India’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivities, welcoming people, and traditions attract a large number of visitors every year to this beautiful country. The county is home to 35 cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which highlights the richness of its cultural heritage. As a traveler, you can explore these sites on your own. However, by getting assistance from a reputed travel agency, travelers can make the experience of their heritage cultural tours in India informative and hassle-free. In this blog, we’ll provide a guide to all travelers around the world who are planning their first expedition to explore India’s rich culture and heritage.
Steps to Plan Heritage Cultural Tours in India:
1. Know the best time for the tour:
India’s tropical monsoon climate features distinct seasons and diverse changes in temperature and rainfall. It is advisable not to plan your expedition during summers or monsoons to prevent any kind of discomfort during the tour. The best time to explore the cultural heritage of the country is during the winter months, from September to April.
Major Indian festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Onam, Holi, etc., and cultural fairs like the Kullu Dussehra International Fair and the Ladakh festival are celebrated during these months of the winter season. By experiencing these festivals, travelers can multiply the pleasure of their heritage cultural tours in India.
2. Research top cultural heritage sites:
India is a land of heritage and spiritual sites like historical monuments, majestic forts, and sacred temples. Researching them and planning a schedule to visit is an essential part of the cultural expedition to India. Travelers can get assistance for this by selecting India Tour Packages offered by reputed and experienced tour operators in the country.
The pink city, Jaipur, which is the capital of India’s largest state, is the best destination to witness the beauty of picturesque desert landscapes, majestic palaces, vibrant colors, and traditions of the state. Visit Varanasi, the city that celebrates death and is popularly known as the cultural capital of India, to experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti and Hindu traditions at the revered pilgrimage sites.
Appreciate the amazing architecture of the monument, the Taj Mahal at Agra. A trip to the lands of gods and goddesses, Himachal Pradesh, which is home to numerous sacred temples like Chaurasi temple, Bharmour, and Maa Hadimba temple, Manali, will let you explore the strong beliefs of people of this Devbhoomi in their deities.
3. Understanding India’s diverse culture:
Home to over 100 languages and 19,500 dialects, India has a large population of people practicing different religions, which makes it the land of diversity. The official languages, Hindi and English are the two widely spoken languages of the country.
However, having a glimpse of India’s diversity before beginning the heritage cultural tours in India is extremely beneficial. Researching and a discussion with travel experts or friends who have experienced its cultural diversity can help you build a better understanding of the vibrant colors and rituals of India.
4. Essential tips to plan respectful heritage cultural tours in India:
India has the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which emphasizes welcoming visitors and offering them the same respect and hospitality as God. As a guest, it’s your responsibility to respect the diverse customs of the country.
- Wear decent clothes and avoid wearing revealing clothes while visiting sacred and historical sites in India.
- Remove your shoes or slippers and cover your head before entering the premises of religious destinations.
- Greet people warmly and keep your interactions emphatically and respectfully with the locals.
- Avoid any activity that can cause harm to the local’s spiritual beliefs and religious destinations.
5. Explore the local delicacies, handicrafts, and art:
India tour packages of different regions in the country offer their special regional delicacies. From street delicacies like Delhi’s Chole Bhature, Maharashtra’s Vada Pav, Himachal’s Siddu, Bikaner’s Bhujia, etc. to traditional dishes like Hyderabad’s biryani, Chennai’s Dosa, Rajasthan’s Dal Baati Churma, Bihar’s litti chokha, etc., offers a paradise for food lovers across the country.
For aesthetes, India offers the chance to explore the beauty of the world’s best dance forms and alluring architecture. Visit the Indian local bazaars and check for a variety of handicrafts to take home as souvenirs, like traditional clothes like Kashmiri shawls, Banarasi sarees, handmade jewelry, wooden home decor like wooden carvings from Saharanpur, pottery handicrafts like Jaipur’s blue pottery, etc.
Conclusion:
A cultural expedition to India will be an enriching experience for you that will remain the most beautiful memory of your life. The heritage cultural tours in India will provide you with a deeper understanding of the country’s vibrant customs, rich history, people’s strong beliefs, diverse art forms, etc. Take assistance from a reputed travel agency or knowledgeable travel experts to witness the beauty of India’s cultural hues to its full extent.
