The rich and vibrant cultural heritage of India continues to be one of the finest tourist destinations of the world. The heritage tour India is the result of an age old legacy of ancient, medieval and modern eras which are evidenced in various temples, monuments, palaces, forts, art and architecture, linguistic, culture, traditions etc. India is one of the oldest living civilizations that survived and maintained her continuity and integrity. In order to catch a glimpse of the incomparable and inimitable country of India, one has to explore the varieties of heritage tour and its legacy.
World Heritage Monuments of India
India is credited with number of world heritage monuments that are centre of attractions for the foreigners to make their heritage trip to Taj Mahal in Agra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Fatehpur Sikri in Agra famous for its largest Baland-Darwaza in the world; Agra Fort in Agra is about 2 km in perimeter and interrupted by graceful curves and lofty bastions; Qutab Minar in Delhi is the highest tower in India with a height of 72.5m. Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi is first substantial examples of a garden tomb where several rulers of Mughal dynasty lie buried. Elephanta Caves in Mumbai also known as Gharapuri is famous for its colossal image of Mahesa-murti having three heads in different form. Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad are 30 in number, of which 5 (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are chaitya-grihas and the rest are sangharamas or viharas (monasteries) whereas Ellora has Buddhist Caves (1 to 12), Brahmanical caves (13 to 29), Jaina Caves (30 to 34). The theme of the caves revolved around different faiths, Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina and is the best example of paintings executed on a ground of mud-plaster. Some other world heritage monuments tour of India the Sun Temple in Konarak; Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram; Churches and Convents in Goa; Group of Monuments in Khajuraho; Group of Monuments at Hampi; Group of Monuments at Pattadakal; Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur; Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi etc.
Heritage Hotels Tours of India
Rajasthan comes to the forefront with the name of India heritage tour where historical palaces are converted into the heritage hotels like the Taj Lake Palace, Narain Niwas Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Jai Mahal Palace, Samode Haveli, Ram Bagh Palace etc. The heritage hotel tours also takes to the Himachal Pradesh where Judge’s Court, Taragarh Palace, Woodville Palace and Nalagarh Fort are considered to be the best heritage hotels in Himachal Pradesh. Gujarat also boasts heritage hotel tours of Balaram Palace, Nilambagh Palace, Riverside Palace, Utelia Palace and Wankaner Palace.
Heritage Train Tours of India
The heritage tour of India mesmerizing the tourists from all around the world for its Heritage on Wheels a luxury train in Rajasthan takes to the lesser known area of Shekhawati Region. The Palace on Wheels is another luxury train of India travels through princely Rajasthan, Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur. Deccan Odyssey Train Tour covers the destinations of heritage cities of Mumbai – Jaigadh – Sindhudurg – Goa – Pune – Aurangabad – Ajanta – Mumbai. Royal Orient Train Tour covered the destinations of heritage cities of Chittaugarh – Udaipur – Junagarh – Veraval – Sesangir – Dilwara – Palitana – Sarkhej – Ahmedabad – Jaipur – Delhi.
