India

The different cultures and traditions of one of the most populous countries in the world make India a must-see holiday destinations for travelers from all over the world.
Each of India’s states and territories has very diverse cultures, traditions, features and events of a people who seem to thrive on peace and happiness no matter what their circumstances.
Each of India’s states and territories has very diverse cultures, traditions, features and events of a people who seem to thrive on peace and happiness no matter what their circumstances.
India is made up of 35 States and Union Territories
Andaman & Nicobar
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Haryana
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Mizoram
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India has something for every traveler and across the board has a charm that continues to captivate.
If you enjoy different cultures and adventure and are looking to travel to India you must make sure you join in some of the many fairs and festivals held throughout the year.
Every season brings new festivals that celebrate the rich traditions of the many diverse communities, from celebrating birthdays of Gods and Goddesses, saints and prophets to commemorating great historical events.
The seemingly unending succession of Indian festivals are all filled with fun, singing and dancing in the streets, giving all the incentive to clean and decorate their homes and get together with friends and relatives and exchange gifts.
If you enjoy different cultures and adventure and are looking to travel to India you must make sure you join in some of the many fairs and festivals held throughout the year.
Every season brings new festivals that celebrate the rich traditions of the many diverse communities, from celebrating birthdays of Gods and Goddesses, saints and prophets to commemorating great historical events.
The seemingly unending succession of Indian festivals are all filled with fun, singing and dancing in the streets, giving all the incentive to clean and decorate their homes and get together with friends and relatives and exchange gifts.
The Taj Mahal
by Robert Schrader
Built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth, the Taj Mahal in India is perhaps the greatest monument to love that has ever been constructed.
Still, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t considering skipping it before we brokered an alternate journey to Agra.
Starting the moment we arrived in the dilapidated parking area, where camels outnumber automobiles two-to-one, I was extremely glad I decided to press on.
After you exit the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, enjoy views of the River Yamuna from the back terrace.
By the time you get to Agra, you’ll probably be extremely used to locals trying to take advantage of you - and defensive when you suspect someone is moving in for the kill.
The increased price for foreigners at the Taj Mahal in India, however (Rs. 750 per ticket vs Rs. 150 for locals) is completely legitimate.
What can I say about the Taj Mahal itself that hasn’t already been said?
It’s stunningly preserved, its white marble exterior maintained daily by a staff of hundreds to the point where it looks fake both in person and in pictures.
by Robert Schrader
Built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth, the Taj Mahal in India is perhaps the greatest monument to love that has ever been constructed.
Still, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t considering skipping it before we brokered an alternate journey to Agra.
Starting the moment we arrived in the dilapidated parking area, where camels outnumber automobiles two-to-one, I was extremely glad I decided to press on.
After you exit the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, enjoy views of the River Yamuna from the back terrace.
By the time you get to Agra, you’ll probably be extremely used to locals trying to take advantage of you - and defensive when you suspect someone is moving in for the kill.
The increased price for foreigners at the Taj Mahal in India, however (Rs. 750 per ticket vs Rs. 150 for locals) is completely legitimate.
What can I say about the Taj Mahal itself that hasn’t already been said?
It’s stunningly preserved, its white marble exterior maintained daily by a staff of hundreds to the point where it looks fake both in person and in pictures.
I advise you to snap all the shots you intend to get before you step inside the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal.
Although staff won’t confiscate your camera prior to entering, photography is strictly prohibited - and I suppose, when you consider the story of the monument, kind of disrespectful.
From a tourist trail perspective, Agra is on the way from the Indian capital of Delhi to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi - or vice-versa, depending on which direction you’re going.
Although staff won’t confiscate your camera prior to entering, photography is strictly prohibited - and I suppose, when you consider the story of the monument, kind of disrespectful.
From a tourist trail perspective, Agra is on the way from the Indian capital of Delhi to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi - or vice-versa, depending on which direction you’re going.
Your travels to Agra and the Taj Mahal

