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101 things to do in India

Pop a 'Golgappa' in Your Mouth

• On the roadside, fresh and hot from a pot of bubbling oil, are carefully stacked tiny,

golden puffs. Put one between your teeth and bite down. Instantly the frail crust gives

way, flooding the mouth with cool, cilantro-flavored water spiked with chilly.

• This is great fun, like popping edible balloons. There is extremely joy with each little

explosion. The witty little Golgappa or Pani Pooris, created with a subtle sense of

humour, are a memorable snack on the road.

Get Indian in Your Attire

• For the ladies, wearing the Indian 'Sari' will be a delightful experience. After you've

managed to put on one that is. There is an art to it, which the friendly Indian ladies will

only be too happy to help you with.

• Gentlemen may try out ‘Kurta-dhoti’ and 'Sherwanis' with the famous gear for the head,

turban.

Healing Gems

• The Navaratna (nine gems) is an exquisite piece of jewellery and every woman must own

one. Traditionally the stone and its weight are decided according to the individual's

astrological chart.

• The Navratna consists of Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Coral, Pearl, Sapphire, Garnet, Topaz

and Cat's eye. This combination of gems is considered highly auspicious and is said to

protect the wearer.

Gold Facial

• Get a 22 carat facial at any of the premium parlors like the Shahnaz Herbal parlors in

India. The facial involves a message with 22 carat pure gold gel and cream to stimulate

blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

• Intensive toning and a use of specialized mask, containing 22 carat gold, accelerates cell-

renewal. This is an intensive age-control and rejuvenating treatment, leaving you as good

as gold.

Join a Cookery Class

• Learn the subtle variations of India's cuisine and unlock the magic of Indian food. The

flavors of Indian food are alluring and fragrant.

• Fluffy rice, tender morsels of meat and chicken, creamy and aromatic sauces, hot baked

breads studded with spices, mouth-tingling chutneys and pickles-all these authentic

flavors are yours to be discovered and enjoyed.

Design Your Hands

• Mehendi, "henna coloring" has become the in thing for women. No Indian wedding is

complete without Mehendi. Whichever part of the country the bride may be from; her

hands are adorned with the lovely red hue of Mehendi. Visit a local bazaar and get your

hands colored.

• It usually takes over six hours for the mehendi to set properly. The intricate patterns -

the peacock, the national bird of India, the lotus flower etc., are dabbed with cotton

balls doused in sugar syrup and lime juice to make the mehendi darker.

Play Cricket in the Park

• Cricket is a national passion. The obsession for the game has bewildered historians who

are at loss to describe the enthusiasm. At every park in the country, cricket is played by

youngsters. Particularly on weekends. So grab a pair of sports shoes and join in the fun

and frolic.

• The game of cricket was brought to Indian shores by British sailors and subsequently by

the soldiers and civil officers posted to the sub-continent during the Raja era.

Get married Indian Style

• Indian marriages are symbolized by a host of rites and rituals, traditions, pomp and

festivity and numerous customs passed down from generation to generation. Take a

quick peek into the world of Indian weddings in all their glory by getting married Indian

style at a luxurious heritage hotel.

• The groom dresses in traditional attire and is welcomed by friends with flower garlands

by the bride's 'close relatives' (hotel staff and guests in the case of international visitors).

Visit an Indian Home

• Indians are hospitable people and respect religious and social customs. Chances are that

if you show an inclination, you will get invited to their homes. Indians have always

believed that 'The Guest is God'.

• The Other Home has a wide choice of homestay options in India. Guests can stay with

the Indian family and experience authentic culture & cuisine.

Learn Yoga

• Yoga is a system of exercises for physical and mental well being. It was developed about

five thousand years ago. It combines stylized poses with deep breathing and meditation.

The term Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to 'join together'.

• The ultimate aim in yoga is to unite the human soul with the universal spirit. There are

great opportunities to learn yoga and make it a part of your everyday living

Watch an Indian film

• Be it the Oscars or the friendly neighborhood theatre in our country. Indian movies have

made a mark in the world. When in India, it will be a good idea to hop into a movie-

theatre and experience an exciting array of drama, emotion and dance & music.

• You will not only be thoroughly entertained but you may also find enough inspiration to

make a flick of your own.

Rock Climbing

• Bangalore is the centre for rock climbing destinations like Ramangaram, Savandurga.

Thuralli, Kabbal, Raogodhu and others. Kambakkam, around 100 kms. from Chennai,

provides good climbing in many grades while Hampi in Karnataka has some of the best

granite rocks in India, providing climbers ample opportunity to test their skills.

