The walled district of Old Delhi is brimming with bazaars that bustle amidst winding medieval passages. Old Delhi was once the home of royal court members and nobles. This true relic of the colonial era buzzes with vocal street traders and the rickety rush of cycle rickshaws.
While in the area, be sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Red Fort gates, the Humayum tombs, and India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid.While Old Delhi represents India’s past, New Delhi operates as a modern metropolis complete with wide sweeping streets and government buildings.
As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur offers an easy blend of bold Indian history and contemporary culture. Camel carts and cycle rickshaws fill the wide boulevards, upon which busy bazaars complement perfectly with modern hotels.Jaipur’s striking sites, the Palace of the Winds and the City Palace, are a joy to explore by foot, while the hill-top of Jaigarh Fort offers stunning views over the city of ancient walls and pristine palaces.
Visit the alluring Mehrangarh Fort, relax in the royal gardens at Mandore and explore the maze of medieval streets with its vibrant shops and bustling bazaars each selling their own traditional merchandise. Search for spices, colourful fabrics, jewellery, traditional handicrafts and much more. For excursions away from central Johdpur explore the desert and go on a camel or jeep safari.
You find the best views from the heights of the Ranthambore Fort ruins. Look out onto the lush flora of the park’s forests and wetlands through to the grassy plains, with the latter a playground for striped hyenas.
As night falls, the exotic city of Varanasi enchants with sensory delights, including the overwhelming scent of sandalwood and the strangely relaxing sound of pooja chanting. Take the chance to experience the evening Pooja fire ceremony, a ritual in praise of the Hindu god, Shiva.
For a daytime excursion, make your way around the twisting, narrow lanes. Discover sites like the Udaipur City Palace, and the 18th century Lake Palace on the island of Jag Niwas. Explore Udaipur’s charming countryside, spend tranquil evenings on the river, and take a boat trip for breath-taking views across the exquisite city.
Take an overnight trip by traditional houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala. To observe the local’s traditional way of life amongst the palms, villages and native wildlife, take a boat ride through the man-made waterways of Southern India.
No other boat trip in the country offers such awe-inspiring scenery, making sailing here a must on any Southern Indian itinerary.
Cochin
As Southwest India’s chief trading post, the historic port town of Cochin promises pristine beaches and contrasting cosmopolitan centres, alongside its natural harbour.
While you can spend endless hours watching the Chinese fishing nets at work along the waterfront, Cochin isn’t short of other attractions. The main region of Fort Cochin is brimming with breath-taking architecture. This includes the 16th century Paradesi Synagogue, Saint Francis Church, the oldest church in India and Mattancherry Palace. While in Cochin, embrace the area’s deep links with Keralan arts; go to see a Kathakali production (ancient form aor dance drama), or take a kalarippayat class (an ancient martial arts)
Munnar
Visit Munnar for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sitting in the mountains of the Western Ghats, this idyllic destination is packed with traditional tea plantations against a backdrop of endless hills.
Once a hot spot for the British Raj elite, Munnar provides luxury lodgings dotted around a picture of quaint country life.
Mysore
Mysore is one of the most popular destinations in Southern India. Home of the historic Devaraja Market, culture vultures flock to the vibrant bazaars for local luxuries such as sandalwood, saris and spice.
Beyond the colourful markets, venture to Mysore to see countless sacred temples and historic palaces. Amongst the architectural wonders, you discover the majestic Mysore Palace and the Chamundeshwari Temple, located atop of the Chamundi Hills, some 3,300 feet above the ground.
Kissed by the iridescent waters of the Indian Ocean, the beaches of Kerala’s Marari are amongst the most striking shorelines in the world. Harboured at the edge of the charming Marari village, the resort provides a relaxing spot to follow backwater expeditions; a ‘secret’ hideaway which lies in contrast to busier locations in Kerala.
Goa
With white sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, is there really any wonder why Goa is one of India’s favourite tourist hotspots? Unspoiled beaches towards the south of the region offer true respite on a holiday away from the crowds. Visit these secluded spots and enjoy the pristine sands in this ideal Indian Ocean getaway.