Indian Vacation Destination Guide: Places to Go

India is quite a large country with regions and provinces that are unique from each other and full of multi cultural surprises. If you would like to experience a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions then an Indian vacation destination is pretty much the getaway you are looking for. But do relax a bit for you need to think some things over before you head for India.

If you’re a frequent traveler you probably know by now mostly through experience that going on vacation needs some sort of planning. Gong to a country without knowing the specifics and the best set of circumstances is pretty much like allowing the wind to blow all your vacation money, not to mention your time and efforts away. India is indeed a very beautiful country and by simply visiting any part of it you will experience different culture, festivals and various customs and traditions. But with our limited resources we just can go hopping province by province. We have to know and prioritize the best place to visit to experience that “Indian” feel.

Among the more popular trekkers’ destination are the Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and Pushkar deserts. India has one of the most majestic deserts in the world. The harsh environment definitely has its appeal and with desert festivals during the early and last few months of the year, visitors are surely one for a treat. Rajasthan for one has lots more treasures other than its deserts. It is riddled with monuments, forts, scenic lakes and even exotic wildlife sanctuaries.

In fact the place is so popular that it has traditionally been considered as the more preferred tourist destination in all of India. But the title can be contested, however, the beauty of place, the richness of its culture are not. Other destinations include Jaipur city, Samode which famous for the Haveli and Place hotel, and the religious sites of Ajmer and Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the most scared cities of the India, famous for holy lakes as well as ancient temples. In fact it is so sacred that meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol are forbidden within the city limits.

Another quite popular destination is Kashmir. The place has come to be known as the “Paradise on Earth” due to the picturesque and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Among its natural attractions are the snow capped mountain peaks, scenic vistas, rich vegetation and a various adventure spots for the out going and sports enthusiasts. However, mountaineering or trekking is not limited to this area. Places like the Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and the destination for trekkers in Kullu Valley and the Kodaikanal which is located in Tamil Nadu, another popular trekking ground.

But of course, there’s the all popular tour which most often begins in Delhi where tourists are treated to the buzzing capital’s literally thousands of shops that sells almost everything one can imagine. The capital is a treat for both the eyes and palates with a whole array of food, especially the spicy ones, to choose from.

Agra would be the next destination being the location of the world famous Taj Mahal. One might find the area crowded since there are thousands of tourists who visit the temple on a daily basis. The Taj Mahal has become one of India’s notable landmarks and it is often the case that people do not consider their visit to the country complete without getting their pictures taken with the temple in the background.

Having an Indian destination guide is fairly important otherwise you will most likely get overwhelmed by the things to do and places to go and you will end up resting in your hotel room in the middle of the afternoon. For most of us who probably consider their trip to India their first and last, maximizing their time there is a must.

Holistic and Spiritual Activities You Can Do On Your Indian Vacation

If you are looking for a spiritual renewal on your Indian vacation, India offers a wide array of meditation and yoga activity opportunities. After all, it is the country of world meditation, massage and mantras, Meditation, Ayurveda, and yoga have gained respect all over India. The book India by Joe Bindloss, Sarina Singh, James Bainbridge, Lindsay Brown, Mark Elliot, and Stuart Butler suggests these places to sart your spiritual and wellness quest:

Ayurveda uses mainly animal and vegetable medicines and teaches a broad range of therapies including diet, enemas, massage, bloodletting, leeching, ointments, douches, sweating, and surgery. There are clinics all over India that teaches Ayurvedic techniques like Ayurvedic Natural Health Center near Calangute, Ayurvedic University in Jamnagar, Naturopathy classes and Ayurvedic theraphies in Bengaluru and Mysore, Ayurvedic theraphies in Verkala, and Ayurvedic courses in Puducherry (massage).

The following are India's best spas as written in Outlook Traveller Magazine (September 2008) issue:

1. Kaya Kalp - they offer massage, Ayurvedic rituals, chakra balancing and gemstone massage, beauty elixirs, and hair and scalp treatments. The existing treatment rooms of Kaya Kalp are sensory and visually delightful. Exotic Pomegranate, one of the spa's signature "journeys" starts with a ritual scrub made of sticky, sweet-smelling concoction of brown sugar lime, ginger and pomegranate.

2. Divya Spa, The Leela, Kovalum - They has two spas - Divya, a specialty Ayurvedic spa, and the Spa and Health Centre, an international spa. A therapy called Chavutti Thirummu is especially made for men where the therapist uses his feet to massage the body. For women, one massage is called Abhyanga Snana handled by two therapists in tandem.

3. Ista Spa - This spa is a junior version of the legendary Ananda in Rishikesh and Bangalore Hotel. The atmosphere in Ista spa is a ritualistic indulgement. Aside from massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, Swedish/Thai massage, jet lag massage, exfoliation, body wraps, facials and rituals, they also offer a fully equiped gym and "wet area."

4. Decleor Spa in Bangalore - They offer couples massages, facials, Vichy shower, firming, cellulite, whitening and body wraps, apart from salon services such as pedicure and manicure. Decleor spa specializes in aromatherapy like the Aroma Body Envelopment Detox which starts with the application of vitamin-rich paste, followed by nice-smelling balm made of grapefruit, shea butter, basil and pepper. A yummy smoothness in the skin!

5. Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh - The nerve center of Ananda is the first and only world-class destination spa in India. Ayurveda is the specialty of Ananda along with other 79 body and beauty treatments offered like Swedish massage, aromatherapy, Thai massage, reflexology, couple's massage, water therapy body treaments, exfoliation, body wraps, and skin care treatments. Recommended must-try is the classic Abyanga massage which involves vigorous sweeping moves to prime the body, stimulates its natural energy and process like a wake-up call to make you more receptive to own energies.

6. Aura at the Park, Delhi - Must-try in this spa is the Aura massage, a 90-minute massage employing skin softening oils and using the entire palm to release toxins and also the face massage, a 60-minute combination of face and head massage to relieve the body of negative energy.

7. Svaasa Spa in Ranjit's Svaasa, Amritsar - Treatments offer are Ayurveda, salt baths, fruit scrubs, body wraps, milk baths, hair therapy and nutritional counseling. The in-house Ayurvedic specialist treats ailments like arthritis and depression.

8. Taj Spa - This spa is tucked into a corner of the sprawling lawns behind the original 120-year-old palace. Their signature treatments are often a mix and match of other specific ones like Indian Aromatherapy, Scrubs and Wraps, and the list goes on.

9. Oberoi Spa in Udaivilas, Udaipur - Udaivilas was ranked as the number one hotel in the world in 2007 by the Conde Nast Traveler. They offer eight kinds of full body massage including hot stone, aromatic, Balinese, Thai and Hawaiian.

10. Sereno Spa in Park Hyatt, Goa - This spa covers over 36,000 2q. ft. - the largest spa in the resort-ridden state. It has 16 therapy rooms with views of the beach and equipped with steam rooms and outdoor plunge pools. The Sereno Spa operates differently and many tourists on Indian vacation (India) who haven't tried spa treatment found themselves loving it because treatments are decided after consultation with the physician.

Getting The Best Out Of Your Indian Vacation

Going for an Indian vacation would be one the greatest experience of your life.  India is a very diverse country offering tourists different places to enjoy and a different culture you can immerse to.  You can choose to have a hot vacation escapade or a cold and snowy extravaganza.   Some tourists would say that India “assaults” the visitor’s senses.  Giving every tourist a shock and delight, at the same time.

There are streets in India that just shows how mad and how exciting it is to be in India.  There are instances that you would be seeing a bi-polar India, a conservative tradition and modern conveniences and practices.  There are some places where water, electricity and other necessities are not easily available, but there are also commercialized areas which display vacation in luxury.

Indian is fast becoming a tourist hot spot.  There are studies showing that India as one of the top five tourist locations worldwide.  If you have decided to spend a wonderful vacation in India, then there are things that should not be missed that would make you stay unforgettable.

There are places that you must visit like the desert of Thar where you get to experience not only about heat of the desert but the old mansions, stone cities and forts, camel safaris and fairs, and even experience local shopping.   Aside from the desert and beach, wildlife is also among the most popular stops during an Indian vacation.  A diverse geographical country, you can experience India in many ways, whether it is mountain climbing, trekking, wildlife viewing and other eco activities.

Cultural and heritage sights are a must.  You should never miss the chance to see the majestic Taj Mahal and other monuments, the temples and other architectural and historical marvels for a very old civilization.

If you are a first-time traveller in India and is not confident to walk around the streets of India, then you could consider local tours.  There are tour agencies and companies in India which organize a special interest tour.  Special interest tour can be about cultural visits, a yoga tour or a Indian cuisine tour.  It could also include travels to villages and wildlife tours.  You can check with the hotel concierge about it, because there are times when the hotel will have a contact with local tour agencies.

Among the must-dos during an Indian vacation would be fabric buying.  In India there are many fabrics like silk which can be brought by tourists.  There are also souvenirs that you can buy that you can give to loved-ones left at home, like items made out of wood, marble, copper, bronze and bamboo.  Just be ready to bargain when buying items.  But be aware or avoid buying items that came from animals since that is illegal.  The same goes if you would like to buy items which are more than 100 years old, they are considered antique and would need a permit.

There are different local, established and flea markets which you can do your shopping.  It usually lasts from 9:30 in the morning until 6 o’clock in the evening, from Monday to Saturday. But it would be sure to ask a local or the hotel concierge about the market schedule.  Just don’t forget to bring your camera, comfortable clothes and necessary medicines like insect spray and you would be ready to have the best Indian vacation.

Get An Indian Vacation And A Yoga Tour

There are different reasons why people embark into an Indian vacation, some for a romantic getaway, others for a cultural and heritage visit, while others for a spiritual journey through a yoga tour.  Yoga is a physical and mental practice which originated in India three thousand years ago.  In Sanskrit, it would mean “union” which would refer to the unity of the spiritual and the supreme which would create a balance and useful life.

