Top 5 Cultural Experiences in India: Immersive Travel Guide

Varanasi, India’s holiest city for both Hindus and Jains, is steeped in ancient history. The colourful stone city houses 84 ghats, or stone embankments, that lead into the river. Scores of pilgrims from across India visit them to bathe and pray, with some ghats reserved solely for cremations. Visiting Varanasi is an experience for the senses, a truly unforgettable experience. The spiritual capital of the north earns its name from the impressive Ramnagar Fort and its 23,000 other temples. The cultural experience continues along Varanasi’s winding alleyways, as streets are lined with stalls selling fine silks, carpets and crafts, along with everyday items. 

Thousands of pilgrims descend on Varanasi’s riverbanks to pay their respects to the holy river Ganges, and witnessing this devotion will allow you to feel an immersive connection to the culture. When the sun begins to set, explore the spiritual north by taking a boat ride on the river Gangers to watch evening aarti prayer from the water.

The evening aarti prayer is a devotional ceremony, where candles are lit before deities to infuse them with love, energy and blessings, watch as the candles are then placed on the water to float down the river. Sometimes referred to as the ‘ceremony of light,’ this prayer is particularly special during one India’s festivals, Diwali, a celebrationof light over darkness, important to Hindus which which takes place annually in October or November, when thousands of candles illuminate the banks of the Ganges.

To delve deeper into Varanasi go on a walking tour of the old city with one of our knowledgeable guides. You’ll wander the back alleys, old havelis and temples, weaving between street vendors, residents and pilgrims. For an insight into Buddhism, head onwards to Sarnath, where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon to the five companions he sought enlightenment with. You can spend time exploring ancient stupas or visiting the informative on-site museum.

Need to know: Beyond its religious and spiritual significance, Varanasi is also a historical hub of education, literature and music. It boasts several colleges and universities and has been the home of many important cultural figures and artists over the centuries.

Devotional city Amritsar is the centre of the Sikh faith and home to the magnificent Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple – the largest Sikh temple in the world. Amritsar’s name, meaning ‘pool of water,’ comes from the holy water pool at the centre of this sacred structure. This city epitomises Sikh culture and heritage; Sikhs from across the world make the pilgrimage to take a dip in the Golden Temple’s holy waters. If you visit in the early morning, you’ll be rewarded with the glorious view of the sun gently rising over the temple’s golden exterior. Taking a few moments here for some quiet contemplation before the crowds arrive is the perfect way to start any morning. 

In the afternoon, you can dine in the Langar hall – or community kitchen – which serves wholesome vegetarian meals prepared by volunteers. Over 80,000 people are fed free meals here each day, regardless of class, caste, gender or faith. When evening arrives, the Golden Temple is once again basked in a golden glow of light and the illuminated buildings are reflected in the waters of the holy pool, a truly breathtaking sight.

Explore Sikh culture further by watching the Palki Sahib ceremony where the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is carried on an ornate platform from the main shrine to the inner sanctum, each evening, and then taken back each morning. This is an important ritual which reflects the reverence Sikhs have for the principles of respect, honor and devotion, central to their religion. 

Need to know: Amritsar is very close to the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan. Every evening there’s an elaborate ceremony involving opening and closing the gates and lowering both countries’ flags, plus a choreographed ritual performed by the border guards.

Rajasthan’s pink capital Jaipur is home to some of the state’s most majestic palaces. A testament to a bygone era, Rajasthan’s largest city is one of India’s most fascinating cultural destinations. All buildings in the city were painted the same shade of terracotta pink – the colour representing hospitality – in 1876 when the Maharaja ordered this in anticipation of Prince Albert’s tour of India. Today, Jaipur’s City Palace is an incredible terracotta maze that travellers can spend hours getting blissfully lost in. 

The facades of the impressive City Palace are a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Travellers can visit several museums housed within the palace, including a textile gallery showcasing selected textiles and costumes from the royal collection. There’s also a fascinating and intimate tour that will lead you through the ceremonial rooms and private quarters, usually off limits to the public.

The Amber Fort, located in Jaipur’s ancient capital, is a series of majestic walls that line the Rajasthani hills and a main building that’s awash with sandstone red. It is an extremely well preserved building, so visiting the Jagmandir (also known as the Hall of Victory), the Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali will make you feel as though you have travelled back in time. 

Take a little time to explore more of Jaipur, meandering through cobbled streets to arrive at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. Here, witness the incredible hand block printing method that results in incredible designs appearing on cotton and silk.

