As the paradise on this Earth, the Kashmir Valley becomes the centre of tourism again seeing a great revival of both domestic and international tourism there, we too look forward to relaunching what for many of us used to be a second home in the past. The combination of the Golden Triangle with the Kashmir Valley is possibly offering the greatest and most diverse experiences that are possible within North India and the Himalayan regions together.
Ladakh, is a stark lunar landscaped land of a high altitude and a cold desert inhabited by Buddhist people following the Lama form of Mahayana Buddhism. Living under the shadows of the surrounding snow covered mountains of both the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and praying at their monasteries perched on-top of hills, trying to reach out to the gods. With prayer wheels in their hands rotating the prayers in the wind “Om Mani Padme Hum” describing the God Buddha as a jewel sitting in a lotus flower.
Enjoy a Sri Lankan village experience where a walk along the village path will bring us to a “Wewa” typical village lake. The village homes are totally different to build up urban areas of Sri Lanka. The small houses are surrounded by green woods on the edge of which their home gardens extend.
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.
Chor Bazaar’s literal translation is the Thieves Market, although, it was born on the premise of ‘Shor’ Bazaar, which meant a noisy market. It was named so, because it was used to house mechanics and their repair garages. The British for the greater convenience of their tongue misnamed it Chor’ Bazaar.
Gujarat is the state of elegance and colours and Ahmedabad as its capital is a hub of colours and aristocracy. The markets here are a mixture of culture and modernity. Ahmedabad is known as the 'Manchester of India' due to a huge number of cloth mills present here.
Flocked by people from all around the world looking for spirituality and "Union with the One", Auroville is the heart and soul of the city of Pondicherry.
This 3 and a half hour activity where you will get to explore Auroville is one of the most unique and exciting experiences here.
Crowded markets, narrow lanes, chaotic traffic, and noisy hawkers!Majestic buildings, fascinating history, vivid colours and mesmerizing images.
You can see the view of the star homes from outside. Then learn the taste of the Bollywood Dance! A mixture of numerous styles, best explained as beautiful storytelling and shake a leg with the instructors on a Bollywood song.
If you want to experience the place where most of the locals in Darjeeling come for shopping and marketing, then try out the lower market area known as the Chowk Bazaar. Chowk means a junction and Bazaar is a market in local language. This place is always jam packed with shoppers and vendors. However it's a crowded place to be in a sea of people.
No place can give you a glimpse of Hyderabadi life like the Charminar area can. It is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business and old world charm -‐ a perfect slice of this city's life. Walk through Laad Bazar and get dazzled by the shiny lac bangles that Hyderabad is known for, take the by-‐lanes and meet the craftsmen who create ‘bling’, one at a time.
Nagpur is one of the major cities of Maharashtra where one can go on a shopping spree. It has a variety of shopping stores and malls where one can shop. All kinds of stuff ranging from clothes to footwear to accessories can all be found at a single place. It is also famous for its mouth-watering delicacies. The killer combination of food and music wins the heart for sure.
Can you get high on green grass? Care to get sloshed in a paddy field? Is birdsong your idea of great music? Do chicks of the feathered variety turn you on? Then how does the idea of a day spent discovering the charms of Chennai’s countryside sound to you?
This culturally rich tour of Bhopal city you will get to see the famous Bhopal architecture and craft by visiting the mosques, palaces, and museums and bazaars.
Also visit, Dhokra village to witness Dhokra Metal Casting of Orissa. Dhokra metal casting of Orissa is synonymous with the traditional craft of bell metal or brass. It is a typical tribal art form and practiced by tribal families.
Musical evenings are the heart and soul of desert camps in Jaisalmer. After you have spent an engrossing day fighting dust and sand across the Thar, it’s time to rejoice yourself with some refreshing dance moves and folk music in a relaxed environment. Rajasthan has a history of soulful and enlivening music, which makes you tap your feet to its tune.
A tour titled as “God’s Sake” takes you on this religious sojourn, where you meet the different religions of Mumbai and observe and understand culture and tradition as they carry them out in a way quintessential to their religion. Be it the Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians or the Buddhist, this journey gives you a deep insight into lives and beliefs of Mumbai and its people.