• Near Mumbai, Kanheri, Mumbra boulders, Manori rocks, Karnala and Matheran are

popular destinations for rock climbing. There are numerous other rock climbing

destinations, so come to India and enjoy the thrill.

Catch the Rapids during Full Moon

• River Running is the most organized water sport in the country. It includes rafting,

canoeing and kayaking. India's rafting stretches are mainly on the rivers Bias, Sutlej,

Mahakali and Ganges, of which the Ganges is considered the safest.

• If you're lucky you might even catch the night rafting, when the runners raft by the light

of the full moon that casts eerie shadows all over the flat Himalayan deserted land.

Heli-skiing

• Heli-Skiing has come to stay in India. It is practiced in the area bound by the Hanuman

Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali. A sortie of ten

minutes carries skiers to the top of a 14,000 foot high slope.

• Heli-skiing in Manali and Gulmarg provides an enormous variety of ski runs and routes

as complicated or as straightforward as the individual can tackle.

Road Tripping

• Take a road trip from Bangalore to Goa. Passing through some astonishing landscapes,

this is one of the most fascinating road trips down south.

• Another beautiful trip by road is from Chennai to Pondicherry via the East Coast Road.

Also try a trip from Raniket to Kasauni in the Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal .

Celebration of Goodness over Evil

• In October, a ten-day long festival, Dasara, is celebrated to mark the victory of Prince

Ram over the evil king Ravana. Ram-Lila, a drama which brings to life the legend of

Prince Rama is held in various parts of the country.

• On the tenth day a huge effigy of Ravana, filled with crackers, is burnt. This becomes a

most spectacular display of fire works that fills up the evening sky.

Visit an Artist's Village

• Chalamandalam in Chennai, Shilpgram in Udaipur, Pinjore in Haryana and Chowkidani

in Jaipur, Saputara in Gujarat are some of the artist villages worth a visit.

• Here one can see artists at work-be it pottery, embroidery, painting or various other art

forms.

Eat food off a banana leaf

• Numerous local restaurants in South India serve their staple. Dosas, griddle-fried

pancakes and Idlies, steamed rice dumplings on a banana leaf.

• It can prove a little awkward to those who have never used their fingers before. But once

you get the hang of it, there can be no other way to eat these delicacies.

The Indian Digestive

• The Indian paans are famous for their taste and digestive properties. Paans are special

leaves commonly had with betel nuts which can also be tailor-made on request with

coconut powder, clove, sugar, camphor, gulkand (a sweet paste), etc.

• Go ahead and eat your heart out and top it up with paan.

Sip Tea at a Wayside Stall

• On the way to Kerala's hill country, Munnar, stop at tea plantation tea stall and sip a cup

of the brew. The cool mountain air makes the experience invigorating.

• 'Kawa' is a light tea, without milk, topped with grated almonds, popular in Jammu and

Kashmir. The masala tea served in the Dhabas in north India is another specialty.

Scuba Diving

• The coral reefs and pristine blue lagoons of Lakshadweep and Andamans are the ideal

location to head for scuba diving in India.

• Facilities existing at Andaman Beach Resort and the Bay Island at Port Blair, and the

Bangaram Beach resort in the Lakshadweep, which has some of the best diving spots in

the world.

Holi - Festival of Colors

• Welcome to Holi, India's fluorescent Mardi Gras where no one is safe from being turned

into something that resembles a Jackson Pollock canvas. It is the most colourful, friendly

battle on earth. The frenzy takes place all across northern and eastern India.

• Join in the celebration as vibrantly coloured powders are thrown on friends, relatives,

and strangers. The festival is accompanied with noisy makeshift parades, feasts and

dancing in the streets, and in true Indian fashion.

Read the Classifieds

• Check out the Sunday newspapers in India and you will find amusing reading under

"Matrimonial".

• The advertisements give an idea of social milieu and society in the country.

Fly a Kite

• Indians are great kite lovers. In fact, the Makar Sanskriti festival is a fun time to join the

thousands who share your interest. Check with your travel agent on the dates of the

festival.

• Gujarat is famous for its kites and the locals are experts at flying these paper birds.

Live in an Asharam

• Resting serenely on the banks of the holy Ganga (Ganges), nestled in the lap of the

Himalayas in Rishikesh, are ashrams (charity homes) in an atmosphere of true sublimity.

It is no surprise that pilgrims are drawn here from all over the world. The awe-inspiring

beauty of the ashrams, the necessary modern amenities.

• Each morning, ashram residents join together for universal prayer and meditation as the

sun begins its ascent over the Himalayas and the first light of dawn dances on the waters

of the Ganges.

Frozen River Trek

• A challenging and exciting trek over the frozen river Zanskar is the only access to the

isolated capital of Zanskar during the harsh winter period. This dramatic and challenging

trek begins with sight seeking in the Tibetan influenced kingdom of Ladakh.

