Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun's Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.
Sawai Madhopur, the lively capital city of the greater Sawai Madhopur District, rests within southeast Rajasthan, on the northern extension of the sprawling Vindhyan Plateau. The city is famous for its flourishing fauna and flora and mouth-watering cuisine. Some of the best ways to experience these local treasures include a meander through enchanting public gardens and a sample of the delicious local dishes at the numerous atmospheric restaurants. Both a history and nature enthusiasts dream, Sawai Madhopur opens a world of enjoyable excursions with some of the most notable attractions being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort; the religiously significant Chamatkar Temple; and the remarkable Ranthambhore National Park, renowned for its abundance of free-roaming wildlife including the majestic Bengal tiger and Indian leopard.
Situated in the eastern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is a bustling little town known for its UNESCO-listed Keoladeo National Park, which is one of the world’s most impressive bird sanctuaries, featuring over 400 species of waterbird. While the park is undoubtedly the main attraction, the city itself boasts several historical monuments. Chief among these is the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, which is surrounded by a moat and contains the Government Museum, showcasing countless artefacts of local rajas. Other must-see sights include the Bharatpur Royal Palace, designed using a combination of the Mughal and Rajput architectural styles with magnificent apartments and intricately designed floor tiles.
Located at the intersection of three Indian states, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in Northern India, the Chambal Valley is a famous wildlife and bird watching destination. This area has much to offer with its impressive landscapes, fascinating ruins and variety of fauna and flora. The Chambal Valley’s natural diversity and unique ecosystem make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers, who can look forward to visiting the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, inhabited by the endangered gharial, a fish-eating crocodile; the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin. Don’t miss the camel safari, which takes visitors along the Chambal river and past several historical sites, including the Ater Fort, which is over 800 years old and the ancient villages of Kuntalpur and Morena. Activities such as rafting, camping, bird watching, boating, and other watersports are available for adventure seekers.
A city brimming with historical sites, Gwalior is a perfect stopover for heritage tourists in Madhya Pradesh and lies in the heart of the state. The painted Man Singh palace and impressive Gwalior fort should top your to-do list, however, don’t miss the breathtaking Jain rock sculptures carved into the rock at several points on the plateau, including on the way up from Gwalior Gate. Musicians and singers should head to the Tomb of Tansen, the father of Hindustani classical music in the Old Town. Legend has it that if you eat the leaves from the Tamarind tree in the surrounding area, they will enrich your voice.
Situated on the banks of Betwa River, laid back Orchha is often overshadowed by its neighbour, Khajuraho, famous for its erotic sculptures. In many ways, Orchha is just like one big outdoor museum, allowing its visitors to immerse in its rich history. This charming, medieval town is dominated by impressive ochre-coloured palaces, forts and temples. Most of these date to between the 15th and 18th century – when the city was the thriving seat of government for the Bundela kings – and make for a sensory day of sightseeing, with main attractions including the intricate palace of Jahangir Mahal, the 14 Cenotaphs and the white-washed Ram Raja Temple.
Also known as the Panna Tiger Reserve, the Panna National Park, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is an impressive 550-square-kilometer expanse of wilderness characterised by high plateaus, plunging gorges, vast teak forests, and rolling savannah grasslands. From peaceful boat rides watching crocodiles along the banks of the Ken River, to catching glimpses of tigers, leopards and sloth bears on jeep safari, Panna offers wildlife enthusiasts many exciting opportunities. Aside from the park’s famous big cats, visitors can look forward to spotting an array of exotic wildlife species including antelope, deer, monkey, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, otter, and over 300 species of birds. Don’t miss the impressive Dhundwa Falls, situated on the Hinouta Plateau, and the Pandava Falls, which feature some remarkable ancient caves.
Tucked between towering trees, rocky terrain and agricultural landscapes lies Tala; a small village. A tranquil and awe-inspiring oasis, Tala is ideal for travellers wanting to explore the diverse aspects of Madhya Pradesh and its surroundings. Visitors can look forward to enjoying an array of exciting attractions, which include the fascinating Bandhavgarh Hill; the historical Bandhavgarh Fort; and the magnificent Bandhavgarh National Park, a vast biodiverse area famously known for its high population of royal Bengal tiger, white tiger and leopard. Don’t miss out on a chance to meander through and admire the excellent collection of beautiful wildlife photography at the Baghel Museum.
Also known as the Kanha Tiger Reserve, the Kanha National Park is widely considered to be the greatest of India’s wildlife reserves and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s classic, 'The Jungle Book'. This impressive expanse of wilderness is set in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, encompassing about 950 square kilometres of lush rolling hills, peaceful rivers, saal and bamboo forest, and endless stretches of savanna grassland. This spectacularly scenic environment provides a diverse range of habitats for an extraordinary array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, jackals, swamp deer, foxes, porcupines, sloth bears, pythons, hare, chitals, gaur monkeys, mongooses, and hundreds of species of bird.
As previously described
