Important Tourist Spots in Maharashtra, India

Spreading from the shores of the Arabian Sea to the heart of the Deccan Plateau, Maharashtra contains everything from balmy beaches to timeworn forts, kaleidoscopic temples to serene hill stations, and some of India’s most significant cultural treasures alongside its biggest metropolis, Mumbai. Add to that an emergent wine industry and unique regional cuisines, and it's no wonder Maharashtra welcomes more foreign tourists than any other state in India.

Mumbai

• Once a tiny fishing villiage, Mumbai -- formerly Bombay -- has grown into the financial, commercial and entertainment center of India. Brave the busy streets to visit the Gateway of India, an arched stone gate at Mumbai Harbor that acts as a gathering place for tourists and locals alike. At the harbor you can catch a ferry to the ancient, rock-cut Elephanta Caves, a Unesco World Heritage Site on nearby Elephanta Island. Back on the mainland, be sure not to miss Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a Victorian Gothic railway station built by the British Raj, and the Haji Ali Dargah, a white mosque built in the middle of a bay that seems to float above the surf.

Around Aurangabad

• The manmade cave complexes of Ajanta and Ellora lie near the city of Aurangabad in northern Maharashtra. Carved into a cliff about two thousand years ago, the 29 caves of Ajanta are painted with intricate murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The nearby Ellora caves, a cluster of 34 monasteries and temples hewn from solid rock, are adorned with Hindu, Jain and Buddhist bas-reliefs and sculptures. On the way to or from Ajanta and Ellora, climb up to Daulatabad, a stone fortress complex that sprawls from the top of a mountain down to ground level -- if you don’t mind climbing 600 steps in the Deccan heat.
• Nasik

• Nasik is an important pilgrimage city for Hindus, as well as a center of India’s burgeoning wine industry. Take a walk past the temples of the Godavari River as it flows through the city’s old quarter, stopping to see the holy bathing steps of Ramkund and the 200-year-old Kala Rama Temple. Top off your day with a trip outside the city for a vineyard tour and wine tasting at Sula Vineyards or York Winery.

Arabian Sea Beaches

• Nearly 450 miles long, the Maharashtra coastline has no shortage of spots for swimming and relaxation. The stretch between Mumbai and Goa is known as the Konkan Coast and is home to countless sandy beaches, bright green paddy fields and vast stands of coconut palms. Divegar Beach, Korlai Beach and Devbaug Beach are considered among the best that Maharashtra has to offer, but if you prefer history and fine dining to sunbathing, stop at Murud to admire its island fortress and sample the unique Konkani cuisine.

Read More ..... »

Pilgrim Tourism in India

India is the birthplace of two major world religions – Hinduism and Buddhism – as well as a handful of lesser-known faiths. It’s also been heavily influenced by once-foreign religions that have arrived, settled in and made their own mark. From the kaleidoscopic colors of Hindu temples to the elegant minarets of mosques, the shimmering gold of Sikh gurdwaras to the serene halls of Buddhist temples, India’s sacred sites are spectacular enough to draw devoted pilgrims and photo-snapping tourists alike.

Hindu

• Hinduism is India’s largest religion, and millions of Hindus are drawn each year to Varanasi, their religion’s holiest city. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, pilgrims come to Varanasi to bathe and drink the water, watch holy men conduct rituals at dusk and even cremate their loved ones. India also boasts the biggest pilgrimage on earth, the Kumbh Mela. Held every four years in four different cities – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik – tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims take a dip in a holy river on auspicious days. Because of extreme overcrowding, fully booked accommodations and a lack of facilities, plan carefully and well in advance if you wish to attend.

