Rich in ancient history and with deep cultural roots, India is a unique destination like no other and attracts visitors from all over the world with a diverse range of India travel packages and sights to see.
This captivating and diverse country offers a huge array of geographical locations ranging from the monolithic mountains of the Himalayas to the breathtakingly romantic Taj Mahal in Agra, the backwaters of Kerala, and the majestic Tigers of Ranthambore National Park……to mention just a few! A country by name but a continent by scale, it is the second-most populous country in the world, accommodating 1.3 billion people. Often stereotyped as a destination lacking in civic facilities, India can most definitely be experienced in style, and our luxury travelers are sure to be touched by the warmth and generosity of Indian hospitality.
With its sumptuous blend of traditions, spiritual beliefs, architecture, and landscapes, your stay in this astonishing country will surely be one of adventure and discovery. With so many remarkable destinations to visit during your stay, we believe that India is best experienced with a knowledgeable tour guide, and our go-to experts are Memphis Tours. Not only do they have extensive knowledge and experience of the region, but they offer some of the best India travel packages in the market.
To help you decide on your perfect escape to India, we’ve put together some of the highlights not to be missed during your epic encounter with this charming, vibrant, and unforgettable country.
1. The Golden Triangle of Delhi
Known as the Golden Triangle, as a result of the triangular shape formed by the locations of the national capital of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this is a popular route with tourists and allows you to witness three of India’s most spectacular cities. You will be captivated by the split personality of Old and New Delhi, a city that encompasses both the ancient and innovative. Take time to explore the exquisite palaces and gardens of the Red Fort and visit India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer at one time. No visit to this great capital would be complete without taking a rickshaw ride along the banks of the river Yamuna. The next stop on this epic tour is the city of Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Here you will fall under the spell of the immeasurable beauty of the magnificent Taj Mahal, the splendor of which will have you lost for words. A camera is a must! The final destination in the Golden Triangle is the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, where you can visit the Hawa Mahal. With its delicately pink-painted honeycombed exterior rising some five storeys, it’s one of Jaipur’s most distinctive landmarks.
2. Agra and Jaipur in North India
Situated approximately 200km southeast of Delhi, Agra is home to many outstanding historical sites, the best known being that of the Taj Mahal. Built as a mausoleum for the third wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this white-ivory monument took 20 years to construct and is known universally as a monument of love. Agra plays host to many religious and cultural festivals, so what better way to enrich your Indian experience than by attending the annual Taj Mahotsav festival, a ten-day celebration of arts, craft, and music. Also located in North India is the flamboyant and colorful city of Jaipur. Known as the ‘Pink City’ as a result of the distinctly colored buildings that were painted red in order to imitate the red sandstone architecture of the Maugham cities, Jaipur is home to the magnificent Hawa Mahal, ‘Palace of Winds’. This is an absolute must-visit during your time in this stunning city. And if you are looking to experience something out of this world, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory where 18th-century astronomers observed the cosmos with the naked eye.
3. Rajasthan’s Udaipur
If you are seeking a little romance during your South Asian exploration, a visit to Udaipur is essential. Known as the Venice of the East, snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching as far as the eye can see, Udaipur is the perfect setting for a romantic proposal or an enchanting wedding. Explore the narrow, timeless streets and be tempted by the numerous shops and the hustle and bustle of the colorful bazaars. Take a boat trip across the serene waters of the lake or perhaps discover the local countryside on foot, wheels on, even horseback. If you are in search of even more history, visit the City Palace. Located in Udaipur and housing the world’s largest private collection of crystal, from here, you will experience unrivaled views across Lake Pichola.
4. Jodhpur
Known as the Gateway to Thar (as it’s literally right on the edge of the Thar desert), is the Rajasthan’s second-largest city, Jodhpur. You may also hear of this destination being referred to as Sun City as the sun shines very brightly and very hotly, almost every day of the year, or even the Blue City, due to many of the houses in the old part of the city being painted striking shades of blue! Parts of the city are surrounded by an 18th Century wall, and most definitely worth a visit is Mehrangarh Fort. Perched four hundred feet above the city, this magnificent structure contains a historical museum and the Maharaja’s palace. With its forts, temples, culture, and glittering medieval streets, this unique city will capture your imagination.
