Incredible India Travel

Step into the untamed wilderness of Kanha National Park — the very forest that inspired The Jungle Book. With vast sal forests, meadows teeming with deer, and the haunting call of the wild, Kanha is not just a national park — it's one of India's greatest natural theatres. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, this 2-day adventure offers an unforgettable experience.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is India’s greatest conservation success story — where the prehistoric-looking one-horned rhinoceros roams free alongside wild elephants, swamp deer, tigers, and over 500 bird species.
The park is a monumental triumph of conservation, a living testament to what collective human effort can achieve! Once on the brink of extinction with mere dozens remaining, the magnificent Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros has seen a miraculous resurgence in Kaziranga, thanks to decades of tireless dedication, stringent anti-poaching measures, and the crucial involvement of local communities
This 3-day 2nights adventure from Guwahati is a private tour...

An extensive guide to India's 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their cultural, natural, and mixed classifications. It explains the criteria for UNESCO designation and India's significant global standing, ranking sixth in the world for its number of protected sites. Get to know the must-visit cultural landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Hampi, as well as remarkable natural wonders such as Kaziranga National Park and the Western Ghats

Varanasi isn’t just another stop on your India itinerary – it’s the beating heart of Hindu spirituality that’s been pulsing for over 3,000 years.
In this guide to spiritual Varanasi, I’ll show you exactly how to navigate this mystical city beyond the tourist traps, where to witness authentic ceremonies, and which ashrams welcome foreign seekers.

Bandipur Wildlife can be experienced over 2 days from Bangalore. Bandipur is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and is famous for wildlife spotting in the erstwhile hunting grounds of the Mysore Maharaja. Bandipur is a thriving wild life reserve  today and provides a rare opportunity to spot several endangered species. The tours to this reserve include an evening safari as well as a morning safari through forests and wetlands to maximize the chances of wildlife spotting. A boat safari in the Ranganathitu Bird Sanctuary is the other highlight. The tour concludes with a visit to the majestic Mysore Palace.

Ranthambore National Park near Jaipur is raw wilderness and  one of the best places in the world to spot Bengal tigers in the wild. A 2-day safari adventure is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers who want a taste of the jungle without sacrificing comfort

Ever wondered why a bearded Indian monk became the founding father of Chinese Zen Buddhism? Yeah, that’s Bodhidharma for you – straddling worlds and blurring boundaries between East and South Asian spiritual traditions.

Most people think of Bodhidharma as Chinese, but his Indian connection runs deep. Born a prince in southern India, he abandoned royal comfort to follow Buddha’s path across treacherous mountains into China.

What happened next revolutionized Buddhism forever. His wall-gazing meditation techniques and no-nonsense teaching style shook up Chinese spiritual practices, creating what we now know as Chan (Zen) Buddhism.

But...

India’s cave paintings represent an extraordinary testament to human creativity and spiritual expression across millennia. From the prehistoric masterpieces of Bhimbetka to the sophisticated compositions of Ajanta, these ancient artworks reveal the remarkable journey of human expression, belief systems, and daily life. Through careful study of their symbols, pigments, and artistic techniques, researchers continue to unravel new insights about our ancestors while modern technology offers unprecedented opportunities to document and understand these fragile treasures.

This podcast is about "Zero"! That zero you take for granted in your phone’s calculator? Wait until you learn how its invention transformed everything from rocket science to the smartphone in your pocket.
 This podcast is about unsung Indian inventions, you’ll discover the fascinating stories behind everyday items and revolutionary concepts that originated from Indian soil. These aren’t just interesting historical footnotes – they’re innovations that shaped civilization as we know it. 

In this journey through the spices of India, you’ll discover why foreign empires fought wars over these aromatic treasures, how traditional Indian cooking techniques unlock their fullest potential, and which spice combinations create that unmistakable “can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it” magic.

Mysore Kingdom stands as a remarkable testament to the harmonious fusion of monarchical wisdom and democratic principles, establishing itself as a beacon of progressive governance long before India’s independence. It offered voting rights to women long before the modern democracies of the West!

Discover the enigma of Ram Setu, the chain of limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka. For centuries, this geological wonder has sparked debates among scientists, historians, and curious minds alike. Was it built by ancient civilizations or formed by natural processes?

This is an audio tour of Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore.

Imagine a land where ancient legends breathe, where unwavering faith reshapes daily life, and where nature itself becomes an architect of the extraordinary. India is far more than just the iconic Taj Mahal or the bustling bazaars that grace countless travel guides. It is a vibrant kaleidoscope of the unexpected, a treasure trove of places so bizarre, so mystical, they defy conventional imagination. This journey will peel back the layers of the ordinary to reveal six extraordinary destinations that promise not just a trip, but an adventure into the truly quirky heart of India. Prepare to have your curiosity...

The living root bridges of Meghalaya represent ingenious bioengineering at its finest. Khasi and Jaintia tribes have spent generations guiding rubber fig tree roots across rivers, creating natural crossings that strengthen with age instead of deteriorating. Listen to know more about what exactly happens when modern engineering meets ancient wisdom? The answer might completely change how we build our future.

