Many of the images which the mind conjures up when confronted with the word ‘India’ are likely to be those associated with the north of the country- forts, palaces, magnificently turbaned men with even more luxuriant moustaches! And the Taj Mahal.

North India- generally consider to be that area of the country to the north of a Deccan Plateau, but excluding the north-east which is another realm altogether- is the part of India with the largest variety of cultural influences over recent millennia, given that it has long been on trade routes and the like. As a result, while Hinduism as a religion and way of life, and Hindi as a language, are dominant, you’ll also encounter enclaves with predominantly Muslim or Jain populations as well as pockets of Christianity and other religions.

The cuisine which most people know from Indian restaurants in the west is primarily that of the Punjab- ironically this is not typical of the ‘actual’ diet of most people in the North who generally consume much less rich food with fewer of the gravy-based curries and a lot less meat than is common in Punjabi food.

Certain areas of North India are extremely densely populated (the state of Uttar Pradesh has more people, around 205 million, than all but 5 other countries in the world!) and very sparse in human population- the mountainous regions of Himachal and Kashmir are most inhospitable for year-round occupation. The biggest cities- Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur- are very cosmopolitan, and yet in the smaller towns and particularly in the countless villages across the North, life is still very traditional.

Like all of India, the North is full of contradictions- extraordinary wealth and grinding poverty, vast cities with major traffic issues and serene rural landscapes where camel-back is still the preferred way of travel, modern steel-and-glass skyscrapers and the most sublime centuries-old monuments, the landscapes, the weather and on and on. All of it presents a complex picture, but one which you can spend a lifetime trying to understand. One thing is for sure, the only people friendlier than people in North India are those in the south of the country!

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Climatic Condition Of North India

India is a vast country and the climate varies enormously. As a rule, the winter months from mid-November to late February are the best time to visit most regions with the exception of the high mountains and plateaux of the Himalaya region.

The shoulder seasons (late September to November and March/early April) do tend to be hotter in most regions. By April and May the only places to visit are regions at altitude. June to August/early September is monsoon season and most parts of India will be wet at some time during this part of the year and it will likely be very hot and humid ahead of the monsoon.

January/February- the main regions mentioned above are close to their best during these months. Mountainous regions will be cold (great for winter sports, not so good for sightseeing) and roads may be impassable at times during these months.

March/April- the south becomes hotter rapidly as the year advances, but Delhi/Agra/Rajasthan remains comfortable during this time.

May/June- for the truly intrepid only (although tiger and other wildlife sightings tend to be at their absolute peak as summer reaches its apex) with monsoon rain setting in from Kerala and spreading north during June. The hills and mountains of the north are great at this time of year.

July/August- monsoonal activity in most places with the exception of Tamil Nadu and the high plateaux of Ladakh/Kashmir

September/October- still warm to hot in many places but with rapidly lessening rainfall and far fewer people around, these are great months to visit many regions.

November/December- as winter arrives in the north (and at least the concept of winter in the south!) pretty much the whole country, at least at low altitude, is close to its best. Air quality can be a problem at times but as always, it pays not to take everything you read at face value.

Famous Foods of North India

Being a variant in culture and diversity north India has numerous appetizing foods. Even people who hate rice give in to the aromatic Briyani and the Awadhi Briyani is a famous food in the region.

In times of uncontrollable hunger, Chole Bhature is a great lip-smacking dish to try out. The traditional roti can be taken along with a dose of the creamy butter chicken or paneer butter gravy.

During the chilly winters, the simple yet sizzling Baigan Bharta is the ideal choice. For the chicken lovers the special north Indian dishof Tandoori and chicken tikka masala is sure to satisfy that craving. Others include the traditional Parantha, Rajma Chawal, Dal Baati Churma and Dahi Vada.

Festivals In North India

Consisting of a number of states, northern India celebrates its festivals with much pomp and glory. The most prominent festival celebrated all over the region is the festival of lights, Diwali.

During the month of February, the Taj Mahotsav is held every year in Agra which marks the rich traditions of the region.

The Cattle Fair at Pushkar is the largest camel fair in the world, held in Rajasthan every year. The Desert Festival in Rajasthan is known to bring back life to the Thar Desert where fairs, dances and major cultural events are known to happen. Other festivals include Holi, Lohri, Teej, Kumbh Mela and Ramnavami.

Places to visit in North India

The history of northern India is filled with a rich and variety of historical wonders. One of the most prominent sites and one among the wonders of the world is the Taj Mahal which is the best weekend getaway.

The Agra Fort at Uttar Pradesh is a fortress made of red sandstone and is one place in India where one can get more out of the Mughal era in India.

