India is a land rich in history, with an amazing diversity of traditions, cuisines, and religions. Whether the reason for your trip is for the scenery, wildlife, adventure, or history, there is something for everyone.
Remnants of Colonial India exist in its architecture, especially in public and government buildings from the British Raj era, with their pointed arches stained-glass windows, turrets, spires, and ornate facade decorations. Notable buildings in Delhi are the Parliament Building, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, formally known as the Viceroy’s House. And the British tradition of High Tea that is still taken in more upmarket hotels, famous for its finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and other light snacks, along with champagne and of course, flavoursome teas.
Forts, palaces and buildings in India serve as a reminder of the rulers and kingdoms of bygone eras. From the Red Fort in Old Delhi, the main residence of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to the Amber or Amer Fort, with its large ramparts, gates and cobbled, and Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort which surrounded by thick walls and overlooks the city. Jaipur's most famous pink building is the five-storey crown-shaped Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) constructed in 1799 for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as part of the women's section of the enormous City Palace. Undoubtedly, the most famous building of all is the This UNESCO listed Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, easily recognised for its perfect symmetrical beauty which was commissioned in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal and it now also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.
For something extraordinary, time your visit to coincide with India’s Holi Festival of Colours, where people gather to smear their clothes and faces with brightly coloured powders. The Festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, which is celebrated every year on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna which is early March. Other cultural highlights that should be included when visiting India include taking a rickshaw ride, join in a cooking demonstration, take a foodie tour in Old Delhi, and see the Mohabbat-e-Taj show in Agra which presents splendid lifestyle of Mughal dynasty in true Bollywood style. And for the more adventurous, cycle to Nahargarh Fort which stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur.
India is unlike any other destination and its beautiful people, spiritual connection, historic places, wonderful food and diverse landscape ensures it continues to be on many travellers’ bucket list.
Click here for our holidays to India or contact the Holidays of Australia & the World team on 1300 854 897 or email holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au.
