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With the new generation following the motto of Offbeat destinations and Wanderlust as the new dream, staying in a House Boats in Backwaters instead of a good old fashioned hotel room sounds much more tempting. Backwaters are a part of the river with little or no current that rejoins the river at a certain point.   House Boats are basically of two types The first ones are mainly just harbored or static with all the basic amenities and they don’t have any propelling gadgets.   The second ones are vacationing vessels, they have all homely furnishing along with engines and they can cruise on small water bodies like a river.   There are various kinds of House Boats of Deluxe, Premium or Luxury with all kind of facilities. You can sit on the deck and enjoy the beautiful sunset, ride along in the water and feel the cool breeze touching your face or watch the stars at night from the deck and rotate the steering wheel of your ship and fulfill the fantasy we had as a kid of becoming the captain of our own ship.   In India, there are many destinations where you can enjoy staying in House Boat and sail into the backwaters and just keep floating. Kerala In Kerala, there are two major backwaters Alappuzha and Kumarakom. They are easily accessible from Kochi. Being named “The God’s own Country” it is every traveler’s dream to have once visited here. You can sail in the waters and see long lines of coconut trees, farmers working on their paddy fields and the sky painted into millions of colors at the sunset. There are a great number of options for choosing houseboats and you can even get a cook onboard. You can try all the local delicacies and learn about the culture and tradition of the place. Srinagar Dal Lake known for the shikara rides also gives huge options of House Boats stay. The boats are wooden and the architecture is very intricate and the view of mountains of Kashmir is an added bonus. One also witnessed the floating market along the lake. The apple orchards and Tulips make one feel even closer to nature.   Maharashtra The only backwater in Maharashtra is at Tarkarli which also has its own coral beach. Maharashtra tourism has its own House Boats to boost Tarkarli’s tourism. It was started back in 2003. The Backwaters Karli River houses these boats. You can home cooked Malvani food and indulge with the locals and hear awesome stories about their traditions. Apart from this, you can do Scuba diving and Snorkelling and also spot dolphins sometimes.   Pondicherry The great beaches and the Auroville along with the Aurobindo’s Ashram have always attracted tourists to Pondicherry. The French colonial-style homes and tax-free alcohol are the reason backpackers from across the world come to this place. If you want a floating holiday then you can pamper yourself with the luxurious House Boats and enjoy your stay there.   Goa The ultimate party, the nightlife, the fun, and the craze never seems to stop here. But if you want a peaceful holiday that is possible too. One can just book a House Boat in Chapora river and sit around doing nothing just enjoying the calmness and relaxing your mind and body. While sailing you can see the Goan villages, church, watch the farmer collecting coconuts and also spot dolphins.   Assam The House Boat cruise of Assam gives and completely different experience. You can cruise through Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary near Guwahati where you can spot many migratory birds and the Silk weaving village called Sualkuchi. There are many other destinations that can also be covered like Kaziranga to see the one-horned Rhino, Majuli, Shillong & Cherrapunjee of northeast India. Conclusion Every place has its own story and own things to offer so the experiences will be very different. Houseboats are the best way for people to enjoy and relax in a beautiful surrounding. The most famous House Boats in India are of Kerala and Srinagar.

