heritage

India's cultural heritage has a specila for the British architecture. The days of the Raj transformed many of India's beautiful cities and hill stations to their retreats. The chraming cities to date are home to many wonderful specimens of architecture that include mansions, churches, and many other incredible monuments. India's vast history and culture is not complete without a mention of the days of the Raj. These marvellously well-preserved monuments are witness to the days of the Raj. 

To relive the days of the Raj, explore these charming cities of India.

Delhi

Shimla

Kolkata

Discover the colonial heritage of Kolkata, a city where the British sought to build the Empire’s second city.  The Kolkata Heritage walk takes place in the morning , so one can take in the architecture and history of the city's many unique and spectacular buildings without much traffic on the roads. Begin at the Flower market There is an option to begin at The Flower Market on the River Hooghly, then continue to the  site of the terrible 'Black Hole', walk past the famous Writer's Building, the former Head Quarters of the infamous East India Company. Around the Dalhousie square , see the magnificent Governor's House, Calcutta High Court, Town Hall, General Post Office and the almost forgotten Charnock Mausoleum.

Mumbai

Chennai

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, there is little to celebrate this year. Indian tourism and the entire sector across the world continues to be in devastation owing to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. But, as the days of the “new normal” of tourism begins, it is time to be optimistic that India will survive and very soon recover.

India is one of its kind with a range of the marvels that find its mention among the most fascinating travel destinations on the map of the world. Starting with the geography, India is home to snow-capped Himalayan peaks, sun-kissed beaches, out-of-the-world islands, wild jungles, sand desert, lush valleys blooming with flowers to the incredible network of backwaters, history & culture that dates back to 5000 years, the country has the ability to thrill, inspire and exasperate travellers all at once. So, be ready for unexpected surprises while you book India tour packages. There is also a lot more of untapped potential. There is heritage walks, cultural excursions, unique traditions of India, such as Ganga Aarti, Yoga, Ayurveda, festivals, etc. When thinking of travel plans in the new normal, here are the most popular experieces of India.

Heritage & Culture Tourism

India heriatge and culture needs no introduction. The Taj Mahal,  the white-marbled mausoleum and one of the Seven Wonders of the World is the most-visited monument in Indiaa.  UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 36 sites and many proposed sites, India is the land of the many fascinating wonders of architecture. This includes the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Temples of Khajuraho, Group of Monuments of Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Pattadakal; Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Forts at Delhi and Agra; Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Complex, Ran-ki-Vav,  and many more. From National Parks of Sunderbans, Kaziranga, Manas, etc. to the city of Ahmedabad, tours in India keep you busy with many wonders of history, natural beauty, cultural importance and more.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tours in India is unmissable. In the abundance of jungles, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. it is very easy and thrilling to come across wildlife in their natural habitats. The best options include Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat), Ranthambore and Bharatpur ( Rajasthan), Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Sunderbans, Periyar in Kerala, among others.

Spiritual & Wellness Tourism

India is ancient and the homeland of many treasures. Ayurveda, the holistic natural science of health and wellness dates back to 5000 years, to the Vedic Era and this science is till date a very relevant key to health and wellness. With the use of herbs, oils, and therapies, Ayurveda cures ailments, revitalize your senses, manage stress or simply experience a rare kind of bliss that envelops your body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda resorts in India are favoured for holidays in India to be treated with therapeutic bliss of Ayurveda.

Food Tourism

Much like India, India food is diverse and the tastes nothing short of an unforgettable experience.  Foodie-havens lie in the nooks and corners of Old Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, etc. Treating your taste buds are options such as Mughlai cuisine, South Indian cuisine, Bengali sweets, flavors of the streets, the 64-dishes Onam Sadya, 56-dishes Maharaja thali, a wedding feast or Ayurveda-based meals, and so much more.

Adventure Tourism 

Monuments are the heart and soul of India's history. The Taj Mahal is but of course the most recognized monument in India, but there are also many more. India has 38 UNESCO World Heritage Site to its name; many among them are incredible specimens of architecture, heritage and culture. So, when you are planning your India tour packages, plan a visit to the most amazing heritage sites in India.

Before going through the list of the must-visit heritage sites in India, a brief must be given about the Taj Mahal in Agra the most popular of architectural wonders in India. The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world that is also the most-photgraphed sites in India.

Beyond the Taj Mahal, take a look at the top heritage sites in India that must be on your bucketlist.

