Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to India is describing it in a few words. India is a potpourri of cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs. Its great diversity is also reflected in its landscape, which boasts a great coastline and mighty deserts, snowcapped mountains and enormous plains. Bewilderment gives way to fascination, and before you know it, fascination to love. That, in essence, is the magic of India.
There are many ways of experiencing India, and each way gifts you with special memories. Surprises wait in store at every turn while embarking on a new journey. You experience India in many ways, while interacting with its people, taking a train ride, reveling in the beauty of its culture and seeking adventure in its fabulous landscape. In this blog, we tell you some of the amazing travel experiences in India that make you fall in love with this country.
Take a Golden Triangle Tour
India’s Golden Triangle Tour is a tourist circuit which covers the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? All of these cities boasts splendid monuments, bustling bazaars and a glorious history. Visiting them is an enriching experience. Consider this: on a golden triangle tour, you get to visit the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and City Palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cities covered in this tour boast a fascinating history, heritage and culture. While Delhi is all about the old-school charm, Agra is about coming face to face with Mughal resplendence. In Jaipur, its all about opulence and grandeur.
Get a Glimpse of India’s Culture
India’s culture is represented in its festivals, music, cuisines and in its streets. Try participating in a festival which, and if, it coincides with your visit. Interact with the people, listen to Indian music and taste the various cuisines that India has to offer. Take a trip to the renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves or marvel at the artistic excellence on display at the great Chola Temples. Attend a Yoga session or learn about the cuisine of the city or state you go to. Your travel experience in India is incomplete without experiencing its culture.
Beaches and Backwaters: Two amazing Experiences
India, with its enormous coastline, is blessed with many incredible beaches. Goa is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destinations in India when it comes to beaches. However, there are other states like Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where you can enjoy a day out on the beach. Then there are the backwaters of Kerala which are best experienced on traditional Alleppey houseboats called “kettuvallam”. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of lakes, canals and lagoons, besides being oases of serenity. Taking a ride through these takes you to those rural parts of Kerala which you would be unaware of otherwise.
Luxury Train Tour: The way to Experience Royalty
Have you ever wanted to get a taste of India’s royalty? Luxury trains let you do that. When you step into a luxury train, the grandeur and splendor catches your attention. It’s like taking a huge leap back in time and reliving the lifestyle of a Maharaja. As the train takes you through India’s most scenic destinations, you are pampered with the most magnificent hospitality. This is one travel experience which you should not miss out on. The famous luxury trains of India are Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot. These luxury recreate the royal aura while taking you to the most fabulous destinations in India.
Reveling in the Beauty of the Hills
Without a doubt, you will have some of the top travel experiences in India by travelling to the hills. Be it Shimla or Ooty, Shillong or Munnar, it’s a delight breathing the fresh mountain air and leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. In these hills, you find solitude in abundance, while getting a chance to explore the heritage in many of them. Hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim also offer adventure in good measure, along with the incredible sightseeing opportunities they provide. Trekking activities at these places are most famous. Hampta Pass Trek, Goecha La Trek, etc are a must go, if you are there.
Create Special Honeymoon Memories
Planning to spend your honeymoon in India? That’s great, because there are a lot of places which are as romantic as it gets. Looking to party? Head to Goa. Want a dash of adventure with romance? Nothing better than Manali, Gangtok or Andaman. Excited by the idea of romancing amidst royal settings? Udaipur awaits you. There are many destinations, each of which provide something special.
The many Colors of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states of India. It boasts a glorious history, much of which can be explored in its larger than life forts and palaces. Its cuisine is as exciting as its folk music and dance, and you never know what lies ahead. A desert safari in Jaisalmer is extremely exciting, as is a wildlife safari to Ranthambore National Park. Get a taste of the famous “daal-baati-churma” or purchase a traditional “jooti” from one of its bustling markets. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty that is Rajasthan.
Stay at a Royal Palace
Being in India, your travel experience should also be royal. Staying at a royal palace brings to life all your fancies of staying at fairytale-like palaces and enjoying the same kind of hospitality normally reserved for Maharajas and princes of yore. There are several palaces that were converted into hotels. However¸ their existence as heritage hotels of India in no way diminished their splendor or grandeur. There are several places in India where you can bring this royal travel experience to life. You could stay at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur (the same hotel which featured in a James Bond movie), or you could head to Hyderabad and stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace (it once served as the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad). You can also experience royalty in the dreamy environs of Leh at the Stok Palace (which is till today the residential palace of the descendants of King Sengge Namgyal).
