Exploring India

“India is a vast network of sacred places. The entire country is a sacred land. The sacrality of the land of India, is what, still today, gives a sense of unity to this country of so many religions, cultures, races and factions.” ~ Roger Housden

Bharat, known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, it is essential to take time to familiarise yourself with the country, before visiting. Given that each state boasts numerous attractions, it is impossible to experience all of India in a single trip. This blog can assist you in shortlisting the places of your choice and making your travel plans to India.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Check out the heritage sites in India recognised by the UNESCO and explore the country based on your interests – whether it’s cultural, natural, or mixed and choose your destinations accordingly.

Historic Architectural and Sculptural Landmarks

Doordarshan National produced several distinguished documentary videos that offer informative content on significant sites across Bharat. Many of these sites have been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. By watching these series, you can select destinations that align with your interests.

  • Monuments of India series features monuments of historical significance, along with ancient and spiritual cities, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India.
  • The Sculpture of India offers insights into India’s rich sculptural heritage, intricate artistry, history, and cultural significance. Indian sculpture is phenomenal.
  • Temples of India focuses on the diverse and culturally important temples all over India.
  • Forts Of India presents notable forts across India. Besides these, Maharashtra state is also home to a few forts that are built in the Arabian Sea.
  • Do you Know is a Hindi series that showcases short videos highlighting prominent forts, temples, monasteries, palaces, etc. across India.
Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram 

Accommodation and Transit

  • After finalising the places you want to visit, make sure to book your accommodation online in advance. Popular tourist places usually have good hotels; and if not, they can often be found in neighbouring cities.
  • You can either fly to the nearest airport or take a train to the closest railway station. Once you arrive, explore the local sights using public buses, auto-rickshaws, private cabs, or by hiring a vehicle with a driver through Savaari Car Rentals.

Art and craft

  • Consider visiting state museums to discover the richness of Indian art and culture. The link includes their names and addresses for your reference.
  • I’ve often observed that regional paintings, handicrafts, and GI (Geographical Indication) products are available for sale in state museums and government-run shops. You can inquire about the state government-run shops with the hotel or museum staff, or even locals.
  • Bharat boasts a vibrant heritage of handloom textile craftsmanship. The cooperative societies or state government-run handloom stores offer authentic, regional handwoven textiles, often at fair prices that support traditional artisans. Here’s a detailed blog for your reference: https://simplydipti.com/handloombrands/
  • For those interested in Indian paintings, the series – Paintings of India presented by Doordarshan National offers valuable insights.

Safety and Convenience

  • For security and ease, especially for global travellers, it’s recommended to organise your trip through trustworthy travel companies offering customised or packaged tours. Crime rates can be high in certain states or areas. Solo travel in India, especially for women, may involve safety concerns, particularly in crowded areas and while using transportation.
  • Companies like Veena World and Kesari Tours, well known in Mumbai, offer reliable services. They also provide specialised women-only tour packages.
  • You can also consider trusted local or regional tour operators as many UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in remote or interior regions. Many luxury hotels arrange private vehicle services for sightseeing, depending on the location.

Additional Notes:

For local travel within southern Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, etc. you may contact Charles at +91 8667047321 to arrange a vehicle. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to make all arrangements in advance. In southern Bharat, the regional language is commonly spoken, however Charles stands out with fluency in both Tamil and English.



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