An Introduction to Luxury Travel on a Budget

India is a perfect holiday destination with excellent level of diversity in the terms of geography, cuisine, monuments, culture, religion and tradition. It has to offer something or the other to the varied interests of all sorts of travelers. If you are one of those who wants to visit India but at affordable rates then here is an introduction to luxury travel on a budget:

•  India has numerous destinations that are worth a visit. Instead of picking popular destinations such as Goa, Kerala Delhi, Agra, try to pick offbeat destinations, which might not be the most-visited but are definitely worth visiting. Do some good online search for this.

•  The best time to visit is during the off-season where you might get huge discounts for all kinds of bookings. Once you round off on the destination, try  to search as many online packages as you can. You will surely come across a great bargain. 

•  While booking the flight ticket, book it in the economy class. You can enjoy impeccable services here too.

•  Try to make a group booking as while one book for a large group of people, he is offered discounted rates on almost everything.

•  Try to choose your hotel wisely. To enjoy a luxurious holiday, booking in a five-star category hotel is not necessary. There are ‘n’ number of ‘less-priced’ hotels who will offer you all kinds of world-class amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.

• While in India, book Hatchback cars if you are less number of people like 2 or 3, instead of booking an SUV or an MUV. This will keep your budget low. 

• There are innumerable food options in the country which offer some sumptuous food without charging exorbitantly high prices. The locals might provide some helpful information regarding this.

•  Try to stop yourself from giving generous tips at every place/hotel/restaurant you visit.

•  If you are planning a vacation in India then now is the best time to do so because of the weakening Indian currency. The exchange rate of your currency will be great.

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Tomb of Akbar, Sikandra: Things to do in India

One of the important masterpieces of Mughal architecture, construction of the Tomb of Akbar was undertaken during the lifetime of Akbar himself as was the tradition. This tomb was one of the first constructions undertaken during Mughal era which marked a clear shift from the red sandstone architecture prevalent at that time. One can glimpse a bit of Taj Mahal in the design, pattern and symmetry of the tomb and the classic charbagh garden style.

Sikandra is one of the must visit places which can be easily explored in a few hour. There’s not much except to marvel at the breathtaking structure of the tomb. The outer façade has 4 minarets atop which project a grand aura. The main iwan is just in front of the entrance with perfectly symmetrical Mughal Gardens promenaded by Antelopes. The grazing Antelopes present an almost surreal sight as you explore the serene boulevards and the inner structure of tomb.

The inner structure is characterized by intricate carvings, calligraphy and pietra dura inlays. The false cenotaph is placed in the centre of the structure in typical Mughal tradition whereas the original one lies exactly below whose path is through dark alleys. One of the reasons to visit this place is the lush gardens filled with Antelopes and Langurs even as the uncharacteristic tranquility permeates the whole structure as opposed to the throngs of visitors at Taj Mahal. This place is ideal for calm and reflection amidst the chaos of bustling Agra city.

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Orchha: Destinations in India

The charm of Orchha lies in it being a nondescript destination as compared to the nearby Khajuraho Temples. Whereas the erotic sculptures at Khajuraho are world famous and subject to various research and studies, when it comes to popular destinations in India Orchha is a sleepy little town with small population attracting limited number of tourists,or I'd say mostly travelers. Orchha has it fair share of sculpted temples, palaces and other landmarks but none compares to the exquisite craftsmanship displayed at the 'love temples' of Khajuraho. However where Orchha scores over its more popular counterpart is the natural landscape, convivial inhabitants and relatively pristine ambience.

There's nothing like the sight of the mist covered forests as the sun casts its first shadow on earth. The moment is too ethereal, too sublime to describe in words, it can only be experienced first hand. Take a jaunt by the forest feeling nature brush past your senses, let the silence takeover; its transcendental.

Sitting by the bank of meandering Betwa River during the sunset and beholding the silhouette of the Chhatris, or the sight of Laksmi Temple and the Orchha Palace was simply mesmerizing. One thing that sets apart Orchha is the friendly locals and mouth watering street food.
All that can be said is that Orchha is an enchanting as well as rejuvenating destination, a veritable oasis far from the hullabaloo of other popular destinations and the din of city.

Lush Orchha

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