Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and the second largest city in India (after Mumbai). This city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured decidedly futuristic.
The first thing that you will notice about Lucknow is its old-world charm, mirrored by its exquisite monuments, British-era buildings, and the well-known ‘Lakhnawi Tehzeeb,' the etiquette of the people of Lucknow.
One of South India’s great temple towns, constructed in the form of a lotus, Madurai is famous for the awe-inspiring Sri Meenakshi Temple complex.
India’s largest port, its commercial and industrial center, as well as fashion capital and heart of Bollywood (India’s thriving movie industry), Mumbai is an endlessly fascinating hive of activity.
This beautiful Paro valley is about 2250m above the sea level. Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the influences of the Buddhism. The wide and fertile Paro valley has both an ancient and a modern face.
Thanjavur properly situated in the Cauvery delta is the rice – bowl of Tami Nadu. A fertile land that was also fertile for art, architecture and culture.
While Handicrafts from Gujarat are exported to far off places all across the world, you can buy it all from Kapasi Handicraft Emporium. They include pottery and handicrafts made out of brass and rare metal work, wall hangings, vases, marble art pieces and more.
Dance – the most expressive way of telling a story. And dance, in every region, tells the story of its people.
The region is home to some exquisite arts and crafts, including the famous Tanjore paintings that usually depict Hindu gods, goddesses and saints and are embellished with gold foil and inlay of semi-precious stones. Watch artists create these iconic paintings on shops on South Street, or visit one of the dealers who works from home.
A piece of jewellery is an indication of your personal taste, but could it also be a vehicle to advertise your caste, religion, region, economic status and marital status?
Art can be to inspire, educate and awaken. Art can be called a creation by the creator. Visit to the Jungshi Handmade paper factory will make you feel that you are in the “Utopia” of artist.
This is an ancient traditional fighting system that originated in Kerala. The word “kalari” means battlefield and “payattu” refers to “become trained” or “to practice”. Thus traditionally people practising this art form were those who were trained for the battlefield. It is considered by some to be the oldest martial art still in existence.
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road.
One of the most iconic experiences in Varanasi is experiencing the musical side of the holy city. A visit to the sitar player’s (Chordophone Player) house will be totally different and mesmerizing experience for you. You will be soaked in the tunes played by world renowned Sitar player which will complement the aura of the city as well.
Tanjore is a great place to pick up the traditional Tanjore dolls, with their bobbing heads—the area around the Punainallur Mariamman Temple has many small shops. Stock up on authentic Tanjore paintings embellished with semi-precious stones and gold foil. Another thing to pick up is bronze statues of gods and goddesses.
Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat of dancing from "Salupliya" depicting several demons, "Thelme" vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo.
To all the visitors coming to Gujarat, the state has a very welcoming phrase- “Aavo Padharo”. This phrase rings completely true because the best thing about Gujarat is that people are friendly, inviting and always welcoming. So much so that you would be enticed to visit here over and over again.
