India Unfolds
India is truly incredible, but you won't know that until you see it. Its length and breadth are sprinkled with unique and memorable destinations that are a joy for travellers. From famous must-sees to less - known gems, we take you on a tour, alphabetically.
Agra and the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an utter cliché for India and is now a cheesy symbol of love. The plastic replicas and snow globes peddled in its vicinity are proof of that. Yet, when you set eyes upon it for the first time, it’s impossible not to exult. Possibly the world’s most famous mausoleum, it is an edifice of exquisite grace and perfection. Everyone knows it was built by Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. But much about its construction is still wrapped in myth, making it all that more alluring. There’s more to Agra, seat of the Mughal empire, than the Taj. The impressive Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also Fatehpur Sikri and other ancient buildings, whispering stories of India’s past.
Golden Triangle Tour India
The Taj Mahal is an utter cliché for India and is now a cheesy symbol of love. The plastic replicas and snow globes peddled in its vicinity are proof of that. Yet, when you set eyes upon it for the first time, it’s impossible not to exult. Possibly the world’s most famous mausoleum, it is an edifice of exquisite grace and perfection. Everyone knows it was built by Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. But much about its construction is still wrapped in myth, making it all that more alluring. There’s more to Agra, seat of the Mughal empire, than the Taj. The impressive Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also Fatehpur Sikri and other ancient buildings, whispering stories of India’s past.
Golden Triangle Tour India
Wow Factor The Taj Mahal by night is a special experience as moonlight plays on the marble. It’s open to the public from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am on full moon nights.
Backwater Cruises in Alleppey
In God’s Own Country, Alleppey is a corner of paradise, lush, green and serene. By far the best way to experience Alleppey and its backwaters is to cruise along them in a rice boat. These long boats, crafted entirely from local materials, were once used to ply rice and other goods. Now they are a hot tourist attraction. Take a seat on the deck and be enchanted by the passing scene. Glide by coconut and plantain groves. See whitewashed churches amidst emerald fields and take in the daily life of villages humming along at an unhurried pace. For a full-on backwaters stay, you can check into a houseboat moored on the backwaters and feel like you’re floating in tranquilit.
South India Tours
In God’s Own Country, Alleppey is a corner of paradise, lush, green and serene. By far the best way to experience Alleppey and its backwaters is to cruise along them in a rice boat. These long boats, crafted entirely from local materials, were once used to ply rice and other goods. Now they are a hot tourist attraction. Take a seat on the deck and be enchanted by the passing scene. Glide by coconut and plantain groves. See whitewashed churches amidst emerald fields and take in the daily life of villages humming along at an unhurried pace. For a full-on backwaters stay, you can check into a houseboat moored on the backwaters and feel like you’re floating in tranquilit.
South India Tours
Wow Factor Along the backwaters you’ll find a Kerala specialty - the toddy shops. Here, locals gather for a few rounds of the local brew. But best of all is the food: prawns, pearlspot fist and other fishy delights.
Cherrapunjee & Its Living Root Bridges
Cherrapunjee, we learned in geography class at school, is the wettest place on the planet. During the rainy season otherwise gentle streams become raging torrents which cannot be forded easily. Facing nature at its fiercest, nearly 200 years ago, the Khasis who inhabit these hills of Meghalaya used their ingenuity to come up with a solution. They took the pliable roots of rubber trees and guided them into the hollow canes of areca nut palms to meet halfway across streams. They tended the roots for years until they reached the opposite bank, thus forming a bridge. Today, the region is known for its many living root bridges and they are a very good reason to go to Cherrapunjee.
Cherrapunjee, we learned in geography class at school, is the wettest place on the planet. During the rainy season otherwise gentle streams become raging torrents which cannot be forded easily. Facing nature at its fiercest, nearly 200 years ago, the Khasis who inhabit these hills of Meghalaya used their ingenuity to come up with a solution. They took the pliable roots of rubber trees and guided them into the hollow canes of areca nut palms to meet halfway across streams. They tended the roots for years until they reached the opposite bank, thus forming a bridge. Today, the region is known for its many living root bridges and they are a very good reason to go to Cherrapunjee.
Wow Factor The Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, which is a family-run hotel, gives you easy access to these fantastic bridges. From here, you can trek to these bridges and also go for canyoning.
