Local Experiences

Delhi 6 – Spice Market Tour with Cycle Rickshaw Ride

Shahjahanabad or Old Delhi, the 7th city of Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan was the culmination of a long-cherished dream of Emperor Shahjahan to create the world’s best city in India. Shahjahanabad was a centre of culture and art, with its own unique language of expression and has something to offer to everyone. From hundred of years, this city know that how to keep itself relevant to all the generations from religion to shopping, to street food to photography to Spices, everyone finds their own reason to visit this 17th-century city. The romance of the bazaars of Delhi 6 can be experienced at its best in and around Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli or Delhi 6 Spice Market and its by lanes.

After Independence on August 15, 1972 Postal Index Number was introduced in India and postal code of Old Delhi is 110006 and we all call it Delhi 6 out of love.

Khari Baoli is a famous street in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi that is known for selling best quality wholesale spices, herbs, tea, rice and nuts. Its origins started in the 17th-century and have remained a busy market area ever since. Today, it’s Asia’s largest spice market, as Asia’s largest spice market, you can be sure that this street is not only busy and but the air will be filled with spices too. This is the place where all that aromatic flavour in those yummy curries and snacks comes from. Plus, you can try your bargaining skills when buying some spices yourself to cook with some authentic ingredients back home.

As well as stalking spices, if you’re a photography lover Khari Baoli has an endless source of inspiration. One of the most famous areas of Khari Baoli is the Old Delhi Spice Market Rooftop for photos. As it’s one of the most amazing views of the old city. You can see the endless houses, minarets of mosques, as well as a birds-eye view of the historic spice market. Later at the end you can also enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride.

Hot Air Balloon Flight – Jaipur

“Let your DREAMS take FLIGHT”

Have you ever tried floating with the clouds? Imagine the golden glow of the sun warming your face and the cool wind caressing your face on a hot air balloon safari in Jaipur.

Hot air ballooning in Jaipur is truly magical and breathtaking experience. It's an adventure that's both romantic and idyllic, providing an unforgettable experience that's hard to match. Fly above Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and Samode Palace with your partner by your side to get a 360 degree view of the Pink City. The stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and incredible vistas make for an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful and serene ride or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, hot air ballooning in Jaipur is the perfect choice.

Weavers Village – Varanasi

“Don’t believe in love at first sight? Just wear a saree and see the magic”

Banaras, Varanasi, and Kashi are the many names given to the spiritual capital of India, which also happens to be the abode for the most exquisite weaving cluster of the country. Women give their Banarasi Silk sarees to their daughter as a tradition and are passed on from generations to generations.

Banarasi Silk is an unparalleled symbol of luxury that has captured the attention of Kings of India and surrounding countries to impress their queens. The intricate designs and rich colors of this fabric are unparalleled in their ability to impress queens and dignitaries alike. It is without a doubt that Banarasi silk stands as a true masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship and culture. Weavers Village is known for making Banarasi sarees.

Walk through the narrow lanes of the silk weavers village of Varanasi and the clackety-clack sounds from the looms fill the air, most of the locals here are indulge in silk weaving. Situated in Varanasi’s north, this wavers village is one of a handful of weaving communities in the city.

The Banarasi sarees are one of India's finest, known for intricate gold and silver brocade, fine silk, and opulent embroidery. Brides in India prefer Banarasi sarees for their wedding. Visit the village to see people creating cloth out of threads. You can watch how they design their clothes with looms. Making a fine, silk Banarasi sari is a masterclass in skill, artistry, and patience. Weavers can take anywhere between 02 weeks and 06 months to complete. If you are interested you can buy a couple of sarees as souvenirs.

Jungle Night Petrol – Periyar

“Periyar Tiger Reserve”

The jungle patrol programme for tourists is an exciting opportunity to take part in the regular night patrolling in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The programme lasts for three hours and takes place between 7 pm and 4 am. Each team consists of four tourists who are expected to have sound mental and physical fitness. During the trek across the forest at night, tourists are accompanied by armed forest guards and protection watchers. It's an amazing experience to explore the jungle during the night and see all the wildlife up close.

Visit The Sandalwood Oil & Soap Factory – Mysore

What is it about Mysore Sandal soap’s benefits that so enchanted Queen Victoria and continues to make a mark on the universe of skincare (it holds the distinction of being the only 100% pure sandalwood oil soap available in the world) more than a century later.

The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, established in 1917 by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the king of Mysore. And so a legend was born. Mysore Sandal Soap’s benefits soon garnered it a cult following worldwide. Even Queen Victoria rated it as her favourite skincare product. And to this day Mysore Sandal Soap enjoys the distinction of being used within the royal palaces of the United Kingdom.

Sandalwood oil helps in the reduction of acne and stretch marks, relieves both inflammation and itching, has anti-ageing properties, imparts a soothing, toning and moisturising effect, prevents marks and scars on the face and defends against skin rashes.

It is one of the oldest known perfume materials in the world and is also known for its calming effect on the body. It is commonly used in meditation practices, as well as in many forms of yoga. Interestingly, it's also known for its ability to awaken sexual energy.

