Keeping in mind the country’s glorious past, it was around five thousand years back that India’s foremost civilization Harappa and Mohenjodaro, flourished along the banks of the Indus River. Needless, to say the country is enveloped with historic stories of old cultures, ancient temples, forts, and grand edifices.
Planning a trip to India is exciting as well as intriguing. You would sure be spoilt for choices. Be it the scenic beauty or the cultural practices, almost every state and city has something interesting to explore. The eternal Himalayan snow, eastern deltas, western deserts, or the north-eastern tribal areas, have a profundity of their own.
Whilst planning an India travel consulting your travel agent or agency is a must. You get to choose from the brochures, a destination, or a holiday trip package that suits your requirements. Further, you can also finalize your hotel booking and transport arrangements. Choosing an India vacation plan from a travel agent or agency is advised because the choices are plenty. Online travel booking is another option that most cyber-savvy travelers make.
Your stay in any part of the country is going to be a pleasant one. As they say, it’s the people who make a nation. Indians are known for their amicable nature and their love for fairs, festivals, or any kind of cultural renditions. The maxim that most emulates here is “Athiti Devo Bhava”. This would mean, that guests are akin to the divine Lord. Hence, to receive and treat them well is an imperative. You would be able to make out the same from the hospitality standards of the Indian hotels, lodges, and guest houses. In addition to that, people in this land are welcoming and warm.
Each trip has a purpose. For some, it could be relaxation, whilst others might be interested in an archeological tour. The choices differ and are various.
The ones enticed by the culture of India can opt in for the cultural tour packages. The choicest destination here is Madurai city which is located on the banks of Vagai River. Meenakshi Temple is the most important landmark here, being devoted to Lord Shiva.
Another remarkable site of interest is the Thirumala Nayak Palace, a refined specimen of the country’s architectural heritage. Located nearby is the Thanjavoor or the Tanjore, popular for its arts and paintings. Finally, a stopover at the Brihadeshwara temple reflecting the wonder of Chola artistry would complete the tour in true sense of the word.
Connoisseurs of India’s cultural ethos and monumental beauty can also seek pleasure down South amidst the serene natural surroundings. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known tiger reserve as well. It’s a calm retreat for the arboreal, terrestrial, and aquatic species, besides its rare and vast flora and fauna.
Rajasthan tour exemplifies heritage vacations in India. Think about the place, and you would get visions of the rustic folk music playing, the ghoomar dancers dancing in circles, colorful marts and the vast stretches of sand. It’s almost like an endless sea, with the crests and the turfs. Place yourself on any corner of a fort or haveli, and gaze at the sands moving softly in motion with the winds. You would be transported to the days of Maharajas and feel the charm of the “yester years”.
The land is also known for its music and dance performances. Devotional songs gain prominence here. These apart, professional dancers such as Dholis, Bhaats, Nats, Bhands, Mirasis and Bhopas are prevalent through out the state. The popular dance forms are Ghoomar, Kathputli, Fire dance, and the Gait Ghoomar. Shehnai, Morchang, and the Khartal are a few of the musical instruments that are used.
Forts and palaces would form a major part of your tour in Rajasthan. The eminent ones are Chittaurgarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Amber Fort.
India is a land of temples and holy shrines. Several devotional sites have been constructed here decades back, attributing to particular deities and holy spirits. Along with that, there are several pious beliefs associated with each holy site. For instance, the Konark Temple in Orissa is said to be created keeping in mind the healing rays of the Sun.
Further, the steps of the temple are made of laterite rocks, which is a cure for leprosy. Similarly, the Central India Temple tour and Chanderi trip too has a significance of its own. The total duration of the trip is about nine nights and ten days. The major destinations covered are Delhi, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Orchha, Shivpuri, Chanderi, Agra, and Gwalior. Travelers get to explore the grand Khajuraho temple and other sites of religious significance on the trip.
Various religious beliefs converge in India. Buddhism is one of them. After all, it’s the land where Gautam Buddha belongs. Buddhist pilgrimage tour India deals generally have a duration of eighteen to twenty days. The destinations covered include Mumbai, Bhopal, Aurangabad, Agra, Bodhgaya, Varanasi and Patna.
It is said that once in a lifetime everyone must visit a monastery. The quietitude experienced here is unparalled. In addition to that, there is a sense of renewal and rejuvenation that the body, mind and soul undergo. The popular monasteries in India are Tabo Monastery, Bomdila Monastery, Dhankar Gompa, Tawang Monastery, Chemrey Gompa, Spituk Gompa, Rangdum Gompa, Matho Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Stongdey Monastery, Phugtal Gompa and many more. Monastery trips in India are not just limited to senior citizens. These days the youth too are equally planning for the same.
When you are planning your trip to India, it would be helpful to keep a few useful suggestions in mind. The country is known for its scenic hill stations such as Manali, Ooty, Coorg, and Shimla. Visiting these hill stations during summer would allow a respite from the summer heat. At the same time, destinations like Goa beach as well the religious sites like Haridwar, records steep tour package rates owing to the peak season. Though one can gain from a few last-minute bargain deals, however it is always advised that hotel and other allied bookings are done in advance.
Indian Holiday
Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (IHPL) is a 2 time National Tourism Award winning destination management company based in Delhi. This travel blog is an initiative to inform the visitors about all aspects of India that include her history, heritage, culture and tourist attractions and destinations.
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