Darjeeling & Its Tea Garden Stays
There’s no denying the lure of green hills lying in the shadow of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, the mist-veiled valleys and manicured tea gardens that make up Darjeeling. Taking the toy train, run by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a tourisn must-do thing. Away from Darjeeling town, hit the trekking trails of Sandakphu and Phalut and visit Singalila National Park with its profusion of Himalayan flora and unique animals. A holiday in Darjeeling, which lends its name to some of the world’s finest teas, is incomplete without a visit to a tea garden. Noss, many offer homestays for an up-close view of life on a tea estate. Makaibari, famed for its teas, has an excellent homestay facility where you get to live with tea garden workers.
Wow Factor When in Darjeeling, sign up for a tea-tasting session and also learn to tell First Flush from Oolong and White Tea.
Elephant Safari in Kaziranga
Kaziranga is, without doubt, one of Assam’s top attractions for the traveller. Lying within the sweep of the Brahmaputra river, Kaziranga provides shelter to a wealth of wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros. The zone is also a tiger reserve, and home to the Asiatic water buffalo and Eastern swamp deer. The best way to navaigate the grasslands and to spot the one-horned rhino, the icon of Kaziranga, is on elephant back. There are also jeep safaris, but nothing beats the wilderness vibe of sitting atop an elephant and having a vantage view of rhinos grazing beIo.
Wildlife Tour to India
Kaziranga is, without doubt, one of Assam’s top attractions for the traveller. Lying within the sweep of the Brahmaputra river, Kaziranga provides shelter to a wealth of wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros. The zone is also a tiger reserve, and home to the Asiatic water buffalo and Eastern swamp deer. The best way to navaigate the grasslands and to spot the one-horned rhino, the icon of Kaziranga, is on elephant back. There are also jeep safaris, but nothing beats the wilderness vibe of sitting atop an elephant and having a vantage view of rhinos grazing beIo.
Wildlife Tour to India
Wow Factor Once you’ve been bowled over by the fauna, catch a glimpse of some spectacular flora. The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park at Durgapur village has more than 500 species of orchids and nearly 50 species of bamboo.
Food Walks in Kolkata
Kolkata’s passion for food is evident everwhere - from the streets to ritzy restaurants. At the Maidan, jhalmur vendors hawk their ware—spiced puffed rice pungent with mustard oil. The streets are lined with vendors selling snack foods, from dimer devil, to singhara and chops. Then there are the sweet shops, specialists in rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi. The city is full of iconic restaurants such as Nizam’s, believed to be the inventor of the kathi roll, and Nahoum & Sons, selling fruit cakes and macaroons for a century and more. Flury’s on Park Street was once the ultimate in chic dining and retains its style.
Kolkata’s passion for food is evident everwhere - from the streets to ritzy restaurants. At the Maidan, jhalmur vendors hawk their ware—spiced puffed rice pungent with mustard oil. The streets are lined with vendors selling snack foods, from dimer devil, to singhara and chops. Then there are the sweet shops, specialists in rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi. The city is full of iconic restaurants such as Nizam’s, believed to be the inventor of the kathi roll, and Nahoum & Sons, selling fruit cakes and macaroons for a century and more. Flury’s on Park Street was once the ultimate in chic dining and retains its style.
Wow Factor The best way to explore both Kolkata and its delectable food is to sign up for a food walk. Tour companies such as Calcutta Walks take visitors into hidden corners for a true taste of the city.
Golden Temple & Amritsar
Amidst the teeming noisy whirl that is Amritsar sits the Golden Temple, resplendent yet calm, tranquil, even as thousands of the devout walk its marbled corridors and gather to pray. The holiest of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple is the very heart of Amritsar. See the temple at dawn, when its golden spires gleam as they catch the rays of the rising sun. Or, feel the fervour of devotion as the last rituals for the night are performed. Outside, the bustling city of Amritsar awaits.
Pilgrimage Tours India
Amidst the teeming noisy whirl that is Amritsar sits the Golden Temple, resplendent yet calm, tranquil, even as thousands of the devout walk its marbled corridors and gather to pray. The holiest of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple is the very heart of Amritsar. See the temple at dawn, when its golden spires gleam as they catch the rays of the rising sun. Or, feel the fervour of devotion as the last rituals for the night are performed. Outside, the bustling city of Amritsar awaits.