Imagine getting a tattoo that you can wash off or wear at will! Henna or Mehndi is an ancient form of body art in which decorative designs are created on a person’s body, mainly the hands by applying a reddish orange paste. At the resort, we have special arrangements for Henna Decorations by experts.
This is for those who prefer to experience the Fort with a difference; away from the hustle bustle of tourists. Built in the latter half of the 17th century, the Naya Qila is the extension of the already existing structures of the Golkonda Fort and provided an added resistance to the attacks by Aurangazeb’s army in 1687.
One of the major highlights of Kochi has to be the most iconic of all the dance forms in Kerala, a Kathakali performance. When going for Kathakali dance performance, visit 2 hours before the performance and see how they apply the elaborate makeup.
Trivandrum. The Endless City; Home to the royalty of Travancore; The Fabled City of Gold
Powerful queens and pious saints, haunted forts and blessed ponds, ghosts and ghastly nobles, great victory and despicable betrayal – it’s all a part of the glorious history of Trivandrum.
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.
Next visit the beautiful Kutch Village of Bhirandiyara, a cluster of about 20 houses and every member of the village is an artisan in some way. The town is most famous for its fresh MAAVO, milk reduced to a thick fudge-like consistency & sweetened with sugar. The local meghwal community is known for its fine embroidery & colourful mud bhungas which is major tourist attraction.
Visit some local markets in Bhuj. The craftsmen in and around Bhuj have good hands on Khadi work, block print, tie and dye, colourful thread work and embroidery work. Also the handloom products of Bhuj are famous all over because of its finished intricate mirror work and brilliant colour combinations.
Ludiya village inhabited by the Meghwal Community, flaunts beautifully painted circular huts organized around the temple. Between the vibrant Kanjari Blouse of the women & the men hunched over the various corners carving wood. The village is an aesthetic delight.
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.
Start early morning for a unique experience to see the bustling city of Mumbai at dawn. Get a peek into the underbelly of the city and insights into what makes this magnificent city tick.
A dabbawala is a person in India, most commonly in Mumbai, who is part of a delivery system that collects hot food in lunch boxes from the residences of workers in the late morning, delivers the lunches to the workplace utilizing various modes of transport, predominantly bicycles and the railway trains, and returns the empty boxes back to the customer's residence that afternoon.
Visit the Calico museum of textile – the premier textile museum of the country. Its outstanding collection of Indian fabrics exemplifies handicraft textiles spanning five centuries and attracts large numbers of visitors from the general public, as well as increasing numbers of Indian and international research scholars.
What lies beneath a temple tower? So you think you are in control of your destiny? What transforms a piece of ordinary rock into a venerable deity?
Visit Nuapatna village - Silk Ikat weaving village. The Khandua Saree, which is made of silk, is the pride of Orissa, is weaved in Nuapatna. Khandua saree is woven with wooden looms in the traditional style of hand weaving and the whole village of Nuapatna is devoted to this traditional form of weaving.
Chandni Chowk, translated as Moonlight street is the commercial heart of Old Delhi. One of the oldest markets of India, its small narrow lanes are a beehive of activity from daybreak, offering on sale every product you can imagine of under the sun. The best way to prevent getting carried away in the mass of humanity which assembles here is to take a leisurely tour by cycle rickshaw.
Ever wondered why there are so many Gods in India? Or what the stars have to do with your future?
There are many stories hidden away in the mundane rituals of daily life. And as you walk through Mylapore, you’ll discover that every sight you behold has a story to tell.
Home to tea, coffee and pepper plantations, Vandiperiyar is one of the most popular places to visit. If you have time, head to Abraham’s Spice Garden (15 kilometres from Thekkady) and learn about spice cultivation and Ayurveda.
At first glance, it is the archetypal Indian village – sun burned and sleepy. But walk in, and you can’t help but spot the dolls, of all sizes and in various stages of making.
To a casual onlooker there are two Indias – the North and the South. But look deeper and each region and each community in the South comes with a very distinct set of customs, quirks and ways of life.
