninth century A.D. To really enjoy these unique antiquities, have your clients visit during the week. They can also travel by train from Churchgate station in Mumbai to Borivli East. It takes about 50 minutes.

I strongly recommend that your first time travelers to India visit the country as part of a tour. The country is beautiful and unique in many ways.

But the wide diversity of cultures and the economy can make travel there a challenge for individuals on their own.

But, of course, that's why we do travel.

Jim Langford is the president of the Pharmer Group, a communications consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.