Pilgrimage Tours India
Wow Factor In Amritsar, eat the kulchas at Brothers Dhaba and Bharawan da Dhaba. Find your way to Kesar da Dhaba, hidden in a narrow lane, and try the heart-stoppingly rich dal makhni. Eat puri-aloo on Lawrence Road and drink a tall glass of lassi, to wash it all down.
Hampi
If you need convincing that ruins and rocks can be utterly captivating, come to Hampi. The capital of the once- mighty Vijayanagar empire. Hampi is now a mosaic of ancient edifices—some crumbling, some fairly well preserved—all spread across a dramatic landscape. The mighty Tungabhadra flows on one side while the other is marked by boulders in the most fascinating shapes and forms. The ruins are grouped into temples and royal quarters. The Vittala temple is the grandest of them all and it is here you’ll see the intricately carved stone chariot that features on Karnataka’s tourist brochures. The royal centre is also packed with beautiful structures that speak of the sophistication and elegance the Vijayanagar empire attained.
If you need convincing that ruins and rocks can be utterly captivating, come to Hampi. The capital of the once- mighty Vijayanagar empire. Hampi is now a mosaic of ancient edifices—some crumbling, some fairly well preserved—all spread across a dramatic landscape. The mighty Tungabhadra flows on one side while the other is marked by boulders in the most fascinating shapes and forms. The ruins are grouped into temples and royal quarters. The Vittala temple is the grandest of them all and it is here you’ll see the intricately carved stone chariot that features on Karnataka’s tourist brochures. The royal centre is also packed with beautiful structures that speak of the sophistication and elegance the Vijayanagar empire attained.
Wow Factor Given that Hampi sits amidst so many fantastic boulders and granite formations, it’s naturally a rock climbers’ haven. Several local outfits supply equipment and lessons.
Idukki District
There’s a lot more to Kerala than backwaters and beaches. Landlocked Idukki is blessed with natural beauty as few places are. It’s all high ranges and wooded valleys, lying within the fold of the Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar rivers. The Periyar lends its name to the wildlife sanctuary in the forests of Thekkady. One of the country’s best tiger reserves, it’s also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild. You can take boat rides on the artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and see the wildlife at fairly close quarters. Short drives from Thekkady will take you through the most beautiful tea gardens, while nearby Peermede is an excellent spot for trekking.
There’s a lot more to Kerala than backwaters and beaches. Landlocked Idukki is blessed with natural beauty as few places are. It’s all high ranges and wooded valleys, lying within the fold of the Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar rivers. The Periyar lends its name to the wildlife sanctuary in the forests of Thekkady. One of the country’s best tiger reserves, it’s also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild. You can take boat rides on the artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and see the wildlife at fairly close quarters. Short drives from Thekkady will take you through the most beautiful tea gardens, while nearby Peermede is an excellent spot for trekking.
Wow Factor A little off the beaten path is Vagamon, which is known for its unique meadows. Here, you can try your hand at kayaking, rafting and zip-lining.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is the stuff of picture postcards and tourist brochures. It beckons with a myriad ancient charms and the magic of the desert is hard to resist. This city occupies the heart of the Thar desert, captivating travellers with its imposing fort built of golden-hued sandstone, pulsating with vibrant local colour. Explore the Jaisalmer fort, a living edifice, within which a sizeable local population lives. Inside there’s the Raj Mahal, a royal abode, and scores of ancient temples. If you’re a museum buff, go to the Desert Cultural Centre and Museum and the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. Outside the walls of the fort, visit Gadi Sagar, a lovely lake surrounded by shrines and temples.
Fort and Palaces Tour of Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is the stuff of picture postcards and tourist brochures. It beckons with a myriad ancient charms and the magic of the desert is hard to resist. This city occupies the heart of the Thar desert, captivating travellers with its imposing fort built of golden-hued sandstone, pulsating with vibrant local colour. Explore the Jaisalmer fort, a living edifice, within which a sizeable local population lives. Inside there’s the Raj Mahal, a royal abode, and scores of ancient temples. If you’re a museum buff, go to the Desert Cultural Centre and Museum and the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum. Outside the walls of the fort, visit Gadi Sagar, a lovely lake surrounded by shrines and temples.
Fort and Palaces Tour of Rajasthan
Wow Factor A trip to the Sam Sand Dunes is on the must-do list for most travellers to Jaisalmer. Here, you can take camel rides, take in gorgeous sunsets and also camp on the sands.
