On the eve of his nine-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has said it gives him great joy to be returning to the 'remarkable' country for which he has always had a 'particular affection.'

The highlight of the Prince's tour will be a meeting with President A P J Abdul Kalam and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
 
He will visit a number of voluntary organisations during his three-day stay in the Capital. He will also visit Rajasthan for four days and spend two days in Mumbai.

Prince Charles last visited India in 1992.
 
"As a great admirer of India's rich history and architectural treasures, not to mention her religious and cultural traditions, I am very keen to highlight the important restoration and conservation work being carried out to protect this unique heritage.

"But I am also keen to see some of the latest developments in India -- and how strong links with Britain continue to grow for our mutual benefit," the Prince said commenting on his visit, according to a British High Commission release.