A Sneak Peek into ‘Theme Holidays’ in India

India, as one contemplates about her, is a colorful image of different people, religion, culture, and diversity, in one country. Her beauty is mesmerizing. A holiday in India comprises of various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and many more.  Over 22 languages are spoken here. India with so many languages and religion also offers fabulous tourist destinations.

From snow-capped mountains, verdant hills, dazzling rivers to magnificent green valleys, India has lots to offer a tourist. Himalayas form the north, northeast and northwest boundaries of the country. It has a long coastline which stretches from north to south and east to west. No wonder, then she has been called the “jewel in the crown” of the British Empire. You might have come across various options for holiday in India but let us check out the ‘theme holidays’- summer holidays, spiritual and honeymoon destinations in India for a tourist.

Summer holidays– summers of India are dreaded in most parts of the world, but a hill station is most welcome. Summer months in India are from March to May.

• Ladakh (Leh), the land of Lamas, entices many tourists with its calm tranquil environment with a bewitching white mountainous landscape. The place offers a spiritual experience to be cherished for a lifetime. Colossal mountains protecting the city from chilling winds covered with white sand houses made of mud brick where you can hear ritualistic chants. Here, you can also see lakes, yaks, and monasteries.

• Shimla– is an ideal place for a summer holiday with a toy train ride, horse riding, and an evening walk on Mall Road. Little cafes to luxurious hotels welcome all tourists here. There is an old-world charm retained in grand old monuments and structures of the pre-Independence era of India.

• Munnar– offers a breathtaking view of tea plantations and lakes located in Kerala. This picturesque hill station offers rock climbing, and trekking to Anaimudi Hill for adventure lovers. A wildlife National park has exotic species that inhabit this place, making it a great haunt for nature lovers.

• Kodaikanal– A hill station located on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala is an enchantment for nature lovers. There are serene slopes, enigmatic pretty flowers, pine trees, and renowned grizzled giant squirrels worth admiring.

Spiritual journey- Varanasi or Benares is a holy city of the Hindus with its most important Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Lord Shiva is the deity and guardian of this temple. The city is often known as the city of temples where people from across the world and not only India visit over 2000 temples. Varanasi is also famous for its muslin, silk fabrics, ivory works, and perfume industries.

Do not miss a chance to take a boat ride in the holy river Ganges which captures the true essence of Varanasi. Paper boats lit with candles and flowers float on the waters, Holy dip in the Ganges, and meditation in solitude by many pilgrims who come to offer their prayers. No wonder it is known as the spiritual capital of India. Not far from Varanasi is Mahabodhi Temple, Buddha’s Bodhi Tree where he meditated and attained enlightenment. He conveyed his first sermon and thus gave birth to Buddhism.

• Kailash Mansarovar– situated among the Himalayan mountain ranges, Kailash is among the highest peaks of the world and also a source of Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges, and Indus rivers. This is among the most significant spiritual spots in the world where people from across the globe revere it. Kailash with its holy lake Mansarovar captures the imagination of one and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lord Shiva’s abode is believed to be in Mount Kailash by Hindus.

• Southern India- Temples of southern India have splendid architecture and interesting mythological tales which offer great spiritual significance to pilgrims who visit from remote locations. They have towering ‘gopurams’, grand pillar structures, and embellished entrances. The state of Tamil Nadu has over 33,000 temples like Arunachaleshwar temple of Lord Shiva, Jambukeshwar temple at Thiruvanaikaval that has an underground water spring that fills the shrine where the ‘lings’ stands, Ramanathaswamy temple which second holiest place after Varanasi. The legends of all these temples leave us spellbound.

If you are on a pilgrim tour, then Jodhpur, Mount Abu, and Udaipur should not be missed for their renowned temples.

Honeymoon destinations–For newly married couples, there are many destinations in India.

• Goa –you could relax on the beaches of Goa for beautiful views, sunshine and a lot of fun and activity.

• Darjeeling – enjoy the picturesque hill stations of Darjeeling which makes it an ideal honeymoon destination with its tea plantations and chilly weather.
• Ooty – situated in Nilgiri hills, it has a lot of attractions from the Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and Dodabetta Peak.
• The backwaters of Kerala – often known as God’s Own Country is a favorite hot spot for a honeymoon in India. You can hire a houseboat and explore Kerala.

The above is just a sneak peek into ‘Theme Holidays’ in India. So, go ahead and plan a ‘theme holiday’ in India, today!