Khajuraho
The Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, compel every traveller to admit that they are amongst the most beautiful medieval monuments in the world, Originally a group of 85, they are the largest such collection of Hindu and Jan temples, though only about 25 of them remain today. These magnificent temples were built by the Chandela rulers between AD 900 and 1130. They are perfectly proportioned and the religious carvings evoke awe and wonder. What draws most visitors to Khajuraho, though, is the erotic sculptures that impress with their grace and boldness.
Culture Tours of India
The Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, compel every traveller to admit that they are amongst the most beautiful medieval monuments in the world, Originally a group of 85, they are the largest such collection of Hindu and Jan temples, though only about 25 of them remain today. These magnificent temples were built by the Chandela rulers between AD 900 and 1130. They are perfectly proportioned and the religious carvings evoke awe and wonder. What draws most visitors to Khajuraho, though, is the erotic sculptures that impress with their grace and boldness.
Culture Tours of India
Wow Factor From Khajuraho it’s a great idea to make a day trip to Orchha, another gem on the travel circuit in Madhya Pradesh. Situated in a valley formed by the Betwa river, Orchha, once a seat of the Bundela dynasty, is home to a vast array of ancient monuments.
Leh
It’s on the bucket list of every adventurous traveller and Leh doesn’t disappoint in the least. Remote and yet utterly welcoming, it’s an enchanting destination. There’s lots to do in Leh. See the imposing Spituk Gompa situated on a hillock. Also visit the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and the old town. Go shopping for Tibetan weaves and handicrafts. Once you’ve taken some time to acclimatise to the high altitude, strike out and take a taxi to Nubra Valley with its lunar landscape and to the bluer than blue lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri. You should also camp at Pangong lake, a great way to catch stunning sunrises and sunsets.
It’s on the bucket list of every adventurous traveller and Leh doesn’t disappoint in the least. Remote and yet utterly welcoming, it’s an enchanting destination. There’s lots to do in Leh. See the imposing Spituk Gompa situated on a hillock. Also visit the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and the old town. Go shopping for Tibetan weaves and handicrafts. Once you’ve taken some time to acclimatise to the high altitude, strike out and take a taxi to Nubra Valley with its lunar landscape and to the bluer than blue lakes of Pangong and Tso Moriri. You should also camp at Pangong lake, a great way to catch stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Wow Factor The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation in the old town is a must-see. It also conducts workshops on textiles and design.
Madurai
Madurai is one of South India’s oldest cities with a history that goes back several centuries. Once the seat of the Pandya kings, it is woven into myth and legend. It is the abode of the goddess Meenakshi who rules over it from its magnificent temple. Today, it’s a bustling town, with a unique personality. Begin your tour of Madurai at the Meenakshi temple around which life revolves in this historic town. The narrow streets around the temple pulsate with a rhythm all their own, selling brassware, chungidi saris, silks and costume jewellery. Everywhere, there are vendors carrying the fragrant jasmine the town is famous for. You can round off your Madurai experience by trying some of the local specialities—from parota to kari dosai and jigarthanda.
Madurai is one of South India’s oldest cities with a history that goes back several centuries. Once the seat of the Pandya kings, it is woven into myth and legend. It is the abode of the goddess Meenakshi who rules over it from its magnificent temple. Today, it’s a bustling town, with a unique personality. Begin your tour of Madurai at the Meenakshi temple around which life revolves in this historic town. The narrow streets around the temple pulsate with a rhythm all their own, selling brassware, chungidi saris, silks and costume jewellery. Everywhere, there are vendors carrying the fragrant jasmine the town is famous for. You can round off your Madurai experience by trying some of the local specialities—from parota to kari dosai and jigarthanda.
Wow Factor A short drive outside the city is Kadambavanam, a unique resort and showcase for Tamil culture.
Nagaland and Tribal Culture
Remote and mysterious, vibrant with the colourful traditions of its indigenous tribes, Nagaland evokes awe and wonder, even as it sweeps you away with its natural beauty. Tuophema, an hour’s drive from Kohima, is where you’ll find the Vishwema Village showcasing the way of life of the Angamai tribe. Here, visitors are entertained with Naga folk music and dance. Guided walks to the nearby peaks and rice fields are available as also the opportunity to get a taste of local hospitality. Further afield is Longsa village, home of the Lotha tribe. At Longkhim village, peopled by the Ao tribe, you can take a tour of a local home and get a peek into their way of life.
