When you think about India, you first think about the Taj Mahal. Agra enjoys the prime position for top-of-the-mind recall about India. The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned architectural marvel. You can be astounded by the beautifully built mausoleum of I'timād-ud-Daulah. Also, you can visit the famed Agra Fort. Saunter around in the splendid garden complex of Mehtab Baug, from where you can treasure the panoramic sight of the Taj.
“If there is paradise on earth, it is here”, says an old Kashmiri poem; no denying that. You can stay on the magnificent Dal lake in a ‘Shikhara’ (Kashmiri houseboat). Take a stroll in the Shalimar Gardens. Go on a day-long trek to the shrines of Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath cave. Visit Buddhist monasteries in the desert region of Ladakh. Drive up to the Pangong Tso (lake) to witness the bluish hues of the water against the desert backdrop.
Rajasthan is home to the most architecturally exquisite structures in the country and it's source of pride is the vibrant culture of the desert state. In Jodhpur, you can visit the colossal and awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort, which is touted to be one of the biggest forts in the country. Enjoy the panoramic view of blue-painted houses from the fort. You can stay at the Umaid Bhavan Palace and feel like a maharaja. Pay your respects at the Jaswant Thada, which was built to honour the then Maharaja. Or enjoy the evening sunset at the Balsamand lake.
Khajuraho is home to some of the most detailed, stone-sculpted Hindu and Jain temples. The Kandariya Mahadeva, the Lakshman, the Chaturbhuj, the Javari and the Devi Jagdamba temples are some of the popular sights. You can also visit the Panna Tiger Reserve, which is barely an hour away, for an overnight stay at one of the luxury forest lodges.
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is home to over 2000 temples. The Kashi Vishwanath temple, where Lord Shiva is venerated, is among the 12 jyotirlingas in India. Head out on the river Ganga in a boat excursion to search for river dolphins. Experience the sunrise from the splendid Dashashwamedh Ghat or the Assi Ghat, of the 87 ghats that were built centuries ago in Varanasi.
Kerala is also known as ‘God’s Own Country’; rightfully so. Sojourn at one of the treehouses & enjoy the wildlife in Thekkady. Or stay at the colonial bungalows in the tea gardens of Munnar. Cruise in the backwaters on the Vembanad lake and stay in a ‘Kettuvallam’, a traditional houseboat. Shop for spices at the spice market in Kochi (Cochin), known to be one of the oldest trading centres in India.
Darjeeling is a quaint little hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. Take a trip on the heritage train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Swing by at one of the tea estates and learn how to pick tea leaves. Trek up to the Tiger Hill and witness the majestic view of Mount Everest. Visit the Himalayan Zoological Park to see the red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves. Take in the breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga while sipping on the world famous Darjeeling tea in one of the cafes.
Popularly referred to as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Pay a visit to the Jaipur City Palace, which is still home to the royal family of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal provides for an excellent photo-op. Visit the Jantar-Mantar to be amazed by the Samrat Yantra, one of the world’s largest sundials. Hire a rickshaw (tuk-tuk) & ride up to the gargantuan hill fort of Amer. En route, take in the picturesque view of the Jal Mahal.
Welcome to India’s party capital. Dance the night away at one the clubs or just sit back and relax on the pristine beaches of Goa, sipping on the famous King’s beer. You can pay respects to the well-preserved body of St. Francis Xavier’s at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. You can visit the Aguada Fort for some amazing pictures, or trek up to catch a glimpse of the Dudhsagar falls, for an offbeat experience.
Shimla was the summer capital of British India, and it has not abandoned it’s colonial past even today. You can visit the Ridge, which is equivalent to a town square in any of the European cities. It a cultural hub of Shimla. You can shop on the Mall Road. Visit India’s second oldest church, the Christ Church. Take a trip to the ancient Jakhoo temple.
And the Incredible India story doesn't just end here. There’s so much more to experience in a country as diverse as India.
1 Opinion
Share
