India Destination Guide

As one of the most diverse countries in the world, India makes for a truly fascinating destination, with incredibly varied terrain ranging from stunning mountain peaks to breathtaking coastlines.

The people are just as compelling as the scenery. Religions from all across the world are followed in India. Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism represent the majority of the population, but Islam, Christianity and a host of other faiths are present throughout the country.

Currency: The tender is Indian rupees, with 100 equating to 1.13 pounds (as at August 2016).

Climate: A variety of climates exist in India, with tropical conditions in the south to temperate and alpine weather in the north.

Customs and etiquette: There are rules that travellers need to be wary of when visiting India. It is advisable to avoid public displays of affection. In addition to this, travellers need to make sure they take their shoes off when entering temples and other places of worship.

Mohali

Mohali is full of excellent attractions for visitors to explore. Top of the list is probably the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the venue is one of the best in the world and hosted several matches at the 2011 World Cup.

However, if you’re not interested in sports, there is still plenty to enjoy here, including the breathtaking Silvi Park. This landscaped garden is an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature at its finest.

Elsewhere, the Dr Diwan Singh Kalepani Museum makes for a fascinating day out. Focused on the Punjabi culture, this exhibition looks at the life of the doctor and poet, who was a key figure in the freedom movement of the 1920s.

Must-see: The Amb Sahib Gurudwara cannot be missed. At this location, the Guru blessed his Gursikh to enable him to feel content. The architecture is truly sensational and visiting this landmark provides an excellent insight into the Sikh culture.

Shopping: The North Country Mall in Mohali is perfect for bargain hunters. With plenty of high street brands and a cinema, making it a fantastic place to shop and relax.

Getting around: For fast and efficient transport, it is advisable to use taxis.

Rajkot

As the fourth largest city in Gujurat, Rajkot is bursting with things to do for travellers, including majestic cultural attractions such as the Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama and the Aji Dam Garden.

While the destination is full of historic landmarks and artefacts, there are plenty of places to visit just for leisure, including the excellent Funworld Rajkot theme park. There are 18 rides here spread across more than five acres of prime land. Attracting 1.2 million people every year, it is the perfect place for children and adults alike to unwind.

The Watson Museum is another incredible tourist hotspot. Featuring artefacts from throughout Rajkot’s history, it gives travellers an excellent insight into the culture of the city. It is also located in the middle of the downtown area, putting tourists right next to a variety of great shops and restaurants.

Must-see: The Rotary Dolls Museum is the perfect destination for children, with a vast library of dolls and toys on show from across the globe. Thanks to the detailed descriptions of each of the dolls, there’s plenty of culture for adults to appreciate too.

Shopping: Crystal Mall is the place to be for shoppers in Rajkot. There are plenty of excellent shops in the centre, along with a varied food court full of the best local cuisine.

Getting around: There is an extensive bus timetable operating across the city, with services run by the Rajkot Municipal Transport Service.

Mumbai

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Mumbai attracts tourists in big numbers who are interested in the city’s phenomenal culture, unique architecture and incredible food.

What’s more, it is the land of Bollywood, the Indian equivalent of Hollywood and home to many of the country’s most popular film stars. There’s an air of glamour to the destination that you won’t see anywhere else.

Attractions such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the ISKON Temple make Mumbai one of the best places for visitors to learn more about Indian culture.

Must-see: The Shree Siddhivinayak is one of the most prestigious temples in Mumbai, and is dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. The architecture of the structure is phenomenal and makes for some extraordinary photo opportunities.

Shopping: High Street Phoenix is the premier shopping destination in the city, with a variety of high street brands and stunning architecture to offer a unique retail experience.

Getting around: Trains are the primary mode of transport in Mumbai, but there are also taxis, rickshaws and ferry services to guide visitors around the city.

Vizag

Vizag (short for Visakhapatnam) is one of the most popular holiday resorts in India thanks to its extraordinary mix of fascinating culture and glorious beaches.

Fans of the outdoors will have plenty to look forward to in the city, including the mesmerising Borra Caves and the breathtaking Kailasagiri Park. Similarly, history buffs won’t feel left out either, with the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum giving visitors a great look at the area’s past.

It may not have the big-city feel of Mumbai, but Vizag is full of overwhelming natural beauty and makes for an excellent holiday destination.

Must-see: The Simhachalam Temple is one of the most prestigious temples in the whole of India and is an architectural masterpiece. It makes up one of the 18 shrines of Lord Narasimha in the country.

Shopping: The Vinas Fashion Mall along Waltair Uplands Road is a top retail destinations in the city and a fantastic place where clothes, cosmetics and footwear are readily available.

Getting around: Buses and rickshaws are two of the top modes of transport for travellers, allowing them to reach all of the major attractions in the city, though local people often opt to use their own cars instead.

Chennai

Capital of the Tamil Nadu State, this city is extremely diverse with several neighbourhoods showcasing some of the region’s leading artistic and religious traditions.

Along with the incredible amount of culture available across Chennai, it has grown into a more cosmopolitan location in recent years, with luxury hotels and magnificent restaurants based throughout the city.

The British Fort St George and the beautiful narrow streets and bazaars across George Town make up the historic section, where visitors can take in some extraordinary museums and architecture.

As well as its compelling culture, the city’s Besant Nagar Beach is a fantastic place for travellers to put their feet up and unwind.

Must-see: The Kapaleeshwar Temple is a phenomenal work of architecture. Built back in the 7th century CE, this place of worship looks truly majestic and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Shopping: The Express Avenue Mall is the ultimate retail destination in Chennai, with 900,000 sq ft of retail space for shoppers to explore.

Getting around: The city has its own mass rapid transit system, connecting many of the leading tourist attractions. There is also a wide bus network and a host of taxis readily available to save you lots of walking!