Trains are the way to travel in India.
Agra-bound trains departing New Delhi railway station (NDLS if you need to consult the Indian Railways Online Timetable) run each hour between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The journey from Delhi to Agra, which takes between two and four hours depending on the age of the train you board, lets you off at Agra’s Cantt (AGC) Railway station.
Take the first departure, if possible, to arrive in Agra around the time of sunrise.
Your travels options to Agra and the Taj Mahal from Varanasi (BSB) are more limited, with one train per day departing the city’s station to each of Agra’s stations.
Both of these departures are scheduled to leave between 4 p.m- 6 p.m. and take about 13 hours.
Train durations are the same when leaving Agra, although it’s important to pay mind to which station you intended to leave from if you’re bound for Varanasi.
Namely, the train departing the Agra Fort station is scheduled to leave more than two hours before the one that departs Agra Cantt, at around 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., respectively.
Beyond making a reservation, the best way to ensure you can make your journey is turning up at Agra Fort station first and if you don’t get a seat, heading immediately to Agra Cantt to maximise your chances.
Take a deep breath before you pass under the archway of the Taj Mahal in India -- absolutely nothing can prepare you for what you'll see on the other side.
As is the case anywhere in India, Indian train times are subject to change — and almost always do, usually for the later.
Although I’d never recommend you arrive any less than 15 minutes prior to a scheduled departure, I strongly implore you to bring reading material, games or some other form of entertainment with you.
If you enjoyed this story from Robert Schrader you can read more about his travels on his website: www.leaveyourdailyhell.com
Agra-bound trains departing New Delhi railway station (NDLS if you need to consult the Indian Railways Online Timetable) run each hour between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The journey from Delhi to Agra, which takes between two and four hours depending on the age of the train you board, lets you off at Agra’s Cantt (AGC) Railway station.
Take the first departure, if possible, to arrive in Agra around the time of sunrise.
Your travels options to Agra and the Taj Mahal from Varanasi (BSB) are more limited, with one train per day departing the city’s station to each of Agra’s stations.
Both of these departures are scheduled to leave between 4 p.m- 6 p.m. and take about 13 hours.
Train durations are the same when leaving Agra, although it’s important to pay mind to which station you intended to leave from if you’re bound for Varanasi.
Namely, the train departing the Agra Fort station is scheduled to leave more than two hours before the one that departs Agra Cantt, at around 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., respectively.
Beyond making a reservation, the best way to ensure you can make your journey is turning up at Agra Fort station first and if you don’t get a seat, heading immediately to Agra Cantt to maximise your chances.
Take a deep breath before you pass under the archway of the Taj Mahal in India -- absolutely nothing can prepare you for what you'll see on the other side.
As is the case anywhere in India, Indian train times are subject to change — and almost always do, usually for the later.
Although I’d never recommend you arrive any less than 15 minutes prior to a scheduled departure, I strongly implore you to bring reading material, games or some other form of entertainment with you.
If you enjoyed this story from Robert Schrader you can read more about his travels on his website: www.leaveyourdailyhell.com
The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi - Awards & Accolades
The Taj Mahal Hotel on Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi is one of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital.
Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps and business district has furthered The Taj Mahal Hotel’s reputation as the epicenter of the Delhi.
Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 102 hotels in 62 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.
From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.
For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. www.tajhotels.com
For media information or images, please contact:
BLACK Communications on + 61 02-8399 3005 or via email: Nicole Craig - [email protected] Kate Witenden - [email protected]
The Taj Mahal Hotel on Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi is one of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital.
Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps and business district has furthered The Taj Mahal Hotel’s reputation as the epicenter of the Delhi.
- Varq ranked as 32 amongst the top 50 restaurants in The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants Asia List
- Wasabi by Morimoto awarded the Best Japanese in the Prestigious Times Food Awards, 2014
- The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi has been ranked amongst Travel + Leisure's 500 World's Best List 2014
- The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi has been voted as the World’s Best Business Hotel by an independent poll conducted amongst U.S. Readers of T+L 2013
- Varq voted in the top 50 restaurants in the Eleventh annual listing of The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants Asia List
- Varq ranked among the 101 Best Restaurants in Asia by The Daily Mail
- Varq ranked among the Foodie top 100 restaurants announced by Glam Media
- The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi has been awarded the 2013 certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor
Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 102 hotels in 62 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.
From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.
For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. www.tajhotels.com
For media information or images, please contact:
BLACK Communications on + 61 02-8399 3005 or via email: Nicole Craig - [email protected] Kate Witenden - [email protected]
One of the NEW Luxury Spa Resorts in India

Vivanta by Taj Bekal Kerala, India
The resort's tranquil location on the doorstep of Kerala's backwaters makes it an inspiring getaway.
Jiva Grande Spa offers spa experiences rooted in the country's ancient wellness traditions, such as ayurveda, Indian aromatherapy, scrubs, wraps and beauty rituals.
Villas and rooms take design inspiration from the Kettuvallam houseboats that ply the backwaters.
To find more Luxury Spa Resorts around the world click here
The resort's tranquil location on the doorstep of Kerala's backwaters makes it an inspiring getaway.
Jiva Grande Spa offers spa experiences rooted in the country's ancient wellness traditions, such as ayurveda, Indian aromatherapy, scrubs, wraps and beauty rituals.
Villas and rooms take design inspiration from the Kettuvallam houseboats that ply the backwaters.
To find more Luxury Spa Resorts around the world click here
Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, India
Exotic Architecture

"There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won't go.
For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds.
It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor."
- Keith Bellows (Editor-in-chief, National Geographic Society)
For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds.
It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor."
- Keith Bellows (Editor-in-chief, National Geographic Society)
Send us your story about your amazing trip to India.
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