A lot to see on this whirlwind tour,stunning scenery in Kyrgyzstan, busy Almaty in Kazakhstan and a lot of mosques,minarets and mausoleums.
The included lunches and dinners were very good apart from the dinner and breakfast at the yurt which was very basic and tasteless,room for improvement.
The eagle hunting demonstration is excellent something I won’t forget. The yurt stay was basic but acceptable,a bit chilly at night in June,the next morning there’s a 6km walk down to the red rocks,a very easy walk and very beautiful.
The border crossing on foot into Kazakhstan was straightforward as it’s so quiet unlike the border crossing into Uzbekistan which was pretty chaotic.
The Charyn Canyon was amazing,easy walk down to the picnic spot,you can either walk back or buy a ticket for a ride back up in a soviet truck.
Both sleeper trains were 4 berth quite tight on space for luggage,first sleeper does have food and drink available.
Uzbekistan was stunning but overwhelming with the amount of mosques,minarets and mausoleum’s visited in 4 regions,personally I wouldn’t have been bothered if Khiva had been missed off the itinerary a bit of a tourist trap.
Cultural Holidays in India
India Culture Holidays
Top 5 Historic Sites to Visit on India Holidays
Taj Mahal, Agra: One of the most iconic sites in the world, the Taj Mahal has a romantic backdrop that draws artists, photographers and history lovers to its breathtakingly beautiful setting. Completed in the mid-17th century, this magnificent building was constructed by the Moghul Emperor Shah in memory of his wife who died in 1631. You can see that every inch, from the glistening marble exterior to its ornately jewel-studded interior, was made from a deep love that has captivated the world over. On some of our holidays to India you can visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and watch the soft pink glow that casts against the white marble walls.
The Red Fort, Old Delhi: Enclosed by a 75 ft high, red sandstone wall in Old Delhi, the Red Fort is an architectural feat that took 10 years to build and was founded by Emperor Shah Jahan who was taken prisoner by his son in Agra Fort. As well as being a magnificent building, it also boasts a rich history, and it has become one of the most popular attractions to visit on India holidays. In 2007 Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inside its walls you’ll find an impressive complex of balconies, palaces, baths and a mosque.
Jama Masjid Mosque, Delhi: Dating back to 1644, the Jama Masjid Mosque is the largest in India and was built by Shah Jahan, who also built the Red Fort and Taj Mahal. Away from the buzz of Old Delhi’s streets, the mosque is an oasis of calm and is also known as the ‘Friday Mosque’. This giant building can hold a staggering 25,000 people and is made from marble and red sandstone. It’s worth climbing the 121 steps to the top of its minaret for the most amazing views across the city.
Varanasi: Flanked by the Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the holiest of India’s cities and is the essence of Hinduism. Holy men called Sadhus, often dressed in orange, and babas spend their time by the ghats performing spiritual rituals. At the centre of the city, you can witness holy ceremonies and explore the many temples that line the warren of meandering streets. At every turn Varanasi will enthral you and it’s one of the best places to visit on holidays to India if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi: This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first ever garden tomb in India and is worth visiting on family holidays to India as it gives you an insight into the typical Mughal architecture and its Persian influences. Humayun’s Tomb is the resting place of Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, and has an illustrious history that stretches back to the 16th century. The tomb can be found wrapped inside a perfectly manicured Mughal Garden on the banks of the River Yamuna and is also the resting place for other Mughals.
Susan Watson The Silk Road
Yves Hoekman The Silk RoadThis trip exceeded my expectations in many ways! There is so much to see and enjoy on this tour. It is a tale of two halves: the first half, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, focus more on the stunning scenery and nature. The beauty of Kyrgyzstan was a revelation to me. And the Eagle-hunting workshop was an absolute highlight for everyone in the group. I did also enjoy the ‘brutalist beauty’ of Bishkek (expect your first day to be a long day, as you land in the morning and do a city tour in the afternoon – I basically skipped a night’s sleep, but it was worth it!). A personal highlight for me was the walk from the yurt camp (most of the group cited the overnight stay in a yurt as their highlight) to the red rocks – absolutely stunning. The Grand Canyon in Kazakhstan was also a great experience. The second half of the trip, Uzbekistan, is more cultural: you will see many impressive mausoleums, madrasas and mosques. Samarkand especially blew me away! Khiva is also very beautiful but seems a bit more geared towards tourists – it was definitely more expensive than other parts of Uzbekistan, although still cheap. In Tashkent we also visited a market and some metro stations, which was a little different and a very interesting interlude. There is just so much to see and do. Some might find the many mausoleums a bit repetitive towards the end, but I found they all had something different to offer and it truly is a unique opportunity to visit these beautiful places before it gets to overcrowded with tourists (especially Uzbekistan is geared towards receiving more tourists and is getting more coverage in the international press as an up and coming tourist destination!).
When is the best time to visit India?
Choosing the best time to visit India depends on the region you plan to explore. Generally, the ideal time to visit India is during the winter months from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and most regions experience cooler temperatures. These months allow for more comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities across the country. Avoid the scorching heat of the summer months and the heavy rainfall during monsoon season so you can fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage, festivals and diverse landscapes.
Which is the best festival to attend in India?
While there are many festivals that take place across different regions of India throughout the year, the Pushkar Festival, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair, is one of the most lively and exciting. Each year, the event is held in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan and it brings together thousands of camels, livestock traders and visitors from around the world. The highlight of the festival is the trading of camels, where buyers and sellers negotiate deals among a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance and cultural performances. Pilgrims also gather to take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake, which is believed to cleanse your sins.
FAQs on Cultural Holidays to India
When travelling to India you’ll generally need a visa to enter the country. The visa policy for India varies based on nationality and the purpose of the visit. Most travellers need to apply for an appropriate visa before their planned arrival in India. The process usually involves submitting an application, with required documents, and paying the necessary fees. It is essential to check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the Indian government for the latest and most accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures. Also, please ensure that when you enter India, your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days.
Although there are no vaccination requirements for visiting India, the country is known to have specific health risks. Vaccines for diseases such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are commonly recommended for anyone visiting India. Hepatitis B, Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines may also be suggested depending on the duration of travel and intended activities. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic well in advance of your trip to ensure you are adequately protected. If travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
India is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, with explosive flavours and distinct spices. Some must-try foods include biryani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and aromatic spices. If you’re not one for hot and spicy dishes, try the creamy and savoury butter chicken, a popular Indian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce. And you can’t miss out on the crispy samosas, triangular shaped pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas and sometimes meat. Complete your culinary journey with a sweet treat like gulab jamun, soft fried dough balls soaked in sugary syrup.
India is blessed with a rich cultural heritage and around every corner is something new and exciting to discover. One of the best cultural experiences is witnessing the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, an architectural marvel and a symbol of eternal love. The palace is arguably India’s most famous landmark, and a sunset trip is an unforgettable experience. Throughout the year there are vibrant festivals, such as Pushkar Festival, which showcase traditional music, dance and camel trading. Attending a festival is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Indian culture. Other unmissable cultural experiences include a cruise along the Keralan backwaters, which provides a glimpse into rural life, and a tour of the iconic tea plantations, which give you a fascinating insight into India’s long-established tea production.
Blessed with a rich history, diverse culture and unique landscapes, India is filled with incredible sights to explore. One of the most iconic sights to discover is the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite architecture and romantic history. The vibrant city of Jaipur in Rajasthan offers a glimpse into the royal heritage of India with its magnificent palaces and forts, while the backwaters of Kerala provide a tranquil escape and let you experience traditional rural life.
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