North India

Indian Subcontinent

Sep 30

Written By Naya Traveler

Renowned for its vibrant colours and emblematic architecture, North India has drawn travelers to its palace-strewn cities and captivated the minds of storytellers for millennia.

On the holiness spectrum, North India encompasses several of the most important ***pilgrimage routes*** and religious centres in the Subcontinent, creating a holy crossroads for the country's main religions. Hindus crowd the river banks of Varanasi, wade through the waters of Lake Pushkar and marvel at the grandeur of Akshardham Temple. Buddhists come to meditate under the Buddha's tree of enlightenment at Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple. Sikhs flood the hallways of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Muslims pray in the grand mosque of Jama Masjid of Delhi and the many sacred shrines of Rajasthan.

Along with its deep-rooted spirituality, North India has an extensive history that is crystalized by an array of ***architectural wonders and defined by longstanding social constructs*** and cultures. The Maurya Empire established its grounds as early as 326 BCE, followed by dozens of civilizations, ending with the British Indian Empire in 1947. The Mughals—the masterminds behind the most impressive structures in northern India, left behind some of the most beautiful manmade constructs, including the Taj Mahal and Akbar's Palace in Fatehpur Sikri. Rajput clans built forts and ***kaleidoscopic palaces*** along the route to the Thar desert, across the state of Rajasthan.

Although many powers have conquered India over millennia, none have proved immune to its capacity to reverse the current of colonization and to mold its subjugators. India's vastness and impressive cultural resilience effortlessly absorbs the influence of its foreign conquerors and resolutely stands its own with an ***unwavering sense of tradition and identity.***

Delhi

Having served as the capital of various kingdoms and empires, Delhi's relentless rhythm is dominated by ancient bazaars, amazing buildings, vast gardens and delicious cuisine. Numerous archictectural marvels stand proudly in Delhi’s skyline, including the sandstone temple of Akshardham, the grand Jamaa Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, one of the earliest examples of idyllic Mughal landscaping. The Old City is a must-see, especially by rickshaw to get the full effect, passing by street-side dentists, natural healers and traditional cobblers.

Jaipur

Known as the ‘Land of Kings’, Jaipur is a blush-washed city filled with age-old royal pavilions, ornate gardens and unicolored palace fronts that take your breath away with their intricate design and imposing size. This city is known for its craft bazaars with masters still practicing traditional block printing, hand-spun khadi fabrics, and the almost-extinct jamdani weaving. The city, crowded with Haveli’s, peacock-blue halls and magnolia-fringed gardens sets the tone for a fairytale-like experience of India’s imperial heyday.

Agra

A journey to India is not complete without marveling at the iconic Taj Mahal, rising from the morning haze in all its marble grandeur. Built in the 1630s, the Taj Mahal is a treasure of Islamic art and architecture representing the immaculate love of a husband to his wife. This structure, which has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries, oddly stands out amongst the rather chaotic and charm-lacking town of Agra. Beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra is also home to the Red Fort, a magnificent 16th century sandstone fortress converted into a lavish palace by Shah Jahan.

Udaipur

Dominated by the tranquility of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills in the distant background, Udaipur is a city of pure charm with opulent palaces of a bygone era, ornate religious temples, traditional rajput-style residences and bustling traditional markets and craft ateliers. Udaipur is yet another Rajasthani royal city that housed the Mewar dynasty and became a local hub for delicious Marwari cuisine and the famous Kathputli puppet show. The ‘City of Lakes’ as it was dubbed by the British, ‘is the most romantic spot on the continent of India’.

Ranthambore National Park

A wildlife sanctuary known for its conservation efforts and thriving tiger population Ranthambore is one of India’s most pretigious natural reserves, offering a chance to witness endemic species such as leopards, sloths, wild boar, chitals, and over 300 unique bird species. Beyond the wildlife , this dense jungle is dotted with remnants of ancient temples, including a 10th century Mughal fort perched on a towering plain that once served as the hunting retreat of the maharajas of Jaipur.

Jodhpur

India's fairytale-blue city calls for travelers willing to get lost in its winding streets, stretching along the 16th century wall and leading to unexpected bursts of color, incense and temples. Anchored by its impressive Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur holds secret spaces within astonishingly detailed architectural marvels. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.

Varanasi

A destination not fit for the light-hearted, Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and the holiest ground in Hinduism. Pilgrims crowd the banks of the Ganges, seeking spiritual purification from its sacred waters. Along these river fronts, temples stand high with candle-covered steps receiving late loved ones hoping to be cremated in Varanasi—an act which is believed to liberate souls from the karmic cycle of life. The spiritual nexus hosts the yearly Maha Shivaratri festival, featuring an ornate, large-scale statue of Lord Shiva, strung with flowers followed by thousands of bathing pilgrims.