• The trek is on the frozen river with night stops in the villages and natural caves. Best

time is from mid-January to mid-February.

Explore a Village by Jeep

• Explore the Buddhist mountain kingdom of Ladakh and mysterious Nubra Valley. Wide

open spaces, wind across your face, breathtaking , bewitching scenery is what you are

driving past different landscapes on mountain roads.

• The Zankar valley is a particularly challenging area where even a casual visit to a

monastery or a remote village settlement involves a rewarding safari. Driving past

different landscapes apple orchards, quaint villages and temples, the Great Himalayan

jeep safari is an unmatched experience.

Yak Safari

• Get onto a Yak while others trek along the spine of the Singe Lila Range to the 4572-

meter-high Duisla, the pass of the Devil. The route is no habitation, follows the ancient

grazing trail of the yak herdsmen.

• It is the domain of yaks, their lonely herdsmen, lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams,

cascades, chiseled snow peaks, meadows, forests, Rhododendrons, wildlife, birds and

breathtaking views of 6000 to 8000 meter-high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group,

and the Mount Everest group. This is an experience unique to Sikkim.

A Place in the Hills

• Situated on a 15-acres forested estate surrounded by tea gardens of the Kangra valley,

one of the most scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh, is Taragarh Palace.

• It has comfortable furnished rooms with attached baths, teak paneled dining hall, old

colonial furniture, swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts. While at Tarahgarh, visit

the Tashijong Monastery which has a commanding view of the Kangra valley.

Golf in the Summer Capital of the British

• Shimla was the summer capital during the British Rule. The city showcases rich heritage

and history. A walk on mall road is must.

• Since no English township could be complete without a golf course, a suitable site was

finally chosen at Naldehra 23 km from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy

turf, which requires little maintenance.

Jingle Jangle Bangles

• Visit a fair and buy a host of multi-colored glass bangles to match your eye, dress, shoes

or taste.

• Firozabad, a town in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its glass bangle manufacturing. In

each region, bangles are made using the materials available locally, like wood in Kashmir

and lac in Rajasthan.

Aarti- Homage to the Ganges

• In Rishikesh and neighboring Haridwar, each evening, as the sun's last rays reflect off the

boundless waters of the Ganges, people gather for the aarti. This divine light ceremony is

filled with devotional songs. The aarti, ornate oil lamps, are released into the water.

• Aarti is a time when people break free from the stresses and strains of everybody life,

and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As the bright yellow sun dips in the

water, one is filled with a deep sense of bliss and spiritual connection.

Have Lunch in a Punjabi Dhaba

• Expert to receive hospitality is overwhelming. Punjabi food is centered on bread, corn

bread, greens and buttermilk (lassi). Buttermilk is whipped yogurt, and can be had

sweetened or with salt and is usually very thick.

• Wheat is the staple food here. Shredded vegetable mixed with spices and stuffed into

the dough, are rolled and roasted to make delicious stuffed parathas. Tandoori food, a

favourite with many foreigners, is a gift from the Punjab. After eating this meal, you can

safely miss the next two meals!

Visit to Golden Temple

• All that glitters here, for certain, is gold. The temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab is the

most sacred place for the Sikhs.

• The holy waters of the surrounding sarovar (pool) mirror the gold of the temple making

it an enriching experience.

Bargain Your Way

• When in cities like Delhi or Mumbai visit the local markets like Janpath in Delhi or the

Fashion Street in Mumbai. Here you will find an amazing variety of clothes and junk

jewellery but the real fun of it is bargaining with the shopkeepers.

• Not only will you take home a lot of goodies at throwaway prices but you will also enjoy

the experience.

Make a Wish

• On Mathura Road in Delhi, next to trade fair ground is the Matka Pir. It is believed that

wishes are granted if an earthen pot is placed on the branches of the tree. So make a

wish and may it come true.

• India is country of different religions and culture. One binding things among Indian is

Faith / Believe.

Visit the Oldest Restaurant in India

• In Old Delhi, close to the Red Fort, is India's oldest restaurant, Karim's. Founded by the

family of chefs who fed the Mughal emperors exotic dishes, the tradition of great cuisine

lives on.

• Try their Koftas, peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a boiled egg; and succulent

chicken yogurt laced with spices that burst upon the palate like star shell.

Beating the Retreat

• At the majestic Vijay chowk, the "Beating the Retreat" ceremony is held every year

against the backdrop of the setting sun in Delhi. The ceremony dates back to the days

when troops disengaged themselves from battle at sunset.