        1. Temples at Khajuraho

The architectural masterpiece of The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is one of the treasures of heritage of India. The group of Hindu and Jain Temples in Central India are well known for erotic figures and sculptures. The stone carvings capture sensuality in a very beautiful way. Both human as well as animal forms in erotic poses are intriguing. Dating back to the years between 950 to 1050 CE, the temples were built in the reign of the Chandela dynasty. The architectural finesse is extraordinary and worth exploring and are enlisted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

        2. Forts of Rajasthan

The mighty forts of Rajasthan are undoubtedly some of the most prized sites of Indian heritage. The Hill Forts of Rajasthan are the epitome of incredible architecture and defensive strategy. Witness to some of the most interesting episodes of history, some of the hill forts are inscribed as UNESCO World heritage Sites. The six forts include Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort, each a masterpiece of grandeur, planning and intriguing to explore.

        3. Humayun’s Tomb

The inspiration behind Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb is an architectural wonder. The first of its kind, the garden mausoleum is a grand marvel of the Mughal architectural style.  Nestled in the lush greenery of Central Delhi, the garden tomb is pictorial setting inspired by the description of paradise in the Holy Quran. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is magnificent to awe at.

        4. Ajanta-Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The caves are well known for their Indian-rock cut architecture. A treasured amalgam of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religious mythology, these caves are testimony of the tolerance which was extended towards different faiths and beliefs in Ancient Indian History.

Ajanta Caves date back around the 2nd- 6th century CE and comprise of the finest masterpieces of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings, and sculptures. Ellora has about 34 rock-cut temples and caves which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD.

        5. Qutub Minar

A brick minaret might not sound interesting but when it comes to Qutub Minar, it is definitely awe-inspiring. Towering at 73m in height, the Qutub Minar was built in the owner of a Sufi Saint, highly patronised by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the ruler of the Slave Dynasty in the early 12th century. In the ruins are also several ancient monuments like one of the first mosques in India.

        6. Ruins of Hampi

One of the most fascinating heritage sites in India, the ruins of Hampi deserve as much as attention as the Taj Mahal. Once the pride of the prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagara, now the ruins are marvelous specimens of Dravidian art and architecture date back to the 16-17th centuries. The open-air museum is displays finest of artistic craftsmanship. Hampi stands as the last remains of one of the mightiest empires of South India.

        7. Fatehpur Sikri

A city of heritage sites, Fatehpur SIkri is worthy of its status among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the outskirts of Agra, the city was a capital of the Mughal Empire for a decade before being abandoned. Known as the 'City of Victory', the walled city is full of marvelous Mughal buildings and incredible architecture. Starting from its mighty entry gate ‘Buland Darwaza’ to the many palaces, tombs and gardens, the city is a testimony of wonderful marvels. Though abandoned for centuries, the city still retains its bygone charm.

The royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, globally known as the ‘Pink City’ has recently joined the elite UNESCO World Heritage list. One of the most popular places to visit in India, the regal city of Jaipur has for decades lured visitors from all over the globe with its opulence. Magnificent architecture, rich traditions, royal hospitality, Jaipur has so much to offer. Indulge in sightseeing, royal stay, a superlative shopping experience and more. Definitely a delight for those interested in Indian heritage, Jaipur has been one of the most popular places to visit in India. In fact, it is a part of the most-sought travel itinerary of India, the Golden Triangle Tour.

Besides a display of royal palaces, mighty forts, culture and heritage, there is fabulous food, fairs, and festivals, arts and crafts, music and dance and many treasures to explore. The city remains in welcoming spirit mode for the better part of the year except for a few summer months. Here is a Jaipur Travel Guide that will certainly assist you in planning a wonderful holiday in Jaipur.

The secrets of the Walled City

The 18th century walled city of Jaipur is one of the most glamorous testament of the era of Rajputs and the unique elegance of Rajasthan. Jaipur was conceptualised after studying the urban planning of several European cities. For the first time in Indian history, a blueprint was made, which brought to life India’s first aesthetic well-planned city. However, it was the vision of the Maharaja Jai Singh II and his business acumen and scientific temperament. Giving fruition to his vision was the architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The city was designed on the concepts of Shilpa Shashtra and Vastu Shashtra to ensure a lot of natural sunshine and breeze in residential and commercial establishments.

Spectacular arched pols (gates), located at seven entry points lead to a well-laid city in a geometric grid of streets cutting each other at right angles. The layout is such that every corner of the city gets adequate air and light. The water conservation and management system, drainage system, and the organisation of town space as different functional units was well thought of.

The three chaupars (squares) with temples of Hindu goddesses were established as settlements of priests, warriors, and a business hub. The entire city was divided into nine squares or chaukri, dedicated to nine planets. The jharokhas, and lattice work decorate the buildings. The city was painted in pink by Maharaja Ram Singh in 1876 to honour the visit of the Prince of Wales. The cultural significance of the city is the major reason for Jaipur’s entry to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Wonders of the ‘Pink City’

Jaipur comes with an extensive list of places to see, things to do and the most of all many cherished experiences.

