India is the land of colours and culture. The diversifying heritage and the beauty of this land have captivated many travellers across the world. India has always been a hot destination for travellers since ancient times. The loveliness of this country can’t be expressed in words, where the custom of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are equivalent to God) is well followed. Visitors witness here a vivid cultural heritage, customs, food, monuments, scenic beauty and many more all dipped into the love portion, telling you tales of its glorious past. Many people are not aware that January 25 is celebrated as National Tourism Day in India. It is perhaps the best day to know how wonderful India is when it comes to travel and tourism. Many of us dream of visiting alluring destinations abroad without considering how much there is to see in our own country. Year after year, India has captured the fascination of many foreign travellers.
Here are some interesting spots about Indian tourism that you must not miss!
JUNAGARH FORT
Junagarh Fort is a place which can woo you with its elegance and will keep you overwhelmed for the rest of your life. It is one of the incredible forts in Rajasthan which induces so many visitors to its mesmerising and remarkable views. Bikaner city has evolved around this grand fort with time and it is one of the few forts in Rajasthan which is not constructed on a hilltop. Junagarh Fort is just around 5 to 6 hours drive away from the astonishing Thar Desert. So, if you are planning your next trip to this fort, mind it that the promising time to visit Junagarh Fort is between October and February when the entire city cools down for a few months.
- Food:
When you think of food in Bikaner, immediately you are drawn towards thinking about mouth-watering foods, here are Bikaneri Bhujia, Raj-Kachori and Rajasthani Thali to relish on your trip.
AGRA FORT, AGRA
Agra is one of the extensively outstanding visitor’s destinations in India for a fantastic reason – Taj Mahal. Eventually, another intention to visit this city is for the magnificent Agra Fort. Four generations of Mughals ruled India from Agra and lived in this gorgeous and grand fort. However, according to few pieces of research, this fort was initially constructed by Lodis and was just resuscitated by the Mughals. The Mughals did everything to eliminate the evidence of Lodis from its history. The alluring beauty of Agra Fort led it to become the first monument in India which was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Agra Fort is just a few kilometres away from Taj Mahal. So, you can catch two delightful architectural manifestations in a single day.
- Food:
Agra is swarming with good places to eat, the city has its outstanding specialities when it comes to food. For the Foodie in you, will surely enjoy Bedai and Jalebi, Bhalla, Mughlai Delicacies, Dalmoth are absolutely lip-smacking and immensely tasty.
GOLCONDA FORT
Golconda Fort is tracked down at a place called Golconda which is approximately 11 kilometres away from the Hyderabad city. This fort is certainly an architectural sensation. There is a dome in Golconda Fort where handclaps accomplished can be heard a kilometre away at the ‘Bala Hisar’ belvedere. This majestic fort was also home to some absolutely popular diamonds like Kohinoor, Nassak Diamond, Hope Diamond and many others. The main temptation of Golconda Fort is the light show which is performed every day at various times. Best time to explore Golconda Fort is from October to February when the weather gets fascinating throughout Hyderabad.
- Food:
Whether you live to eat or eat to live, there are certain food items like Hyderabadi Biryani, Hyderabadi Marag, Kubani ka Meetha, Irani Chai, Ariselu, Garijalu and many more. Which are so unique that it is definitely essential for you to not miss them, especially when you happen to visit in Hyderabad.
MYSORE PALACE
Being one of the prime attractions in India after the Taj Mahal, a spot that deserves a place in every traveller’s bucket list. So why not visit Mysore Palace this holiday season? Mysore Palace, also called Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the remarkably magnificent and enormous palaces in India. Situated in the southern state of Karnataka, it used to be the authorized dwelling of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The elegant palace stands tall in the heart of Mysore city and fascinates visitors from across the world. Mysore Palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic style with a touch of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic architectural styles. The exterior of this wonderful structure is enriched with two durbar halls. There is also a sprawling green garden surrounding the palace. The interiors are opulently designed with carved doors, stained glass ceilings, glittering glazed flooring tiles, spectacular Czechoslovakian chandeliers, and works of art from all over the world. All the rooms of the palace are stunningly luxurious. There is also a museum housed within the walled complex, called the Residential Museum. It is an aesthetic place to visit.
- Food:
Like most cities in the South of India, the people of Mysore take their dosas, idlis, and vadas very seriously. While there are many variations to these dishes. You can also try Kesari Bath, uttapam, Bisibelabath and never to forget Mysore Pak.
RANN OF KUTCH
Rann of Kutch is an enormous space of cracked earth, inland from the sea, that pledges to take your breath off. The emptiness for nerve-wracking and astonishing with a small oasis of water bodies and shrub forests doubling up as homes for pink flamingos and wild asses.
This is a perfect place for people who would like to come across the wildlife and natural beauty of the region. Approximately 200 km east of the Rann, is the Little Rann of Kutch, which houses the 4953-sq-km Wild Ass Sanctuary. Tribal hamlets with cylindrical mud bhungas are the epicentre for Kutchi embroidery and leatherwork. Trip to Rann of Kutch is a very exciting and unforgettable experience.
- Food:
Kutch presents a simple yet delicious cuisine that is appetizing. The staple food of the region is Khichdi and Kadhi, Rotla and green chilli pickle, accompanied by buttermilk. Local fast food of the region is Kutchi Dabeli. Besides, Kharibhat and Chakrada Pakwan are famous dishes of the region.
Ganga aarti of Varanasi
The Ganga aarti of Varanasi is a gleaming beacon of devotion and bliss that gives to you a great experience of the divinity in and around us. Since ages, no day has taken off by when the holy Ganga River has not been cherished. It is one of the must-see activities encompassed in every traveller’s itinerary and people from all walks of life visit the city intending to perceive the Ganga aarti. It is an organised activity that starts up by lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and a well-synchronised and harmonious chanting of the holy mantras. While some of the priests blow the conch shells to glorify the atmosphere, other priests commence waving the incense sticks to worship Mother Ganga. The aarti takes place daily at 6:30 PM post sundown in summer and 7:00 PM in winters for about 45 minutes. Once the goosebump-inducing aarti is over, there is more of Sattva or purity in the air.
- Food:
The cuisine of Varanasi is an essential part of its culture. The street food of Varanasi is as popular as the temples of the region. Your trip is incomplete without trying some lip-smacking delicacies are Baati Chokha,
Dahi chutney Gol Gappa, Banarasi Thandai and lassi, Banarasi Paan and many more.
Ellora Caves
Ellora caves are one of the most amazing and outstanding man-made layouts to be carved out of such rugged and difficult rock systems which are unusual in Deccan topography. These 34 monasteries and temples, expanding over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt ridge, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its consecutive sequence of monuments dating from the 6th and7th century, gives rise to the civilization of ancient India. Not only is the Ellora complex a distinctive artistic composition and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries earmarked to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it symbolizes the spirit of compassion that was characteristic of bygone India.
- Food:
Aurangabad is a great food culture and a foodie’s Paradise. There are quite a few places which serve really delicious cuisines. The famous food there are misal pav, naan khaliya, Aurangabadi thalis, kulcha, jalebi, rabdi, shami kabab and many more.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this content and get inspired to explore places across India. Read about the Best Places to Travel With Kids and explore places to have fun with family.