For centuries, whispers of a lost land, swallowed by the relentless embrace of the ocean, have permeated the cultural consciousness of South India. This isn't merely a fleeting myth, but a profound narrative deeply embedded within ancient Tamil literature, oral traditions, and even certain geological theories. Known as Kumari Kandam – the "Maiden Continent" or "Kumari Land" – this submerged territory represents far more than just a geographical mystery; it embodies a Golden Age, the birthplace of an advanced Tamil civilization, and a testament to cataclysmic natural events.

Dwarka, the legendary city of Lord Krishna, is a great mystery yet to be unravelled. It is said to have been swallowed by the Arabian Sea.  Ancient scriptures speak of a grand, golden metropolis now lying beneath the waves, waiting to reveal its secrets. What is more fascinating is that archaeological discoveries off the coast of modern Dwarka have unearthed structures and artifacts that align remarkably with ancient descriptions, suggesting the legend might be rooted in historical truth!

Imagine a monument so grand, so intricately detailed, and so utterly unique that it defies conventional understanding of human capability. A structure nearly as large as the Taj Mahal, yet built a thousand years earlier. But here's the mind-blowing twist: it wasn't built up from the ground, but carved downwards from a single, massive hill of solid rock. This isn't a fantasy; it's the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora, India, an undisputed crescendo in an epic symphony of stone.

Are you ready to dive into the mystery of how ancient hands sculpted a mountain into a masterpiece?<...

Rediscover the cultural legacy of the Kakatiya Empire at the world heritage site of Ramappa temple. We also visit Bhadrakali temple where the left eye of the deity used to be the Kohinoor Diamond and the 1000 pillar temple of Warangal to appreciate Kakatiya’s architecture, progressive social reforms introduced to break the shackles of the caste system and an efficient administrative system appreciated by Marco Polo.

Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet by walk is a great way to experience Chennai through its delectable street food. It's a multi-sensorial experience over 2 hours as we taste the signature dishes from legendary food stalls as we walk through frenetic streets, narrow alleys brimming with food stalls and colorful shops.

Mumbai walking tour is about the Gothic & Art Deco story of Mumbai where we listen to the story of evolution of a small fishing village into a global trading metropolis. We will walk past magnificent buildings built in Gothic & Art Deco style over the last 2 centuries which are now a world heritage site. Highlights include CST, Eros and Regal Cinema, High Court, Rajabai Tower, Empress Court and Gateway of India. Note that except CST (Victoria Terminus) and Gateway of India, all other monuments will be seen from outside.

Discover why Bangalore is a haven for foodies in this food walk in Bangalore. Sample Bangalore's best Idli stitched in jackfruit leaves, butter dosa and the legendary 4 yard filter coffee in eateries best known for each of these delicacies. Experience the culture and learn more about the city and its people through legends and lore. Walk through a local bazaar and feel more alive!

The Walk in Kolkata commences at Writer’s building meant for the lower bureaucracy of East India Company and witness to many independence movements. Walk to the Mausoleum of Job Charnock the founder of modern Kolkata. St John’s Church, which was built in 1787 by architect James Agg. Appreciate the “Last Supper” painting on walls of St Johns Church. Visit the Governors house which was the residence of the Viceroy of India after the British Crown took over the reins of India from East India Company. We round up the walk atthe legendary Victoria Memorial built by George Curzon.

You’ve already imagined it a hundred times: that perfect sunrise photo at the Taj Mahal, the white marble glowing pink in the early light, no crowds to spoil your moment. But is dragging yourself out of bed at 4 AM actually worth it?

I’ve done the pre-dawn Taj Mahal visit three times now (yes, glutton for punishment), and I’m going to tell you exactly what those Instagram influencers won’t.

The truth about visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise is complicated. It’s not the serene, empty experience many travelers expect. But there are legiti...

Hyderabad Old City Walk takes you back 400 years in time back to the times of the Qutub Shahi Sultans who built the city of Hyderabad and left a lasting cultural legacy. As we walk past the palatial mansions and mosques of a bygone era we will also relive the life and times of the Nizams of Hyderabad in this walking tour. Highlights include Charminar the symbol of Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid one of the oldest in India, the majestic Choumahalla Palace of the Nizams, palaces of the Paigahs and bazaars full of bangles, perfumes, laces, and bridal-wear.

Ever landed in a new country only to feel like you’re trapped in a tourist bubble? That’s how 78% of first-time visitors to India describe their experience.

But here’s the truth: The real India isn’t found inside air-conditioned tour buses or five-star hotel lobbies.

To truly experience India like a local, you need insider knowledge that transforms you from obvious outsider to honorary native. This guide gives you exactly that – authentic experiences most travelers never discover.