Rajasthan is a royal Rajputana state known for its magnificent forts and palaces. All the historical forts and palaces built by the different ruler of Rajasthan. While Today, most of the Forts and Palaces converted into a museum or five-star heritage hotels. So if you want to feel the royal lifestyle of ancient kings then staying at heritage hotels in Rajasthan is a good idea for you. These heritage hotels and resorts in Rajasthan gives the best experience of hospitality along with a luxurious stay. Meanwhile, if you want to spend a luxurious holiday vacation here, then try to book a heritage resort in Rajasthan. Here is the list of top 6 heritage hotels in Rajasthan that come with all modern facility. Top 5 Most Famous Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan For A Luxurious Vacation – 1- Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur Spread an area of 50 acres, the palace was used as a hunting grounds for the Maharana of Mewar. Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, the property is about 200 years old. Surrounded by the lush greenery and the picturesque Lake Pichola, the accommodation offers you a very comfortable stay in Udaipur. The property has 3 in-house restaurants along with 2 outdoor pool and a luxurious spa. Further, the room is very Spacious and comes with all modern facility that makes your stay very comfortable. Guest can also enjoy a large variety of Traditional as well as International dishes at Suryamahal restaurant. Drinks facility also available at Chandni Bar, where you can see traditional music and dance performance in the evening. Along with these things, the property also organises a Skiara boat ride at Lake Pichola on the guest demand with drinks and snacks facility. So not only in Udaipur, Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel is one of the best luxury heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Estimated Price – Rs. 40000-50000 per night/ 2 adults 2- Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Rambagh Palace considered as one of the best luxury heritage resort in Rajasthan. The palace resort is a true jewel of Jaipur and it was a royal residence of Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II and his beautiful queen Gayatri Devi. Later, it is converted into a heritage hotel and now its a part of India largest hotels chain Taj Group. Currently, the palace is a perfect accommodation for rich traveller and businessman as it offers the world-class facility to its guest. Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, the accommodation also offers spa facility to its guest. Rooms are well furnished and decorated with rich textures, elegant carpets and hand-painted wall motifs. Further, the room fitted with a flat-screen TV, personal safe and minibar, whereas the bathroom comes with a shower and bathtub facility. There is a separate area for the yoga and gym exercise. The property also arranges horse-ride on the guest demand. The in-house restaurant serves delicious Rajasthani cuisine and some international dishes on daily basis. Overall a top-rated accommodation in Jaipur, where you feel a luxurious or royal life. Estimated Price – Rs. 40000-50000 per night/ 2 adults 3- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur Another famous heritage hotels in Rajasthan run by Taj group of hotels. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746 AD as a summer resort. The palace originally was known as Jag Niwas and later get it to name as Lake Palace Udaipur. After the death of Maharana Jagat Singh, the palace used as a summer resort by the successor kings of Udaipur. Later in 1971, the palace was taken over by the Taj Group of hotels. After a little bit of renovation, the property gives it service to thousands of national and international tourists. Located in the middle of Lake Pichola, it spread an area of 4 acres of land. At present, there are around 83 four rooms, which offer great hospitality service to its guest. Featuring a swimming pool and a spa centre, the property offers the breathtaking view of Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir Palace. All room amenities beautifully carved with wooden furniture and luxurious silk fabrics. Further, the rooftop restaurant serves delicious Italian, Continental, Indian and traditional Rajasthani dishes. Apart from these things, the location offers many breathtaking views of surrounding nature. One can also enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichola that is really an amazing experience that you can get here. Estimated Price – Rs. 40000-60000 per night/ 2 adults 4- Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur Still searching for heritage resort in Rajasthan, then Umaid Bhawan Palace is another luxurious accommodation in Jodhpur. Built between 1928 and 1943, some of the parts of this palace still used a residence by the royal family of Jodhpur. Surrounded by the lush green garden, it spread an area of 26 acres and also one of the famous tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Made up of yellow sandstone and Makrana marble, the architecture style of this palace is truly magnificent that soothes your eyes. The palace also recognised as 6th largest private residences in the world. Further, the surrounding natural beauty adds another charm to this location. Featuring Art Deco and Renaissance design, it has 2 swimming pools and a Jiva Grande Spa. You can also find a Champagne Museum inside the palace premises that has a fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian antiques with a glass of champagne in hand. On other hands, there is a yoga studio, gym and tennis courts to perform some leisure activity. Moreover a top rated accommodation in Jodhpur for the couples and individual tourist too. Estimated Price – Rs. 100,000 per night/ 2 adults 5- Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar Located on Delhi-Jaipur highway, Neemrana Fort Palace is another famous heritage hotels in Rajasthan lies in Alwar district. The Fort & Palace was built around the 15th century that displays the culture and glorious history of Alwar. Further, reconverted into a heritage resort that features two swimming pools, a hanging garden and a spa centre. There is three dining option known as Hawa Mahal, Silehkhana Bar and Jalgiri. Guest can enjoy

