The Indian Panorama

That’s probably how bonds in Rajasthan are made, strong and eternal. Holding hands with history from as far as one can remember, is one such city on the north Indian land that is known for its shining forts and palaces, Jaipur. Like a storybook, the city unfolds its every page to the curious minds who want to know about the mighty warriors this land has given shelter. Come here any season, and you would find the same colourful markets, the pulling aroma of its famous dish, Dal Bati Churma, the picture-perfect landscapes and most of all the humble people.

A little far from Jaipur and a little close to the heart of Rajasthan is Ranthambore, which is known as one of the biggest national parks in India. Steering back and forth in time, the land which was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rajasthan is now a national park and a tiger reserve nurturing all of wild on its area of 400 sq Km. Sometime close to winters, migratory birds make their way to take shelter here and surprise the travellers who come here on a wild safari. Tigers, Leopards, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals are some of the dear friends of wildlife photographers who come all the way to Ranthambore.

The wandering minds looking for places on the Indian map, often stop at Agra, the knight in shining armour of Uttar Pradesh. The bustling city, which is somewhere famed for the Taj Mahal and somewhere for its flavoursome sweet petha, has more pages to unfold if looked close enough. While the daytime might pass away in a blink listening to the praises of epitomes of Mughal empire which is nurtured in the form of tombs, mausoleums, and forts, the evening is made delightful at Sadar Bazar and Pratap Pura trying the finely curated chats, non-vegetarian dishes and paranthas famous in the city.

Taking a little culture from here and there is Gwalior, the beautifully carved out city of Madhya Pradesh. Travellers going to other tourist destinations often stumble upon Gwalior thanks to its unusual setting and landscapes draped with history. From exploring the throne of Gwalior Fort which has seen several Kings come and go, to the finely crafted Tombs Of Mohammed Ghaus & Tansen; from stepping towards a spiritually enlightening Sun Temple to witnessing the vast expanse of the royal Jai Vilas Palace, there is so much more to know about this city.

Most of the travellers who would have visited Khajuraho know how astounding it is, but the ones who didn’t are meant to pack their bags and visit this town in Madhya Pradesh. The pride possession of the Bundelkhand region, the land shares its charm with the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Blazing afternoons turn into calming evening sighting the erotic rock carving on the Monuments, which seems like just the right time to give taste buds a street food treat and then end the day by revelling in the Light and Sound Show in Khajuraho.

It seems like a surprise to many that why Varanasi never shared its stature of being one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Also known as the City of Temples, a usual scene on the ghats of Varanasi is of life and death rituals taking place, some worshippers washing themselves of the sins, others waiting for the dawn to see the Ganga Aarti and that’s when the deep thoughts turn into realisation that why Varanasi is considered so pious. Amid all of this lies a different side to Varanasi which calls out the shopaholics and foodies to try the exclusive flavours of its street food.