In the United States alone, there are about 12 to 20 million Americans who are practicing yoga.  Global numbers are even bigger.  What is it about yoga that numbers of people practicing it are increasing worldwide?

Aside from developing spirituality, yoga also has health and fitness benefits.  Those who practice yoga would testify better flexibility, lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons, detoxifying effects, muscle toning, and improvement in balance.  Yoga also uses meditative practices which would bring calmness, positive outlook and enlightenment.

Yoga tours are yoga retreats, but other than that it improves how yogis and a person would be able to relate to the inner-self and the supreme entity. In a yoga tour, there would be activities, workshops, expeditions and different kinds of entertainment which would enrich your experience with yoga and its benefits.

Some yoga enthusiasts would find that it is a great opportunity to travel and experience a different culture while on a weight loss program.  Yoga tours in India would allow you to enjoy food even if you are on a weight-loss trip.  Those who participate on yoga tours would also be able to enhance their own and learn new techniques.  There are yoga tours which would make certain that the experience remains to be personal or family oriented.

India would have popular spots for yoga tours. Aside from visiting, these places are alos venues where you could enrol for advanced yoga classes which usually last one month and more.  They are the following:

• The Iyangar School located in Pune is a great place to visit.  They would also offer month-long courses but would require a fee and at the same time would undergo a selection process.  This school teaches advanced yoga and would teach students to adapt their exercises on the environment.

• Another school which offers classes would be the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore. The program can last for one to six months.  The yoga practices used here would require fast paced movements and coordinated breathing.  This institute is also known among foreigners who are seriously into yoga.

• The Krisknamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai is another popular spot for those yoga practitioners who do the gentle yoga.  Classes would usually last for  two to four weeks and would also require  a fee.

• Another yoga school which is situated in a near the woods and forests outside Kerala would be Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram.  They would often offer yoga vacations which lasts for two weeks to a month.  There are special fees that would also have to be paid to gain acceptance in the school.

• The institute in Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh can be found near the Ganges river.  There are many foreigners who are visiting this school to learn about  yoga courses in English.   The same with other schools there is a corresponding fee, but it would cover the room you’ll be staying in.

Indian vacation does not only have to be about getting the postcard-like photos, but it can also be spiritual and at the same time for the betterment of your inner-self.

Cuisine to Explore On Your Indian Vacation

As you explore different parts of India in your Indian vacation, you will also come to know how rich and diverse Indian cuisine is. Pat Chapman says that “Indian food is as complex as all its other attributes.” They are classified into different categories: cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, spices, milk products, animal meats, and alcoholic beverages. Religion and geography play major roles in the food habits of Indians.

Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking. The spices used in Indian cooking are dried seeds, berries, bark, rhizomes, flowers, leaves, and chilies. These may be dried or fresh, pods or seeds, roasted, ground or put into hot oil to expel their flavors. A combination of spices is called as masala. All Indian food is served with either rice or bread, or a combination of two.

Food is served on a banana leaf or a stainless steel. South Indian early settlers began the use of banana leaves as serving plates. During feasts, only the end section is used with its narrow part facing left.

"Indian food has always been eaten with the right hand. In the south all parts of the fingers can be used, like a scoop. In the north this is considered vulgar and only the tips of the fingers are used, with bread used as the scoop." (Source: India: Food and Cooking, page 23). The first mouthfuls of rice are eaten with chutney and spicy additives while the Indian end to a meal is the betel leaf. The leaf is chewed along with a slice of areca nut, a dab of slaked lime and a smear of katha paste. Washing the hands before meals is an important ritual since most Indians use their fingers in eating.

In Kashmir, among the most popular dishes are lamb marinated in yogurt, mutton simmered in milk and scented with nutmeg, and rich meat curries. Kashmiran foods has subtle blend of spices, richness and pungency. Goa, a tiny state on the Arabian Sea is known for their use of vinegar and kokum fruit and love of chilies. Bengali cuisine is the only region in India where food is served in individual courses - elaborate and refined. This way of serving food is based on the ancient belief of eating that promotes healthy digestive process.

In Rajasthan, a popular millet porridge called Bhajra Khichadi are often eaten with pure ghee. Raj's food has yielded dishes that pay homage to their ancestors like spiced chutneys and curries. The first Christian is said to have set his foot of Kerala in 52 AD and his converts are known as Syrian Christians. They eat spicy offal, chicken, fish, shellfish, beef and wild boar. Other dishes known to them are Erachi Olathiathu or beef dry-fried with a paste of coconut and spices, Vevichathu Surnai or Keralan soured fish curry.

There is so much gastronomic discovery you will enjoy in your Indian vacation. No other cuisine uses as many spices in so many ways than Indian. For them, it is in the use of spices that they bring out the dormant flavors of a dish. The greatest numbers of spices are used in North India.

Dishes like rogan josh or aromatic meat curry with a creamy gravy with ginger, garlic, onions, red chillies, coriander leaves, saffron, black pepper,  asafetida, black cumin seeds, cumin powder, cardamom leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, poppy seeds, turmeric powder, chili powder, paprika, nutmeg powder, mace powder, and more.