A clump of Petunia flowers in summer, Nishat Gardens, Kashmir, India.

Saxifrage flower in Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi National Park, Himalaya, India. Valley of Flowers: In the Himalayan region of Garhwal, in Uttranchal state, the captivating Valley of Flowers is a paradise on Earth. With a touch of mystique and

Saffron petunia flowers blooming wild at Tapovan near Joshimath, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, North India. The forests of Tapovan in their green shade hide the temple of Bhavishya Badri.

Makaibari (91-354-233-0181; www.makaibari.org) charges 750 rupees a person a night or 1,400 rupees for two, all meals included. Reservations can be made through its Calcutta office (91-33-2287-8560). Homestays with Makaibari workers can also be