Time for some Rejuvenation and Relaxation
Although Yoga has earned a worldwide popularity, India is where it all began. On your trip to India, take some time out to practice Yoga and meditation, or undergo an Ayurveda treatment. You could head to Kerala, where Ayurveda is still practiced in its original form, or make your way to Rishikesh, where the soothing ambience combined with the best Yoga and meditation sessions work wonders for your body and mind. In addition, there are several spa resorts all across India which provide the best healing to your mind, body and soul. This is important because, travel is as much about exploring the inner self as the outer world.
See the Unseen side of India
Just take a trip across India. Travel anywhere, get lost in the crowd, stay overnight in a tent and try to feel the pulse of India. As vague and daunting as it sounds, this is the only way of experiencing the real India. Forget about the touristy destinations for some time, go offbeat. Take the untaken path. Don’t be just another traveler, be the one that is talked about. There are many places which still lie hidden from the prying eyes of the tourists. It could be any part of India, any state, any region, these unseen places fulfill your purpose of experiencing an amazing travel journey. A few examples are Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, Gokarna and Halebid in Karnataka, Bundi in Rajasthan and Patan in Gujarat, to name a few.
In the Heart of India
Which state lies in the heart of India? Madhya Pradesh, with Madhya meaning central. It is one of the top places to visit in India because of its cultural, historical and natural significance. Travelling through this state, you come across the Sanchi Stupa, reminding you of its ancient past and Buddhist heritage. It also houses some of the best national parks in the country like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench National Park. In Madhya Pradesh, you also come across several forts and palaces, thanks to the city’s royal past. Ever heard of Khajuraho Group of Temples? This is where to find them.
The Tribal Communities of India
There are a large number of tribal communities in India, each with its own history, language, dance and music. Some say the number exceeds more than 500. From the remotest parts of northeast India to the westernmost part of India, namely Rajasthan and Gujarat, tribal communities are scattered all over India. After all, it is the tribal people of India that have played a key role in preserving the ecosystem. Some of the tribal communities in India are the Santhals in West Bengal, Bhils in Rajasthan and Chenchu in Andhra Pradesh, besides others. However, your tribal exploration is incomplete without visiting northeast India, which is inhabited by several tribes. They are famous for their culture of music and dance.
What the South has to Offer
A lot, actually! It’s in the South that you come across temples dating back to ancient times and traditions being practiced in continuity for thousands of years. Some of the best beaches are located in South India, as are the Ayurveda resorts. If Tamil Nadu prides itself on Marine Beach, Kerala delights itself on its elegant backwaters. The cuisine of South India, differs widely from the North, as does the manner of serving and consumption. One country, several experiences. That’s India for you.
Head to the West
Many of the top experiences in India are to be had in the western part of India. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Maharashtra. After exploring the forts and palaces along with the wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat and Rajasthan, head to Goa and Maharashtra for exploring the caves, partying on the beaches and visiting some of the oldest churches in India.
Looking for a Dash of Adventure?
India, with its mountains, valleys, high passes and roaring rivers, provides abundant opportunities for adventure. Battle the dangerous passes in Ladakh or try rock climbing, cliff jumping and river rafting in Rishikesh. Mountain climbing in Sikkim or caving in Meghalaya, all you have to do is choose the kind of adventure you want.
About Author: Rekha Bisht is a travel enthusiast who loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places of the world. She loves to share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. For planning memorable holidays in India or any world destination, you follow her write-ups.
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What a fantastic post you shared. Thank you so much for sharing this post
Very nice information, your blog is awesome thanks for sharing such a nice information .
Great post such a nice information thanks for sharing.
Amazing Collection about India. As I’m from Kerala I really love the incredible experience in Alleppey..
Hi,
I must say that the blog has been meticulously written, covering many aspects of India. Your blog is very informative and useful in viewing India from many perspectives. But, I personally feel that an important part of India i.e., pilgrimage has been skipped. The country reveres many religions and beliefs. Every pilgrimage has its own religious significance. Every year lots of devotees go for Char Dham Yatra and pay homage at religious temples in India. Even the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi and Haridwar lures a number of visitors from all around the world. Thus, I would like to suggest to add this important aspect of India in your content as well.
nice blog i really like it ………………