Dharamshala’s Abundant Offerings

With Buddhist culture, colonial vibes, innumerable cafés, and resplendent Himalayan vistas, Dharamshala truly is a dream come true for travelers from around the globe. The quaint city is a marriage of a bustling hub of trade and commerce, and a picturesque hamlet surrounded by towering pines. More popular as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama, it has much to offer to visitors of varied tastes and preferences. For those who have an eye for architecture and design, they can visit forts such as Kangra Fort, Nurpur Fort, Kamru Fort and Morang Fort, most of which are in ruins, and are located at an easy distance from Dharamshala. St. John in the Wilderness also exhibits Gothic architecture – another must-visit due to its aesthetics and location. Tea aficionados can enjoy a scenic drive to a tea garden in Kangra Valley where you get to visit a tea factory, witness and understand the processes involved in tea production, and enjoy a tea tasting session. Exploring local villages is an interesting way to unlock local culture. Whether it’s hiking through lush forests to neighboring villages or spending some time with a local family, visitors get a new perspective of village life in Himachal. The culturally inclined can spend some time partaking in workshops in Norbulingka Institute, observing local artisans, and participating in various workshops, like, Thangka painting, woodcarving, appliqué art and more.   

From a spiritual perspective, Dharamshala is reminiscent of a place where time has stood still. Recommended activities for visitors inclined towards Buddhism include, visiting the monasteries and nunneries, having a discourse with a monk and doing the kora circuit walk among others.  

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Centuries-old Heritage in Bhopal

Bhopal’s cultural heritage is well-known, as is its natural heritage. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, near Bhopal, has a pride of place in the region’s heritage collection. Constructed during the era of Emperor Ashok, in 3^rd-century BCE, it is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and architectural importance. Bhopal’s crowning glory, though, has to be the Bhimbetka rock shelters that have rock art that is 30,000-years old. They are prime examples of the existence of humans in the area and their lifestyle, including expressions of dancing, musical instruments, hunting, daily life, customs and so much more. Here, embarking on a museum tour perfectly encapsulates the region’s rich history. A treasure trove of tribal homes, Tribal Museum in Bhopal showcases cultural diversity and imparts stories of how various games originated in the region. The Museum of Man, too, exhibits fascinating insights to indigenous culture in the form of representation of villages and village life. State Museum, too, has varied collections of sculptures, coins, ancient cave paintings, miniature paintings, centuries-old inscriptions, weapons, priceless manuscripts and much more.  

The City of Lakes was once ruled by nawabs and begums, vestiges of which can still be seen spread all around the city. Architectural heritage can be seen in the form of Taj-ul-Masajid, commissioned by Bhopal’s third female ruler, Shah Jahan Begum, and is the biggest mosque in India. Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) is yet another significant addition to Bhopal’s skyline built in the mid-19^th century, bearing a striking resemblance to Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Sadar Manzil and Shaukat Mahal, too, reflect a unique blend of different styles of architecture and said to have been designed by a Frenchman. Taj Mahal, a regal monument in the city, was once named Raj Mahal. However, due to its impressive architecture, it was renamed Taj Mahal, as a nod to its namesake in Agra.

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Renew Your Wedding Vows in India

Add an exciting extra to your guest’s itinerary of India. Amid a whirlwind of activities that include visiting historical monuments, safaris in National Parks, shopping, and exploring cities and their culture, let it be romantically punctuated with a renewal of their wedding vows in intimate settings. From special ceremonies on the pretty beaches of Goa and Andaman to a traditional wedding with all the local customs and paraphernalia in Kerala, guests will truly enjoy reliving their special moments and having them re-imagined against exotic, beautiful backdrops. Yet another way to celebrate your marital bonds is re-tying the knot à la Rajput royalty. The ceremony, held in Rajasthan at a magnificent fort or palace, will be blessed by a Hindu priest. The bride will be decked out like a traditional bride in jewelry, flower garland, with henna designs applied on the hand, draped in a gorgeous saree. The groom, too, will be at his sartorial best in Kurta-Pajama and appropriate headgear. The ceremony will thus conclude with an ambiance that exudes romance, sanctity, positivity and merriment aplenty. 

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Festivities and Celebrations in India

Nothing captures the country’s true essence more than its many festivals and celebrations. From Diwali in northern India to Onam and Pongal in the south, from Bihu of Assam to Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, there is so much to look forward to throughout the year. Guests could visit Kolkata in October for Durga Puja, Rajasthan in November for the Camel Fair, Ladakh throughout the year for all the colorful festivals or perhaps travel further east to Nagaland for Hornbill Festival. Click to find out more!

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