This tour offers a unique experience to those who love fragrances. Despite strict restrictions on sandalwood tree felling, the factory offers visitors a chance to see the industrial process of extracting sandalwood oil used for a variety of purposes including the state's signature sandalwood soap. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn about the process of powdering the wood, boiling, distilling, condensing, and extracting the oil. At the end of the tour there is a store on the premises, if you are interested you can buy a variety of products made with the oil including soaps, incense sticks, cosmetics, and perfumes as souvenirs.

Vilachery Dolls Village – Madurai

“Everything seems to be MAGICAL here”

Keeping dolls for nine days during Navratri Golu or Kolu is an age-old tradition. The dolls made for these are traditional clay was obtained locally from a temple tank in Velachery Dolls Village while the artisans moulded it and painted by hand. Only a few villages in India have mastered the art of Dasara Gollu, and Vilachery is one of them.

A 10 kms drive from Madurai town takes you to this village that lacks infrastructure but is full of artists. Home to over 200 families, Vilachery is a small doll village where almost every home belongs to the artisans. As one walks through the narrow streets of Vilachery in Madurai, members of a family can be spotted, it is entrancing to see them moving their fingers fragile on the clay for minute details and painting them to life. One can hear a loud music as most artisans are working with old-world charm belted out retro Tamil film songs. During your visit to this place you will find everything here seemed magical even in this most mundane moment. Almost every house in Vilachery Dolls Village is a workshop. Where mounds of clay were transformed and moulded into dolls of deities that came alive in striking colours. Here artisans have applied for a GI (Geographical Indication) Registration for the clay dolls. At the end of the tour, if you are interested you can buy souvenirs for your family and friends.

Vibrant Navratri Festival – Gujarat

“Nine Nights”

Navratri, which translates to "nine nights," is a highly revered Hindu festival celebrated across various regions of India. However, it is in Gujarat where this festival truly comes alive, transforming into a nine-night dance extravaganza, possibly the longest of its kind in the world. Throughout the state, in both villages and cities, people gather in open spaces to honor the divine feminine energy known as Shakti.

The dance form known as ras garba, often accompanied by dandiya (the use of small wooden sticks), originates from the worship of Lord Krishna rather than the worship of Goddesses. It draws inspiration from the Gop culture of Saurashtra and Kutch. The enchanting tales of Krishna's relationships with the Gopis, and the emotions that arise from these connections, frequently find their way into the melodious ras garba music.

Every evening, the entire village or city unites in a mesmerizing display of devotion, performing a sacred puja (ritual) dedicated to one of the nine divine forms of the Goddess. These nine nights are thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections, each with its own profound significance. The first section is dedicated to Durga, the goddess who vanquished the evil force embodied by the demon Mahishasura and eradicates human impurities. The second section is devoted to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Lastly, the third section is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and art. This festive period is also a time to celebrate fertility and the bountiful monsoon harvest, symbolized by a mound of fresh soil in which grains are sown.

Once the puja commences, the enchanting music fills the air, instantly recognizable to those acquainted with its unique style and captivating to countless others. As the rhythmic melodies resonate, a spirited energy takes hold, compelling people to join in a mesmerizing dance, forming a vibrant circle that spins gracefully well into the late hours of the night.

Beyond religion and tradition, a garba circle possesses an unexpected spiritual power. During these nights, women willingly abstain from certain foods, creating a profoundly purifying experience when approached with the right mindset. It is a moment for even the most conventional and homebound women to break free from their confines and twirl uninhibitedly towards the divine essence residing within their own bodies.

Kachhpura Village Walk – Agra

“Explore Agra’s Heritage with Its People”

“There is more to Agra than the TAJ, there is more to Taj than the TAJ itself” 

Overview:-

Visit a local village and meet local family

High Tea with local family

Explore some lesser known rich in architectural heritage monuments

Visit terrace of a house providing incredible view of the Taj Mahal.

A walk through rural village of Kachhpura, this charming hamlet has many delights to revel in. A narrow bridle path though agriculture fields take visitors into the ancient village of Kachhpura, associated with the history of Taj Mahal. Kachhpura village walk offers with an experience of the Mughal era with its “Natural and Rustic setting” view of rare “Rich Architectural Heritage” and feel of the “Living Traditions”. Experience the Kachhpura village and explore some lesser known rich in architectural heritage Gyarah Sidi (Eleven Steps), Humayun Mosque and Mehtab Bagh in the shadow of the Taj and Red fort.

Kachhpura Walk provides an insight into the local culture and rural life of the region. Glimpses of traditional lifestyle of the villagers are seen through few elders smoking hookah, shoe making, local village gym, visit to a typical community household (living area, cooking area, religious area, etc). The walls are painted with Sanjhi art done by community girls under the youth program.

The central courtyard of the village is a major attraction of Kachhpura. The courtyard offers a view of activities taking place in around the village information centre: Street Theater, local Folk Dances, Henna Tattoo making along with display of artifacts made by the community. One can also visit the village school situated near the courtyard.