Muslim

• Though Islam’s most important pilgrimage sites – Mecca and Medina – lie in Saudi Arabia, India has a host of mosques, shrines and tombs that attract the devout. Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, has a striking sandstone silhouette, delicate minarets and room for 25,000 devotees. Mumbai’s island mosque of Haji Ali Dargah is connected to shore by a causeway crowded with a constant stream of pilgrims. When visiting a mosque, remember to dress modestly in long sleeves and long pants or a long skirt, and remove your shoes, hat and sunglasses at the entrance. Women should cover their heads with a lightweight scarf for extra modesty.
• Sikh

• The holiest site for followers of Sikhism is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, an ornate, gilded shrine surrounded by an extensive complex of towers, a museum, dining hall and pilgrims’ dormitories. All visitors, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome to eat and sleep in the dining hall and dormitories for a small donation. Visitors of both genders are required to cover their heads, remove their shoes and wash their feet before passing through the temple gate.

Buddhist

• Though the historical Buddha was born in what is today Nepal, he spent much of his life in India, attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, giving teachings in Sarnath and Rajgir and dying in Kushinagar. These towns are now pilgrim hot spots for Buddhist monks, nuns and laypeople from India and around the world. Bodhgaya is the most developed among them, with meditation centers, monasteries and numerous temples built in the traditional styles of Buddhist countries across Asia. Both genders should dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples, keeping upper arms and knees covered and removing shoes before entering. When sitting, visitors should avoid pointing the soles of their feet at any image of the Buddha.

Read More ..... »

Places to Visit in the Deccan Plateau

Bound by green mountain ranges to the north, east and west, the Deccan Plateau is a dry, rocky tableland that forms the bulk of South India. Crisscrossed by ancient empires that left behind ruined cities and temples, raging rivers that tumble into tall waterfalls, and impressive wildlife that dwells in dense deciduous forests, the Deccan is geologically and historically distinct from the rest of India. The culturally rich cities of Mysore and Hyderabad anchor the region, and are the perfect places to begin your tour.

Deccan Plateau Cities

• Mysore, once the seat of a wealthy dynasty of Hindu maharajas, is known for its fantastical Amba Vilas palace complex, a riot of marble domes, sparkling mirrorwork and scalloped archways, as well as the ornate temples of Chamundi Hill, which draw hardy pilgrims and tourists to the 3,490-foot summit.

  In contrast, Hyderabad was long ruled by Muslim dynasties that left behind their own distinctly Islamic monuments and mosques. The Charminar, a minaret-topped gate, is the city’s most recognizable landmark, while the elaborately appointed Chowmahalla Palace gives a peek into the lives of the city’s former rulers.

Ruins of the Deccan

• Ancient Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist kingdoms have all contributed to the cultural heritage of the Deccan. The Hindu empire of Vijaynayagar had its empire at Hampi in present-day Karnataka, now a ruined city of stone temples and monuments set within a surreal, boulder-dotted landscape. Bijapur, also in Karnataka, is known for its Medieval Muslim architecture, including domed tombs, delicate shrines and crumbling fortress walls. And the Ajanta and Ellora caves, both near Aurangabad in Madhya Pradesh, feature fine mural work and carvings that reflect the Buddhist beliefs of that area’s past rulers.
• Natural Wonders

• With its furrowed, rocky topography, it’s no wonder the Deccan is home to some of India’s most spectacular waterfalls. As the Kaveri River tumbles over a crescent-shaped cliff in Tamil Nadu, it creates Hogenakkal Falls, a series of multiple cascades that are particularly impressive during the monsoon. And Jog Falls, on the Sharavathi River in Karnataka state, is India’s second-highest waterfall, plunging more than 800 feet to the pool below. But because the Sharavathi is dammed upriver from the falls, the flow is reduced to a trickle in the pre-monsoon spring months.

Wildlife Parks

• For a more immersive nature experience, you can join a safari in one of the Deccan’s wildlife preserves – and maybe spot an elusive elephant or Bengal tiger. Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park, both near Mysore in southern Karnataka, are home to rare wildlife both large and small: leopards, tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears and hundreds of species of birds. Wildlife is easiest to spot during the hot, dry months of April and May, but the parks are often closed during the monsoon months of July to October.

