When it comes to travel, there is no place on earth as varied and intense as India. It’s 3.2 million sq km big, has over 1.4 billion people, and 22 official languages. It has 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Taj Mahal and the famous Hawa Mahal and is the spiritual birthplace of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.
But India’s wonders aren’t just famous monuments there are also hidden gems like Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are equally amazing. Tourism contributes 9.2% to its GDP and India is one of the fastest growing travel destinations in the world. Get ready to dive into its culture, adventure and festivals as this guide reveals the famous and the offbeat of India.
Cultural tourism in India takes you through its century’s old history, intricate architecture and spiritual traditions. India’s heritage is embedded in its cities, temples and monuments which reflect the ancient dynasties and diverse religious beliefs that have shaped the country.
The Pink City is an architectural wonder with its royal palaces and forts. The City Palace consists of beautiful courtyards and museums that showcase the Rajput and Mughal eras. Nearby is the Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a view and a glimpse of Rajasthan’s royal past. Not only these but there are many Tourist Places Near Jaipur to explore.
One of the holiest cities in Hinduism, Varanasi is a spiritual destination famous for its ghats along the Ganges River. The daily Ganga Aarti, a ritual worship of the river, attracts pilgrims and tourists. The narrow lanes are also full of ancient temples and bustling markets, perfect for soaking in India’s spiritualism.
The city is a melting pot of cultures that offers a perfect blend of ancient and modern attractions. Visit the Red Fort, the symbol of India’s Mughal heritage and Humayun’s Tomb. Old Delhi’s narrow streets and bazaars are steeped in history, as you see it all unfold as you visit Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar. India Gate and the Presidential Rashtrapati Bhavan are colonial era landmarks.
Explore Dilwalo ki Dilli with this Delhi Travel Guide
A sacred city for Sikhs, Amritsar is where you find the beautiful Golden Temple. The temple’s reflection in the holy Amrit Sarovar (tank) is stunning and the daily langar (community kitchen) feeds thousands of people of all backgrounds every day. Amritsar is also a historical site, with Jallianwala Bagh nearby where a massacre during British rule was a significant chapter in India’s freedom movement.
Cultural tourism in India is as varied as the country itself. From the palaces of Rajasthan to the ghats of Varanasi, every nook and corner is a window to its cultural heritage. Navigate each of these paces with your group in comfort of Tempo Traveller.
India’s diverse geography from the Himalayas in the north to the deserts of Rajasthan is an adventure playground. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking to push your limits or a nature lover looking to see the picturesque landscape of India has plenty of adventure options.
Trekking in the Himalayas: The Indian Himalayas has endless trekking options from easy trails for beginners to challenging routes for experienced trekkers. Triund trek in McLeodGanj with views of the Dhauladhar range and the Markha Valley trek in Ladakh with rugged landscapes and Buddhist monasteries are popular ones.
River Rafting in Rishikesh: The Ganges River has some of the best white water rafting in the country with rapids ranging from Grade I to IV. Besides rafting Rishikesh also has camping, bungee jumping and hiking making it a hub for adventure seekers.
Desert Safari in Rajasthan: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is a great place for desert adventures. Camel safaris in Jaisalmer with nights spent in desert camps under the stars is an experience of India’s desert landscapes like never before.
Skiing in Gulmarg: While in Jammu and Kashmir, technically, Gulmarg is North India’s number one skiing destination. With its snow and views, it’s at par with the best ski resorts in the world. The slopes are for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Planning a Road Trip in India? Check out Distance Between Famous Cities.
North India is famous for its big and varied festivals, each rooted in the culture and traditions of its states. These festivals not only celebrate life but also attract people from all over the world because of their fun, colourful and festive vibe.
Holi: It is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana and marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is most famously celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan where Lord Krishna’s playful stories are reenacted and the whole city turns into a rainbow as people throw colours. Celebrations also include music, dance and gujiya.
Diwali: Festival of Lights is an important religious and cultural festival across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and homes are lit up with diyas to signify the victory of light over darkness. Fireworks light up the sky and families come together to exchange gifts, feast and worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth for prosperity and well being.
Janmashtami: Celebrated as the birth of Lord Krishna is especially important in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Mathura and Vrindavan become the hub of this festival, temples are beautifully decorated and devotees reenact episodes from Krishna’s life. In many places Dahi Handi is the main event where human pyramids are formed to break a pot filled with yoghurt, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter.
Indian cuisine is all about great flavours, big dishes and a million of ingredients. Each dish tells a story of the region and its people. The food is often indulgent, spicy and packed with flavours for all tastes. It is tough o name all Indian dishes in one blog, but have a look at most famous food of India that you can enjoy on your next India Trip.
Butter Chicken and Naan: From Punjab, butter chicken is the most popular dish worldwide. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce, full of cream and spices. Traditionally served with naan, an oven baked flatbread brushed with butter or ghee, this is the ultimate North Indian meal.
Chole Bhature: A street food from Delhi and Punjab, chole bhature is a spicy and tasty dish made from chickpeas (chole) in a thick and tangy gravy with fluffy deep-fried bread called bhature. It’s a breakfast dish but can be had at any time of the day.
Malpua: Found in the sweet shops of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Malpua is a syrupy dessert that will tickle your taste buds with its crispy outside and soft inside. Made from flour, sugar and sometimes milk or khoya, these small pancakes are deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup, often served during festivals like Holi and Diwali.
Daal Baati: A Rajasthani staple, Daal Baati is a big dish of wheat dumplings (baati) served with a spicy lentil curry (daal). The baatis are traditionally baked over a wood fire until crispy and golden and served with a dollop of ghee. Often served with chutneys and a side of rice or churma (a sweet mixture made from crushed baatis).
Dosa Sambhar: You can relish specialty of South India- Dosa, Idli and Sambhar anywhere in India. One of the most popular cuisine is available in restaurants in varieties. Dosa is prepared with rice and lentils while Sambhar is a curry with lots of veggies and lentils again.
What every you choose to eat in India, we are sure that you will get a pleasing and mouth watering experience.
India is where culture, adventure and food come together to make for an amazing travel experience. From its historical monuments and spiritual centres to its stunning landscapes and bustling markets India has so much to offer. Whether you want to find your inner self in Varanasi, go on an adventure in the Himalayas or take a food tour of Delhi, India has it all.
