FIRST TIMER TOURS INDIA

There were 671 Maharajas in India in 1971 when the erstwhile “princely” order, a colonial hangover from the British Raj, was abolished. Finding themselves deprived of their state-sponsored perks and privileges, these Maharajas transformed their palaces into luxury heritage hotels, cultural attractions, and museums.

You can now enjoy a regal sojourn in the palaces and mansions of these Maharajas.

The best places to do that are Jaipur, Udaipur, and the Himalayas. Remnants of a bygone era of Rajas and “princely states,” these palace hotels offer you a glimpse into the splendor of what was the royal way of life.

Palace hotels that we recommend to live like a Maharaja are the Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra), the Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur), Rambagh (Jaipur), Ananda in the Himalayas (Rishikesh), and the Taj Mahal Palace (Mumbai).

Home to some of the most heavenly secluded beaches in India, the Southern Indian state of Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” has a massive coastline spanning 589 kilometers—10% of the total Indian coastline. But it also has a floaty mystical secret.

The serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam in Kerala are serenading treats for unhappy hearts.

Enjoy the backwaters with a leisurely private boat cruise as it floats through an enchanting labyrinth of waterways through lush green vegetation, fluttering coconut trees, and picturesque fishing villages.

Heartbroken by the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Mughal Emperor built the Taj Mahal, one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a homage to her.

India’s most visited monument— the quintessential Mughal ode to love— the Taj Mahal took 22 years to build with a workforce of 22,000 with skilled artisans brought in from as far as Central Asia and Persia.

Watching the sun rise over this magnificent symbol of love with your ‘Mumtaz’ is one memory you will cherish for the rest of your life.

There are 106 National Parks and 564 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India which make up 3.73 % of its total land mass. Teeming with thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish species, these parks and sanctuaries offer thrilling adventures for wildlife enthusiasts.

Spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Asiatic Lion in Gir (Gujarat), Leopards in Madhya Pradesh, Black Panthers in Kabini (Karnataka), One-horned Rhinos in Kaziranga (Assam), and other exotic animals like elephants, sloth bears, hyenas, mongoose, jackals, and Indian and snow leopard.

Taking a holistic (mind as well as body) and natural plants-and-herbs-based approach to healing, the classic 5000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda is the oldest medical system in the world. 

Derived from ‘Ayur’ (life) and ‘Veda’ (the knowledge of), Ayurveda aims to achieve not just healing but also a rejuvenation of the mind and body with a combination of massage therapies, organic diets and yoga exercises.

The best Ayurveda-oriented spa retreats can be found in Kerala in the Indian South, and the mystical north of India in Rishikesh and Ladakh.

The ‘Palace on the Wheels’ is a luxury Indian train service that takes you on an eight-day royal escapade into the famous “Golden Triangle” tourist destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Agra, and Delhi. Aboard the opulent train, you will find spacious deluxe cabins, two posh restaurants offering national and international cuisines, personal butlers, hospitality lounges, a spa and onboard 5-star service.

Like the circulatory system in the body, the Indian Railway System is an unbelievable marvel that keeps all of India connected and running. The ‘Palace on Wheels’ is an Indian train experience unlike any other elsewhere in the country. 

With a coastline that spans almost 7500 km, India has not just the tropical ‘touristy’ beach paradises of Goa and the Andamans islands which attract millions of tourists from all over the world, but it is also home to some off-beat secluded idyllic hideaways.  

The Lakshadweep collective of 36 uninhabited islets off the coast of Kochi (Kerala) gives you a chance of a lifetime to have an island all to yourself. The Hidden caves and lagoons of Mahabalipuram Beach in Tamil Nadu are a spelunking cave-exploring paradise full of prehistoric mysteries. Gokarna in Karnataka and Puri in Odisha are some of the best offbeat beach alternatives to Goa.

The ‘OG’ of mountains on the planet, the Himalayas are the highest and most formidable mountain range in the world. In the Indian stretch of the Himalayas lies the third highest mountain in the world the Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Nanda Devi (7816 m), Kamet (7756 m), Santoro Kangri (7742) Saser Kangri (7672) and a dozen other 7000+ meter peaks. Soar over these towering peaks with an unforgettable helicopter ride.

Thanks to a resurgent economy that is consistently registering some of the highest growth rates in the world, India’s middle and upper-middle classes are expanding. As living standards improve drastically, Indians are now on the lookout for high-end luxury, fashion and retail therapies. Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Kolkata are now home to the trendiest chic boutiques, jewelry stores and top-end brands.

 As one of the oldest continuous civilizational-state, India is a land of fabulous cultures and traditions. Immerse yourself in its innumerable cultural experience. Take part in the festival of colors, Holi. Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Stay at an Indian Palace. Visit Agra. Light candles in Varanasi. Head to Ladakh for the Tibetan Losar festival.