Read More ..... »

Attractions in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

A walk through Mahabalipuram transports you back to the creation of the town’s intricate stonework more than a millennium ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site exhibits ancient reliefs with architectural innovations in sculptural artistry; its crafted temples beautifully depict the town’s religious and cultural devotion. Mahabalipuram is located on the shores of Tamil Nabu, approximately 40 miles south of Chennai. Keep in mind you only can tour the town’s monuments during daylight hours, and there is no access on holidays.

Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram

• Decorating the hills above Mahabalipuram, mandapam -- cave temples -- are ornately and masterfully carved rooms constructed as religious sanctuaries. Mahabalipuram preserves more than 10 mandapam, each with elaborate relief carvings depicting religious stories and deities. The most noteworthy cave temples are mandapa of Varaha, depicting the story of Vishnu’s avatar; the mandapa of the Five Pandavas, the largest of the town’s cave temples; the mandapa of Krishna, illustrating tales of the incarnate Vishnu; and the mandapa of Mahishasuramardini, which displays large, intricate reliefs of several important Hindu legends. The mandapam lie 1/4 mile southwest of the Mahabalipuram bus station.

Monolithic Chariots

• Amid the impressive artistry scattered about Mahabalipuram, perhaps the most monumental are the town’s monolithic temples; five of them are particularly remarkable for bearing detailed embellishments including relief frescoes and giant animal sculptures. The full-scale Pancha Rathas, translated as five chariots, are ornate temples carved from solid-granite outcroppings that resemble chariots of the gods. The Five Rathas are Arjuna, Bhima, Dharmaraja, Nakula-Sahadeva and Draupadi Rathas, each unique in representing an avatar or historic event. The Dharmaraja ratha is the most impressive from a sculptural perspective; standing three stories tall, it combines layers of ornamental relief with architectural and geometric precision. A visit to the Five Rathas requires a small fee, but the structures, located 1 mile southwest of the bus station, are must-sees.
• Temple by the Sea

• Structure temples in Mahabalipuram represent a later period of architecture. Construction of these temples did not involve sculpture and carving; rather, their construction employed cut stone. There are several such temples scattered about Mahabalipuram, but the grandest and best preserved of these is the colossal Shore Temple. Erected in the early eighth century, the temple consists of two large, pyramidal shrines – one dedicated to Vishnu and one to Shiva – and several smaller shrines that stand on a carved outcropping overlooking the sea. Statues of Vishnu, Shiva and several avatars fill the temple's grounds, although many are indistinguishable because of erosion from ocean air. The Shore Temple is located about 200 yards east of the bus station, on the shores of Mahabalipuram; there is a nominal entrance fee.

Two-hundred-ton Butter Ball

• Krishna’s Butter Ball is a natural and curious phenomenon – a giant granite boulder perilously resting on a smooth, inclined granite slope. It seems like a gentle breeze could send the 17-foot-diameter “butter ball” hurtling down its escarpment, but locals are confident in its physics-defying nature and take shelter under the shade of the boulder in hot summer months.

Read More ..... »

Rural Tourism in Kerala

A verdant, tropical state of winding rivers, crescent beaches, dense jungles and spice-scented tea plantations, Kerala is a far cry from the frenzied cities of northern India. Beyond its natural beauty, Kerala is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and open and hospitable culture -- a fact that makes rural and cultural tourism especially rewarding in this part of the country. In January 2014, the state tourism board was awarded the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's Award for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism, recognizing Kerala's pioneering work in responsible cultural tourism that benefits both visitors and locals. Among these laudable efforts are rural tourism initiatives in four pilot locations.

Beyond the Beach

• Conveniently close to the state capital's transportation network -- 6 miles from the Thiruvananthapuram airport and 10 miles from the train station -- Kovalam is probably the most established tourist destination in the state. Its pristine beaches are beacons both for the backpacker and resort crowds, but a new initiative dubbed "Beyond the Beach" aims to take travelers into the area's rural hinterland. Groups meet at the Tourist Information Center in Kovalam at 9 a.m. and depart for a day-long adventure in rural villages inland including visits to a Krishna temple, a local school and female handicraft cooperatives, in addition to farm tours, demonstrations of traditional fishing practices, martial arts shows, a traditional home-cooked meal and a stop at a local market. Visitors pay a fixed fee for the day trip that covers transportation, food, guide costs and a donation to local communities. The group returns to Kovalam at 6 p.m.