The Qutab Minar at Delhi is located amidst the ancient astronomical wonders. The glorious Fatehpuri Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the rule of Akbar and was abandoned due to a shortage of water. Other prominent places are the Hawa Mahal, Khajuraho Temples, Konark Temple and the Victoria Memorial hall.

Things To Do - North India

North India flaunts a diversity of adventure and sights for its visitors. One can enjoy the beauty of Shimla on the Shikara ride in the Lakes. The serene town of Manali is housed at the Himachal Pradesh where one can take a ride in bikes or car and spend a quiet and calm weekend there. The place is great for skiing and trekking.

Dharamshala is a place to visit for people seeking a bit of peace and quiet from the busy side of life. The monastery there teaches one to focus on tantric meditation and Buddhist philosophy. Other activities includes strolling along the markets of the cities and towns, visiting the villages and learning about the lifestyle of the people.

Top Attractions Of North India

The northern part of India has a variety of attractions to offer everyone. Starting from the beautiful Jammu & Kashmir which is known for its mesmerizing view and lakes.

Another beautiful landscape in North India is Ladakh which provides a natural panoramic beauty for the photographers delight. A trip to Himachal Pradesh gives way to the beauty of the valleys.

For those seeking spiritualty Uttarakhand is a hub for temples. It also offers more than temples giving chances into adventure sports and rides. Rajasthan, the land of heritage, provides scope to explore into the various cultural variants of India. Other attractions include Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

Top Cities In North India

The ruins of ancient temples, cosmopolitan cities, empires, pilgrim places, mighty mountains, scenic lakes and valleys are North India’s beautiful landscape.

With something to offer for everyone, this region is a spectacular image of the whole of India. Starting with the nation’s capital, Delhi, with its historic monuments, gardens and a variety of mouth - watering foods one has more to do here than time could hold.

Agra is the most important landmark in India for tourist owing to the beautiful Taj Mahal. For the spiritual seekers Varanasi is the place to go. Taking a dip in the purifying Ganges is believed to wash away all earthly sins. Other places include Amritsar, Srinagar, Haridwar and Parvathi Valley.

Planning Tips To Travel North india

India is a land which is rising in the number of tourist arrival every year. It has 30 international airports all over the country and 80 domestic airports each one connected to the other.

Among all the cities in India, the most common places that act as a pivot for transport are New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. These cities act as the major port of transport to the other cities and towns in India. The most common language spoken is Hindi which is the National Language. English is also common throughout the country.

Most of the places in India has a humid climate and it is advisable to always carry sunscreen and shades in your bag. The country is famous for its different variety of cuisines with a particular delicacy in every State.

North India Travel Information

For most first-time visitors to India, the allure of the area around Delhi, Agra and beyond into Rajasthan is hard to ignore. This is the part of India famous for grand palaces, forts and of course the Taj Mahal. With a multi-layered history of invasion, conquest and resistance, the storied past and vibrant present meet in a region which is most rewarding to the first-time visitor.

The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) can be covered in just a few days, while 12-14 days is sufficient to take in these 3 major destinations plus the famous cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur and something of rural Rajasthan as well. With good and ever-improving air connectivity, it’s possible to cover most corners of Rajasthan in little over 2 weeks.

Like most parts of India however, the longer you are able to allow, the better the experience will be. We always recommend more time in fewer places to enable you to experience and enjoy free time in the places you visit.

This part of India is famous for its heritage hotels- restored ancestral homes, palaces and the like and we strongly recommend that some or all of your stay is spent in this type of accommodation.

Beyond Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan are some wonderful regions which are perhaps lesser-known but no less fascinating

The Himalayan foothills and mountainous regions to the north of Delhi which offer trekking and hiking from a few hours to man days, alongside pilgrimage towns (Haridwar, Rishikesh), hill station (Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie) and the Sikh-dominated border city of Amritsar within an easy 2 week itinerary. This region also has the benefit of being the perfect place to visit if your visit falls outside of the winter months

Ladakh and Kashmir are the most mountainous and high-altitude regions of all which makes them the perfect place to visit if you can’t get to India anytime other than the summer. The scenery is stunning, the people open and friendly (although that applies throughout the country) and once you adjust to the thin air this is one of the most spectacular parts of all of India

Gujarat is the neighbouring state to Rajasthan but attracts only a tiny fraction of the tourist numbers of its better-known neighbour. While superficially similar, the two states have very different histories and contrasting religious demographics. With far fewer visitors Gujarat retains a level of tradition which makes a most rewarding experience of those who venture here. Wildlife, tribal cultural and arts/crafts, stunning temples and atmospheric old cities, as well as some lovely coastline, are all easily accessible with Gujarat

Other Travel Information India - Indianpanorama

India is one helluva travel destination with its vast topographical region giving you more places to explore, each one different from the other in every characteristic. The land has seen many aeons pass by and is filled with a generous load of history, culture, tradition and heritage. We now take you through the parts of India which are a traveler’s paradise.

