Tigers, Temples and the Taj

With a population of over 18 million, Delhi is an international metropolis. Perhaps daunting at first sight, a little exploring soon reveals a rich, diverse and fascinating culture. Throughout most of its history, it has served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires, captured and rebuilt time and time again. Every dynasty left its mark and as you start to explore, you’ll discover reminders and relics from this colossal game of pass the parcel. As well as centuries worth of history to explore, Delhi is also one of the best places in India to shop, try the many different styles of food and experience the buzz of the city.

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s most popular national parks and hosts what is thought to be the highest densities of Bengal tiger in the country. Cave paintings and the ancient ruined fort from which the park takes its name are thought to be 2000 years old and the forests were long maintained as a preserve for the Maharajas and their guests.

The small town of Khajuraho is home to a remarkable collection of temples, famous for their erotic carvings. Built by the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050, the temples were abandoned after the demise of the regime at the hands of the Delhi Sultanate. They became swallowed by the surrounding jungle and lay hidden until they were rediscovered by the British in 1883. Although predominantly representing the Hindu faith, there are a number of temples dedicated to Jainism, and discovering the intricate details of each and every one is part of the fun of a visit here.

Take a flight from Khajuho to Delhi, where you will spend the night before driving on to Agra and then Varanasi. Either spend your short time back in this busy city relaxing, or explore a little at your leisure.

An ancient settlement on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is India’s spiritual capital and important among numerous faiths. Varanasi’s 84 ghats – stone embankments that step down into the river – are its most iconic sight. Most are crowded with pilgrims performing ritual ablutions in the river waters while a few are used solely for cremation. Sublime and sometimes shocking to visitors, the whole experience is utterly unforgettable. The rest of city is home to some 23,000 temples, the sandstone Ramnagar Fort and numerous centres of education, philosophy, music and art. Small-scale industries and household production employ most of Varanasi’s residents and its winding alleyways are one of the best places to find fine silks, carpets and crafts.

It has graced the pages of books for centuries but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal for the very fist time. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India’s most memorable and emotive sights. The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River within 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum sits 52m above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides. It is flanked by a mosque and a guest house, both made from red sandstone and mirror images of each other. There is no denying that the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the main reasons people visit Agra. However, it’s well worth lingering to explore the city’s magnificent fort that lies just 3km to the west.