A Spice-Scented Paradise

• In the northeast of the state, the village of Thekkady is located among rolling green hills where the breeze is infused with the scent of pepper, tea and cardamom. Thekkady is in the middle of a remote and extremely biodiverse area about eight hours by road from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram. Visitors can stop by the local office of the state tourism office to book a spot on the "Spice-Scented Village Life" tour. The adventure is -- delectably -- heavy on food, including a demonstration of local pappadam snack preparation, sampling pepper and nutmeg pickles, tasting fresh local honey and sitting down to a home-cooked meal in a village. The trip also includes a tour of a cardamom plantation and a scenic trip through the hills, ending in the late afternoon with a local Paliyakoothu presentation of tribal plays and songs in Thekkady. Visitors pay a flat fee for the day trip.

Fragrant Hills

• The southern district of Wayanad is known for its especially well-preserved wilderness and multicultural tribal life. The town of Kalpetta is 70 miles from the Kozhikode airport, and it's the place to book the "Road to Fragrant Hill" tour at the local state tourism office. The trip takes visitors to the cooperative cardamom plantation of Sugandhagiri and includes a visit to a crafts center, local kindergarten and sacred grove, as well as visits to rural tribal homes and demonstrations of local agricultural practices. For a fixed fee, the program lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes lunch and refreshments.

The Backwaters

• Kumarakom is an idyllic village set on a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake. The area is 60 miles from Cochin International Airport and home to the state tourism office's most successful responsible rural tourism project. With an integral approach, the project has not only set up tours of rural areas, but linked rural farmers with local resorts and hotels to increase demand for local produce, handicrafts and cultural products. The "Day With Farmers" trip offered by the local tourism office -- a regional model -- is structured as a day trip to maximize benefits for the stakeholder communities while reducing logistical burden and costs like lodging construction that rural communities could scarcely afford. The trip runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and takes visitors on a beautifully scenic autorickshaw ride between rice fields and coconut orchards to visit village homes and vegetable and fish farms. Farmers demonstrate local husbandry, agricultural, craft, and fish-farming techniques and invite tourists into their homes to eat deliciously fresh fish grilled on plantain leaves. Tourists pay a fixed fee for the trip, and local farmers participate both in the planning and the profits.

Tips

• The Kerala state tourism office has been recognized by the UN for its effective and safe operation of rural tourism trips with verifiable benefits for the communities visited. Several other operators in Kerala offer trips to rural communities in the state and, while many are reputable and the vast majority well-intentioned, some skepticism is always prudent. Socially responsible tourism begins with a commitment by travelers to diligently investigate their travel options. Visitors should ask about trip conditions and how the organization interacts with visited communities to make sure they are comfortable taking the trip before booking a package. As with rural travel anywhere, travelers planning on visiting remote areas of Kerala should visit a physician before making the trip for a check-up and to discuss any necessary vaccinations, medications or health precautions. The tourist high season in Kerala and India in general is during the cooler, dryer months between November and mid-February. If not bothered by rain and heat, travelers outside those dates are rewarded with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Read More ..... »

Tourism in Jodhpur, India

When in India’s state of Rajasthan, experience Jodhpur. The labyrinthine medieval Blue City nestled beneath the towering Mehrangarh Fort ensures a lasting first impression. Treat your senses to a colorful culture of bustling streets and bazaars, majestic palace and temple architecture, a renowned handcraft trade and delightfully delectable cuisine. Stay in friendly guesthouses or luxury hotels fit for a maharaja as you explore the old town, do business in the modern city or plan excursions into the surrounding villages, lake landscapes or Thar Desert.