Remote and mysterious, vibrant with the colourful traditions of its indigenous tribes, Nagaland evokes awe and wonder, even as it sweeps you away with its natural beauty. Tuophema, an hour’s drive from Kohima, is where you’ll find the Vishwema Village showcasing the way of life of the Angamai tribe. Here, visitors are entertained with Naga folk music and dance. Guided walks to the nearby peaks and rice fields are available as also the opportunity to get a taste of local hospitality. Further afield is Longsa village, home of the Lotha tribe. At Longkhim village, peopled by the Ao tribe, you can take a tour of a local home and get a peek into their way of life.
Wow Factor If you want to see all of Nagaland’s vibrant tribal cultures in one place, then the Hornbill Festival held near Kohima in December is the place to be.
Odisha Textile Tour
Odisha attracts textile lovers with its many different creations spread across the state. In Nuapatna, craftsmen weave it from religious scriptures into special silk which is then used in temple rituals. This part of the state is also known for its special tie-and-dye patterns known as ikat. Around the temple town of Sonepur are the villages of Baidyanathpur and Sagarpalli where the weavers work on silk like tussar. Sambalpur is another must-visit destination on the textile tour. From here come gorgeous saris like Sambalpuri Pata and Bichtrapuri. Also of interest is the Applique Village at Pipili where craftspeople work on intricate stitching and knitting.
Odisha Textile Tour
Odisha attracts textile lovers with its many different creations spread across the state. In Nuapatna, craftsmen weave it from religious scriptures into special silk which is then used in temple rituals. This part of the state is also known for its special tie-and-dye patterns known as ikat. Around the temple town of Sonepur are the villages of Baidyanathpur and Sagarpalli where the weavers work on silk like tussar. Sambalpur is another must-visit destination on the textile tour. From here come gorgeous saris like Sambalpuri Pata and Bichtrapuri. Also of interest is the Applique Village at Pipili where craftspeople work on intricate stitching and knitting.
Wow Factor The Bomkai sari, also known as Sonepuri, is royalty in the world of saris. Buy one if you happen to be a serious collector of saris.
Paragliding in Solang
Himachal Pradesh is blessed when it comes to natural beauty and Manali stays charming despite the stream of tourists that pours in to revel in the lap of the Himalaya. Not far from Manali is Solang Valle lying between Solang village and Beas Kund. It’s been a popular skiing destination and enthusiasts descend on the slopes during the white winters. Of late, Solang Valley has become a hugely popular paragliding destination. If you’ve ever dreamt of being a bird, then this is the place where you can give wings to that dream, as it were.
Tourist Places in Shimla
Himachal Pradesh is blessed when it comes to natural beauty and Manali stays charming despite the stream of tourists that pours in to revel in the lap of the Himalaya. Not far from Manali is Solang Valle lying between Solang village and Beas Kund. It’s been a popular skiing destination and enthusiasts descend on the slopes during the white winters. Of late, Solang Valley has become a hugely popular paragliding destination. If you’ve ever dreamt of being a bird, then this is the place where you can give wings to that dream, as it were.
Tourist Places in Shimla
Wow Factor Not a paragliding pro? Don’t worry. Operators offer tandem paragliding for the less experienced, They get to sit safely harnessed in front of the pilot with an unobstructed view over the valley and mountains.
Quiz Nights and Other Fun on a Bengaluru Pub Crawl
Besides the weather, what everyone loves about Bengaluru is the lineup of super cool pubs. From old world watering holes to trendy microbreweries and cosy gastropubs, there’s a pub for every mood, occasion, taste and budget. The brewpubs have introduced an array of fine crafted beers and the choice now stretches from pale ale to basmati blonde and mango beer. Besides the beer, there’s always good music at these places, plus regular quiz nights upping the fun quotient. Bengaluru is. in fact, a city with a love of quizzing. Of course, you’ve got to be reasonably sober to answer the questions. And then you can win some free drinks and get high.
