Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride (a manual bike cart) in the colourful and charming lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest bazaars in old Delhi. Besides its historic architecture, the market has all the trappings of a travel-friendly locale. A rich array of fashion stores, inviting food stalls and restaurants, and decorative accessories shops line the busy, narrow lanes of the market. Find the best of old Delhi here.
Some of Jaipur’s best buys can be found in the city’s noteworthy markets. Enjoy a guided walk through the streets of Jaipur’s bazaars. From Tripolia bazaar for bangles to Chandpole bazaar for handicrafts to Kishanpole bazaar for textiles, the endless options and unique finds will leave you spoiled for choice.
Head to the beautiful wholesale flower market (Phool Mandi) where the flower sellers lineup to sell fresh colourful blooms. The vibrant market is the perfect destination for great instagrammable photos.
From here, make your way to the milk market to see the merchants selling fresh milk in giant silver vats, often dressed in the traditional attire of dhoti and kurta. It is one of the most interesting morning markets to explore and a great way to experience the local culture.
Explore a multitude of jewellery and apparel shops on the iconic Johari bazaar street which is a particularly enticing destination for those interested in jewellery shopping. You will also find a plethora of exquisite hand block printed textiles across markets in Jaipur. To see the process of the ancient art of handblock printing, you can visit Bagru village. Bagru is also home to the ancient mud resist hand block printing technique called Dabu.
Visit the pristine and architecturally stunning Nila House in the city’s heart where natural dyeing and handloom traditions of India are preserved. Shop for tablecloths, cushions, scarves and more beautifully crafted and dyed handmade goods here.
Visit the quaint little town of Bundi and explore the old world charm through its captivating step-wells, lakes, and colourful bazaars. While in Bundi, shop at the wonderful antique and heritage silver shops which span generations. You can also get personalised jewellery crafted from scratch by experienced silversmiths.
Take a boat ride to Jag Mandir for a relaxing break and some palatable lunch in Udaipur. Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola in Udaipur and is a complete destination by itself, with an all-day cafe, a plush dining restaurant, spa and more. Enjoy the cool breeze and breathtaking views of City Palace and Lake Pichola while you indulge in the local delicacies here.
Take a walk through the streets of the famous bustling marketplace of Hathi Pole. Find a wide range of stores selling everything from handicrafts and Rajasthani folk artwork to authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices here. Stop to enjoy a local delicacy.
From here, you could head to Jagdish Chowk, the street leading to Jagdish temple. Several shops here sell wooden handicrafts, traditional puppets, tapestries, and camel leather products, making it a haven for souvenir hunters.
Take Rajasthan’s first-ever ropeway transportation to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. The ropeway cable line runs from Deendayal Upadhyay Park to Karni Mata Temple. Each cable car, also called a gondola, can accommodate up to six people. Plan your gondola ride in a way that you can watch the mesmerising sunset view.
No trip to Jodhpur is complete without a walk in the maze-like old city. Get lost in its narrow lanes replete with picturesque blue-tinged architecture. Interact with the locals and learn about their history and culture. The inspiring heritage walk offers many photogenic spots to take memorable, artful photographs.
Take a camel safari in Jaisalmer through the sandy terrains of the Thar desert. This fun and adventurous activity will give you a glimpse of the scenic desert, as you ride over the sand dunes, and the lives of locals living around it. The camel ride makes for a splendid sightseeing adventure you cannot miss.
Discover this grand annual livestock and cultural fair that is particularly popular with tourists. You can shop, eat, watch camel races, traditional folk performances and a camel beauty contest among other activities that take place at the festive fair. The fascinating event lasts two weeks and is undoubtedly a photographer’s paradise.
While in Pushkar, explore various iconic monuments and temples, and learn the folklore surrounding them. Splurge on silver jewellery, bangles, bandhani saris, dupattas and more at the bustling markets of Pushkar. Stop at the banks of the scenic Pushkar Lake and immerse yourself in the view.
The Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kala Pani’ is an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair, Andaman. One of the highlights of the Kala Pani tour is the Sound and Light Show which depicts the heroic saga of India’s freedom struggle. It tells the story of the hardships and pain inflicted on the political prisoners who were exiled at the jail during India’s freedom struggle from the British rule.
At the top of every traveller’s list, and with good reason, is snorkelling in Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands. During the activity, you will witness the colourful and surreal world of marine life including live corals that lie beneath the clear waters. You will be guided by a certified expert who will accompany you in the shallow waters. You do not need to be a professional snorkeller to experience this.
The Coral islands are also an ideal destination for long walks in nature. You will spot deers, peacocks and exotic birds on your trails in these sylvan surroundings and be able to take some memorable photographs that will find a permanent place on your walls.
Make an early start at 6:00 AM for the adventure packed Jungle Safari at Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary. Look out for ancient monument ruins, lakes and hills, dense forests and water holes. Amidst it all, you will get a chance to see a profusion of wildlife in the form of hundreds of bird species, reptiles and wild animals including tiger, leopard, wild boar, bear, Hyena, jackal, deer and langur that reside in their habitat.
Spend the night at the hotel in Ranthambore and wake up the next day to a delectablebreakfast at 9:30am. Relax and rejuvenate after breakfast, from the activity-filled day at the safari, just in time for a finger-licking lunch.
Enjoy a walk in the Talabgaon village to see the local culture and the village life. Interact with the local folks, visit their homes and enjoy a cup of piping hot chai (Indian tea). While you are there, try something artsy and an intricate henna tattoo on your palm by one of the village girls.
The Camel Cart safaris give you a tour of Talabgaon and the countryside. You will also get to see the local wildlife such as blue bulls, peacocks and several species of birds. Afterwards, experience a beautiful sunset in the desert.
Rich with history, Bishnoi Village of Jodhpur is a great cultural tourist destination. Visit this village to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions and shop for exotic souvenirs. You can also check out various local crafts such as cotton dhurrie weaving, clay pot making and learn about the cultural relevance of opium in the area as you travel through the village.
Watch the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. The daily parade is a military practise that the security forces of India and Pakistan have followed since 1959.The colourful drill is characterised by well synchronised and rapid movements by the military men. It is a symbolic representation of the rivalry, brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations
Bhutia Bazaar or The New Mahakal Market boasts a wide range of wearable items from wool caps, hand-knitted sweaters, shawl and a lot more. Make sure to polish your bargain skills before you hit the markets for a satisfying shopping experience.
Take a fun ride on this heritage train that was once the first mountain transportation link in the country. During the two-hour-long toy train ride, you will witness some of the most picturesque mountain views and landscapes. Watch the villages and local shops on the way as you take this invigorating, memorable journey through the lush green mountains.
Learn about the real, inspiring stories of the residents of the largest slum in Asia first hand, during this walking tour of Dharavi.
Conducted by Dharavi residents themselves the tour covers the industrial areas, residential areas, local schools, and the pottery colony. You will also explore back alleys and main thoroughfares of Dharavi to see small businesses, factories, and workshops. Spend some time shopping textile fabrics, leather goods, and other covetable items from the several small-scale Dharavi manufacturers at reasonable prices. You will easily be tempted by the colourful souvenirs and well-made handicrafts.
Check the key tourist landmarks in Mumbai off your list during the walking tour of colonial Mumbai, previously known as Bombay. Visit the Gateway of India, the victory arch built to welcome the British royalty/King George V and Queen Mary, the famous domed Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the NGMA museum and the city museum as well as the art hub of Kala Ghoda which is home to various established fashion and design brands. Photograph the colonial and art deco architecture of South Bombay as you walk through the cobbled lanes and alleyways.
Colaba causeway, an extremely popular and bustling marketplace in South Mumbai is filled with several stores selling a plethora of jewellery, footwear, clothes and accessories at affordable, bargain prices. Scour through the endless options to find a range of vintage-inspired and quirky souvenirs and wearables.
