If you crave a culturally immersive holiday like never before, where your every sense is awakened, luxury India tours should be your top choice. Aptly known as the land of wonders, India has enchanted its visitors for centuries & continues to be one of the most sought-after holiday destinations. But that’s not it– when you think you have grasped its essence, a journey of a few miles rewards you with an entirely new culture. Read ahead to know why India’s cultural tourism stands unparalleled to all.
1. Millenia of History to Experience
India is a treasure for history buffs. From imposing forts to rock-cut caves, it has a living heritage that goes back over 5,000 years. Numerous civilizations & emperors contributed to the diversity of monuments & ruins we now witness across the country, 43 of which are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It’s fascinating how each of these sites has a distinct architecture & portrays the evolution of the different erstwhile kingdoms– be it the mighty forts of the Mughals or the intricately carved temples of the Chola dynasty.
2. Witness Diversity in Every Mile - “a world within a world”
What sets India apart the most is the sheer diversity one can witness here. To give you a gist of it, there are over 120 languages and even more dialects spoken across the country! A journey of a few hours will introduce you to an entirely new culture, which makes it impossible to ever say that you have seen it all. A vacation in India only gets increasingly rewarding as you explore more regions. Where else can one indulge in an uncountable number of cuisines, watch a multitude of dramatic folk dances & discover architectural styles of various eras, all without crossing borders?
3. The Many Colors of Spiritualism
Home to people of all faiths, India is unarguably the most religiously diverse nation in the world. In a single journey, you can experience the spiritualism of Buddhism in Bodhgaya, Hinduism in Varanasi & Sikhism in Amritsar. And every religion will put ahead a new side of India to discover. For instance, when you witness Amritsar’s Golden Temple (a prominent Gurudwara for the Sikhs) you will learn how thousands are served free food every day in langar, the world’s largest communal kitchen! In Varanasi, find yourself contemplating the complexities of life & death as you simultaneously watch cremations at one ghat & a lively Ganga Aarti at another. India is also the best destination for transformative wellness retreats that heal you from within, a top choice being Rishikesh, a spiritual town in the Himalayan foothills.
4. Atithi Devo Bhava
There is something truly special about the warm Indian hospitality that stays with you long after you’ve departed. This comes from the deeply rooted notion of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which translates to “Guest is God”. Locals throughout the country are friendly & ready to go out of their way to help you or make your journey better with hidden gems you would have otherwise missed. These unexpected yet lovely personal experiences are bound to become a highlight of your Indian holiday and make it one to remember for life.
Best Cultural Destinations in India by Region
North India
One of the more bustling regions in the country, Northern India cradles a vibrant collection of cultures. With Jaipur’s 18th-century Amer Fort in Rajasthan and Agra’s ethereal Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, your exploration of heritage will see no bounds in the North.
Travel to Rajasthan (the Land of Kings) to explore grand palaces & forts where the royals of the bygone eras lived. This seemingly barren desert state is the most colorful region you’ll come across in India. Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer are the top cities to visit. A royal camel safari & a sundowner at the Thar desert is a must in Rajasthan.
And of course, any tour of India is incomplete without a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra Uttar Pradesh. A few hours’ ride aboard India’s fastest train from Agra will bring you to the holiest & oldest town, Varanasi. Millennia-old Hindu rituals at the town’s vibrant ghats (riverbanks) mesmerize thousands from within every day.
East India
The eastern region is home to the Cultural Capital of India or the “City of Joy”, Kolkata. A feast for all your senses, you will find iconic landmarks from the colonial era & countless traditional sweets to indulge in. For the best experience, we recommend visiting the city during its most significant festival, Durga Puja.
Close to West Bengal lies the Seven Sisters, a group of seven states famed for their natural beauty & unique culture. Bask through the expansive, serene tea estates of Assam or visit Nagaland to discover the lesser-known tribal culture & cuisines of India. In Odisha, watch the colorful hustle of Puri, a Hindu pilgrimage town known for its world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival).
South India
For a more laid-back journey, one would prefer immersing themselves in the natural beauty of South India’s backwaters in Kerala. Like most, you may begin your tour from Kerala’s port city, Kochi, where centuries of trade activities have shaped the city’s diverse heritage. Explore the Portuguese-inspired architecture & vibrant Indian folk dances like Kathakali here.
Visit the “City of Nizams” (princes), Hyderabad to discover a charming royal heritage through monuments like the Char Minar & Golconda fort. For a spiritual tour, visit the colorful & intricately carved Hindu temples in Trivandrum, Madurai & Chennai. Witness the dramatic Hindu ritual of Theyyam (image below), where devotees dress up as Gods & play around with fire!
West India
The most popular region for cultural immersion in Western India is Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, which hosts its annual Rann Utsav (festival). This colorful festival is hosted over a span of 100 days in the region’s contrasting white desert. Stay in unique tent accommodations & experience the cultural performances & handicrafts on full display during the festival.
Another popular destination in Western India loved by tourists is Mumbai, a city always alive with the vibrant chaos of its people, giving it its nickname– the city that never sleeps! Sights of colonial-era Victorian architecture are common across the city. Enjoy a guided walk through Bollywood studios where your favorite Indian movies are filmed or take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island where the centuries-old rock-cut caves lie.
FAQs
India is the most popular country for cultural tourism. Its history & architecture of over 5,000 years as well as the diversity in cuisines, languages, local attires & geography contribute to its popularity. The country saw over 18 million tourist arrivals in the year 2023 alone.
The top 5 cultural states in India are:
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Punjab.
Although the mentioned states are culturally rich, it’s important to note that India is a melting pot of uncountable cultures– each state has a different culture to experience!
The best way to authentically experience Indian culture is through luxury India tours. Book a private escorted tour tailored to your preferences with a reputable travel agency like TRAVELOSEI. An India tour with the finest of accommodations & transportation will make your journey seamless & the most memorable.
The best time to visit India for cultural tourism is between October & March. You can experience the major Indian festivals like Diwali & Holi first-hand. With winter setting in, the weather remains pleasant throughout for exploring the outdoors.
