British Raj, Temples & Nizams

Our tour features the following locations

KOLKATA: Kolkata is often seen as a poor and chaotic place to be in, thought to be undeserving of its status as one of India’s top four metros, and that may have something to do with the fewer number of travellers visiting the city. It certainly looks that way, until you realise that its true charms lie in its deep-rooted culture, its unique way of life and its quintessential East meets West attitude. The city is surrounded by fascinating natural beauty, ranging from the iconic Sunderbans and their man-eating tigers to the serene hills of Darjeeling. Popularly called the intellectual and cultural capital of the country, Kolkata is also one of those few destinations where traditional gentlemen’s clubs, an ancient way of life, historic customs and that ‘friendly vibe’ still exists. Don’t miss out on the colonial architecture, never ignore that mouth-wateringly delicious Bengali food and just have a blast talking to the locals. The best time to visit Kolkata is during Durga Puja, a celebration that engulfs the entire city in festival lights, street carnivals, beautiful fairs and spectacular displays of its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

BHUBANESHWAR: Narrating a historical legacy dating back to the 3rd century BC, those 50-odd temples of are oddly fascinating, rightly giving Bhubaneshwar its nickname, the Temple City. The birth of Buddhism and the subsequent revival of Hinduism have been stunningly portrayed in Lingaraj Temple, Sri Sri Krishnan Temple and Dhauli Hill, the very site where Emperor Ashoka gave up on war and accepted the principles of Buddhism. Apart from these archaeological gems, you’ll also come across a number of prehistoric monuments, the largest collection of cactuses in Asia, ancient caves, and museums.

PURI: International tourists and pilgrims all find a reason to go to Puri, one of the hot beach destinations of Eastern India. Religious life in Puri revolves around the Jagannath Mandir, and its Rath Yatra festival is famous all over the world. Puri is also one of the top beach destinations of the country, a great place to sunbathe and enjoy the fresh air. The city was once a major player in the hippie scene gripping the country in the seventies, but modern-day Puri is all about rest and relaxation, an itinerary with nothing to do and a luxury resort full of amenities and activities. And if you must do some sightseeing while here then do check out the Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake.

KONARK: The magnificent Konark Sun Temple is one of the greatest landmarks of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was created in the 13th century and dedicated to the sun god. The temple has been designed to resemble a mammoth chariot with seven galloping horses and 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels. There is a magnificent statue in the shrine that has been carved with green chlorite stone, and it is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Indian architecture. Architectural brilliance is easy to see in most parts of the country, but this particular temple is a standing symbol of the profusion and intricacy of the country’s sculptural work. The surfaces are covered with exquisite sculptures that cover a variety of subjects, from floral patterns, animals and aquatic monsters to deities, voluptuous women and erotic scenes from the Kama Sutra. As one of the most recognisable landmarks of the ancient Ganga dynasty, this temple is definitely a must-see when exploring Orissa.

HYDERABAD: If you ever fancy living in beautiful palaces like a royal, discovering India’s high-tech boom and exploring an ancient culture, Hyderabad’s the place for you! This living museum presents a striking heritage, mesmerising mosques, lavish architecture and India’s newfound prosperity at its beautiful best, seamlessly combining the country’s rich past to its chaotic present. With culinary secrets dating back to the Nizams, you’re sure to have a blast trying out all those Mughlai, Arabic, Turkish and Indian dishes while the fragrant chicken biryani with aromatic basmati melts your heart away. Old Hyderabad is a traveller’s dream – surrounded by narrow lanes, old-world alleys, chaotic scenes and beautiful architecture. Cyberabad, the city’s younger, more innovated self, presents a glimpse into modern India through glitzy malls, fashionable restaurants, exclusive nightclubs, and multiplexes. The traffic here is crazy and the heat unbearable, but who cares about such minor inconveniences when every alley is full of hidden wonders, secrets that deserve to be uncovered.

MUMBAI: Mumbai the city of dreams. One of the best and most cosmopolitan cities of Asia. The commercial lifeline of India. Home to Bollywood, the second largest film industry in the world. A place where some of the biggest slums share the area with sprawling metropolises. The epicentre for fashion and Indian wine. A trip to Mumbai is everything you’d expect from a major metropolis, yet so much more. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. But it’s also fascinating, edgy and exciting. Those colonial-era relics, incredible bazaars, hidden wine cafes and enclaves of peace and serenity really do have a way of putting you at ease.