tourism

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Varanasi and Bandhavgarh along with a group of Travel Agents from overseas. This was my first visit to both destinations, and they had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I am delighted to say that the experience exceeded all expectations and was truly worth the wait.

We arrived in Varanasi around lunchtime on the first day, where our hotel was the Taj Ganges, a beautiful 5-star hotel, not too far away from the old city and the ghats. After a couple of hours of rest at the hotel, we headed out for a sunset boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The boat ride offered a fascinating glimpse into life along the ghats. On one side, we witnessed devotees taking holy dips in the Ganges, performing rituals, and conducting pooja ceremonies. On the other, we observed funeral pyres burning at the cremation ghats. At one point, five or six cremations were taking place simultaneously. Our guide explained that Varanasi is unique in that cremations are performed around the clock, unlike most Hindu traditions where cremations are generally not conducted after sunset.

Following the boat ride, we disembarked at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the evening Ganga Aarti. It was truly an out-of-this-world experience. The beautifully choreographed ceremony, accompanied by chants, music, and synchronized rituals, lasted nearly three hours. The ghats were packed with visitors, and our guide mentioned that most of the crowd consisted of tourists rather than local residents. Nevertheless, it is an experience that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.

The following morning, we embarked on a dawn boat ride at around 4:30 am. This experience was completely different from the previous evening. The river was calm and peaceful, while devotees quietly performed their morning prayers and rituals. The serenity of the Ganges at sunrise was breathtaking. Adding to the magical atmosphere were musicians on board, whose melodious tunes perfectly complemented the tranquil surroundings.

After the boat ride, we disembarked at Manikarnika Ghat and began a walking tour through the old city. The narrow lanes were bustling with activity and offered a fascinating insight into the daily life of Varanasi. During the walk, we saw the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (one of the holiest shrines for Hindu devotees) from the outside. Long queues of devotees waited patiently for their turn to enter and offer prayers. As some members of our group were non-Hindus, we did not enter the temple and instead admired its significance from outside before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

We also visited Sarnath, which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visiting the museum and learning about the life and teachings of Buddha was a wonderful experience. Sarnath is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Varanasi.

The next morning, we departed for Bandhavgarh. The journey took approximately seven hours, thanks to the improved road conditions. Upon arrival, we checked into the Oberoi Vindhyavilas, which I believe is one of the finest and most luxurious properties in the region. The service, food, ambience, and overall hospitality were exceptional and among the best I have experienced anywhere.

The following day, we enjoyed two jungle safaris. Our morning safari in the Magadhi Zone did not bring us any tiger sightings, which was slightly disappointing. However, the afternoon safari in the Tala Zone more than made up for it. We were fortunate enough to spot four tigers, making the visit truly memorable and fulfilling the main purpose of our trip to Bandhavgarh.

The trip ended with the drive to Jabalpur Airport for the flight back to Delhi. As the trip came to an end, I reflected on the remarkable contrast between the spiritual energy of Varanasi and the wilderness of Bandhavgarh. Together, they offered a unique combination of culture, history, spirituality, and wildlife.

This journey was everything I had hoped for and more. If you are looking for an experience that combines India's rich spiritual heritage with its incredible natural beauty, I would highly recommend including both Varanasi and Bandhavgarh in your travel plans.

By Ashu Gupta, June 2026

Good news for shopaholics! Very soon, the Indian government will kick-start a pilot project for the repayment of goods and services tax or the GST paid by international tourists coming to India as part of a decision to execute a step that is there in the law.

Regarding the GST, it’s the Integrated GST Act that was enacted five years ago, and provides for refund on goods, which are to be taken out of the county by a tourist, who is not a resident of India, and has been in the country for not more than 6 months for non-immigrant purposes.

If reports are to go by, most countries follow a system of GST or VAT refund for tourists for consumption outside the country, as taxes are typically not exported, which is a principle followed in duty-free shops at airports as well.

Referring to this, government sources added that with the GST regime settling down, the Centre is in the process of setting up the said pilot, which will initially involve outlets, such as the Cottage Industries Emporium and, based on the experience, it will be expanded.

With regard to this, tax experts are of the view that several changes will be required to implement the said plan and that it will take time. To start with, even for a pilot, the rules to operationalise the project will need to be put in place, whereas the invoicing system will also require updating, which will likely require tweaking the GST Network architecture.
Experts added that the system needs to be foolproof to make sure there is no potential misuse. The machinery provisions to enable foreign tourists to claim a refund of the GST paid on eligible purchases of goods, should be drafted very carefully to ensure that there is no misuse of the provisions, while foreign tourists get a quick refund on their eligible purchases without too much paperwork, stated a professional in the know-how.

With November, winters knocks the door in most places in India. The northern frontiers are blessed with pure snowy breeze of the Himalayas while the southern places are blissful with the sun shining down is warmth. The plains and the forests are covered in a blanketed of fog that sets in the early evening and stays most of the daytime. The weather is just right to plan to go exploring India. Sightseeing becomes special with the temperatures just right.