Meghalaya is one of India’s easternmost states, sharing a long border with Bangladesh. Due to India’s geographical position and size, it technically falls under three time zones. However, the country follows only one time – the Indian Standard Time. Since the sun rises in the east, the day starts and ends early in the eastern states of India. It is recommended to commence your journey early in the morning to conclude your day by 5 pm (around the time the sun typically sets in winters). I highly recommend starting your journey early to make the most of the daylight.   During our trip, we stayed in Shillong for three nights, organizing two full-day trips from Shillong and spending one day exploring the city. One day trip took us to the Indo-Bangladesh Border, Dawki River – absolutely stunning, and Mawlynnong village, awarded the cleanest village in Asia. On this day, we also hiked to the live root bridge at Rewai village. The other day trip was to Cherrapunji – known for receiving the maximum rain in India and once considered the wettest place in the world (a record now held by a nearby town). Here, we saw amazing waterfalls and a cave. The drive in Meghalaya is a total joy. The hills are lined with pineapple and bamboo trees, along with ferns and other unique plants. Dawki   Our visit to Dawki was one of the highlights of our trip. The Dawki River was spectacular. We arrived early, a highly recommended strategy to avoid traffic jams. The crystal-clear water allowed us to see the beautiful pebbled riverbed. The boat ride was peaceful and refreshing. We opted for a 30-minute boat ride, which was perfect. By the time we left, there was a traffic jam at least 2 km long on the approach road. We were glad to have arrived early.   Indo-Bangladesh Border   Our hotel manager suggested visiting the India-Bangladesh Border. Our driver and locals at Dawki river discouraged us, but we persisted. The border is a good 30-minute drive from Dawki river. The road was not in great condition, and there were many trucks en route. Nevertheless, the visit was interesting. The India-Bangladesh Border is an open border. Gates were open, and vehicles from both sides were traveling across. We interacted with guards and met a Bangladeshi boy selling fresh vegetables and berry pickles. According to border security, the sheep were Indian and stayed within their territory.   Mawlynnong Village   A short and beautiful drive from Dawki river is Asia’s cleanest village. Mawlynnong village is breathtakingly beautiful, resembling a fairytale from a Disney movie. Each house has a tiny garden with colorful flowers. The tiny streets are clean, and as you walk, you witness children playing and some drinking water from a hand pump. The village has souvenir stalls, and if interested in staying overnight, there are home-stays available.   Rewai Village   Our next stop was Rewai village and our hike to the single-decker live root bridge. The walk from the car park to the root bridge took around 30 minutes, mostly downhill. We had never seen anything like this before, and it was definitely worth visiting. Meghalaya is home to a number of live root bridges, handmade by the Khasi and Jaintia people to navigate the mountains.   Cherrapunji   Our day trip to Cherrapunji was good, known for waterfalls and the highest rainfall. Cherrapunji also hosts a beautiful Eco Park with breathtaking views. The limestone and sandstone caves of Cherrapunji were another fascinating stop.   Shillong Sightseeing   Our last day in Meghalaya was spent exploring Shillong. We visited the Elephant Waterfall, the Dam, Shillong Zoo, and the Church, built-in 1936. In Shillong, we also visited the Golf course, created in 1889. The third oldest golf course in India with an 18-hole course. One of the most interesting places in Shillong is the Don Bosco Museum, focusing on showcasing indigenous communities of the Northeast.   Food   When planning our visit, there was uncertainty about available food and facilities. Shillong, being the capital, offers a variety of options. During excursions, there were limited food options, adding to the charm of the countryside. Roadside shops sold caps, strolls, souvenirs, instant noodles, chips, biscuits, and freshly cut pineapple. Most roadside eateries offered a standard thali (fixed meal) with rice, dal, a dry vegetable, chicken, or fish. If traveling with kids, it’s advised to be prepared, having a heavy breakfast, and packing some fruit cake and instant soup packs for lunch. On excursions to Dwaki and Mawlynnong, fixed meal roadside restaurants were the only food option.   I had combined our trip to Meghalaya with Assam. It is recommended to spend 7 nights in Assam and 3 nights in Meghalaya. You can make two separate trips or do it as one tour.