Besides the weather, what everyone loves about Bengaluru is the lineup of super cool pubs. From old world watering holes to trendy microbreweries and cosy gastropubs, there’s a pub for every mood, occasion, taste and budget. The brewpubs have introduced an array of fine crafted beers and the choice now stretches from pale ale to basmati blonde and mango beer. Besides the beer, there’s always good music at these places, plus regular quiz nights upping the fun quotient. Bengaluru is. in fact, a city with a love of quizzing. Of course, you’ve got to be reasonably sober to answer the questions. And then you can win some free drinks and get high.
Wow Factor Many of the brewpubs offer tours and if you’re a beer buff you’ll enjoy getting to see how your favorite quaff is produced. Letter, sit down to a tasting and say cheers
Ranthambore
You don’t have to be a wildlife buff to fall under the spell of Ranthambore. Here, visitors have a good chance of spotting the big cats the park is known for. This is because Ranthambore’s tigers, especially its famous inhabitants named Machali and Sundari, are by now quite used to human presence and go about their majestic way unaffected by safari tourists. So, you’ll get to see tigers lazing by the lake, lurking in the undergrowth and even hunting down prey. Seeing these captivating creatures of the wild in their natural habitat is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Ranthambore trip.
Tiger Tour of India
You don’t have to be a wildlife buff to fall under the spell of Ranthambore. Here, visitors have a good chance of spotting the big cats the park is known for. This is because Ranthambore’s tigers, especially its famous inhabitants named Machali and Sundari, are by now quite used to human presence and go about their majestic way unaffected by safari tourists. So, you’ll get to see tigers lazing by the lake, lurking in the undergrowth and even hunting down prey. Seeing these captivating creatures of the wild in their natural habitat is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Ranthambore trip.
Tiger Tour of India
Wow Factor Visitors to Ranthambore must make a trip to Padam Talao, the vast lake with the graceful Jogi Mahal sitting at its edge. Tigers and the rare chinkara can be spotted here.
Sundarbans
Slow-flowing waters and swamps, mudflats, mangroves and the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger—these are images that any mention of the Sundarbans evokes. It’s a place of natural wonder and mystery, a unique ecological zone that attracts the attention of the world. Besides being the famous home of the Bengal tiger, the park shelters an array of other animals, birds and reptiles such as the salt-water crocodile. The best way to explore the Sundarbans is on a boat trip of three-four days. Travellers eat and sleep onboard the main tour boat, and then delve deeper into the mangroves on smaller boats that navigate the narrow channels.
Sundarban Tours India and Bangladesh
Slow-flowing waters and swamps, mudflats, mangroves and the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger—these are images that any mention of the Sundarbans evokes. It’s a place of natural wonder and mystery, a unique ecological zone that attracts the attention of the world. Besides being the famous home of the Bengal tiger, the park shelters an array of other animals, birds and reptiles such as the salt-water crocodile. The best way to explore the Sundarbans is on a boat trip of three-four days. Travellers eat and sleep onboard the main tour boat, and then delve deeper into the mangroves on smaller boats that navigate the narrow channels.
Sundarban Tours India and Bangladesh
Wow Factor The Sundarbans has had the capacity to inspire writers. Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide dwells on its myths. And Kunal Basu’s Japanese Wife, later made into a movie by Aparna Sen, also has the Sundarbans as its backdrop.
Tasting Tours
No other country could possibly lay claim to the culinary diversity that India boasts of. And what better way to experience India and its deliciousness than by taking tasting tours. Begin in the capital, Delhi, with its reputation for superlative street food. Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is a place to try some of the most fantastic parathas. You can also go in for the golgappas and chhole-kulcha. At Karim’s, near the Jama Masjid, it’s all about korma, pasanda and kebabs. Down South, Hyderabad is a great place for tasting tours and food trails. The city is synonymous with biryani and is known to serve up some of the best. Or, eat Andhra food for a spicy twist. Outfits such as Food Drifter conduct organised food walks in the city of the Nizams.
Street Food in India
No other country could possibly lay claim to the culinary diversity that India boasts of. And what better way to experience India and its deliciousness than by taking tasting tours. Begin in the capital, Delhi, with its reputation for superlative street food. Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is a place to try some of the most fantastic parathas. You can also go in for the golgappas and chhole-kulcha. At Karim’s, near the Jama Masjid, it’s all about korma, pasanda and kebabs. Down South, Hyderabad is a great place for tasting tours and food trails. The city is synonymous with biryani and is known to serve up some of the best. Or, eat Andhra food for a spicy twist. Outfits such as Food Drifter conduct organised food walks in the city of the Nizams.