5. Jaisalmer
Rising from the sandy plains like a mirage from days gone by, the fort of Jaisalmer looks like a giant sandcastle and is a must-see during your time visiting the World Heritage site of Jaisalmer. The magnificent fort is still inhabited today and is a bustling center for shops, guesthouses, and restaurants. Take a wander through the winding medieval lanes and discover the beautifully ornate Havelis (traditional lavishly decorated residences) of this golden sandstone city, the largest of which is the Patwa Haveli, a cluster of five mansions that offers superb views across the city. With Jaisalmer being located in the desert, a camel ride is essential! Your Memphis Tour travel expert will happily arrange a four-legged trek across the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert, where you may even see some of the local inhabitants, such as blackbucks, desert foxes, and chinkaras.
6. Bikaner
Bikaner is a blooming beauty in the Thar Desert in the north-central state of Rajasthan, northwestern India. Like many of the cities in India, Bikaner will not disappoint when it comes to viewing spectacular forts and magnificent palaces. Perhaps two of the most popular are Lal Gadh Palace and Junagarh Fort. Slightly less touristy than some of the cities in Rajasthan, Bikaner still has a busy camel safari scene. In fact, the city is known as ‘Camel Country’ due to producing some of the world’s best riding camels. The stunning architecture, delicately fashioned in reddish/pick sandstone, is a sight to behold. With its surging lanes, brightly colored bazaars, and hospitable people, Bikaner is a fascinating destination to explore.
7. Cochin
Cohin (also known as Kochi) on the South West coast of India, is a real mix of geographical influences; from the giant Chinese fishing nets to a 450-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese and Dutch era houses, and the crumbling remains of the British Raj, this fascinating city is a charming place to explore. After taking in some of the popular sites such as the Dutch Palace or Jewish Synagogue, why not take a stroll along Fort Kochi beach which whilst not an ideal spot for sunbathing, does give you striking views across the estuary. If you are lucky enough to visit this city between December and March, you can experience The Kochi-Muziris Biennale festival; a hub for art lovers from across the globe, the Kochi-Muziris Biennal is the most prominent art festival in India.
8. Kerala
One of the most visited places in India, Kerala’s borders are the towering Western Ghats on the West and the Arabian Sea on the East. Its network of forty-four rivers keeps the landscape a lush green whilst the infamous backwaters, a complex system of lagoons and lakes, are linked through a series of canals. With so much to see and do, make sure you don’t forget to take a moment to relax under the shade of a palm tree (cocktail in hand!) on one of Kerala’s many white sandy beaches. The locally caught and prepared seafood is simply delicious! Named as one of the ’10 paradises of the world’ Kerala is an alluring beauty with many exotic beaches, impressive waterfalls, ancient ports, and wilderness to explore.
9. Thekkady
The evergreen forests, savanna grasslands, and deciduous forests of Thekaddy are a traveler’s paradise and full of surprises. Take a trip to one of the many spices, coffee, and cardamom plantations. The fragrance of the experience is sure to stay with you for a while. Or for the nature lovers amongst us, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife sightings in India. If you are lucky, you may even spot a Tiger! Take a boat from Periyar Lake and watch the herds of elephants bathing on the lakeside, a truly unforgettable experience.
10. Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai river in Tamil Nadu, the city is known for its Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Its enormous domes, covered with colorful statues, dominate the landscape and are visible from all over Madurai. It is also famous for its intricate carvings and unique scriptures. Sermons are often held within the temple walls in the evening, and concerts are often given in honor of the Hindu gods. Renowned for its astonishing architecture, Meenakshi Temple was nominated as one of the wonders of the world but didn’t quite make it into the list of ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. However, the temple is definitely one of the ‘Wonders of India’, and you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by its sheer extravagance.
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