Essence of India Tours: Temples of Wonder & Amazing Features

The Taj Mahal at Agra is an introduction to the splendorous architecture of India. Built by an eccentric king for his most beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal,  the edifice is considered the epitome of love. The structure encapsulates the characteristics of Mughal architecture in India under the influence of local construction techniques.

The Taj Mahal by the Yamuna River boasts simplicity and picturesque settings,  popular as much for the marble and for its design. Built by a megalomaniac architect, submersed into anonymity deep under the annals of history by the overwhelming edifice that he so craftily constructed.    

The mansion was a product of toil and drudgery of hundreds, many of them were under the sacrificial altar. Nevertheless, it is one of the prime tourist destinations of India and thousands visit it every year.  

There is a long cue for buying the entrance ticket in the sweltering heat,  but it is all worth it. The edifice towers much above your imagination that you carried along with ever since you came to know about it.  

Imposed by majestic walls, the fort looms four hundred feet on the mountaintop in Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The fort is not much of a symbol of conquest and seizes that Rajasthani Forts were subject to Mughal Invaders. But it did witness infighting among the Rajputs. It has a history sketched on its walls of internecine warfare.

On the altar of sacrifice was a commoner who was buried alive in order to get rid of a severe drought that wreaked havoc for a long period. Raja Ram Meghwal was buried alive in order to make this area propitious and to mitigate Cheeria Nathji's curse.  This is also the place of a thousand Sati whence women burnt themselves alive in the face of the Mughal onslaught.  

The majestic structure of the fort encompasses numerous gates, palaces, temples, and residential quarters making it a virtual colony of Maharajah Rao Jodha. 

The fort museum is an exhibit of paraphernalia used in the walled city, famous Marwari paintings,  musical instruments, an armory, a palanquin, decorated elephant howdahs, furniture, and whatnot. 

Situated deep in the inaccessible regions were a number of forgotten temples that were to astound the world.

The temple complexes were rediscovered by T. S Burt of British India. Today they are abuzz with tourism. The 10th-century temples contain extensive carvings of erotic nature on the outer walls, a phenomenon created by Chandela Rajput Kings in a deeply conservative era.   

About twenty-five temples remain - some of which pertain to Jainism. The erotic carvings adorn the Hindu Temples. The carvings depict angelic expressions involved in sexual acts between buxom females and men, and at times with animals. The meaning of these carvings is perplexing, in nature some believe it a Kamasutra Treatise meant to accord sex education to young princes.    

Close by the temple city is Panna National Park and Ken Gharial Sanctuary. Tourists visit these places from the temple city.   

India is rich in biodiversity and home to many charismatic mammals, birds, and reptiles. The best places to see the majestic tiger are the Central Indian Tiger Reserves. Endemic animals inhabit various regions in protected areas. These can be visited on a package tour or independently.

The most popular reserves are Ranthambhore, Kaziranga, Gir, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Periyar, Wynad, and Namdhapa to name a few.  Some of the rare and endangered animals to see are the Asiatic Lion, Indian One-Horned Rhino, Hard Ground Swamp Deer, Brow Antlered Deer, Hangul, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown, and Black Bears, Hog Deer, and many more.

Among the birds most prized is the Siberian Crane which visits no more. Other interesting birds are the Sarus Crane, Pheasants, and Bustards. Thirteen percent of the bird species are found in India. Some of the popular destinations are Bharatpur, Little & Great Rann of Kutch, Ranganthitoo, Chilika, and the Western Ghats in Kerala. 

Among the reptiles, many snakes, turtles, Marsh Crocodile, Salt Water Crocodile, and Gharial are sought after by tourists.

Indian performing and fine arts have taken root for centuries. One of the perfect systems in the country has been the development of music and dance. All aspects of life have been governed by highly evolved Vedas which encompass the Natya Sastra a treatise on dance. Vedas are a collection of written materials that are scientific, instructional, and religious in nature. 

Classical dance forms like Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Mahiniattam, Kathakali, Odissi, and Manipuri have evolved in various parts of the country. These are one of the main tourist attractions among those who are culturally inclined. The annual dance festival takes place in Khajuraho which is the best venue for enjoying Indian performing arts.

An intricate network of lagoons, rivers, and lakes create amazing waterways that identify the lifestyle and culture of Kerala. The little state of Kerala in Southern India is a tourist paradise. Backwaters are the intrinsic characteristics of the state and a major tourist attraction.

The destinations for starting a houseboat tour are many and one can choose the packages available with the tour operators. The prices and amenities range for budget and elite tourists, and so do the journey and duration.

These tours can be associated with Ayurvedic massages and treatments in luxury spas and beach resorts that abound in the state.

The festivals are religious occasions that are more of recreation.  Most of the Hindu festivals are colorful and filled with vivacity. People look forward to these events with unbridled zeal and passion.

Some of the major Hindu festivals celebrated in India are Diwali, Holi, Dusshera, Ganesh Utsav, and Janmashtami. There are many local or regional festivals that are equally celebrated with gaiety and pomp. A lot of fairs are organized during the festivities that entertain people and also offer opportunities to shop and trade livestock.

Festivals that celebrate the augmentation of the new year or seasons are considered highly auspicious and encourage the start of a lot of economic activities. This results in increased shopping and purchasing of vehicles and jewelry. New businesses or product launches are initiated during these periods.   

Indian cuisine is unique and the variety is mind-boggling. Each and every recipe has a regional flavor and a different cooking style. The food is not all curries, some dishes are sweet and some are bland but yes hot chili dominates.

There are three elements that create hot Indian curries.

Garam Masala (Mix of spices)
Red Chilli
Green Chilli

Further addition of clove and pepper accords a fiery tinge to the curry. In order to balance the hot stuff chapatis, naan, tandoori roti (bread) and rice come into the picture.

The sweets are very sugary unlike the cakes and pastries of the West.  Extensive use of milk, flour,  mawa, and other cottage cheese products is used to make sweets in the country. 

Large populations of Indians are vegetarian by habit but nonvegetarian food is consumed with gusto on many occasions.  

There is an amazing variety of snacks mostly fried which is available throughout India. People are very fond of snacks available as street food, in small restaurants, and in hand carts.

Each region has its own hallmark cooking style and recipes. Some North and South Indian recipes are popular nationwide.    

Visa is required for most nationalities to enter India. There are plans to offer open visas to inbound tourists from some countries. Most of the International flights land in New Delhi and Mumbai but many also operate from other Metros. 

The best means of travel in India are taxis and luxury buses. These are costly options if temperature controlled. The train is the most viable option for travel in India but the journey has to be planned beforehand and tickets booked in advance. Local buses offer a cheap option for short distances. 

Advanced preparation helps in making your tour experience better.  You should use the services of package tour operators in India to organize your journey.  

The best season for inbound tourists is the winter. But you can experience the mind-boggling flavors of India season-wise.