• The annual retreat has the nation's defence forces in a ceremonial playing of pipes and

drums that, in effect, is a celebration of joy of being a Republic. It is customary for the

country's top brass , including the President, the Prime Minister and the three Service

Chiefs, to participate in the celebrations.

Hole in One

• Play a round of golf at the Classic Golf Resort (CGR), the first South Asian signature

championship course designed by the great Jack 'Golden Beer' Nicklaus.

• The resort has been built on a 300-acre expanse, at the foothills of the picturesque 20-

million year old Aravalli hills.

Sound and Lights

• The Lal Quila (Red Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its

magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is a calm heaven of peace, which helps one

to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports

the visitor to another realm of existence.

• Sound and light shows, highlighting particular phases of history are held here and are

worth attending. The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and light shows are also held

at other important monuments.

Visit Delhi Haat

• Situated in the heart of the capital city, Dilli Haat is the first ever permanent crafts

market showcasing crafts from all over India.

• The word Haat implies a weekly market in rural and semi-urban India. The Dilli Haat

offers a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities.

Cultural India

• The Habitat Centre prides itself on being the epicentre of the cultural and entertainment

life of the capital.

• With several performance venues, almost all operating daily, every evening can be

leisurely spent enjoying a spectrum of performances. In addition, delectable cuisine is

available at its food court.

Walk the Bazaars

• Walking the narrow winding streets of bazaars is in itself a novel experience. The bazaars

are certainly not the mall. Put aside any notion of peace and quiet and jump into the

thick of it.

• Chandni Chawk, in Old Delhi has all kinds of shops, from gold and silver to hardware. If

you get lost, just hail an auto rickshaw, they'll take you where you want to go.

Siberian Crane - A Regular Visitor

• Bharatpur is the real kingdom of avian fauna in India with approximately 377 bird species

already spotted.

• In early October, the first migrants arrive from central Asia, Mongolia and Siberia, the

most eagerly waited of the lot being the gravely threatened Siberian crane. Get ready for

a sudden encounter with the elusive Siberian Crane.

In the Footsteps of the Maharajas

• These days one would find golfers on the ground where royals once moved on their

charges. The Rambagh Palace Polo & Golf Club in Jaipur is an eighteen-hole course with

nine greens and nine browns.

• It overlooks the picturesque Moti Doongri Palace and the historical Nahargarh Fort. The

fairway passes through the Rambagh Polo Grounds, which have seen some of the finest

polo matches in the time of the late Sawai Man Singh.

Sore Ankles and Rustic Fun

• Riding a camel can take some getting used to, similar to the first time trying to sit cross-

kneed. It's not like an elephant ride where one can sit back comfortably and let the

animal do the rest. Be prepared for sore ankles and knees. This is the ideal way to spend

time exploring rustic Rajasthan.

• A camel safari moves through the golden sands of the savage Thar Desert passing

through remote villages. The fortified cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer ad Bikaner are the best

areas for camel safaris. Ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and enjoy the deserts

cape. The best time would be from mid-September to mid-March.

A palace shimmer in the lake

• The Lake Palace, Udaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of

the turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake, an elegant fantasy in white marble. The palace

was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acre of rock.

• Run by the Taj Group, the rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of

pink, green lotus leaves and painted mirrors.

A Centuries-old Eco-tourism Efforts

• While in Jodhpur, visit the Bishnoi Village. The Bishnoi clan holds a special significance in

the culture of India. Their commitment to the natural environment is extraordinary. The

basic philosophy of the clan is that all living things have a right to survive and share all

resources.

• Nature protection was given foremost importance in these tents. This sect has religiously

followed these tenets. The blackbuck and the chinkara are not afraid of humans here

and are often seen near the villages eating out of the villager's hand.

Ballooning in India

• Ballooning is a great way to see a city, New Delhi's Safdarjung Airport provides some

opportunities to float past the old monuments.

• Ballooning events are held annually in Rajasthan's three cities-Jaipur, Jodhpur and

Jaisalmer. Contact The Other Home for special Ballooning Trip in Rajasthan.

In the footsteps of Kipling

• Relieve the good old days of the sahibs and shikari (hunter) by going on an elephant

safari. Elephant might seem huge, intimidating beasts but they are quite gentle really

and one can soon get used to the swaying motion of the elephant's gait.

• Travel through the hills and wide river valleys of the Corbett National Park, named after

the famous hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett. Wild Boar and herds of deer

browse the vegetation in this scenic reserve, becoming a convenient prey for the park's

leopards and tigers.

Museum of Utensils

• A unique culinary experience awaits visitors on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, where

visitors can savor authentic. Gujarati village cuisine, before wandering through the

grounds to see a museum devoted to Indian utensils. Utensils have been placed in a

simple structure set around an open courtyard.