Street Food in India
Wow Factor Don’t just eat, learn to cook as well. Whether it’s Syrian Christian food in Kochi or organic Indian in the Nilgiri hills, there are plenty of cooking holidays to choose from.
Underwater Adventures in the Andmans
You cannot go to the Andamans and not take a shot at scuba diving. The snorkelling and scuba diving around Havelock Island are some of the best in the region. Havelock offers plenty of options and most resorts and hotels will help you sign up. On a short trip you can do the PADI Scuba Diver or SSI Resort Diver course. It gives you an introduction to diving and the diving time will count as experience if you wish to opt for full certification. The two-day programme includes theory sessions, shallow water training and two open water dives. The course lets you dive up to 12 m under professional supervision.
Andmans and Nicobar Tour
Wow Factor It’s a magical world that you’ll discover underwater. On view is hard coral which attracts turtles, lobsters, stingrays, brilliant-hued butterfly fish, clown fish and lots more.
You cannot go to the Andamans and not take a shot at scuba diving. The snorkelling and scuba diving around Havelock Island are some of the best in the region. Havelock offers plenty of options and most resorts and hotels will help you sign up. On a short trip you can do the PADI Scuba Diver or SSI Resort Diver course. It gives you an introduction to diving and the diving time will count as experience if you wish to opt for full certification. The two-day programme includes theory sessions, shallow water training and two open water dives. The course lets you dive up to 12 m under professional supervision.
Andmans and Nicobar Tour
Wow Factor It’s a magical world that you’ll discover underwater. On view is hard coral which attracts turtles, lobsters, stingrays, brilliant-hued butterfly fish, clown fish and lots more.
Varanasi
Over 3,000 years old, Varanasi, the belief goes, is the abode of Lord Shiva. This sacred city promises release from the endless cycle of birth and death and is among the holiest of pilgrimage sites. No wonder so many seekers of salvation, Western travellers looking for the ultimate Indian experience and worshippers wanting to wash away their sins flock here. Life in Varanasi runs along the ghats. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the busiest. Despite the touts and the boat owners hustling for custom, it’s a superb setting to catch the evening Ganga aarti. Manikarnika Ghat is where most cremations take place and Assi Ghat is another important Varanasi landmark. Varanasi’s food is special, too, from the chaat to paan and mithai.
Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi
Over 3,000 years old, Varanasi, the belief goes, is the abode of Lord Shiva. This sacred city promises release from the endless cycle of birth and death and is among the holiest of pilgrimage sites. No wonder so many seekers of salvation, Western travellers looking for the ultimate Indian experience and worshippers wanting to wash away their sins flock here. Life in Varanasi runs along the ghats. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the busiest. Despite the touts and the boat owners hustling for custom, it’s a superb setting to catch the evening Ganga aarti. Manikarnika Ghat is where most cremations take place and Assi Ghat is another important Varanasi landmark. Varanasi’s food is special, too, from the chaat to paan and mithai.
Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi
Wow Factor Varanasi or Banaras lends its name to the intricately embroidered silk sari that is crafted here. Go shopping, but beware of fakes.
Wine-Tasting in Nashik
Nashik, 180 km from Mumbai, is an industrial town, but also the jumping-off point for wine-soaked breaks in a premium wine-growing region that stretches from Igatpuri to Dindori. Several wine-makers here offer well-curated wine tours, tastings and wine-paired gastronomical adventures. Sula, one of the pioneers of Indian winemaking, offers a complete wine weekend. Visitors can stay at the Beyond by Sula resort, with its vantage position, overlooking the vineyards and the lake, and from there take a tour of the vineyards. During harvest period, which begins in February in this part of the world, it’s possible to join in the grape-picking and perhaps even some grape-stomping. Wine buffs will enjoy exploring the winemaking facilities and the cellars and talking to winemakers who tell you how grape juice becomes wonderfully complex wine.
North India Tour
Nashik, 180 km from Mumbai, is an industrial town, but also the jumping-off point for wine-soaked breaks in a premium wine-growing region that stretches from Igatpuri to Dindori. Several wine-makers here offer well-curated wine tours, tastings and wine-paired gastronomical adventures. Sula, one of the pioneers of Indian winemaking, offers a complete wine weekend. Visitors can stay at the Beyond by Sula resort, with its vantage position, overlooking the vineyards and the lake, and from there take a tour of the vineyards. During harvest period, which begins in February in this part of the world, it’s possible to join in the grape-picking and perhaps even some grape-stomping. Wine buffs will enjoy exploring the winemaking facilities and the cellars and talking to winemakers who tell you how grape juice becomes wonderfully complex wine.
