Known for its rich heritage and vibrant ancient cultures, India, the land of diversity, has great things to offer its tourists, particularly to those who are here for heritage and culture activities.
Each state is unique and every culture in India has its own festivals – some are celebrated with colours, some with crackers and lamps and some celebrate festivals to honour agriculture and thank all the elements and farm animals involved in agricultural activities. These festivals are part of the tradition and culture, specific to the region. And there are events associated with spirituality, which again is a part of the culture. Let’s explore top things to do if you are looking to explore India culturally.
On the banks of 2506 km long River Ganges, lies Varanasi, one of the ancient cities that ranks amongst the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. In olden times, the city was called Kashi. Varanasi is mentioned in ancient Vedas and the famous epic Mahabharata. During the times of Buddha, Varanasi served as the kingdom’s capital. Some of the most important places to visit in Varanasi include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Mritunjay Mahadev Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganges River to experience the spiritual connection.
The very mention of Rajasthan brings to mind those formidable forts that announce to the world the architectural skills of the past, the strategic brilliance in building hill forts and the lavishness involved in creating forts that are every inch of magnificence. The royals had built forts both on plains as well as on hills. Six forts in Rajasthan have been recognised as UNESCO world heritage sites; they are: Amber Fort ,Mehrangarh Fort Jaisalmer Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Kumbhalgarh & Chittorgarh Forts.
Having come under the rule of various dynasties, Delhi had gone through many phases of construction, destruction, renovation and reconstruction. The strategic location of Delhi attracted powerful emperors who wanted to make Delhi their capital. Thus arose the famous seven cities of Delhi over different periods.The seven settlements of Delhi saw some amazing structures getting built, right from the tallest brick tower in the world – The Qutub Minar from the 12th century to the great forts, tombs and mosques during the Mughal times and the imperial buildings like India Gate from the British era.
Holi celebrations in Mathura are famous among people who celebrate this vibrant festival of colours, Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna, a Hindu god and hence Holi celebrations are at full swing here. The Holi celebrations in Mathura go on for two weeks with different celebrations on different days including Lathmar Holi and Phoolon ki Holi are celebrated at Mathura. In Lathmar Holi, women mock-beat men with sticks as they enact Radha and her friends beating Krishna for teasing them. In Phoolon ki Holi, flowers are used instead of colours. Celebrating Holi at Mathura is a colourful experience that will last in your memory forever.
Art and architecture were at its peak during the Chola period. Among the various great temples built during the Chola regime, three temples are famously referred to as ‘Three Great Living Chola Temples’. They are Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple was built by Raja Raja I, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadeeswara Temple was built by Rajendra Chola I and Airavateswarar Temple by Raja Raja II. All three temples are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hosted at the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Desert Festival captures your soul with mesmerising experiences on offer. This 3-day annual event is celebrated every year in the month of February. Cultural events including folk songs and dance give you an insight into the rich culture and heritage of the region while the camel race and fire dancing keep your excitement soaring. There is no shortage of fun-filled activities either. Turban tying contest would keep you in splits. Along with sweet memories to take with you, you can also get some of the best local handicrafts from here.
Built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Fort Kochi is home to some historically important heritage sites. St. Francis Church, which is the first church built on Indian soil by Europeans and one of the oldest Catholic churches in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica are in Fort Kochi. Kalaripayattu and Kathakali, traditional martial arts and dance respectively of Kerala are performed as a part of Onam celebrations. Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. Kerala backwaters need a special mention. Stretching beyond 900 kilometres and running parallel to Arabian Sea, Kerala backwaters attract tourists from all over the world. Boat cruising in traditional houseboats offer stunning views of nature in a perfectly serene setting.
The four UNESCO world heritage sites in Karnataka are a grand representation of the rich culture and heritage of the state. They are: Hampi: On river Tungabadhra’s banks lies the ancient city and Vijayanagara Empire’s capital Hampi. Ruins of Hampi including that of its magnificent temples and palaces tell tales of its architectural brilliance and opulence. Mysore Palace” Mysore is considered the cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a stunning architectural wonder. Badami: Known as Vatapi at the time of establishment, Badami is famous for its rock-cut temples. Belur: Constructed in the 12-th century, Chennakesava Temple in Belur is a stunning specimen of the architectural prowess of the Hoysalas.
With numerous yoga and meditation centres that offer tailor-made yogic sessions for practitioners and extensive classes to those aspiring to become yoga instructors, Rishikesh is considered the Yoga Capital of the World. Situated on the banks of River Ganges on Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh boasts of boundless beauty with lush greenery and the majestic Ganges flowing by making it a perfect serene spot for yoga and meditation institutes and retreats. Rishikesh, in short, is a go to destination for yoga practitioners.
The essence of travel lies in experiencing what it is like to live the life of the local, even if it is for a few hours. The best part would be to experience local food made by you! Yes, cooking session at a local home offers precisely that for you. Right from sourcing ingredients from the local market to preparing an elaborate meal that is part of the culture, you are guided through every step by your host. You learn their traditional secrets to create magic by infusing flavours to bring a perfect meal to the table.
