Here, to ease out your travel plans, we are listing out the best ways to experience the glory of India.
1. Indulge in the festivities- One of the best things to do in India is to participate in festive celebrations. Every religion has its own beliefs and deities, which are honoured at thousands of festivals across the nation. Holi, when the entire country is drenched in colours, and Diwali, when the heavens are lit with earthen lamps, and Eid, when Muslims feast after a month of hard fasting, are some of India ’s greatest festivals in North India. Pongal and Onam are celebrated throughout many states in the South, with boat races and classical dance performances as the main attractions. East India comes all more alive during Durga Puja and Hornbill Festivals. Kutch Utsav and Pushkar Festival bring out the charm of West India. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Hemis Festival, also attract lakhs of people from across the world.
Festivals Recommended:
Holi- Nothing compares to experiencing Holi in Vrindavan for a taste of culture. Holi, a festival of colours, is celebrated in northern and eastern India, but none compares to the fervour with which it is celebrated in this small town. The place and its people are drenched in colour and the spirit of Holi on the festival's day. People from all over the world have gathered to watch this playful and colorful festival.
Diwali- Fondly called the ‘Festival of Lights’, this festival is grandly celebrated throughout India. Making the victory of good over evil, this festival is breathtakingly amazing to witness in Ayodhya, home of Lord Rama. It is believed that after 14 years of exile, this day he returned back to his home and was crowned as the king. Glittering earthen lamps, shimmery lights, lots of sweets and firecrackers etc. make this festival a grand spectacle.
3. Treat your tastebuds with amazing flavours of India- When it comes to delectable cuisines, India is unrivalled. Traditional Indian cuisine, which is well-known all over the world, is available. India produces a wide variety of herbs and spices that add a unique flavour to any dish. There is a wide range of rich tastes available, from mouthwatering spicy food to irresistible desserts. One of the best ways to experience the best of India is to eat good quality food at affordable prices. Biryani, Idli – Sambar, Pav Bhaji, Dhokla, Dal-Baati-Churma, Rasgulla, Chole Bhature, Chaat, and Pitha are some of the most common Indian dishes.
Places Recommended:
Delhi- An amazing place to explore the flavours of India if you are running short of time to visit through places. From Kashmir’s Kahwa tea to Kerala’s Dosa, one can find it all here. Although the taste might not be as authentic as it would be locally, you will get the taste of it. Protip- explore Dilli Haat.
Mumbai- If Delhi is the national capital, Mumbai is the commercial capital. Distinctively diverse, Mumbai will treat you with the flavours of India differently in combination with samples of Parsi and other variations of cuisines. Do not forget to taste much loved Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji at Chowpatty.
5. Explore the Wildlife of India- No travel to India is complete without a visit to one of the country's national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. The diverse variety of wildlife found in India fascinates visitors, with the Royal Bengal Tiger serving as the main attraction. Taking a safari into the deep jungle is the perfect way to learn about India's wildlife. A unique journey greets you at Jammu & Kashmir's Hemis National Park, one of the world's highest altitude parks, where the snow leopard is a famed attraction. In Assam's Kaziranga National Park, one-horned rhinoceros can be seen in abundance (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Center). The majestic Royal Bengal Tigers can be seen in places like Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal. Gir National Park is famous for Asiatic Lions whereas Bandipur National Park for majestic Indian Elephants. Let’s not forget about Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary and Chilika Lake, utterly famed for bird watching.
Places Recommended:
Ranthambore National Park- Located in Rajasthan, this is one of the largest Wildlife National Parks in India. A Tiger reserve declared in 1973, this park is home of ‘Machchli’- world’s most photographed tigress who lived for 19 long years. Take a jeep safari in scorching summers from March-June for spotting a tiger.
Kaziranga National Park- This National Park is Assam’s gem, located by the river Brahmapurta, it is famous for endangered one horned rhinos. Although it's a long journey from Delhi to Kaziranga, it's worth every effort. Best time to visit is anytime except monsoons when the majority of the park is flooded and it isn’t safe enough.
7. Be enchanted by the temples of India- Temples can be found in India on almost every corner of the street. The temple's majestic architectural beauty can be seen, and the best of India can be experienced. Travelers from all over the world visit India solely to admire the temple's beauty. In addition, India is home to the world's richest temple (the Padmanabhaswamy Temple). The history of the temples to visit in India hypnotises you.
Places Recommended:
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai- The Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, Lord Shiva's consort, and is located in the heart of Madurai. It has long been a popular tourist destination in India and abroad, as well as one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. The temple is the epicentre of Madurai's cultural and religious life.
Golden Temple, Amritsar- It is not only a place of worship for the Sikhs, but also a centre of brotherhood, also known as Shri Harmindar Sahib, Golden Temple is world famous for its beauty and free meals (langar). Thousands of visitors, tourists, and adherents visit daily to worship, pray, volunteer, and soak up the peaceful vibes at the Golden Temple, which is both the spiritual and temporal centre of the religion. Because of the size of the gurudwara and the number of tourists, the langar at Golden Temple follows this practise on a grand scale.
9. Visit the Historic Monuments- Forts and palaces are strongly associated with India, and many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At popular sites such as Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Mysore Palace, Golconda Fort, and the Taj Mahal's walls of gleaming white marble, you will be confronted with unparalleled opulence and grandeur.
Places Recommended:
Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal in Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a monumental ode to everlasting love. Mumtaz Mahal's husband, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, commissioned this 17th-century mausoleum for her. The Taj, widely regarded as one of the world's most majestic structures, beautifully reflects the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and grandeur. Its beauty has earned it the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World as well as listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amer Fort- The fort is a jewel in Jaipur's crown. Every day, over 5,000 visitors flock to the fort to take in its royal grandeur. The fort of Amer has also been added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The fort was founded in 1592 by Rajput ruler Raja Man Singh. The fort is a well-known historical landmark and a fine example of Rajputana architecture. The Amer Fort is one of Rajasthan's oldest forts.
11. Travel through India on Luxury Trains- Indian luxury trains are styled after the royal carriages used by Maharajas in the past, and have an atmosphere that is undeniably royal. Maharajas' Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and The Golden Chariot are the four most famous luxury trains in India. While you are also taken to the most famous tourist attractions, there is no effort left in pampering and treating you royally.
Trains Recommended:
Palace on Wheels- One of the most memorable ways to experience India's stately splendour is to travel on the Palace on Wheels. The carriages have been restored to look like the Maharajas' original saloon carriages. The train flags off from Delhi, making way to Jaipur, continuing to Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur/Agra while coming back to Delhi.
The Golden Chariot- In South India, The Golden Chariot offers exquisitely designed luxury train tours. The Golden Chariot, a project of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), visits World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular palaces, and cultural sites in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This train follows several itineraries which needed to be checked beforehand.
India is a gem for tourists in all walks of life, from visiting historical sites to strutting onto a camel into the wild and seeing some of nature's most beautiful landscapes. There are so many things to do and places to see in India. You'll be spoilt for decisions! Ask our travel experts on suggestions or designing your perfect vacation.