Sun City, Blue City

• 
  

  Jodhpur is known as Sun City for its hot desert climate, as well as the Blue City for the vibrant blue painted houses woven into the maze of the walled old city. Explore the mighty Mehrangarh fortress high above the old town for excellent panoramas and orientation of the city below. The late-medieval fortification is an impressive amalgamation of stark defensive architecture and ornate palatial wings, filled with period artifacts, paintings, costumes and arms. Nearby, the intricately ornamented marble Jaswant Thada mausoleum, which glows in the sunlight, is well worth a visit.

Sardar Market

• 
  

  Wander the lively if not hectic maze of the old city starting at the Ghanta Gar clock tower square and Sardar Market. The stalls and tiny shops are colored with various handcrafts such as silk and fabrics, rugs, jewelry and ornaments, and the aromas of spices, fresh produce and food stands abound. Take in the scene, eat or buy a few wares and meander, while navigating around speeding rickshaws, slow carts, sacred cows and zealous but friendly merchants. Guesthouses are plentiful around Sardar, but explore further for quieter and quainter options.

Namaste My Friend

• Namaste! The greeting with palms pressed together and a bow of the head mirrors the warmth of India. That zealous merchant certainly wishes to sell you something, but stopping for a chat or even a cup of tea gives you a closer impression of local hospitality. Stay in one of the myriad guesthouses, usually family run, ranging from inexpensive to very inexpensive. Hire a driver or guide either through your guesthouse or otherwise to get a more personal, inside view on the Blue City.

Like a Maharaja

• Sun City is a prosperous place renowned for its artisan handcraft industry such as fine hardwood furniture, dyed silks, fabrics and decorative ornaments. Have a handmade suit fit, relatively inexpensive, by Jodhpur’s illustrious tailors. Opt for the less chaotic, modern part of Sun City for a taste of luxury. Live like a Maharaja, literally, in the Taj Palace Hotel located within the Umaid Bhawan Palace; the private residence of the Jodhpur royal family.

Beyond Jodhpur

• Jodhpur is a mere overnight sleeper train ride away from Delhi, and part of the popular Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodhpur circuit. Rajasthan contains the Thar Desert, ideal for wilderness excursions like trekking, camelback or jeep safaris. Head east towards Pali and surrounding lakes and stay at the luxury marquee-tents of the Wilderness Camp, or west toward Jaisalmer (the "Golden City") and the Desert National Park.

Read More ..... »

Popular Monuments in West India

West India is a region heavily influenced by the Maharashtrian culture, with added elements of the Muslim and Christian faiths mixed with the primarily Hindu population. There is also a blend of Portuguese culture in the Goa region, and the state of Gujarate is a diverse mesh of Indian and foreign influences. All of their shared histories and cultures have influenced art, architecture and even entertainment -- Bollywood films being based in the bustling city of Mumbai -- and there is a reverence for the monuments standing testament to West India's past and enduring legacy.

Amer Fort

• 
  

  Perched on a hill above the picturesque town of Amer, also pronounced "Amber," this palace is a premier tourist destination just 7 miles from Jaipur. Built by Raja Singh I in 1592, the sandstone and marble fortress overlooking Maota Lake is famous for combining Hindu and Muslim elements in the architecture and artwork. Visitors are encouraged to explore the pavilions, temples and private palaces within the grounds -- and take the royal elephant ride. Welcoming more than a million people each year, the Palace is open daily and is just a 10-minute walk from the town of Amer.

Ellora Caves

• First built by the Rashtakula Dynasty in the 5th century, Ellora is a World Heritage Site located in the Indian State of Maharashtra. These enormous, elaborately carved caves are stunning examples of Hindu architecture -- cut directly out of the hills and bedrock, and formed into beautiful sculptures, temples and pavilions. Known for their mix of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples, the caves are a prominent feature of the region. Visitors are advised to stay in the nearby town of Aurangabad, where daily tours run from the city to the caves.
• Gateway of India