Taste food meant for the Gods – The true essence of south Indian food, eaten the way old school Bangaloreans still do! Of course, staying true to ‘luru style/Bangalore style, there has to be options with some interesting twists on old classics as well. A great way to spend your Saturday evening, like a true South Bangalorean!
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.
Located about 50 and 20 Km to Bhuj are the villages of Dhamadka and Dhaneti where you can see traditional ajrakh block printing using natural dyes and the traditional embroidery work of the Ahir community in Dhaneti.
There is a hidden heritage of every city and this is very true in the case of Hyderabad where modern buildings and structures have super‐imposed themselves on the architectural past of the city. But a walk in some of the bye-‐lanes of the Old City will reveal a slice of the magnificent past that was Hyderabad.
Every city has the North-South divide- South Bombay, South Delhi, South Boston and South London. This here is a deep dive to find out the story behind South Bangalore - The SoBa Walk. Join us as we explore one of the old neighbourhoods of Bangalore, the age old intellectual centre of the city and spend time where the city’s rich and the famous used to hang out.
A visit to the local school will make your day as you will get to meet some of the most modest and innocent souls who travel distances to receive education. Their warm smiles will stay with you longer than the memories of your trip.
The camel cart trundles its way unhurriedly to a small village of the Gujar community, who are mainly involved in the dairy business. Here you will witness a quintessentially Indian ceremony, the Tulsi Vivah. The villagers dance and perform the symbolic marriage ceremony between Salig Ram, a form of Lord Vishnu and Tulsi, the holy basil plant.
Start on a tour of an 800 year old village present right in the center of the city - Worli Fishing Village. Here get the opportunity to understand and interact with the Kolis - Fisher folks and the original people of Mumbai.
Surrounded by dry desert and few stray trees village is inhabited by the vivacious and colorful Meena Tribes, the bare surrounding is complimented well by the striking attire of the villagers- men in their bright white ‘dhotis’ and women in their colorful ‘Lehengas’.
The concentrated and manic commerce of Pettah is concentrated even further in its markets. Stretching along 5th Cross St, this don't-miss market is a hive of household goods interspersed with artful displays of fruit and vegetables such as towering pyramids of limes. Garish toys add colour.
Lipton’s Seat in Haputale is a great morning or afternoon trip from Ella. In the morning, take a short train ride to Haputale. Once you reach the station, get a tuk-tuk which takes you up to the top where, back in 1890, Mr. Lipton, planted the first seeds of what now is Sri Lanka’s biggest export product, Lipton Tea.
See the different types of flavours the island is famous for and how they are grown. Turmeric, Peppercorns, Cloves, Cardamom, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cocoa, and Aloe Vera are the main plantations that are the highlights of this place.
Each day, fishers take their oruvas (outrigger canoes) and go out in search of the fish for which Negombo is famous. They’re a fine sight as they sweep home into the lagoon after a fishing trip. Fish auctions on the beach and sales at the fish market near the fort are worth forgoing some pool time for. A visit to the fishing village is enlightening.
It is a three Hundred year old marketplace filled with local produce which is absolutely fresh, this marketplace offers tourists a chance to explore the local culture and meet the native residents of the place.
Coffee Plantations on Ananthagiri Hills are a must visit. Miles and miles of coffee plantations await you in the mesmerizing hills of Ananthagiri, which begin as soon as you enter the Araku Valley. The smell of coffee leaves is spread through the entire valley rejuvenating your senses. The plantations are deeply rooted in the history of the tribes of the Araku Valley.
Located 65 Km from Araku Valley, Kunduli is home to the Paraj, Rana and Maja tribes. Kunduli organizing a very interesting market where trading can be seen in a large scale. The tribes are seen selling bangles, drums, homemade alcohol, cattle, goats and tribal jewelry here. The market commences on each Friday here and is visited by several tribes from neighbouring villages also.
A walk through the125 years old, the Kolkata Flower Market is eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and many more sitting on the ground will leave you spell bound.
This bazaar is facing the Virupaksha temple and hence is also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar.
Various artifacts are available here including antique coins, shawls, bags etc. Most tourists purchase souvenirs here.