North India Tour
Xtreme Sports
India is where many come seeking peace and quiet, to contemplate and find themselves. Then, there’s another India that lets you cut loose and indulge your wildest side. Adventure breaks are now an increasingly popular attraction and from ski slopes to rapids and rocks waiting to be climbed there are options aplenty across the country. Munsiyari in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh region has everything it takes to make a super skiing spot. Go speeding down the slopes and feel that rush. Some go to Rishikesh on a spiritual quest, others seek a different sort of thrill. The Ganga here has excellent rapids and is a favoured destination for whitewater rafting that promises chills, thrills nd spills.
India is where many come seeking peace and quiet, to contemplate and find themselves. Then, there’s another India that lets you cut loose and indulge your wildest side. Adventure breaks are now an increasingly popular attraction and from ski slopes to rapids and rocks waiting to be climbed there are options aplenty across the country. Munsiyari in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh region has everything it takes to make a super skiing spot. Go speeding down the slopes and feel that rush. Some go to Rishikesh on a spiritual quest, others seek a different sort of thrill. The Ganga here has excellent rapids and is a favoured destination for whitewater rafting that promises chills, thrills nd spills.
Wow Factor Club a whitewater rafting expedition with a night or two camping by the river. It’s a fantastic way to feel the Ganga vibe.
Yachting in Mumbai and Goa
Want to ride the waves? Yachting is the perfect way to feel that thrill. The good news is that you don’t have to be a yacht-owning millionaire to experience the joys of being out on the high seas. Mumbai, with its busy harbour, has lots of options for those who want to spend a few hours yachting or even celebrate a special occasion aboard a fancy yacht. Companies such as Yacht Tours Mumbai have services that leave from the Gateway of India, catering for romantic occasions, adventure trips or weekend getaways to Mandwa, Alibaug, Elephanta Islands, Khandheri Island, Murud-Janjira and Nangaon. For shorter trips, you can take a sunset cruise followed by dinner aboard the yacht.
Want to ride the waves? Yachting is the perfect way to feel that thrill. The good news is that you don’t have to be a yacht-owning millionaire to experience the joys of being out on the high seas. Mumbai, with its busy harbour, has lots of options for those who want to spend a few hours yachting or even celebrate a special occasion aboard a fancy yacht. Companies such as Yacht Tours Mumbai have services that leave from the Gateway of India, catering for romantic occasions, adventure trips or weekend getaways to Mandwa, Alibaug, Elephanta Islands, Khandheri Island, Murud-Janjira and Nangaon. For shorter trips, you can take a sunset cruise followed by dinner aboard the yacht.
Wow Factor If you absolutely love sailing, private yacht companies offer luxury trips from Mumbai to Goa and back. Beats flying on a budget airline any day!
Zorbing in Manali
Set in a green valley through which the Beas river flows, surrounded by high mountain ranges, Manali attracts adventure travellers who come here for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing. The latest addition to this lineup of thrilling activities is zorbing. You get into a transparent, inflated hail and are rolled down Manali’s gently sloping meadows. The terrain and the surrounding scenery make this one of the very best places to go zorbing. So step in, be zipped up and roll down the slopes, taking in Manali’s beauty as you tumble.
Wow Factor Did you know zorbing balls can accommodate two people? So hop in with your partner or your 8FF. Just don’t hope to get a selfie.
For more details: Tours to India and Budget Tours India
Thanks !!!
Set in a green valley through which the Beas river flows, surrounded by high mountain ranges, Manali attracts adventure travellers who come here for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing. The latest addition to this lineup of thrilling activities is zorbing. You get into a transparent, inflated hail and are rolled down Manali’s gently sloping meadows. The terrain and the surrounding scenery make this one of the very best places to go zorbing. So step in, be zipped up and roll down the slopes, taking in Manali’s beauty as you tumble.
Wow Factor Did you know zorbing balls can accommodate two people? So hop in with your partner or your 8FF. Just don’t hope to get a selfie.
For more details: Tours to India and Budget Tours India
Thanks !!!
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