• Collected from all over India, the endeavor is to demonstrate the purity of form and

shape in these objects of utility. The pot to store water in, utensils to cook and serve in,

spoons, rolling pins, a huge vessel, each object is beautifully conceived and created.

Temples on a Hill on a Moonlit Night

• Palitana, city of Jain temples, lies at the feet of Shatrunjaya hills, in the eastern part of

the Saurashtra. From this town, a flight of steps lead to a cluster of 863 temples built

over a period of 900 years.

• On a moonlit night the ivory coloured temples are a delectable sight. The ornate temples

with deities studded with gems and jewels, can be reached after 90 minute climb.

India's only Wild Ass Sanctuary

• The Rann of Kutch, which covers an area of roughly 5,000 square km., is primarily known

as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the last natural habitat of the Indian

Wild Ass, one of the three surving spices of the Wild Ass in the world-the other two

being found in Central Asia and in and around Tibet.

• Among these, the blue-tailed bee-eater that comes all the way from Europe: the

common crane and the demoiselle crane from Siberian: the ceraneous vulture from

Egypt and the houbara bustard from Iran and Iraq are the most commonly sighted.

Watch Idols Immersed in the Sea

• Ganesha is the well- endowed god of prosperity. So it pays to treat him well. Celebrate

the birthday of Lord Ganesha along with a million others as they move towards the sea

to immerse his idols. The biggest public culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi happens on

Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, in a large-scale immersion.

• As the king-sized idols are dragged into the sea, the crowd goes wild and chants,

"Ganapati Bappa Morya". Simultaneously, there are processions, music performances

and decorated stages (called "pandaals"). cart races, and wrestling matches.

Where Washermen of Mumbai meet

• Visit Asia's largest open-air laundry in Mumbai. Here hundreds of washer men wash

clothes and leave them out in the sun to dry. This Dhobi Ghat could not be further

removed in spirit from the manicured lawns of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, although it is

only a few hindered yards away.

• This is where much of Mumbai's laundry is done, by hand in concrete sinks and dried by

the sun, as it has been for generations.

Lunch Anyone

• A sight exclusive to Mumbai is its legendary dabbawallahs, an army of staff that supplies

lunch boxes to Mumbaiites. To see them in action drop by Mumbai's Churchgate Station

or the suburban section of Chhtrapati Shivaji Station between 11 a.m. - 12 noon.

• This unique system works a little like the Internet. Each lunch container has a code

which directs its routing. The simple colour coded instructions determine not only packet

routing but packet prioritization as launches transfer from train to bicycle to foot.

Thousand of lunch boxes are delivered everyday.

Indian Derby

• The racing season at Mahalakshmi Racecourse, Lala Lajpatrai Road, in Mahalaxmi runs

from November to April. The highlight is the Indian Derby in February.

• The elegant stands provide first-class viewing of the racing on the flat, oval track; entry

fees range from Rs. 12 to Rs 200. The racecourse is a popular place for people to visit, to

jog or simply take in the fresh air.

A Modern Ashram

• The Osho Ashram, Pune, better known as the ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh, attracts

thousands of western visitors every year.

• It boasts of modern facilities and offers numerous courses. Walk around this beautiful

edifice and take a course in meditation.

Participate in the Paranormal

• A shrine in Shivapur, near Pune, named after Sufi Qamar Ali witnesses an unusual event.

In the courtyard, visitors to the temple are asked to assist in a demonstration of Qamar

Ali's divine presence.

• The experiment involves a large boulder and lightly touch it with a single forefinger and

chant in unison, the phrase, 'Qamar Ali Dervish' the stone rises. If the changing stops or

just one person removes his finger from the stone, the stone instantly falls.

Go Goa in December

• Goa is the ideal place to head for December. For, the state comes alive during the

Christmas and New Year celebrations. Carnivals, music, partying, it's all happening at

Goa in December.

• Make sure to do prior bookings. Once here, you can hire bikes and ride through this

picturesque state, stopping over to look at the great architecture of some of the most

amazing churches from the Portuguese era.

We dare you to eat Sorpotel

• Sorpotel, Goa's prized dish, is served mainly on feast days. It is made up of diced pieces

of liver, heart and kidney, served in a thick gravy. The gravy is sopped up with sannas,

steamed coconut rice pucks that have an intoxicating hint of toddy.

• The marriage between sannas and sorpotel, at least so say the Goans. Sorpotel keeps

fresh for several days, and is actually considered to taste better if left for three to fours

days before being reheated.

Sailing the sea

• The yearly Kingfisher sea Bird race from Mumbai to Goa has become a major sailing

event of the year.

