Places to Visit on a Short Trip to India
How on earth does anyone plan a short trip in a country as vast as India with so much to see and do and so little time? You decided what is vital for your personality and plan around that. For most the spiritual aspects of India are paramount, for others, it’s the historical, religious and cultural allure, while many want the adventure or the culinary experiences. Even when you know your interests, the selection and decision-making can be overwhelming, but at the very least, you have a basis with which to begin.
Start at the beginning and apply for an Indian Visa Online for a chance at the opportunity to explore India to your heart’s content with the time allocated. Whether you can spare only an extended weekend, or a week or two, India has options ranging from snow-topped mountains to the palm trees and endless sandy beaches of the Arabian Sea; from adventure to spiritual enlightenment.
Goa
The ideal location for a relaxing, quiet break on the tropical beaches, just soaking up the sun and leisurely shopping. But there is also the vibrant option of partying the nights away, taking in the music and camaraderie that is typically the Mediterranean. For culture vultures, Goa has a different side, resplendent with Hindu temples from ancient times, churches and cathedrals. Goa’s Panaji has a historic center that forms part of the world cultural heritage, and the former capital of Velha Goa is not to be overlooked. Architecturally, Goa delivers and then some. Goa also hums with its own unique atmosphere of deep religiousness. Dining out means fresh seafood and a Western option in every restaurant and hotel (almost). Portuguese heritage spills over abundantly into more than just the gastronomic.
Himalayas and Spiritual Locations
The Himalayas are the perfect location for that mystical trip, where busy lives calm, souls are awakened and fulfilled, hearts changed, and sources of happiness and serenity discovered and embraced. You would be hard pressed to find so many sacred places anywhere else in the world, both man-made and natural, the mountains, caves, springs, rivers, lakes, temples and monasteries overwhelm and unburden the spirit. Historically, each Hindu temple has its own story, always built on the site of a mystical or magical happening. Buddhist shrines are believed to be especially blessed by historical persons who meditated there and now have healing powers. This is especially prominent in the many caves which are impressive in and of themselves. Encounters with shamans in and Sikkim are possible as retreat in monasteries, breakaways in an Ashram, visits to the seat of the Tibetan exile government in Himachal Pradesh, and teachers in Tibetan Buddhism or the Vedas. Yoga retreats or vipassana meditation retreats are popular when time is minimal.
Murudeshwar
For that scuba-diving mini-break, Netrani island is the place to go in the shimmering Arabian Sea. The imposing Shiva temple in Murudeshwar is an important religious site, and the area is also home to the world’s second tallest statue of Lord Shiva. Beaches and adventure activities attract tourists year-round as do the rustic charms of the ancient fort and temple.
Auli
Snow skiing and hiking in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas are popular in this picturesque region interspersed with old oaks, apple orchards, and pine trees. This hill resort in the Himalayan range is well worth the time, whether short or lengthy.
The classic Golden Triangle
Beautifully ensconced in India’s North, the Golden Triangle’s three-sides are made up of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur at each corner. The figurative triangle is chockablock with Mughal architecture, inspiring temples, and magnificent palaces. The triangle is perfectly arranged for a and mind-blowing week in India, made up of famous cultural sites flavored with unique Indian tastes and sounds. Delhi brings visitors Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Red Fort, among countless other sites, foods, and adventure opportunities. Agra cannot be visited without seeing the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The Pink city of Jaipur enchants with fairytale royal palaces and lakes. For slightly longer stays, look out for tigers in Ranthambore National Park or experience Rajasthan’s deserts.
Wildlife encounters
On the matter of tigers and Ranthambore, where better to encounter tigers and India’s unique wildlife than in India? National parks and reserves are to be found within Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala. Visitors will have the opportunity to see not only the tigers, but also lions, wild elephants, single horn rhinos, and exciting birdlife.
Outdoor adventure
With its many and widespread mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, waterfalls, and beaches, opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking, paragliding, rafting, deep sea diving, skiing, and snorkeling abound.
Apply for Indian Visa Online and do not miss the opportunity to explore and satisfy the lust for adventure.