In the heart of India, a captivating tapestry of culture, history, and diverse landscapes unfolds, inviting globetrotters from every corner of the world to embark on an enchanting journey. Picture this: From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene beaches of Goa, each corner of this extraordinary country holds a unique blend of experiences, tailored to every traveler’s taste.   Our narrative begins with an exploration of the top tourist spots in India, where the vibrant streets of Delhi lead to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the royal heritage of Jaipur. This adventure unveils the beauty of India, seamlessly weaving together the threads of its history and modernity.   As we dive into India’s cultural tapestry, heritage tours become a gateway to exploring ancient sites and witnessing the grandeur of Indian festivals. From the awe-inspiring Qutub Minar to the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi, every step resonates with the echoes of India’s glorious past, inviting travelers to become a part of its living history.   India is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts who crave an experience. Explore the Himalayas on a trekking expedition, venture into jungles for thrilling wildlife safaris, challenge yourself with exhilarating rafting adventures in roaring rivers or simply unwind and connect with nature while camping, amidst its abundance.   Our tour then takes us to the famous Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Witness the grandeur of Delhi, marvel at the architectural prowess of the Taj Mahal. It’s an adventure that captures the spirit of India’s cultural and historical diversity.   Culinary tours through bustling food markets will allow you to indulge your taste buds in the gourmet delicacies of India. Savor the various flavors that define the country’s culinary heritage, from traditional Indian cuisine to the spicy allure of street food.   Seek refuge in India’s land of yoga and wellness, where retreats offer revitalizing experiences, Ayurvedic practices, and the transformational power of meditation against the backdrop of the country’s various landscapes.   Escape to India’s coastal paradises, from Goa’s vibrant beaches to Kerala‘s peaceful coasts and the exotic beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Coastal vacations promise the ideal balance of relaxation and activity.   India offers a tapestry of luxury experiences for people seeking richness. Enjoy customized travel arrangements, stay in elegant boutique hotels, travel on luxurious trains, and relax in high-end resorts that provide elegance.   Even the most visitor will be welcomed in India. Explore low-cost travel choices, discovered smart travel solutions, and enjoy the excitement of backpacking across this diverse and budget-friendly destination.   Before you travel in this multi cultured country, prepare yourself with important travel advice. Learn about local customs and etiquette, pack appropriately for different temperatures, and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel through a land where every step is a dance between the ancient and modern, earning experiences that will last a lifetime. Set out on this incredible voyage to India, where time and tradition blend effortlessly, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

In the heart of Delhi, where the city’s vibrant past collides with the dynamic present, a cheerful and conversational guide eagerly takes the helm to lead curious tourists on a captivating journey. Honored to be part of Shikhar Travels India, this seasoned guide is delighted to share tales of a special tour meticulously organized for those eager to explore the historical tapestry of Old Delhi.   The day unfolds with a burst of energy as the guide, having spent considerable time navigating the city’s labyrinthine streets, embarks on a full-day Old Delhi heritage tour. Delhi, with its quintessential old-world charm, promises an experience for every palate, and Shikhar Travels seamlessly brings this charm face-to-face with the modern traveler.   Guiding a group through the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, the guide becomes a storyteller, unraveling the generational, architectural, and culinary legacy woven into the city’s fabric. The journey kicks off at the legendary Chandni Chowk, a lively marketplace renowned for its vibrancy. From the tantalizing street food stalls to historic landmarks like Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid, the day promises a kaleidoscope of experiences.   The first stop is the historic Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, nestled just outside Chandni Chowk Metro Station. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle, the guide shares the Gurudwara’s historical significance, its nomenclature, and the poignant tale of the battle between Sikhs and Mughals. As the group meanders through the iconic market around the Gurudwara, the guide responds to queries, revealing that this site marks where the ninth Sikh guru met his tragic end at the hands of Aurangzeb.   The tour progresses, with the Red Fort standing as a majestic testament to the Mughal Era’s architectural prowess. The awe-inspiring structure prompts eager inquiries from the tourists about its history and its connection to the Agra Fort. As the group explores the fort’s various sections, including Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, and The Pearl Mosque, a second leg of the journey unfolds—a Traditional Rickshaw Tour through the congested lanes around Jama Masjid.   Unearthing the colorful secrets of Old Delhi, the tourists marvel at the ingenuity of shopkeepers who expertly accommodate their offerings despite space constraints. Paying respects to the iconic Jama Masjid and wandering through its corridors, the group then ventures to Kinari Bazar and Khari Baoli. Each locale pulsates with vibrancy, from wedding attire showrooms to the aromatic narrow alleys of Asia’s largest spice market—Khari Baoli. The guide enlightens the tourists about the culinary and therapeutic uses of various spices before granting them time to explore the market independently.   As the day winds down, the group indulges in the most famous street food preparations of Old Delhi. From Dahi Bhallas to Rabdi Falooda, Kudemal ki Kulfi, and the mesmerizing Daulat ki Chaat, each dish is savored and appreciated for its unique flavors. With a final stroll through the area, the guide provides insights into each narrow lane, the architecture, and the remarkable construction of the metro system in such a congested space.   The tour concludes with heartfelt farewells at the hotel. The tourists, thoroughly immersed in the historical, cultural, and culinary significance of Chandni Chowk and the surrounding area of Old Delhi, depart with memories that will linger as enduring souvenirs of a day well spent.