India

India is a welcoming country and has been for centuries. And, even in today’s era it is as hospitable as it was in the past. Travellers from all over the world are made to feel right at home in this incredible country. Making the country special is the fact that it has a wide range of options of stay. Be it the vibrant cities, tourist hotspots, scenic beaches, remote hill stations, offbeat places or any place you would like to explore in India, there are always options.

From 5-star hotels, heritage hotels, luxury properties and boutique hotels, guests have comfortable accommodations equipped with world-class amenities. And, even this wide variety the choices are very pocket-friendly. In fact seven of the world’s 10 cities with the least expensive five-star hotels are in India. This affordable luxury is one of the reasons India is a hot favorite among luxury-seeking travellers.

Here are the cities in India with the most affordable luxury stays.

Chennai

Chennai is the least expensive city for a five-star stay in the world, the results declared, with the starting price of an upscale hotel room at GBP34/ INR3,530 per night. The city has some terrific business hotels, with several top-voted hotel restaurants at the Top Restaurant Awards. There’s lots to sightsee, and if you have more time on your hands, Chennai also has many sweet deals from farmstays to quick getaways.

The Best Options for stay in Chennai: Radha Regent, Taj Coromandel, The Leela, The Park

Bengaluru

Bengaluru nabs the third spot. The baseline for a five-star stay is the same in both cities, and about Rs1,000 more than Chennai, at GBP41/ INR4,260. India’s IT hub has super business hotels of course, many top-voted restaurants. (Incidentally, ITC Windsor recently became the world’s first hotel to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.) Plus for those getting out of the city, there are amazing homestays, wonderfully offbeat getaways nearby, and even more great stays to consider if other South Indian cities are on your itinerary.

The Best Options for stay in Bengaluru: Hotel Regaalis, Southern Star, Taj MG Road, The, Leela Palace, The Park, Villa Pottipatti

Agra

Agra comes in at number 4 on the list of the best budget luxury stays in India at GBP42/ INR4,360 per night. With the Taj Mahal in the neighbourhood, it’s a popular choice for a destination wedding of course though there’s plenty else to do too including restored Mughal gardens.

The Best Options for stay in Agra: The Park, Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Hotel Grand Imperial, Howard Plaza - The Fern, ITC Mughal, Jaypee Palace, Radissin Blu, Ramada, Royal Regent, Royal Residency, Taj Gateway. Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions, The Lalit, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, Utkarsh Vilas

Kolkata

Kolkata makes its place on the list of luxury budget stays in India with an average tariff at GBP50/ INR5,200 per night. The City of Joy as it is called is east India's vibrant cultural hub. Home to exquiste architceture, arts, crafts, music 

The Best Options for stay in Kolkata: The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, The Peerless Inn

Delhi

The colorful capital city of Delhi is the fahas stellar hotel deals not to mention star restaurants and ample getaways: here’s a big fat hotel guide to road trips from the capital.

Mumbai comes in at #7 at GBP52/ INR5,400 per night. Visitors to India’s cultural capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to city hotels, superb restaurants and beautiful weekend resorts.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the eighth least expensive city for a plush stay at GBP56/ INR 5,800. Two of the city’s newest hotels made it to the 2021 Hot List. Both have excellent dining options, alongside the city’s more established eateries, and they’re only the latest in a slew of great hotels in Jaipur and Rajasthan (which has many lesser-known gems).

Rich in culture, heritage, history, architecture, and a legacy of thousands of years, India is a treasure awaiting to be explored. India has 40 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites, and that makes India with among the countries with the maximum number of World Heritage Sites in the world! There are 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed as recognised by UNESCO. Besides, that India is home to 13 traditional-cultural elements that have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Here is a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

One of Seven Wonders of the World, a white marble Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor in memory of his beloved. It is located at the bank of river Yamuna in Agra. The 17th century masterpiece is considered as the best example of Mughal architecture worldwide.

2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Known for erotic sculptures and nagara-style architectural symbolism, the temples of Khajuraho are a unique culture heritage. The group of Hindu and Jain Temples were built between 950 to 1050 CE under the reign of the Chandella dynasty. A total of 85 Temples, the site is host to the ethereal annual Dance festival.

3. Hampi, Karnataka

A collection of heritage sites, Hampi was once part of the prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagar. A testimony of excellent Dravidian style of art and architecture, the Group of Monuments comprise of many wonders.

4. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Dating back to around 2nd century BCE to 650 CE, Ajanta Caves are +beautiful masterpieces of 31 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings and sculpture. The style of Ajanta art and architecture are incredible remnants of Indian classical art and architecture.

5. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

A testimony to ancient Indian history, Ellora Caves are Indian-rock cut architecture. There are about 34 rock-cut temples and caves which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD. The excavated site consists of Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples, Viharas and Maths of 5th and 10th century.