The first among the places to visit in Jaipur is the City Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur from the first half of the 18th century is an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It has a museum housing royal artefacts. The extravagantly decorated Chandra Mahal is closed for public but even the entrance to this palace is as gorgeous as the rest of the sprawling palace complex.

The UNESCO heritage site of Jantar Mantar (Observatory), built during 1728-1734, shows the founder-Jai Singh II's keen interest in astronomy. It is well-preserved and has 19 astronomical instruments that resemble large sculptures used to calculate time, the position of stars and the Sun, and to predict natural phenomena.

The iconic Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds, erected by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 is another iconic landmark in Jaipur. The projected windows, balconies and perforated screen with ornate pink façade makes it the most photographed places among tourists. The palace was built for royal ladies to observe the lively street scenes below unnoticed.

One outstanding feature of the walled city is that numerous temples co-exist with mosques. Even the shops in the markets in the walled city have been numbered and marked according to the city planning.

Beyond the Walled City

The seven-storied Jal Mahal that remains partly submerged, giving an illusion of a floating palace. Built in mid-18th century, it hosted duck-shooting events by the royalty. Nowadays, birdwatchers throng the lakeside as they present sighting of 84 species, including 72 species of migratory birds.

Drive a little further to visit the three elegant forts of Jaipur- Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh. The UNESCO heritage site of Amber Fort was built by Man Singh I in 1592 on a high hillock. Ride up on an elephant to the yellow-sandstone fortress or hike while enjoying the views. Sheesh Mahal here is a must-visit. Another highlight is the Light and Sound show in the evening. The nearby Jaigarh Fort is said to be connected to Amber through a secret passage. The fortress is home to the world’s largest cannon on wheels- a 50-tonne Jaivana, only fired once. Armouries, museums and photo-session opportunities make it worth visiting.

The rich legacy of royal Rajasthan is treasured in Jaipur’s museums. The majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture of Albert Hall Museum (1876), The Gems and Jewellery Museum, and the Doll Museum are worth visiting. The Jawahar Kala Kendra and Birla Auditorium host art and craft exhibitions and performing arts.

Other tourist attractions in Jaipur are the 18th century terraced-garden of Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh, the Vidyadhar Garden set in the foothills of Moti Doongri Palace, Galta ji Ka Temple with its hot spring, Samode Garden and Sanganer- famous for block printed cotton, handmade paper, and blue pottery.

Shop till you drop

It was the foresight of Sawai Jai Singh II that Jaipur city was developed as a commercial hub. Traders and investments were invited from far and wide, from Bengal to Iran, and were granted housing facilities. A thriving trade in jewellery, gemstones, handicrafts, artillery, and marble flourished in due course of time. Shopping in the Pink City is one of the most amazing things to do in Jaipur.

Each lane being dedicated to one business or crafts and named after the economic activity. The colourful markets are a treasure trove of traditional textiles and crafts. An array of traditional embroidery, tie and dye fabric, gems and jewellery, blankets, camel skin bags and belts, blue pottery, Rajasthani puppets, eatables are among the things to buy in Jaipur.

Festivals

Celebrated with great fervour are the grand processions of Teej and Gangaur. Diwali when the entire walled city is lit up, and Holi with a touch of royal traditions are the popular festivals in Jaipur.

Apart from religious festivals, Jaipur is popular for its art and culture, dance, music, theatre, food and literary festivals. The Jaipur Literature Festival is the most popular event that attracts renowned litterateurs from around the world. Other popular festivals and events include Jaipur Diwas, International Film Festival, and the Kite Festival.

Gastronomic delights

Jaipur city has earned a reputation for its mouth-watering food. Chokhi Dhani offers a taste of rural cuisine while hip cafés offer farm-to-table experience of global food. Trendy cafes, bars with hookah, live music, and rooftop restaurants spoil you for choice.

Splurge on traditional royal recipes with a visit to the heritage Suvarna Mahal Restaurant at Taj Rambagh Palace or 1135 AD in Amber Fort.

The street food offers savouries and sweets in the maze of lanes. The hot mirch ka pakoda (chilli fritters), delicious pyaz ki kachori, spicy samosas, etc. are must-haves. Those with a sweet tooth have savory options of delectable paneer ghevar, rabdi and laddoos. The quintessential Rajasthani favourite dal-bati-choorma could be had at most traditional eating places.

Where to Stay?

Jaipur offer accommodation options in all categories and to suit all budgets. Heritage hotels in Jaipur steal the show when you think of where to stay. The Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Oberoi Rajvilas, Jai Mahal Palace, Samode Haveli, Alsisar Haveli and Shahpura House are among the most popular options to stay in Jaipur.

The happening Pink City of Jaipur is among those places that every traveller to India must definitely visit !