India, the erstwhile land of Maharajas and Maharanis, is a mystical confluence of history, folk art, tribal crafts, ancient rituals and traditions along with exotic beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, mist-clad hill stations, lush tropical forests, stark desert landscapes and exotic wildlife that manifest themselves in a dazzling display of colour and harmony. Every aspect of the country is presented on an awesome scale; consistent with the mighty Himalayas soaring majestically over the subcontinent in the north, to the vast blue expanse of the two seas and an ocean that fringe the east, west and south, respectively, of this large peninsular nation. With a civilization that is over 5000 years old, India is culturally diverse, rich in heritage and, more importantly, distinctively Indian, having continually attracted visitors—be it as invaders, traders, missionaries, or just plain travellers—from whom it has absorbed, adapted, adopted, and assimilated, while always retaining its inherent uniqueness. Most have left behind their imprints that are reflected in each and every aspect of Indian culture—art, architecture, music, dance, drama, language, and cuisine.

The many influences are also revealed in the mix of races and religions found in the country. The birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, India has gracefully embraced Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Judaism. With numerous UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites like Hampi, Konarak, or Khajuraho, and some of them extremely fragile, such as the breathtaking Ajanta and Ellora Caves—one of the finest expressions of Indian artistic endeavour ever—there is a newfound awareness amongst Indians to cherish and preserve what they have inherited. Yoga and Ayurveda, ancient holistic sciences, too have gained tremendous international acceptance.

To enjoy India’s rich and diverse culture take a heritage tour:

You could visit the temple towns of South India, some deeply fascinating for their dance heritage: the over 2000-year-old dance form Koodiyattom was recently declared a ‘masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity’ by UNESCO; or ruminate over the ramparts of any number of forts and palaces, some in ruins and some that have withstood the test of time and tragedy. Or be stupefied by the splendours of Buddhist architecture in Sanchi, or the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya: both designated ‘World Heritage Sites’ by UNESCO; or be enthralled by the excavated site in Nagarjunakonda—the most extensive remains found anywhere of the international heritage of Buddhism—containing innumerable relics ranging from early Stone Age to the late medieval period. Or you could simply moon over the gracious confluence of Mughal and Indian craftsmanship, or marvel at the magnificent Victoria Terminus in Mumbai—exemplar of the Indo-Saracenic style that flourished during the British Raj—a world heritage site and considered architecturally to be one of the finest stations in the world. For some, experiencing Indian heritage could mean finding peace in the spirituality of the many faiths that abound; celebrating the many festivals and melas, including the magnificient Kumbh Mela; delighting in India’s fascinating handloom and textiles heritage; admiring the arts & crafts and tenacity of tribal cultures that have steadfastly hung on to their way of life despite changing trends and modern conveniences; being dazzled by Goa’s Churches and Convents, yet another world heritage site, and perhaps sneaking in some time in between to soak up some Sun on one of its idyllic beaches; relaxing in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala—also renowned for its ancient heritage of Ayurvedic treatments and spas— where blue waters cut across verdant paddy fields and tall coconut palms sway in the misty rain making you wonder whether Earth has snatched a fistful of rainbow from the sky; or perhaps enjoying the melodic strains of Indian classical music, which traces its origins to hymns contained in the ancient sacred texts, the Vedas (4000-1000 BC), and evolving with Sage Bharata (c. 200 AD), perhaps the earliest known Indian musicologist, enunciating the navarasas (nine emotions): love, humour, pathos, anger, heroism, terror, disgust, wonder and serenity. For the ‘great-outdoors’ inclined, there is rugged natural beauty in numerous national parks and sanctuaries, many of which have been declared world heritage sites such as Kaziranga, Manas, or Keoladeo among others.

If the above still does not sate your desire for heritage, there is more: Forts and Palaces of Princely India, some of which are now Heritage Hotels. Relive India, as it were, and see history unfold through the eyes of these rare still-standing witnesses, perhaps, perfect ensamples of the country’s cultural heritage and in many ways custodians of its history.

Be Royal! These heritage hotels provide you exactly that opportunity—to relive, albeit vicariously, the lives of Royals; to exude their aura and revel in ‘regality’. Immerse yourself in luxury and opulence that was once the purview of Royalty: sleep where the King slept; regale yourself with a royal repast on a silver platter; walk the corridors of erstwhile power, stalk the rooms where every wall has a tale to tell; and be allured by the romance, treachery, plot & connivance that is but part and parcel of palace intrigue: Live the heritage, and the phrase ‘Live Life King Size’ will never ring truer!

While history is always at hand, there have been changes too—spruced up with modern amenities, these properties meet the exacting standards set by today’s international traveller—that will make your visit to India’s Heritage a truly memorable one. Your welcome at some of these hotels can be equally regal: blowing of trumpets, caparisoned elephants, tikka on the forehead, and any number of turban-topped, liveried attendants will sweep you off your feet. Furthermore, the period furniture, the murals, the chandeliers, and the décor will transport you back into the lavish era of the Maharajas.

So, the imperious and hedonistic yet charming and bewitching opulence of the gilded world of the maharaja also awaits you. Come; get acquainted with these splendid edifices: timeless witnesses of Royal India. Another uniqueness is in that some of these palaces still serve as homes to former rulers, elevating them from mere masterpieces of architecture to something more precious—living examples of the past and the present coming together.

As you can see, India is an enchanting destination, which has the magical power to change your life in more ways than you could ever imagine.

Take the Indian journey now, and forever be mesmerized…

--By Sunil K Sukumaran