Stay in the Lake Palace of Udaipur

Houseboat cruise on Kerala’s backwaters

Bird spotting in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Chasing the Tiger Trail in the Tiger Reserves

Stay in the mountains enjoy view of snow-capped mountains

Bask in the sun at the beach resort

Heal your souls with Yoga and Ayurveda

Camping under the stars in a desert

Ride the Mountain Railways

Go on a food trail

Attend Dance and Music Festivals

India is blessed with wildlife, infact the lure of wildlife safaris in India drwas visitors from all over the world. With the incredible chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitats, India's national parks and sanctuaries are not just known for the flora and fauna, but are known for their unique ecology. Several of  India's national parks are exemplary models in the preservation of several endangered species, while also providing a natural habitat for the others. Many such parks are enlisted as UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Sites, which are nothing short of a treat to explore.

From Kaziranga National Park in Assam famed for its one-horned rhinoceros, to the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, these parks offer a perfect dose of entertainment and surprises. No wonder, they teem with tourists throughout the year. One experiences thrills in many ways here, from penetrating deep into the forest through an elephant ride to enjoying a trek through the all-encompassing wilderness.

Have you visited any sanctuaries and parks throughout the country? If not, you have missed out on a delightful and fascinating experience. Through this blog, we tell you the UNESCO World Heritage National Parks & Sanctuaries in India which should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1985. It’s the most important and natural habitat for in situ conservation of biological diversity, which also includes the threatened species of universal value. Considered to be a nature’s gift to mankind, it’s worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

The foremost attraction is the one-horned rhinoceros, characterized by its enormous body and massive horn. On a lucky day, one may also come across a herd of elephants with their majestic tuskers. The other attractions here are hog deer, sambar, and swamp deer. Kaziranga also boasts a rich avifauna and is a paradise for birdwatchers. It’s also common to see hornbills and cranes here.

Book Your Tour Now!

Manas National Park

Manas National Park, located in the Himalayan foothills of Western Assam, was a game reserve from 1928 until it became a Tiger Reserve in 1974, a World Heritage Site in 1985, and finally, a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. It was ultimately declared a National Park in 1990. This famous wildlife sanctuary in India is also part of the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve, which serves as the international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. The park harbors more than 20 endangered species.

The golden langur, considered to be one of the world’s rarest simian species, was first spotted in Manas in the mid-20th century. The mammals commonly found here are the rhesus macaque, tiger, pygmy hog, the large Indian civet, and the Himalayan black bear, besides others.

Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is acclaimed for being one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. It originally served as a royal hunting reserve during the 1850’s, besides being a game reserve for Maharajas and the British. Keoladeo was declared a national park in 1982 and later listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

The park is home to over 370 species of birds and animals such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai, and so on. Salim Ali, the noted Indian ornithologist and naturalist, used his influence to garner government support to create this park. This park is home to a number of well-defined treks which can be covered either on foot, by cycle, or by rickshaw.

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Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. In the year 2004, it was further recognized as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. It’s dominated by the Nanda Devi Peak, which is India’s second-highest peak. An abundance of unique flora and fauna here, like Brahma-Kamal and Bharal (blue mountain goat), makes this park one of its kind.

The Nanda Devi Sanctuary is divided into two parts – inner and outer. Together, they are surrounded by the main sanctuary wall. The common kinds of mammals found here are the Himalayan musk deer, mainland serow, and Himalayan Tahr. It’s also home to a wide variety of flora, some of which are fir, birch, and rhododendron, among others.

Kanchendzonga National Park

Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in northeast India. Spread across an area of 1,784sq.km, it’s the largest wildlife reserve in Sikkim, and gets its name from Khangchendzonga, which straddles the western boundary of the park. The reserve is also home to the Zemu Glacier and has been blessed with one of the most magnificent ecosystems in the world.

This national park is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Tibetan antelope, wild ass, barking deer, musk deer, flying squirrel and the red panda, among others. The vegetation here includes giant magnolias, rhododendrons, and pine forests.

Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest reserves of Bengal tigers in the world. Part of the Sundarbans on the Ganges Delta, it’s also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and invertebrate species, including saltwater crocodiles. It derives its name from the Sundari trees, which are a kind of mangrove tree found in large numbers here.

This area is most famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers, which are found in large numbers. They can be seen bathing on the river banks or swimming in the saline waters. Apart from the tiger, the other kinds of fauna found here are leopard cats, fishing cats, Indian grey mongoose, and chital, besides others. Some of the birds found in this area are open-billed storks, black-headed ibis, herring gulls, Caspian terns, and white-bellied sea eagles, among others.

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Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It houses a wide range of flora and fauna, and a major part of the national park is permanently under glaciers and ice.

The park boasts an impressive variety of flora, including ban oak forest, moist deodar forest, western mixed coniferous forest, and rhododendron scrub forest. The fauna, too, is as impressive as the flora. The major wildlife species found in the area include snow leopard, musk deer, wolf, ibex, common langur, and Himalayan black bear, among others.