Kochi Muziris Biennale, India’s largest contemporary art event, takes place in and around Fort Kochi and Ernakulam and attracts visitors and art enthusiasts from across the world. One of the best ways to truly experience Kochi is through this art carnival which has put the city on the global map of International Biennales. The Biennale is an idyllic destination for art enthusiasts. One can witness works by Indian and international artists in the form of film, installation, sculpture, new media and art performances at this event.
Tuk-Tuks, also known as auto-rickshaws, are a great way to dive right in the heart of the city and experience it like a local. Tuk Tuk drivers in Kerala offer some of the best heritage tours and make great storytellers as they take you to some of the important ancient landmarks and hidden gems located in narrow lanes.
Drive through Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala. One of the most popular national parks in Southern India. Watch the vast meadows and the elephant and tiger reserve in the park and let the tranquil surroundings rejuvenate you. You will also get to see Pamba and Periyar rivers which run through the park giving life to the flora and fauna.
Visit spice plantations spread across the route from Kochi to Alleppey and let nature’s repetitive chorus fill your senses. Various kinds of spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. You will also get to taste the spices. Besides this, you can enjoy the activity of plucking fruits at the Cumbum Valley near Kerala state border.
Located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort is the ultimate heritage luxury holiday destination in Kerala. The resort offers yoga and meditation classes every morning to all its guests. It also has a shop which offers Kerala artefacts, handicrafts and more! Cycling and canoeing are some of the other activities you can explore here.
Take a ten-minutes downhill stroll from McLeod Ganj to St. John’s Church where you will be welcomed by deodar, pine and oak trees, which are a sight to behold. Spend some time at this ancient Anglican church dedicated to Saint John featuring Neo-Gothic architecture and Belgian stained-glass windows. St. John’s Church is the oldest built structure of Dharamsala and is famously known as ‘St. John in the Wilderness’ as it was built in dense woods.
Watch the ‘aarti’ (prayer) ceremony in the afternoon at the Ghats of River Ganges. Every evening, the Ganga Aarti is performed in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi. The grand spiritual ritual attracts tourists and locals in hoards. There are choruses of chants and mantras, and a variety of offerings including flowers, fruits, food and more. The unparalleled view of the river dotted with lit diyas makes for an unforgettable experience.
The light and sound programme at Khajuraho temples is one of the popular tourist attractions. The show spotlights the history, importance and craftsmanship of the unique temples of Khajuraho which were built during 10th to 12th century A.D. and the hundreds of statues in the temples which are stunning wonders of sculptural art, as well as the Chandela kings’ patronage to art and culture in Khajuraho.
There is nothing quite like exploring a new city on foot. Take a stroll through Lalsot town and experience the local culture and the sounds, scents and the scenery first-hand. You will also see the local artisans and the spice and vegetable bazaars which are some of the attractions of the walking tour.
You may choose to opt for the complimentary sunset cruise in the private boats of Brunton Boatyard, a Fort Kochi heritage hotel. The cruise sets off every evening from their private jetty (subject to availability). The cruise is a great way to enjoy the popular Chinese Fishing Nets, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kochi.
Tread off the beaten path with a bullock cart ride through the Cumbum Valley to visit an organic fruit farm. See the fruit orchards where fruits such as papayas, pomegranates, grapes are grown. The farm also has a watchtower which boasts a magnificent 360˚ view of the valley. You can trek to the tower and climb to the top to photograph the view whilst enjoying the cool breeze.
One of the highlights of our Jaipur tours is the visit to the long standing hand made paper workshop owned by the Kagzi family.
When the Uzbeks defeated Ibrahim Lodhi at Panipat in 1456, they came with a vision for a grand empire and brought scholars, craftsmen & artisans along with armed soldiers. Among these were a few paper makers from Turkey. The paper & parchments they made were reglarly used in the Mughal courts. The small tribe of paper makers had developed into a clan and adapted the name Kagzi after “kagaz” meaning paper. They then spread to the regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat & Jaipur.
Look out for some beautifully crafted hand made paper accessories and the process that goes behind it.
A team of driven individuals and avid travellers; at Treasures of India Tours, we believe in making every trip an effortless and memorable experience for our guests.