Introduction
As interesting and intriguing as the 7,000 years’ old history of India, the monuments here tell a tale of their own. Majestic, magnificent and silent witness to strings of changing times - these forts and palaces sweep you into a different era of royalty altogether. While some are losing their sheen showing that nothing is invincible against time, others have taken luxury and tourism to another level after being restored to heritage hotels.
Spread chiefly across North, West and South India, these monuments reflect the realm of the rulers who constructed them with fine architectural techniques in the glory of unsung battles, eternal love for their beloved or sometimes, simply showcasing the exuberance and high-end luxury of their royal lives.
One can simply revel in the architectural delight or get their share of royalty by indulging in a monuments themed tour. A hot favourite among travellers from the west, the monuments offer full privacy as most forts and monuments are surrounded by luxury hotels and colourful cultural activities to give your vacation a unique lasting colour of happiness.
Destinations
Rajasthan, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
Highlights
Mysore Palace (Karnataka)
Golkonda Fort (Andhra Pradesh)
Red Fort (New Delhi)
Umaid Bhawan Palace (Rajasthan)
Taj Mahal (Rajasthan)
Junagarh Fort (Rajasthan)
Lake Palace Hotel (Rajasthan)
Junagarh Fort (Rajasthan)
Jaisalmer Fort (Rajasthan)
City Palace of Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Amber Fort (Rajasthan) City
Palace of Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Agra Fort (Uttar Pradesh)
Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
Gondal Palace (Gujarat)
Singhgad Fort (Maharashtra)
Ranjit Vilas Palace (Gujarat)
Humayun’s Tomb (New Delhi)
Gwalior Fort (Madhya Pradesh)
Jhansi Fort (Madhya Pradesh)
Daulatabad Fort (Maharashtra)
The palace of winds (Rajasthan)
Entertainment and Nightlife
The tour of India’s monuments takes you to a string of different states in India showing endless cultures and surroundings. Here, every state has a wide variety of entertainment options that are sure to keep you occupied with excitement and exhilaration.
To start with, cultural nights in Rajasthan are a tourist favourite where you can try your hands on authentic variety of Rajasthani cuisine and listen to enriching folk music. The pub and dance culture isn’t much to the disappointment of some, but is a minor glitch against that feeling of looking out of a lakeside window from a royal palace while listening to some of the most alluring folk music and dance.
New Delhi is not just the Capital of India but is the centre of all hip and happening by all means. The city boasts of a culture that is ultra modern but traditional in its roots and has all sorts of entertainment activities to keep you on your toes while here. Gay events, parties and special nights are few of the perks you get of being in one of the India’s most posh cities. The city hosts frequent paintings and film festivals for avid art lovers and has endless number of popular markets and swanky malls to buy almost all national/international brands and make you feel like home.
Same goes for Mumbai, the Capital of Maharashtra and the ultimate city of dreams in India. Maharashtra’s culture comprises of a lot of music, dance, nautankis (street theatre) and much more. Rejuvenate yourself at a high-end spa or take a Bollywood tour and see the bling of Indian film industry for yourself. Mumbai is home to several gay events and parties from time to time which are an absolute must-attend for any traveller.
Other Attractions
Elephant ride (Rajasthan) Rickshaw ride to Old Delhi (New Delhi) Artifacts and silver jewerlry shopping (Jaipur, Rajasthan) Street food haul (New Delhi)
Cuisines
Rajasthani cuisine (Dal-bati, Besan Chakki, Mawa Kachori, Gatta ki sabji, papad) Maharashtrian cuisine (Sea food, Poha, Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Shrikhand, Bharli Vangi) Delhi cuisine (Golgappe, Chat, Jalebi, Raj Kachori, Butter Chicken, Lassi) Gujarati cuisine (Dhokla, Khandvi, Gujarati Kadhi, Khaman Kakdi, Khaman, Dal Parantha)
Luxury meter
The forts, palaces and other historical monuments add a unique luxury quotient to the entire tour. Add to it, the exotic heritage hotels combining the old royal charm of the palaces with modern services and hospitality.
Gay-friendly Quotient
Other than the small towns and villages, these states are pretty comfortable for any gay tourist as long as basic code of conduct is applied. Since most of these attractions draw a lot of foreign tourists every year, the locals are also pretty accustomed to them and ensure minimal interfere, making it a memorable stay.