Lying with its deep layers of dunes, fortress and heritage, western India offers what no other place can. Either it’s your first time or the umpteenth time, you will never run out of places to wonder about.

Western India famed for its beauty in Indian history is comprised of Diu & Daman, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Western India houses a variety of flora and fauna as it is home to the largest desert in India, the Thar Desert and the coastal regions. This part is home to the most happening place in India, Goa.

Taking a trip on wheels in this region makes for a wonderful holiday as you can get to visit the small villages on the road and get to have a taste of the mouthwatering cuisine.

Climatic Condition Of Western India

Having a mixture of regions, western India has a varied climatic conditions. The coastal regions experience moderate rainfall and cool winters while the summers are usually hot.

Gujarat has a warm climate where the summers are usually warm and winters cool. Goa is tropical and being closer to the sea makes it an ideal place to visit during all time of the year.

Famous Food Of Western India

Being a food loving country, western India offers a variety of dishes to try out. The states of Rajasthan and Gujarat offers the Thalis which means food platter.

When you order a Thali you will get a full meal comprising of Roti or Chapatti, different varieties of gravy, curd, rice and vegetables. Thali is served in most restaurants across the states. Subji, Masala Gosht, lamb curry, Sooji and the Mughalai Briyani is some of the popular food in this area.

Festivals In Western India

The western region in India is known to celebrate a vibrant number of festivals. The Rajasthani womenfolk are known to celebrate the Gangaur when they bring home the statue of goddess Parvathi, worship her and at the final day immerse the idol in water.

Another festival where women celebrate the arrival of spring, the Teej festival. Gujarat celebrates the famous Kite Festival. The Parsi community of Maharashtra celebrates Pateti which is the Parsi New year.

The region also celebrates the usual festivals such Diwali, Ganesh Chathurti and Holi.

Places to Visit In Western India

Western India, is known to house the country’s best historical wonders.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves is one of the best tourist attractions in the world. If you want to travel the past to get a glimpse of ancient India, then these caves make a must-visit for you. One of the largest private palaces in the world, the Lakshmi Vilas palace boasts a size which is four times bigger than the Buckingham Palace.

Things To Do In Western India

Starting with the bustling city of Mumbai where most of the residents do their daily work in the busy metro, Mumbai is certainly a city to gape at. The Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra is a paradise for nature lovers.

This place is known as the valley of flowers offers a vast space filled with a lot of varieties of flowers. Lavasa is an amazing destination to spend the weekends at. Surrounded by the mighty mountains and waterbodies, Lavasa offers a leisurely experience to its visitors.

The western region of India also offers tourist river rafting, banana boating, paragliding, serene and beautiful hill stations, the wildness of the Thar Desert and many other mystifying experiences.

Top Attractions Of Western India

Western India offers a number of attractions and is one of the best places for the tourist in India. One of the best things to try out is the Kutch Jeep Safari in Gujarat which takes you across the white expanse of the Rann of Kutch desert.

If you want to have fun or party all night, Goa is the perfect destination. One of the best national wildlife parks of India is the Ranthambore national park that houses a variety of rich flora and fauna.

It is also known as the best place to spot a tiger in the wild. The Ajanta and Ellora cave,famed worldwide for their paintings is situated at Maharashtra. The magnificence of the paintings and the sculptures make for the best examples of Indian architecture and painting.

Top Cities In Western India

The states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Goa, along with the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu form Western India. West India offers some of India’s most notable cities like Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Jaipur, Aurangabad, and Pune. From the bustling metropolises to serene coastal havens, each city offers a distinct character, promising an unforgettable experience.

Frequently dubbed as the "Maximum City" or the "City of Dreams," Mumbai pulsates with an energy unlike any other. Bollywood, the heart of the Indian film industry, thrives here, alongside thriving financial markets and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Ahmedabad, Gujarat's largest city, is a rich repository of historical and architectural marvels. Moreover, it provides insight into Gandhi's legacy through landmarks like the Sabarmati Ashram, symbolizing India's struggle for independence.

Nestled in Maharashtra, Aurangabad serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Ellora and Ajanta Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient cave temples, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, offer a glimpse into Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Pune, nicknamed the "Oxford of the East," boasts a vibrant academic atmosphere and a youthful energy. Pune's culinary scene is renowned for its Maharashtrian delicacies like Misal Pav, a spicy lentil curry served with bread, and Vada Pav, a potato dumpling in a bun.