Kerala is a land of colorful culture and vibrant traditions. Kathakali – the traditional dance form – is an integral part of the Kerala culture and is practiced across the state. The bold dance form, its dynamic mudras, diverse facial expressions, and the charismatic accompanying rhythm make the ambiance magical and mythical.
Buzzing with activity all throughout the day with shoppers and vendors going about their daily business, walking through the markets gives a true feel of what the local cultural is like.
Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat of dancing from "Salupliya" depicting several demons, "Thelme" vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo.
Go for an excursion to Weligama to witness the Stilt Fisherman, in chest- deep water on the beach, just few meters off-shore, are the stilt fishermen perched on a cross bar- one on one- of a single pole planted into the sea-bed. These fishermen, the poorest of the poor, spend hours with their lines cast out to the sea to catch small fish.
A Batik creation involves 3 basic steps – waxing, dyeing, and scraping (removing). Local legends share stories of the Batik practice of block printing being carried to Kachchh during the time of the Ramayana by seasoned, master craftsmen.
During the tour you will ride through the bygone lanes of Jaipur and side by side the guide briefs you about the religion, delicacies and culture. It is a very refreshing concept and riders are also very talented, enthusiastic and very passionate about their work.
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.
A major center of the Ajrakh block-printing technique. Ajrak is the name of a block printed cloth with deep crimson red and indigo blue background, bearing symmetrical patterns with interspersed unprinted sparkling white motifs. The highly valued Ajrak has also been made in Kutch for the Maldharis or cattle herders’ communities since the time Khatris migrated from Sindh in the 16th century.
Ghanerao is the village of many big and small Hindu temples. It is located in proximity to the famous town of Ranakpur and is therefore a popular tourist attraction. Muchhal Mahavir Temple and the Gajanand Temple are the two most popular temples out of the 11 Jain temples located in the region.
Exploring the old temple of Lord Ram and Jain temples. The people live in clusters and have narrow alleys and streets. Some of the houses still have heritage touch on the facades, one can also see harmony in different communities of Hindu’s, Jain’s and Muslim’s. At every corner you can see Tea stalls where people are gathered and doing chit chats. The atmosphere is very lively.
Jetpur is a textile town and one of the largest centers for screen-printing, block printing and yarn dyeing workshops in the country. It is famous for cotton saree industry. Jetpur is a pleasure for textile enthusiasts who can visit and experience the process of printing and dyeing. Here dye work is done in bulk by screen printing.
The safari takes you on a 90 km tour across the Sholayar range through the rainforests of Kerala. The prominent attractions covered are Kauthuka Park, Thumboormuzhy Dam, Butterfly garden, Vazhachal falls, Athirapally falls, hills, valleys, rainforest full of resident wildlife, birds and tea gardens.
Here we can see women working on spinning and making thread spinning for looms, quite interesting to see and post that you enter in shop filled with stuff like cloth, home stuff, slippers , bags etc.
The handicraft products, sea-shell items, decorative pieces and dress materials make for a vibrant experience and some great souvenirs to take back home. Kanyakumari beaches offers various seashell items including trinkets and souvenirs and there are small shops that sell decorative pieces made from bamboo, cane and wood.
One of several working local tea factories open to the public, Lockhart dates from 1879 and sits 10km southeast of Munnar. Guided factory tours explain modern tea processing from picking to export. There's also a small museum, plus gardens and tastings.
The enchanting rain shadow village of Marayoor is home to naturally fragrant sandalwood forests. It is about 40 Km run from Munnar and lies on the eastern side of Western Ghats. It is unexplored, untouched and incredibly pristine. On either way to the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests, you will see numerous waterfalls.
Mata-ni-Pachedi is a traditional art of painting the image of goddesses on a piece of cloth found in the temple which is of a multicolored animated images of gods and goddesses, devotees, followers, flora and fauna with a narrative story.
The walk starts from Ajmer Fort to the hilltop, it is a 2-3 hrs walk, trail covers the walk on uneven terrain and little bit of steep slopes, however it is worth it when you reach at hill top and enjoy the breath-taking view from there, on return there is an arrangement refreshments.