During the walk you can talk to the local people, enjoy cup of tea with them and visit terrace of a house providing incredible view of the Taj Mahal which is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.

For an everlasting impression of the heritage of Agra observe the traditional and local craft souvenirs made by women in the community. This walking tour is a part of a community development project that aims to provide employment through tourism.

Pashmina Trail In Ladakh

“Learn the story of the Pashmina”  

Experience the enchantment of handwoven pashmina in the breathtaking region of Ladakh. Embark on a captivating journey organized by Stories of India, where you will traverse through mountain passes, where herds of majestic mountain goats roam, and immerse yourself in the homes of local changpa weavers. Indulge in a delectable local meal with these skilled artisans and unravel the secrets of this exquisite fabric, known as the soft gold of India.

This extraordinary expedition will lead you to the nomadic pastoralists of Ladakh, the exclusive hub where Tibetan pashmina goats are nurtured. In essence, it is a quest to comprehend the essence of inner luxury - the profound connection between people and their environment.

Pashmina and Yak wool are deeply interwoven with the history and culture of Ladakh. The raw pashmina fiber comes largely from the Changthang region of Eastern Ladakh, which represents the western extension of the Tibetan plateau, an important high altitude grazing ecosystem. The rangelands are used by Changpa pastoralists for livestock grazing. Ladakh Pashmina is a rare and one of the most expensive hair fibers, owing to its limited availability. It is obtained from the soft, downy, winter undercoat of the domesticated goat breeds of the subspecies– Capra aegagrus hircus. However, only the Changthangi breed found in Ladakh and Baltistan (Kashmir) produce the rare Pashmina fiber.

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, each twist and turn on your journey to Changthang evokes a profound sense of euphoria. As we ascended to an astonishing altitude of 18,000 feet above sea level, the winding path paved the way for the enchantment that awaited us. The mountains, adorned in a captivating Martian orange hue, glistened under the radiant sun, resembling a secret realm from the mythical Game of Thrones series. Ladakh's ethereal landscape offered a breathtakingly cinematic experience, leaving us in awe.

Shillong Teer

“Gamble on archery in Meghalaya” 

Experience the thrill of Shillong's lottery scene by grabbing a ticket from one of the convenient betting kiosks scattered around the city. But don't stop there - make your way to the prestigious Khasi Hills Archery Sports Club, where skilled archers engage in a captivating game known as 'teer'. 

What truly captivates the people of this charming northeast hill station is the unique twist that 'teer' brings to the world of archery. This game is not just about hitting targets, it is intricately tied to the interpretation of dreams by the bettors themselves. If the last two digits of the total number of arrows that hit the target match your ticket, you just got lucky.

While it may appear to be a mere game of chance, for the locals, 'teer' is steeped in tradition and belief. They firmly hold that the winning numbers are revealed to them through their dreams, which they diligently decipher before placing their bets.

For instance, a dream featuring a corpse, a doctor, or a person donning a police uniform would all signify the number 9. But the interpretation of dreams in 'teer' goes beyond these examples.

“Similarly, a dog or a cow would mean the number 4,”

Quarrel between husband and wife 03, 08, 13, 37, 40, 73

Erotic dream 17, 40, 53, 59, 60, 83

Bathing in the open 08, 18, 28, 48, 78, 98

Travelling 08, 14, 18, 52, 64, 68, 74, 78, 98

Travelling in an aeroplane 23, 43, 53, 63, 68, 73, 83, 93

Cow, goat or buffalo 12, 18, 19, 22, 24, 34, 42, 54, 72, 74, 84, 94, 97

And there’s much more.

Shop afloat the Dal Lake

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water” – Loren Eiseley

Experience the unique Kashmiri tradition of grocery shopping by embarking on a delightful shikara ride. Picture this: local farmers diligently cultivate their vegetables on the serene floating wetland of Dal Lake, only to bring their bountiful produce to you in their charming boats. As the sun begins to rise, the enchanting floating market awakens, with vendors gracefully rowing around the glistening lake, offering an array of tantalizing delights such as aromatic kahwa, luscious fruits, and vibrant flowers. 

Learn to Practice Namaste

“Traditional Indian Greeting”

'Namaste' or 'Namaskar' is a revered gesture and mudra used as a traditional greeting in India, deeply rooted in ancient Hindu customs.

The word 'Namaste' holds a profound meaning, translating to 'I bow to the divine in you.' It serves as a beautiful way to honor and show respect to the other person. When we fold our hands, slightly bow our heads, and utter 'namaste,' we extend a warm welcome to our guests, be it a friend or a stranger.

Interestingly, namaste is not only used to greet others but also when bidding adieu. It is a salutation that finds its place in temples, where devotees bow down to the almighty.

Practicing this gesture in India allows travelers to instantly connect and forge bonds with the locals, creating a sense of unity and understanding. Due to the incredible diversity within India, there exist various regional versions of namaste.

In Malayalam, it is known as 'Namaskaram,' in Tamil as 'Vanakkam,' in Kannada as 'Namaskaragalu,' and so on.

By embracing the essence of namaste, one can truly experience the rich cultural tapestry that India has to offer.