From quiet, ancient Indus Valley Civilization ruins in Mohenjo-daro to the 12 million inhabitants of modern Mumbai, India is a study in contrasts. The three main regions of the country, the south, north and northeast, are as different as they are similar. Foodies will delight in the many and varied regional cuisines, with seafood served in the coastal states and spice-layered vegetarian or paneer (Indian cheese curd) dishes in the inland states. The use of fresh fruits, vegetables rice and lentils is common everywhere. Indian festivals are religious and cultural, with dance, music and food. They include Republic Day, a celebration of independence, on Jan. 26, and Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in October or November. Architecture buffs have hundreds of temples and monuments to