Need to know: The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is another can’t-miss site in Jaipur. Its incredibly intricate facade includes nearly a thousand small portholes, which were designed to give royal women a window into the outside world while also obscuring them from view. 

Udaipur is a romantic city, with several grand palaces sitting near pristine lakes. This city’s incredible location matched with its rich history and culture make it one of India’s must-see destinations. Brimming with ornate architecture, Udaipur is an amalgamation of cultures – Rajasthani, Mughal, European and Chinese traditions have all made their mark on Rajasthan’s scenic city. The beautiful Lake Palace appears to float on the lake, glistening white and inviting visitors to spend a night in luxury within its walls. 

Udaipur ’s City Palace is one of Rajasthan’s architectural wonders. The many towers, domes and arches here are a blend of styles, including Mughal and Rajput. The royal family are said to be Suryavansh, or descendants of the sun, so the whole building faces east. Inside the palace, visitors can discover an interesting collection of miniature Rajput paintings and an eccentric collection of art and furniture.

Need to know: Udaipur is also a fantastic destination for shopping. Check out local spots like Hathipole Market, Bada Bazaar and Chetak Circle to find traditional artwork, crafts, clothes, jewellery and much more.

The blue city of Jodhpur is filled with hundreds of bright blue houses lining labyrinthine streets. Rainbow-coloured hues of saris flitting through bustling spice bazaars provide an insight into authentic India. Overlooking the incredible city is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. This vast complex of Rajasthan’s most beautiful palaces is one of the most intricate across India. Grand gates reveal the marks of numerous sieges, and the fort’s museum holds an impressive array of arms, costumes and artwork from the Marwar kingdom’s glory days.

Visitors wanting to explore Jodhpur’s exquisite streets can meet with an expert guide for a Blue City heritage walk. Wander through residential areas inhabited by Brahmins as well as bustling bazaars housing everything from craftsmen to sword makers to perfumeries. You’ll also be able to visit the Kishanji Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for garland makers and sweet shops.  

Need to know: If you’ve ever wanted to spend the night in a real royal residence, don’t miss Umaid Bhawan Palace. This sprawling home still houses members of the city’s former royal family, but part of it has been transformed into a resplendent hotel.

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic structure and the perennial symbol of eternal love. Heartbroken after the death of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan began building this intricate monument in her honour. Building the Taj Mahal was a painstaking process, with more than 22,000 men taking over 22 years to complete the marble masterpiece. 

The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and seeing its beauty up close is simply astounding. The handcrafted marble inlay intricately depicts flowers and vines, created using colourful stones such as lapis, lazuli, jade, onyx and yellow marble. One of the best times to visit the Taj Mahal is at sunrise or sunset, when the Wonder of the World basks in an ethereal golden glow.

Need to know: The Taj Mahal receives around 5–8 million visitors every year, so naturally it can get a bit crowded during the peak season (November to February). We suggest visiting in March or October for the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer visitors. 

Near India’s southernmost tip, Fort Cochin is a peaceful coastal region that reveals complex and intricate history. Located in the lush green state of Kerala, Fort Cochin is the ideal place to visit for relaxation, meditation, yoga and slow-paced cultural experiences.

The Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial influences in the architecture of the buildings, along with the 10 metre tall Chinese fishing nets that line the seafront, are some of the most iconic sights in Fort Cochin. The nets are used by fishermen to haul in catches straight from the sea, which are then quickly purchased by residents and restaurants, hugely influencing the cuisine in this seaside town which is distinctly based on fresh seafood.

Walking through Cochin’s Heritage Zone is a great way to get a cultural insight into a bygone era of overseas influences. For example, the Santa Cruz Cathedral and St Francis Church, built in 1503, are unmistakably Portuguese. If you wander the rest of the city’s streets, you’ll also notice Dutch and British influences, such as the Dutch Palace. 

Spend evenings watching traditional Kathakali dance performances, which translates as ‘story play’. Kathakali is a Keralan dance style based on the re-telling of myths and legends. Kathalaki is a dance form well known for its elaborate costumes and heavy make up, so if you arrive at the show early you may be able to catch the performers transforming themselves into mythical creatures.

Need to know: Fort Cochin may be brimming with history, but it’s also a hub of contemporary art and culture. Once you’ve gotten your fill of historical landmarks, take some time to browse around its many modern art galleries and designer boutiques.