• 
  

  Overlooking the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, at the tip of Apollo Bunder, this formidable monument was built during British rule, when the city was still called "Bombay." Created to honor King George's and Queen Mary's 1911 visit to Mumbai, the basalt arch is 85 feet high and would have been the first sight visitors arriving by boat would see at the time. Still impressive today, the gateway has been used as a ceremonial entrance to welcome governors and other diplomats, and is often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. As the city's biggest tourist attraction, the gateway can be visited at any time of the day and plays host to vendors, musicians and artists. The best time to visit is from November to March, when the climate is less rainy and more temperate.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

• Part of a series of palace complexes known as the Maharaja, Laxmi Vilas is a lavish building of mosaics, courtyards and multi-colored marbles -- and a diverse mix of European, Indian and Islamic influence. Constructed as a private home in 1890 by Maharaja Gaekwad III, it was the largest of its kind in the world, surpassing even Buckingham Palace -- at four times the size. The royal family still uses it as a private home. Visitors can view the palace grounds with permission from the Maharaja's office. Leading sites include Sayajirao's museum and the gorgeous Darbar Hall, with its Venetian floor, stained glass windows and mosaics.

Read More ..... »

Beaches in Daman Diu, India

Thanks to some beautiful beaches, the districts of Daman and Diu have given fishing a run for its money as a top economic force on India's west coast. Diu, an island of around 15 square miles, is separated from the mainland by a thin channel and overlooks the Gulf of Khambhat -- formerly Cambay -- on the Arabian Sea

Nagoa Beach

• Formed near the town of Bucharwada, the secluded and shapely bay of Nagoa Beach is reminiscent of a wide horseshoe. The stretch of sand is peppered with Hoka trees, and its gently lapping waves make it an ideal spot for family swimming. Camel riding makes for a unique beach experience, and water-sport activities are available, including paragliding for the more daring vacationers.

Devka Beach

• Two miles from Daman, Devka Beach is one of the region’s top tourist draws. The sandy strip is home to an amusement park famed for innovative attractions like musical fountains and intricately carved walkways. Come festival season, the park is soaked in vibrant colors best viewed from the sand -- on the back of a pony, if you like. The shore also contains an abundance of shells for would-be collectors. If you head out into the water, be aware that there are rocky formations under the sea.

Jampore Beach

• According to Native Planet, Jampore Beach is “one of the most enchanting” stretches of sand in Daman. Relaxed and tranquil, beachgoers can take refuge under the shade of the surrounding casuarina trees or cool off in the shallow, calm waters. Jampore beach is also renowned for its low tide, when a massive expanse of damp sand awash with shells and conchs is revealed.

Ghoghla Beach

• The largest beach on Diu, Ghoghla Beach edges its eponymous village, which lies about 10 miles from the island capital. Golden sands give way to a host of bars and eateries, and also offer mesmeric views of Diu's fishing villages, cathedrals and castles. Water sports like surfing and parasailing are on offer out on -- or over -- the waves.

Jallandhar Beach

• Situated less than a mile southeast of Diu, Jallandhar Beach is known for its peaceful beauty and cool, clear seas. Shaded by an array of palms, the laid-back atmosphere is broken only should you decide to partake in available sea activities. The beach also boasts a natural aquarium and private resorts, and backs onto some excellent eateries. The sands are named after the mythical demon Jallandher, said to have been slayed by Lord Krishna. A stone carving rests in their honor.

Read More ..... »

India Desert Tour

Covering 77,000 square miles in northwest India and southeast Pakistan, the Thar Desert is a landscape of sand dunes and desert scrub punctuated by small, colorful villages and soaring sandstone forts. Much of the desert lies in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which you can easily reach from the international travel hub of Delhi by car, bus or train. Whether you want to rough it on camel or pamper yourself on a luxury train tour, hop out for a half day or dedicate multiple weeks, you can arrange a tour that best fits you and your travel plans.

Day Trips

• You can easily book a guided day trip into the Thar Desert after your arrival in India through tour operators in the cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner. A short jeep ride gets you out of the city and into the desert, where you meet your camel and continue on into the dunes. Many operators offer half-day tours to take in the desert sunset, as well as full-day tours that include lunch, village visits and cultural programs. Day trips can also be customized to your interests, such as wildlife spotting and bird watching.