• At the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and Colaba Sailing Club, one can learn sailing or just

sail.

Monsoon magic at Mandu

• Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is a celebration of life, a tribute to the tender love of the

poet-prince, Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still

sing of their love. Roopmati's pavilion gazes upon Baz Bahadur's palace, an outstanding

example of Afghan Architecture.

• The other structures of interest are the massive Jama Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb,

which served as models for master-builders of Taj-Mahal, centuries later. The magic of

Mandu lives on in its palaces, mosques, and in its ballads.

Khujuraho

• Khajuraho, located in Chhatarpur District, is a town in the Indian state of Madhya

Pradesh. The place has gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life

during medieval times.

• While many people come to Khujuraho to see the erotic sculpture, this is a spectacular

place for those interested in art and sculpture. Khajuraho is a must for students of art.

Buddha's trail

• Visit the quiet little village of Bodhgaya on Bihar. It is here that the Buddha is said to

have attained Nirvana. Once here, you can visit the Bodhi Tree (the fifth in succession of

the original tree) under which the Buddha had attained Enlightenment.

• Other places of interest are the spectacular Mahabodhini Temple, Vajrasana and the

ancient railings that surround the temple.

Get a pair of shoes made

• Chinatown in Kolkata buzzes with activity the year around. It has rows of shoe stores

and shoe makers, where you can get a pair of shoes designed at an amazingly reasonable

cost.

• Don’t miss to buy a pair of shoe for yourself at economical cost.

Endangered Olive Ridley Turtles-a rare sight

• Every year, as winter starts, thousands of baby Olive Ridley turtles make their journey

from India's eastern coast to the sea.

• Near Bhubaneswar, about 200,000 baby turtles crawl out of eggs laid on the sandy

shores, one of the world's largest nesting grounds.

Experience the Jagannath

• Did you know that Juggernaut, defined as an "irresistible destructive force" was coined

by British settlers in India when they witnessed the annual spectacle at the 12th century

Jagnnath Temple in Orissa. A reason to see the Rath Yatra, or the Car Festival is because

it is one of the most stupendous processions on the globe.

• The temple is one of the four holy Dhams, or "abodes of the Divine," and millions of

pilgrims come each year to pay homage to the deity Lord Jagannath, Lord of the

Universe. The festival takes place once a year in July.

The Darjeeling Train Journey

• Make sure to be on board the Darjeeling Himalayan Train. Described by the Guinness

Railway Book as 'one of the world's most spectacular' rail journeys, it is one of the things

you must do when you are in India.

• The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a piece of inspirational railway engineering. A tiny

locomotive engine heaves its way up a near-vertical mountain, daily hauling its trainload

of men and materials up a climb of over 2000 meters.

Ancient Monastery

• Visit the 17th century monastery of the Mahayana Buddhists in Tawang, Arunachal

Pradesh, at an attitude of 10,200 ft. Home to over 500 Lames, It is surrounded by

mountains.

• The temple contains a huge statue of Buddha and other priceless images and Thankhas.

It also has a wealth of old scriptures, beautifully illustrated religious books (some of

them in Sanskrit) and a library containing antique books including gold-glittered copies

of the sacred Buddhist scriptures.

Rhinos Aplenty

• For wildlife buffs, the Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve on the banks of the Brahmaputra river

is famous for the last major home of 'Rhinoceros Unicorn'.

• Discover the park that also has wild buffaloes and tigers atop an elephant's back.

Border with Myanmar (Manipur)

• Manipur is a great place to see over two dozen tribes.

• Famous for Manipuri dances and handloom textiles, the capital is surrounded by hills

and lakes where one can go on nature walks and understand the meaning of true peace.

A Wig Industry Blooms

• On an average, daily, tens of thousands of pilgrims offer their hair at Tirumala, in

fulfillment of their vows.

• The tonsuring centers are busy day and night through the year. Over 200 tones of hair

are collected every year, wigs are made and exported.

Sound and Light show at Golconda Fort

• Golconda Fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad

city. The magnificent in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and

ingenious water system. The fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor'

diamond is said to have come from here.

• All this is explained in the sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to

life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, its story unfolds over

centuries of splendor. It is an experience worth watching.

Pearls and Happiness

• Ever since the Diwan's patronage of the pearl industry, Hyderabad has remained the

premier centre for buying, sorting, and selling of pearls.

• The pearls are polished and graded and are then patterned into strings, jewellery, or

simply sold by weight.

Collections of an eccentric nawab

• Hyderabad's most famous museum is the Salar Jung Museum, a personal collection

which features priceless treasures and whimsical objects side side.

