Urban Adventures in India

Delhi

Take to the streets to sample the magnificence of the capital’s treasure trove. From enriching Mughal history to be found in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to the colonial past that is etched in Lutyens’ Delhi. Be transported to a different era during a heritage walk or segway tour. Traverse Mehrauli Archaeological Park, located in the vicinity of Qutb Minar, where you will come across tombs, mosques and step wells, most of which are well-maintained and in very good condition.

The art scene here, is equally vibrant. Enjoy exhibitions of miniature and modern art, a visit to the home of an eminent art collector, galleries displaying Folk Art and the chance to view Lodhi Colony’s flamboyant street art - there are choices galore for art aficionados. In the evening, set out on a bar crawl in one of Delhi’s chicest villages, Hauz Khas village. Alternately, spend some time conversing with a celebrated wildlife filmmaker over drinks.

Mumbai

The financial capital of India, Mumbai, is also a melting pot of cultures, sub-cultures and creed. This truly cosmopolitan city is a treat for all the five senses. Witness Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture, which has a pride of place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List; a celebrated art curator who has staged some of the most interesting exhibitions in the country will take you around pointing out the nuances of the artwork. Spend some time as a Mumbai Dabbawala, the intrepid food couriers of Mumbai who navigate the city’s bustling streets delivering millions of home-cooked lunches to the desks of hungry office workers every day. Unlock the Parsi and Jewish way of life, and later, join a local Parsi family for a spot of lunch inspired by their unique cuisine. Cap all this with a tour of the Mumbai streets, gorging on the city’s delectable street food.

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Munnar Must-dos

Munnar, in God’s Own Country - Kerala, is so much more than rolling hills and warm hospitality in quaint resorts. Home to spice, tea and even coffee plantations, guided tours are a perfect way to soak up its spirit that manifests itself in lush green surroundings. Visit a tea factory, enjoy tasting various blends and buy the varieties you prefer. Adventure-seekers may opt to partake in picturesque walks through spice plantations that are teeming with diverse avifauna. Take a peek at Munnar’s signature local fauna in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The rich biodiversity here, include the Nilgiri Tahrs, grizzled giant squirrels, varieties of monkeys and wild elephants among others. Munnar houses the remains of Dolmens from the Neolithic Age that can still be seen in the higher altitudes of the region. Enjoy a trek here for sylvan mountainscape, fresh mountain air and stupendous perspective of the highlands. Kolukkumalai, the highest organic tea estate in the world, is yet another place for moderate treks. The vistas from Kolukkumalai Peak (7000 feet) of the surrounding hills are especially wondrous.   

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Tshechus of Bhutan

Tshechus (festivals) form an integral part of Bhutan’s rich culture. Most of these festivals pay homage to Guru Rinpoche, one of the most noteworthy figures of Tibetan Buddhism, and the country’s sacred traditions. Masked dances, wherein the wooden masks represent female and male deities, saints, animals and the many manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, form the creative part of the celebrations while the colorfully attired monks perform energetic steps marking the occasion of life, death, victory, spirituality, and everything in between. It is believed by the locals that witnessing a masked dance (Cham dance) during a Tshechu (festival) and receiving blessings will help them wash away their sins. These performances are often accompanied by folk songs and music played with local instruments. Held mostly in dzongs (fortresses), temples and monasteries, the many types of performances during the festivals include dance that is meant for the judgment of the dead, sword dances, Drametse Ngacham (mask dance of the drums from Drametse), the mask-less Pacham dance (dance of the heroes) and Durdag dance.

Some of the significant tshechus are:

• Paro Tshechu (April 4-8, 2020)
• Thimphu Tshechu (September 26-28, 2020)
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup (October 31 – November 3, 2020)

To book a Bhutanese holiday, write to us.

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Did You Know…

1. “…Tripadvisor revealed the top trending destinations in the world, with Kochi, India ranking #1…”

Evidently a favorite among travelers, Kochi in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is a confluence of cultures, cuisines and seascapes, and displays unparalleled joie de vivre.

Click to find more inspiration.

2. Good news for Rajasthan-bound guests – Two new hotels are about to open their doors in late 2020.

• Raffles in Udaipur
• Six Senses Fort Barwara near Ranthambore

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