Overnight Camel Safaris

• You can also arrange guided camel safaris for two days, three days and beyond, allowing you to sleep under the star-filled night sky far from the bright lights of towns and cities. Stay safe in the sun by bringing sunblock, a sun hat, lightweight clothing in light colors and plenty of water. Check that your operator brings enough blankets, as temperatures in the desert can drop sharply after sunset. Be prepared for aches and pains caused by your camel companion -- and note that you will be sleeping on the ground.

Train Tours

• If the bumpy back of a camel isn’t for you, a luxury train tour might be. Indian Luxury Trains operates two trains that pass through the Thar Desert: the Palace on Wheels and the Maharajas’ Express, both beginning in Delhi and offering stops at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner. With private cabins, well-appointed restaurant cars, air conditioning and even Wi-Fi, they provide a desert experience that doesn’t require long days in the hot sun. However, this level of luxury comes with a much higher price than independently organized desert tours.

When to Go

• Weather can make or break a trip to the Thar Desert. Spring and summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 110 degrees from April through June. The summer monsoon hits much of the country from June to September, and though it doesn’t bring much rainfall to the Thar Desert, travel plans to Delhi and other areas of Rajasthan could be affected by heavy rains. Travel is most comfortable from October to March, though nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter.

Read More ..... »

Tourism in Assam, India

The skyline of Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, rises from the wilderness with several museums and historical neighborhoods. Beyond the city is fertile cropland spotted with tea and rice fields, two of the area's most popular crops. The popularity of tea in Assam has led to a boom in tourism in the area, with colonial tea plantations open to visitors. Two UNESCO World Heritage parks also draw in travelers. This mix of natural scenery and cultural sites provides some of the best of both nature and city travel in India.

Wildlife Tourism

• Assam's UNESCO World Heritage sites are Manas and Kaziranga. Manas National Park is roughly 100 miles from Guwahati and is the natural habitat of several of India's native animals, including buffalo, elephants and tigers, among other endangered species. The park forest is only open during daylight hours, but basic accommodation is available on site. You're more likely to see wildlife in Kaziranga National Park near the Brahmaputra River, where conservation efforts helped revive the Asian one-horned rhino population and there is the largest tiger population in the country. Elephant rides are offered every morning to take visitors to spot rhinos. Resorts and other accommodations are common near the park's borders.

Tea Tourism

• Assam tea farmers produce approximately a fifth of the world's tea. Tea plantations and estates still stand fully operational in the countryside as reminders of the British colonial period in India's history, and many of these sites are available for public viewing. In Tocklai, the Tea Research Centre has been conducting research and experiments on tea cultivation, production and health effects for more than 100 years. Several companies in the area offer tours investigating the effect of tea on the culture and history of Assam.

Cultural Tourism

• Assam is home to several important cultural sites, several of which are in Guwahati. The Old Guwahati neighborhood runs along the Brahmaputra and features a planetarium -- with hints of Islamic and modern architectural influences -- and Dighulipukhuri Park, with rowboats for rent. The domed Guwahati Courthouse borders the park and is open to visitors. The Assam State Museum is open every day except Monday and has a range of exhibits dedicated to the state's culture and history, with a particular focus on tribal artifacts. Venture out of Guwahati to get a taste of Assam royal history at the Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, a large two-story pavilion where the rich once sat, conversed and watched animal fights or sports events in luxury.

Travel Considerations

• Assam is most accessible through the Guwahati airport, although some bus companies provide transport to the area and the Indian Railways network connects to major cities. The best time to visit Assam is between October and April when the days are pleasantly warm and the nights cool. Parks and other government-run organizations often close during monsoon season, which is between June and September. Assam is a fairly safe area for tourists, but you should exercise precaution and awareness at all times. Some anti-Western terrorists operate in or near the region. The U.S. Department of State recommends only traveling by train in northeast India during daylight hours. Stay away from demonstrations or protests, which can become violent without warning.

Read More ..... »