Ever planned a trip to India only to be greeted by monsoon floods or sweltering 110°F heat? Trust me, timing is everything when visiting this vast subcontinent.
I’ve made this mistake so you don’t have to. After multiple visits across seasons, I can finally answer the eternal question: when is the best time to visit India?
This guide breaks down the perfect months for each region – from the snow-capped Himalayas to the tropical beaches of Kerala. You’ll discover exactly when to book your tickets for your specific Indian adventure

White Mughals is a half day tour in Hyderabad set in the 18th century. It is about the love story of an Englishman and a Hyderabadi noblewoman. The romance between James Achilles Kirkpatrick a high ranking official of the East India Company and Khair-un-Nissa a noblewoman provides the backdrop as we walk past remarkable monuments that provide a context for life in Hyderabad 200 years ago. The White Mughal tour includes a visit to the magnificent British Residency building, Bank 

Bodh Gaya tour is to one of the holiest of Buddhist sites and is famous for the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.It was the heart of a thriving Buddhist civilization, attracting scholars and pilgrims from various parts of the world. A highlight of this visit is the world heritage site of Mahabodhi temple. The experience includes visits to the Buddhist monasteries of Srilanka, Thailand and Myanmar.

An incredible journey back to the Old Stone Age to marvel at Bhimbetka cave paintings made 30,000 years ago. Explore rock shelters that were home to our ancestors millennia ago! The rich flora and fauna surrounding these, indeed, make Bhimbetka a gift to us from our earliest ancestors. At Bhojpur, visit a temple dedicated to a 11th century ruler who was farsighted and a patron of art, literature, and architecture. He even wrote a treatise on civil engineering called Samarangana Sutradhara!

Chola trail to the Golden Triangle of South India takes us a 1000 years back in time to explore 3 world heritage sites and capitals of the mighty Chola Empire. This is a journey of rediscovery of Cholas, the major maritime power controlling vast parts of South East Asia in the 10-12th centuries. We will relive the glory days of life under the Chola Empire at the world heritage sites of Brihadeswar Temple in Tanjore, Airateswar Temple in Darasuram and the temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

World Heritage Site of Hampi in southern India was one of the richest cities in the world in the 15th century. It  is the world’s largest open air museum. Relive the golden era of the Vijaynagara empire by exploring the Royal enclosures, Queen’s bath, Elephant stables, Palaces., magnificent temples like Virupaksha and Vijaya Vittala with its legendary musical pillars. Hampi can ve visited over 2 days from Bangalore.

This episode takes you to a 11th century temple at Modhera  in Gujarat, which is designed to get lit-up by the first rays of the sun on the summer solstice every year. Our next destination will be Raani ki vaav, a world heritage site and the grandest step-well in Gujarat built by a Queen in the memory of her husband. It is sheer poetry in stone. More interestingly the world of women and water converged at the step wells in medieval times. This immersive experience will end at Patan with a glance into weaving of the magical Patola silk s...

Listen to the story of making of Chennai at Georgetown and how the first English settlement has transformed into a bustling trading city. Retrace the evolution of George Town from a trading post for British East India Company in the 17th century to its emergence as Chennai's foremost market today. Visit Fort St George, the first English fort in India. Explore streets selling everything under the Sun, where Armenian traders set up shops in 1712, walk past ancient temples and savor mouth watering snacks in a food street!

Hosts Tim and Debbie take us to the 8th century world heritage site of Mahabalipura in South India,  famous for spectacular rock cut architecture. The experience comprises spell binding Pancha Rathas or Chariots carved in stone, Asia’s largest bas-relief structure at Arjuna’s Penance, a gravity defying boulder and the magnificent Shore Temple, which was one of the 7 Pagodas as mentioned by Marco Polo during his visit in the 11th Century.

In this episode hosts Tim and Debbie discover the ancient city of Ujjain, which used to be the Prime Meridian of India and the central point for the calculation of Indian time. They discuss about why the city was considered due to its central role in astronomical calculations and its cultural significance. They also refer the Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Sanskrit treatise composed between the 4th and 8th centuries CE, which identified Ujjain as a reference point for calculating planetary positions and other astronomical phenomena, making it a central hub for Indian astronomy. The hosts also recommend a convenient...

The hosts discuss about Ajanta Caves, the first world heritage site of India. Ajanta Caves are a magnificent set of 30 rock cut Buddhist caves. Famous for Buddhist Paintings and Sculpture, the cultural influence of Ajanta during the 1st and 2nd century BC not only extended all over India but also to far flung areas like Java in modern Indonesia. The hosts strongly feel that Ajanta Caves definitely feature in their list of places to see before you die. The podcast also recommends a convenient way to explore these caves through a private guided tour.

Ellora Caves episode is a discussion about why the Kailasanath temple here is arguably the world's greatest work of art.  Built to resemble Mount Kailash, the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, it is the largest single monolithic excavation in the world. Built in the 8th century, Kaliasa is twice the size of Parthenon and was built by 7,000 labourers over 150 years. Listeners will also get recommendations for how to take private tour to get the maximum out of this experience.

This episode in the Incredible India series explores Mayong, an Indian village famous for black magic & sorcery. The other interesting location being discussed is the Pobitora wild life sanctuary to spot the rare Indian Rhino. The details of how someone can book this is  provided at the end of the episode