6. Bodh Gaya, Bihar

The holy place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a religious place. After severe penance under the holy Bodhi Tree, the prince Siddhartha gained Enlightenment and became Gautam Buddha. The famous Mahabodhi Temple was established in the reign of Ashoka the Great in about approximately 250 BCE.

7. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Dated to 13th-century, the  Sun Temple on the beach of Konark built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in around AD 1250. Reflecting the grandeur of the traditional style of Kalinga Architecture, the temple in the shape of a gigantic chariot with carved stone wheel, pillars and walls and is led by six enormously carved horses.

8. Red Fort Complex, Delhi

A Mughal glory, the Red Fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, or what was known as Shahjahanabad at that time. The red sandstone structure has a mix of Indo-Islamic, Timurid, Hindu and Persian forms of architecture, made up of red sandstone and houses several other smaller buildings such as the private pavilions, the Diwan-i-aam, the Diwan-i-Khas.

9. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

One of the oldest stone structures in India, the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi is commissioned by emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE. Apart from the Sanchi stupa, several other structures exist here, such as monolithic pillars, temples, palaces and monasteries. It remained an important pilgrimage site for the Buddhists till about 12th century AD, after which the religion declined in popularity.

10. The Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

Built during the rule of Chola Empire, the temples in South India- Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple are the most important of all of these temples. Testimony to the architectural splendour and beauty of Chola art, architecture and sculpture, these temples are living temples and the rituals and festivities which were observed by people thousands of years ago, are still held.

India performs its best in the past four decades in Olympics 2021. This year, India was proud with its win of 7 medals. After the delay of the Olympics due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Olympics 2020 was conducted this year in Tokyo. India made history and here are the ones who made it.

Javelin throw - Neeraj Chopra (Gold)

Hailing from Haryana, the gold medallist has made history. It is the first time an Indian track and field athlete won a gold medal at the Olympics. His fantastic javelin throw has made a golden mark in the pages of Olympics.

Wrestling (57 KG) - Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Silver)

Also, hailing from Delhi’s neighbouring state Haryana, the wrestler won a silver medal.

Weight Lifting (49 Kg Women) - Mirabai Chanu (Silver)

The lady from India’s beautiful North East, Mainpur won a silver medal in weight lifting.

Women’s Singles Badminton - PV Sindhu (Bronze)

A popular sportswoman, P V Sindhu from Hyderabad has won many awards and titles in International and National Championships. She won a bronze for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2021.

Women’s Welterweight Boxing - Lovlina Borgohain (Bronze)

A first time athlete in the Olympics, the women boxer made her name in the pages of history with a bronze medal in Olympics 2021.

Hockey Indian Hockey Team (Bronze)

Bringing glory to India after four decades, the Hockey Team won the bronze medal for the country.

Wrestling (65 Kg) - Bajarang Punia (Bronze)

Last but not the least, the Indian wrestler won a bronze medal for India.

While the Indian Women Hockey Team missed the bronze medal, they surely made history with a tough fight to its opponents.

India in brief is the key to quench travelust. For centuries, the vast history and cultural legacy has brought visitors from all over the world. Of the many interesting places and routes, the Golden Triangle is the most popular circuit that covers the three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In short, this tour covers the cities with the most colourful of history and culture that too in a short span of time. In fact, the Golden Triangle Tours in India is rightly called the brief introduction of India’s charm. This journey covers breath-taking architectural wonders, forts, palaces, temples, some world heritage sites including the Taj Mahal.

The Golden Triangle Tours in India

The Golden Triangle is the name of the route that is shaped as a triangle with Delhi, Jaipur and Agra as the points. The entire perimeter of the Golden Triangle is almost 720 kilometres. Each of the cities are approximately 4-5 hours by road while there are also options of luxury and comfortable trains in India. Start the tour with arrival in the capital city, Delhi. The metropolis has easy and myriad options of international flights. Also, the best of hotels and other tourist facilities are accessible. Besides, the sights and experiences including the delicious food and shopping are simply the best in India.

Golden Triangle Tour Packages India range between 4-7 days where the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are covered and explored extensively.

Delhi – The City of Cities

Delhi serves as the launch of the itinerary. It is known as the ‘’City of Cities”. Explore layers of history of centuries and eras along with amazing specimens of architecture. The city combines both the old and the new.

Travel Highlights of Delhi

Marvel at the World Heritage Sites Delhi that comprise the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Comple, along with other fascinating sights. Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Birla Temple, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, etc. are some unmissable attractions. Besides, the street food and shopping are equally fun.