• there are 38 galleries in the Museum in three blocks i.e. Indian Block (27 galleries),

Western Block (7 galleries) and Eastern Block (4 galleries) in which nearly 13,654 objects

are on display. A visit to this museum is a must.

Hyderabad Biryani - An Absolute Must!

• Of Mughal origin, Biryani is worthy of a king. In fact, it is said that the last Mughal

Emporer bartered his secret recipes in return for his passage to safety! This ultimately

meat and rice dish requires elaborate cooking on a slow fire with spices adding to its

richness-ginger and garlic, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, nuts and the king of all

flavours-saffron.

• A thousand stigmas of this autumnal plant go into producing just a gram of this spice-

but just a thread or two will elevate a humble plate of rice into a royal platter.

Vintage Car Drive

• Hyderabad's love affair with automobiles dates back to the days of the nizams. Even

today expect to see Rolls Royces, Packards and Cadillacs on the streets.

• Experience an exclusive drive around town in a vintage or classic air.

Live in a Tree-house

• About 65 km from Kozhikode on the road to Udhagamandalam, one reaches the base

camp of the resort by jeep. The virgin track from the camp to the tree-houses has been

retained in its primitive condition.

• The dwellings, 400 q. ft. each, took nearly five months of collective efforts by an

engineer, carpenters and Paniya tribals to complete. Living in a tree-house brings stories

of Robinson Crusoe to life.

Ride a Thoroughbred

• In Mysore, ride thoroughbred and half-bred, Indian Bred Marwari and Kathiawari

horses, retired from racing.

• The average distances covered by the horse safari daily is 20-35 kms. Accommodation is

in deluxe tents with separate baths. The best time is between November to March.

Tigers Safari

• Tiger Safaris offers a full experience of Indian wildlife. The Periyar Tiger trail, is an

exciting trekking program through the deep forests in the Periyar river valley, near the

Thekkady tourist resort in Idukki district, Kerela. Led by a small team of experienced

guides, hike into cool, green forests and out again into vast, sunny meadows.

• One can hang out with an astounding array of wildlife including elephants, sambhar

deer, birds like the brilliant blue kingfisher and the great Indian hornbill, and more than

100 species of butterflies.

An Oil Massage in Kerala

• Ayurvedic massage may have tongue-twisting names, but have close-to guaranteed

remedies for many ailments. A synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as

masseurs knead the body. The effect of this is obvious as the body relieves itself of

excess fluids.

• An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with Sirodhara, as medicated oil is poured

in an even stream onto the forehead, said to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.

"Pardesi" Synagogue in Cochin

• The magnificent synagogue is named after "Pardesi" (meaning 'foreigners') who are the

'White Jews': a mixture of jewish exiles from Spain and Portugal. It is the oldest

synagogue built in the former British Empire. In 1568, the Rajah of Cochin, Paraja, gave a

piece of land to the Jewish community next to his palace to build the synagogue.

• The synagogue houses 1600-year-old copper plates on which the community charter of

independence and privileges granted to the Jewish community are inscribed. It was

reconstructed in 1662, after the Portuguese bombardment of that year.

Visita Spice Garden in Kerala

• A visit to a spice garden in memorable. Here one can find spices native to the state

growing in a garden. Pull some nutmeg from the bark of a nutmeg tree or wrench out

some peppercorns.

• Owned by families, one can get a glimpse into their simple homes and a taste of their

gracious hospitality.

Watch a Kathakali Dancer Apply Makeup

• A Kathakali performance is a major social events that starts at dusk and goes on through

the night. Kathakali is performed only by men. The makeup is so elaborate that it is more

like a mask.

• The materials that comprise the makeup include rice flour for white, the red is made

from Vermilion (a red earth such as cinnabar). The black is made from soot. The colours

are not merely decoration, but are also a means of portraying characters. For instance,

red on the feet is used to symbolize evil character and evil intent.

Buy a Camel

• If you are in the market for camel, you will have no problem finding one at the Pushkar

Camel Fair at bargain prices! The focus is on buying and selling camels; about 30,000 of

the snarling beasts trade hands during the week.

• There is also plenty of camel racing and camel polo. There is a wide range of handicrafts,

bangles, embroidery, and brassware available. It is a caliber of mayhem that can only

happen in India-an assault of colour, laughter, and energy topped with a healthy dose of

spirituality. Acrobats, jugglers, snake charmers, and fire-eaters round out the scene.

Spring Ahoy

• From the backwaters of Kerala and the waters of Goa to the northern frontiers in

Kashmir, cruising on the calm waters surrounded by scenic beauty adds a magical charm

to a unique holiday.

• You could choose to stay on a houseboat or Shikara in Kashmir. Or relax in the

Kettuvalloms in Kerela, houseboat made out of jackwood planks sewn together with coir

ropes.