Venture into the heart of Rajasthan, and you'll discover Jaipur, the capital city famed for its pink-hued architecture and majestic allure. With its deep-rooted cultural legacy and welcoming hospitality, Jaipur remains a top choice for travellers eager to delve into India's regal history. Meanwhile, Goa, once a Portuguese colony, beckons with its sun-drenched beaches, gently swaying palm trees, and relaxed ambience. The state's vibrant heritage shines through its churches, forts, and lively celebrations such as the Carnival, a vibrant showcase of music and colours.

Beyond these major cities, West India offers a wealth of hidden gems, explore the wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat or the hill stations of Maharashtra for a truly immersive experience.

The western Indian cities have captured the hearts of many and it is certainly time to take a visit to revel in the beauty of the country.

Accommodation - West India

There are a lot of tourists travelling all over India whether for holidays, pilgrimage, business or medical purposes. A vast infrastructure of guesthouses and hotels cater for the needs of the travellers.

Accommodation in India like many other things provides a good value for money. In major cities, there are luxury hotels that cater for the needs of tourists and provide Western-style services and comforts. There is a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury hotels that offer services to the different needs of the people. Almost all the hotels and accommodations offer their services through the web where one can book and make payments to the hotel.

Travelers are sure to find the perfect place to stay while exploring the wonders of West India. Mumbai, one of the prominent West India cities, offers a diverse range of places to stay, from lavish five-star hotels with sea views to budget-friendly guesthouses. Accommodation choices at Ahmedabad range from heritage hotels housed in restored havelis to contemporary boutique hotels blending traditional allure with modern comforts.

From luxurious beach resorts dotting the coastline to cosy beach cottages and eco-friendly beach huts, Goa has something for everyone. Meanwhile, Rajasthan's heritage hotels and palace-turned-hotels offer a royal experience, blending historic charm with modern amenities and unmatched hospitality.

For those seeking tranquillity amidst nature, Western India's hill stations provide the perfect escape. From the verdant hills of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra to the misty landscapes of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, travellers can choose from a range of accommodation options, including cosy hillside cottages, luxurious resorts, and eco-friendly lodges.

You can choose from, choose from guest houses, homestays, heritage hotels, luxury resorts, jungle lodges treehouses, and more, catering to your preferences.

What makes Indian Panorama unique is our careful selection process for accommodation for our guests. We rely on our own experiences and client feedback rather than online reviews, ensuring unbiased choices.

Your Tour Planner, knowledgeable about your destinations, will assist you in selecting accommodations. We maintain independence from providers and offer competitive prices, often better than those found online.

West India Travel Tips

Planning Tips To Travel West India

India is a land which is rising in the number of tourist arrival every year. It has 30 international airports all over the country and 80 domestic airports each one connected to the other.

Among all the cities in India, the most common places that act as a pivot for transport are New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. These cities act as the major port of transport to the other cities and towns in India. The most common language spoken is Hindi which is the National Language.

English is also common throughout the country. Most of the places in India has a humid climate and it is advisable to always carry sunscreen and shades in your bag. The country is famous for its different variety of cuisines with a particular delicacy in every State.

Western India Travel Information

Western India is bound by the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley and the Arabian Sea in the west and the plains of land in the country to the east. Western India differs drastically from each other in languages, food and culture.

One of the important airports in this region is the Sahar Airport in Mumbai which is an international airport and connects to almost all the countries. This airport is also well connected to other domestic airports in the region.

Rajasthan also houses the Jaipur international airport. The great Maharaja express, a luxury train runs through this region and offers its customers the best experience of living in royalty. The region is well connected by the national highway and state roads which makes it easy to reach any destination.

Comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Goa, along with Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Western India is a treasure trove of culture. This vibrant region showcases some truly amazing tourist destinations dotted with magnificent monuments that stand as reminders of the incredible architectural skills of ancient India.

Western India is bound by the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley and the Arabian Sea in the west and the plains of land in the country to the east. Western India differs drastically from each other in languages, food and culture.

The languages spoken in West India vary by state, with Marathi being prevalent in Maharashtra, Gujarati in Gujarat, and Konkani in Goa, among others. However, English is used as the language for official communication and is widely understood in urban areas.

The best time to visit West India depends on the traveller's preferences and the destinations they intend to visit. Usually, the winter season from October to March provides delightful weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

One of the important airports in this region is the Sahar Airport in Mumbai which is an international airport and connects to almost all the countries. This airport is also well-connected to other domestic airports in the region.

Rajasthan also houses the Jaipur International Airport. The great Maharaja Express, a luxury train runs through this region and offers its customers the best experience of living in royalty. The region is well connected by the national highway and state roads which makes it easy to reach any destination.

Other Travel Information India - Indianpanorama

India is one helluva travel destination with its vast topographical region giving you more places to explore, each one different from the other in every characteristic. The land has seen many aeons pass by and is filled with a generous load of history, culture, tradition and heritage. We now take you through the parts of India which are a traveler’s paradise.