India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Comprising the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern entity, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of stunning architecture, notable monuments, and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort complex, Qutab Minar and its attendant monuments, and Humayun's Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most tradtional wholesale and popular retail centers today, particularly for jewelry and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
Shimla, lying deep in the foothills of the Himalayas, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and the gateway into the more remote northern regions of Kashmir. It is also the stop-off for travellers venturing into the Kullu and Spiti Valleys. Resting at an altitude of 2159 metres, the city has a cool climate and beautiful views of river valleys, pine forests, apple orchards and steep mountains covered with maize terraces. The Mall, a long, winding pedestrian-only walkway, is the commercial and social hub of Shimla, while those looking for natural beauty should head uphill through the forest to Jakhu Temple or follow one of the many forest trails in the eastern part of Shimla. To the south of the city, the bazaars bustle with local flavour.
Located in the verdant Doon Valley, nestled between two of the country’s most prominent rivers – the sacred Ganges and the Yamuna – Uttarakhand’s capital, Dehradun, is known for its lush scenic beauty and pleasant weather. The city is host to two popular festivals, the Jhanda fair, and Tapkeshwar Mela, which form highlights of the annual social calendar. Sites of interest include an array of temples and monuments, the Forest Research Institute, and beautiful Malsi Deer Park. Nearby attractions include the Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, peppered with relics and ruins dating back over 2000 years, as well as the alluring Himalayan hill stations of Mussorie, Dakpathar, Sahastradhara, and Chakrata.
Gurugram, formerly known as Gurgaon, is a major commercial hub in Haryana, just southwest of New Delhi. Its modern skyline of glass-fronted skyscrapers and corporate offices reflects its transformation from a small town into one of India’s leading business centres. The city’s rapid growth accelerated with the arrival of Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing operations in the 1980s, followed by the development of major business districts and the arrival of multinational companies. Beyond its busy roads and urban sprawl, visitors can find a quieter side of the region at Sultanpur National Park, around 15 km from the city. This wetland reserve is a popular destination for birdwatching, attracting a variety of resident and migratory species, particularly during the winter months.
