North India

You could also find solace in the sounds of birdsong at Keoladeo Ghana National Park, just over an hour’s drive from Agra. Known popularly by its local name Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this forest is home to more than 230 species of birds, and comes alive in the winter months with dozens of migratory species visiting from as far away as Australia and Siberia.

The City of Nawabs is known for the centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, which is mostly influenced by the culinary culture of the Mughal era because the Mughal Emperors hired officials for administration of the Awadhi Province. A paradise for foodies in India, Lucknow City is a labyrinthine trail of food from biryanis to kebabs, chaats and paans.

This heritage walk gives you a unique glimpse of the traditions of the city handed down through the centuries and still kept alive in various forms especially indigo block printing, unani (traditional) medicine and vark (edible silver foil) making. Walking through the lanes of Lucknow is like time travel, straight to the pages of history.

Along the banks of the sacred river lies the unique city believed was founded by Lord Shiva. A walk around the city gives chance to connect with this place and to understand the intricacies of this city. This walk will take you through the colorful markets, temples and ancient building. You will be able to witness how the city rise together and prepares itself for the day.

A visit to Kotwara House is in itself a revealing experience of sorts. Kotwara House is Lucknow abode of the legendary filmmaker, fashion designer, painter, poet, architect or rather call them ‘A couple with many feathers in their cap of creativity’, Raja Muzaffar & Meera Ali.

One of the most iconic experiences in Varanasi is experiencing the musical side of the holy city. A visit to the sitar player’s (Chordophone Player) house will be totally different and mesmerizing experience for you. You will be soaked in the tunes played by world renowned Sitar player which will complement the aura of the city as well.

Visit the Nawab (Viceroy) of Awadh and enjoy tea with him. The head of this aristocratic family will share his historical knowledge, family traditions and his view on modern Lucknow with you. Talk to him about the changes he has seen over the years in Lucknow, learn a bit about his family and experience the innate etiquettes, mannerism and the art of speech that is mastered by him.

The Braj festival in Rajasthan is held every year for two days in the Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month, a few days prior to Holi. This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is believed to have spent a considerable amount of time in a region called Braj in Rajasthan.

Although Bharatpur is famous for its national park, there are various shops around the city to satiate the shopaholic in you.

Snow Leopard trek serves as a heaven for animal cravers and lovers. There is a wide range of animals visible on this trek. Trek ranges from Moderate to difficult level. But for actual spotting of Snow Leopard one needs to push to high elevation.