Agra – The Mughal City

The second stop of the Golden Triangle is the city of Agra. Almost 250 kilometers from Delhi, to reach by road it takes 4 hrs through Taj Express Highway or Yamuna Expressway. High speed trains- Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, etc. ply on the route allowing a comfortable and brief ride. Known as the ‘City of Taj’ Agra was the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire and till date retains the splendor of its time.

Travel Highlights of Agra

The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognized monuments of the world. The white-marble mausoleum is one of the ‘Wonders of the World’ and a World Heritage Site along with the red-sandstone Agra Fort. The Itmad-ud-Daulah too is an impressive beauty to marvel at.

The abandoned Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri too is among the popular tourist attractions of the city. The World Heritage Site has many treasures in its walled city, each a magnificent spectacle.

Here too, Mughal dishes and sweets tempt you taste buds as does the shopping treasure of marble creations, handcrafted arts, etc.

Jaipur

The last stretch of the Golden triangle tour India itinerary, move to the most fascinating cities of the erstwhile Rajputana, the capital city, Jaipur. Almost 240 kilometres from Agra, the last point of the tour is equally interesting. Known as the “Pink City’, the former royal kingdom of Rajputana is home to many splendid forts, palaces and architecture along with pampering hospitality at the lavish heritage hotels. Sightseeing include 16th Century hill Amer Fort, 17th Century City Palace, the honeycomb-designed Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar- the royal observatory granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sights of Rajputana please your eyes but it’s the mouth-watering food that satiate your taste buds. Folk performances make the evenings fun while shopping is a riot of colors, handcrafted clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.

Golden Triangle tour packages offer a comprehensive plan to enjoy the alluring charms of India.

India is a travelers’ paradise and has been one for centuries. The vast country with its extremely colourful diversity has everything that a traveller could desires. Thousands of years of history, colourful heritage & culture, savoury food, pampering hospitality, and incredible experiences.

Be it the mighty Himalayas, lush Ghats, serene backwaters, beautiful beaches, the timeless Thar Desert, royal palaces & opulent forts of Rajasthan, verdant jungles of Central India, unexplored nooks and corners, India has a lot for its travellers to discover. If you are seeking one reason to travel to India, you can find hundreds. Here are 11 of the handpicked reasons to visit India.

1. Architecture

The most stunning piece of India’s incredible architecture, the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited monuments in the world. The ‘Wonder of the World’ is a masterpiece of finesse crafted in stone. Besides the Taj, there is a lot to explore. There are around 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even more unlisted heritage sites. From intricate South Indian temple architecture, mighty forts of Rajasthan, opulent palaces, ancient caves, and masterpieces of stone.

Be it Ajanta or Ellora Caves, Bhimbetka Caves, Kamasutra-inspired temples of Khajuraho or the majestic ruins of Hampi; witness heritage of hundreds of centuries.

2. Wildlife

India is home to unique wildlife. The country has lush jungles, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which is home to a wide range of species of the animal kingdom.

A wildlife holiday in India is a chance to go on jeep safaris and elephant safaris. Come across the majestic royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, deer, gaur, colourful birds and even migratory birds that inhabit the lands only in the winters.

3. Unique Diversity

When it comes to India you come across unique diversity. From beaches to backwaters, hill stations to valleys, jungles to desert, waterfalls to caves, the land is blessed. From the rainiest places on Earth to the places that never get any rain there is an extreme diversity, one that makes you feel blessed to explore India.

4. Spirituality

If 5000 years of civilization has given India something it the rare understanding of spirituality. The ancient ghats of River Ganga in Varanasi is said to be where one experiences the divine. There are ashrams in the Himalayas, and many other rituals that are a treasure of spirituality.

5. Adventure

Adventure is a feeling you just cannot miss on your trip to India. There are mountains with a number of thrilling treks, skiing, camping, river rafting, etc. Beaches have many water sports to boast about. From the secrets of the marine world to excitement to capture the waves or sail over the sea breeze.

6. Indian Food

Indian food is a vital part of the rich culture. Tasting the diverse cuisines is an enriching travel experience in India. With so many cuisines, owing to the diverse geography, culture and unique style of cooking, there is never any shortage of delightful delicacies to try. From the rich spice-filled preparations to meals that adhere to Ayurveda, there are dishes that treat your taste buds. 56 dishes meals, street foods, dessert, feasts and more, get ready to be pampered with soulful preparations.

7. Luxury Hotels

Heritage hotels in India have kept intact the days of glory. While Rajasthan abounds in many properties there are also amazing options all over the country. A stay at heritage hotels in one of must-try experiences in India. Relive the history, marvel at architecture, enjoy being pampered as royalty and have the best time of your life.

8. Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda at an Ashram

Yoga, Ayurveda and other holistic treatments are ancient traditions of India. To experience bliss, harmony and the secrets of wellness stay at an ashram that practice these traditions. The peace you feel is one of the most cherished experiences in India.