Check Out Here: National Parks in India
 

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Shopping is one of the under-rated pleasures of travelling in India. Shopping in India is one of the immersive experiences of the country. Just like the country itself, the markest are vibrant, bustling with enery, sometimes chaotic and often hospitable. On your holiday in India, do indulge in shopping. From handcrafted treasures to natural produce, rare craftsmanship to some budget bragins, there is a lot on offer.

Here Places for Shopping in India:

1. Jaipur

For anything traditional and ethnic, it has to be Jaipur. Mirror Work, tie and dyes, exuberant embroideries and just so much colour! Keep to traditional items, clothing and handicrafts, a bargain at bazaars, break for amazing street food and you are set. Maybe even buy some traditional puppets. Jaipur is undoubtedly one of the best shopping places in India.

When you are done pampering yourself, also hoard some beautiful, and mostly hand-painted and natural colour printed home decor goodies, from cushions, bed sheets to rajaais. Psst? Also great for wedding shopping in India!

What: Jewelry (Lac, Trinkets, Precious, Customized), Clothing (Traditional),  Footwear (Traditional Jaipuri Jootis), Handicrafts, Saris, Home Decor (Curtains, Bedspreads etc)

Top Places: Bapu Bazaar, Johri Bazaar, MI Road,

2. Delhi

If there is one place where you get the best of both traditional, ethnic and contemporary as well as budget street shopping and splurging designer labels, it is Delhi. The sheer variety on this city's list is amazing and this makes it one of the best place to buy clothes in India. Connaught place and Janpath Market are essentials. Don't miss Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar if you are interested street shopping and clothing (sometimes even top brands) and jewellery on a budget. A bargain at local shops. Delhi Haat is essential for Handicrafts from around the country and Select Citywalk and Dlf Emporio for brands and designer labels.

What: Clothing (both street and labels), Trinkets, Silver and street Jewelry, Handicrafts, books

Top Places: Connaught Place and the adjoining emporiums and Janpath Market, Delhi Haat, Khan Market,

3. Chennai

You just don't leave Chennai without a bright Kanchipuram Sari. Even if you don't wear saris too often, a fine silk sari is essential, and if you are looking for a special one, it doesn't get better than this. Head to the Nalli store if you aren't an expert at saris for a full proof shopping spree. Do visit Pondy Bazaar and maybe grab a bite at Anna Salai in between. Express Avenue and Phoenix Market  City are some popular malls for shopping in India.

What: Kanchipuram Silk Saris, Clothing, Jewelry, Dance costumes and accessories (classical), handicrafts

Top Places: Anna Salai,T-Nagar, Mylapore (for dance costumes, accessories and handicrafts)

4. Goa - Beach shacks, Night markets and Stalls

Goa may already be your favourite, but if you like shopping at flea markets, stalls, and shacks and bargaining you might just fall for it again. Anjuna market is extremely popular and essential. Do bargain and check at multiple stalls before you settle for a purchase. When it comes to pop up flea markets, Anjuna is the best for impulse shopping in India.

What:  Artificial Jewelry and trinkets, Clothing, Beachwear, Footwear, Spices, Local handicrafts, Handbags, Accessories

Top Places: Anjuna Flea Market, Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora, Calangute Market Square

5. Mumbai

Like any other metro in India, Mumbai's shopping list doesn't have anyone, single highlight or speciality but a muse for anything you may desire. If you are in the mood for street shopping, there is the essential Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street and Hill Road. Don't forget to bargain here. There is also a certain Chor Bazaar and the word is you can find some vintage movie posters here. Could this be the best place to shop in India? We think so too! Amongst malls, do drop in at High Street Phoenix.

What: Clothing (both street and brands hopping), Accessories, Footwear, Jewelry, Maybe even some old and new Bollywood posters

Top Places: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, High Street Phoenix

6. Kerala

God's own country has nothing but everything natural here. From spices, coffee to essential oils, everything has an original aroma of its own. When it comes to jewellery- it's nothing but pure gold. Kerela is filled with charming markets and malls. Make a visit to the tea and coffee estates and lay your hands on freshly plucked beverage leaves. It's truly a paradise of sorts.

What: spices, gold jewellery (real & artificial), handicrafts, aroma oils, cashew nuts, banana chips, tea, coffee and Kasavu mundu

Top places: Connemara market in Trivandrum, Kochi spice market, Lulu International shopping mall in Kochi

7. Hyderabad

Known as The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is one of the best places to shop for the authentic pearls and relish the tasty biryanis, skewer kebabs and haleem. You'll love Hyderabad if you're a shopaholic.

What: Pearls, Ittar, Pochampally Ikkat Sarees, Mojaris, Kalamkari fabrics, Bidri work, Lac Bangles

Top places: Char Minar Bazaar, Laad Bazaar, Koti Market