Experience India: Ten Journeys That Capture the Soul of the Nation

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, it is an apt moment to look beyond its remarkable journey as the world's largest democracy and rediscover the beauty, diversity and cultural richness that make it one of the world's most captivating travel destinations. India is not merely a place to visit; it is a country to experience with all your senses.

Witness the sunrise at the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is often considered a poem in marble, a tribute from an emperor to his dearly beloved dead wife. However, if you see it as the sun rises, it is a magical experience. Arrive early and avoid the teeming crowds. It is even more magical on full-moon nights, when visitors are allowed after sunset.

Cruise Kerala's backwaters on a houseboat

A 1,500-km maze of canals, brackish lagoons and lakes runs parallel to the Arabian Sea — the backwaters of Kerala. When you go to Alleppey, often called the Venice of the East, get onto a Kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat, for a multi-day trip complete with bedrooms, a dining hall and a personal chef to prepare local delicacies. For canoeing and day cruises you might prefer to hire a shikara, which can enter narrow canals the houseboats cannot. The tranquil ambience of the coastal heritage and fishing villages makes for a calming experience to cherish.

Attend a festival

Indian festivals carry a charm of their own. You need to celebrate them with the locals to catch glimpses of traditions a guided tour would never reveal. The colours of Holi; the enveloping joy of Durga Puja; the festival of lights, Diwali. The harvest festivals — the ten-day Onam in Kerala, Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi and Magh Bihu — underscore that India is still a predominantly agricultural country.

Explore Rajasthan's royal heritage

The name Rajasthan means the land of the kings. If you desire a regal experience, the forts and palaces in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur might feel just a little unreal. The countryside is peppered with havelis, palaces, forts and other royal residences. Of the 600 royal principalities in India at the time of Independence, more than 300 were in Rajasthan. To feel like royalty, take a ride on the luxurious Palace on Wheels.

Witness the evening Ganga aarti in Varanasi

The Ganga aarti on Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is one of the world's oldest living spiritual traditions, performed daily. It is carried out with giant lit lamps to the accompaniment of the sonorous chanting of Sanskrit hymns, honouring the river Ma Ganga for sustaining the people of the Gangetic plains for centuries and thanking her for her continued benefaction.

Go on a tiger safari

Enjoy the thrill of adventure by going on a tiger safari to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Royal Bengal Tiger was declared an endangered species in 1975 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Efforts to protect them began in 1972 when the Government of India declared the Royal Bengal tiger the national animal, and the conservation movement Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The reserves at Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Jim Corbett permit safaris — deterring poaching and encouraging a sense of empathy.

Experience Ladakh's majestic mountainous landscape

Few people were aware of Ladakh's existence until the Indo-Chinese War of 1962. It is a high-altitude cold desert. Beyond Ladakh's ancient monasteries and crystal-clear skies, you should see Pangong Lake in Leh, one of the highest-altitude lakes in India.

Relax on Goa's beaches

Sun, sand and Indo-Portuguese culture combine to make Goa one of the most popular holiday destinations, especially during Christmas and New Year. Its lively cafés, affordable beach shacks, vibrant nightlife and world-class hospitality — with some of the most beautiful coastlines — put Goa on the bucket list of many Indians.

Taste India's street food

India's culinary diversity is best showcased by its street food, which is as delicious as it is affordable. You must taste Delhi's chaat, Amritsar's chole kulche, Mumbai's vada pav, Indori samosas, Kolkata's kathi rolls and Hyderabad's biryani to understand that culinary heaven is not restricted to mummy's kitchen or Michelin-starred eateries.

Stay in a palace hotel

Want to feel like royalty without its restrictive customs and responsibilities? Book a stay at one of the hotels that are essentially converted royal palaces. From the décor and furnishings to the menus and service, you will get a glimpse of how the royals lived. Lalit Mahal Palace, Umaid Bhawan, Amba Vilas (also known as Mysore Palace) and Falaknuma Palace are just some worth checking out when preparing your next itinerary.

Bonus: take an iconic train

If you want to enjoy the ride as much as the destination, take one of India's iconic trains. From the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (the Toy Train) to the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which runs through 102 tunnels and over 82 bridges, and the short ride over Pamban Bridge from Mandapam to Rameshwaram connecting the mainland to the island — these journeys give you something a flight never could.

“Visit with an open mind, travel at an unhurried pace, and you will leave not only with photographs, but with stories that will last a lifetime.”

No single journey can capture the countless wonders India has to offer. Every region has its own history, cuisine, language, traditions and landscapes, ensuring that each visit reveals something entirely new. These experiences are merely a starting point for discovering a country that rewards curiosity and embraces diversity like few others on Earth.