Mount Abu

• Discover a tropical hill resort in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Surrounded by

forests and flowering shrubs, Mount Abu was selected as the site of the most sacred

mystic rites in ancient times, the sacrifice of the fire pit.

• Also, it is the centre of Jain pilgrimage. Check out the intricate carving of the marble

Dilwara temples and expect to get lots of spicy vegetarian food.

Meet a real- life Maharaja

• Visit a heritage hotel where members of the royal family, having turned their places into

hotels: hobnob with their guests. They are inclined to talk of the past and many

revealing tales will make your experience an interesting one.

• You can plan to stay, Bhainsrorgarh Fort is a heritage property, situated on a 200 feet

rocky ridge overlooking the river Chambal.

Sunset on the Dunes

• Take a camel safari out into the desert to watch the sunset over miles upon miles of

sand.

• Camp on a solitary oasis, experience the dark starry nights and dance to musicians

playing haunting music.

Untouched Mangrove Forests

• Take a cruise around the untouched evergreen forests of mangrove, the Sunder bans,

the largest mangrove forests in the world. The vast spaces of densely wooded islands of

wild beaches are sprinkled with barking deer and wildlife sanctuaries.

• Little wonder then that at Sunder bans, tranquility, peace and serenity get their

meaning. It has the largest species of mangroves, Royal Bengal tigers, estuarine

crocodiles and is one of the few large coastal wetlands left in the world.

Be a Sahib for a day

• The club culture in Kolkata is a British Rule legacy. Today the exclusive clubs of

yesteryear are haunts of the native sahibs. Some of the clubs have strict dress codes

and adherence to its recommended.

• Sip a cup at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (established 1829, the olden golf club outside

the UK), and experience what it was to be a "burra sahib" (big boss) in the days of the

British Raj.

Check out the Heart-beat of Kolkata

• Check out the Howrah Bridge. See the New Market where everything from needles,

textile to squirrels is available.

• The Jewish street is a delight. Here they continue to have their own courts that follow

Jewish law.

Say Rasogolla

• The soft, spongy and syrupy ultimate delicacy, Rasogolla, can claim the status of

national dish.

• Pop one in your mouth and feel the sweet liquid surge down your throat. As a fun thing

try to saying 'Rasogolla' with a Rasogolla in your mouth.

The Fish Business

• Take a tour to Kolkata's fish markets and see the numerous varieties of fish from the

lively koi (climbing perch), the wriggling catfish family of tangra, magur, shingi and the

pink-bellied Indian butter fish, the pabda.

• Among the larger fish, are rui (rohu) and bhetki, weigh upto eight kilograms. Baskets of

pink and silvery ilish (hilsa) match the shine on the glistening blade of the fishmonger.

Top this with a true Bengali meal of fish curry and rice.

Land of Skills

• Kanchipuram, the town of thousand temples is one of the seven sacred cities in India.

Kanchipuram is famous for its hand woven silks in the form of saris and yardage.

• The timeless appeal of vibrantly coloured skills makes them prized collections.

India's French Connection

• A quaint enclave in Tamil Nadu, 120 kms from Chennai is Pondicherry, once a

possession of the French. It joined the Republic of India in1960.

• The town is home to the acclaimed philosopher Shri Aurobindo. The Aurobindo ashram

is a must for those visiting the region. The French will find it particularly charming as

the homes, culture and cuisine are distinctly French.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

• Madurai, in southern Tamil Nadu is over 2500 years old. Noted for its splendid temple

dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, Madurai is famous for its fine handloom fabrics

and beautiful brass lamps.

• The Meenakshi temple is a magnificent structure in the middle of the city and the

whole city itself has grown around this temple.

Stands on the tips of India

• Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of Bay of

Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet- a place from where one can see

spectacular sunrises, colourful sunsets and the full moon rising from another part of

the sky!

• A temple dedicated to goddess Kanyakumari is located close to the seashore. Off the

coast, on a rocky island, is the memorial to the great Indian philosopher-Swami

Vivekananda who sat in meditation here in 1862.

Live Corals

• Experience the beauty of the fields of coral. Visit Cinque Islands, one of the most

beautiful islands of the Andaman's. It is surrounded by pristine coral reefs.

• Prior permission is required from the forest department to visit the island and only day

trips are allowed.

Let your Hair Fly

• Windsurfing is now so popular that most good sea-side resorts offer it. Winter months

are best for amateurs as the wind remains gentle. The lagoons at Lakshadweep Islands

are excellent for windsurfing.

• Indian Travel Agent will be pleased to guide & assist you for any additional

Requirement or do’s and don’ts so as to make your India visit a memorable experience.

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