Pethapur village in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a hub of wood block makers, who supply customized blocks to the centres of block printing. Wooden block making has been a popular profession among the inhabitants of Pethapur for about 300 years.
Although Bharatpur is famous for its national park, there are various shops around the city to satiate the shopaholic in you.
Sumrasar is a weaving village and specializing in Suf, Rabari and Garasia Jat embroidery. Visit the home of local weaver and learn about this art. We will also have an opportunity to visit the local school and interact with the friendly school kids. The village set up is very interesting to observe the daily village life.
The unique art form of Tangalia with its dotted splendor is practiced by the Dangasia Community in Bajana. Dangasia is the only community having the knowledge of this weaving technique. Women of Bharwad community are often seen wearing dotted wrapped skirts of Tangalia weaving.
Bandhani is an expression used in Gujarat for textiles where different designs are produced by tying individual parts of the fabric before dying. The Gujrati word‘ Bandhavun’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for tying ‘Bandhan’. The people engaged in producing designs on fabric as a result of tie-dying technique are known as ‘Bandhej’.
The precarious yet thrilling pathways up to the falls are a treat for mountaineers who are looking for a quick adventure. The trek routes are very well maintained and you get to savour a spectacular view of the falls thoughout.
In a walking tour of Narlai Village you’ll get a peek into the lifestyle and culture of the close knit traditional community of Narlai, who still lead a traditional way of life. End your walk by hiking up to elephant rock that over looks the village and surrounding area and enjoy the fabulous sunset.
Achalgarh village is a picturesque village in Mount Abu which is famous for the Achalgarh fort and Achleshwar temple. The fortress Achalgarh is situated at the top of a mountain peak. A 10 minute climb from Achalgarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples which are famous for scenic location and beautiful sculpture.
Baijnath Temples are the bunch of ancient temples sprawling at an altitude of 1126 m that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This holy site by being placed on the banks of the river Gomti surrounded by exquisite scenery invokes peace in the heart and soul.
The main street of 'Old' Delhi is a magnificent bazaar and as fine a monument to congestion, colour and chaos as you'll find in India today.
The architecture of ancient times is seen at its absolute best at the Chota Imambara. Chhota Imambara or Husseinabad Imambara was constructed under 'Food for Work' programme, commissioned by the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838, Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah.
Far Horizons Tours – India, a longstanding and highly respected tour company, arranged our tour itinerary, accommodation, meet and greet, transport and guides and everything were perfect.
To all the visitors coming to Gujarat, the state has a very welcoming phrase- “Aavo Padharo”. This phrase rings completely true because the best thing about Gujarat is that people are friendly, inviting and always welcoming. So much so that you would be enticed to visit here over and over again.
Let us unravel the vista...India!
There is a reason the National Geographic magazine chose to do an in-depth feature on the Bishnois and their commitment to the environment. Their now famous photo of the Bishnoi woman suckling a young deer had a tremendous impact and left the world awe struck. In an age where cutting ancient trees and uprooting forests isn’t given as much as a second thought, the philosophy, the life and the religion of the Bishnois is one that stands out. The Bishnois can be considered one of India’s and perhaps the world’s earliest environmentalists. Their 500 year old religion was founded by Guru Jambeshwar who established two clear principles . The first instructs the Bishnois not to cut down green trees and the second asks them to be kind and compassionate to all living beings.
Located on the river Brahmaputra, Majuli is the largest fresh water island in India. 200 km from Guwahati it is accessible by ferries from Jorhat city which is about 20 km away. With a population of approximately 1.6 lacs Majuli is rich in ethnic culture and traditions.
India is a country rich in history and culture, from centuries of diverse and fascinating intermingling.
If you happen to visit Ladakh in the summer try your best to align your holiday with the Hemis Festival. The festival commemorates the birth of the revered Guru Padamasambhava who is said to have brought the tantric form of Buddhism to the Himalayan kingdom.
Travelling is not always about reaching your destination, a major chunk of the fun lies in the journey as well. If you happen to be a nature lover, road trips are a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and soak it all in so that the memories linger for a long time to come.
