India tour

TRAVEL TO INDIA: MAIN DESTINATIONS

Delhi – The capital of India, located in the north of the country, is the most populous city in India and the sixth in the world. It was the capital of many Indian empires and an important junction along the ancient trade routes with the countries in the North. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1649 and 1857. When the English East India Company took power, the capital was moved to Calcutta, but in 1911 King George V brought it back to Delhi. In order to better fulfill this role he had a new city built, New Delhi. Even after independence in 1947, the capital remained that.

Agra – The city that hosts the Taj Mahal, a monument considered by many to be the symbol par excellence of India.

Calcutta – The capital of West Bengal and an important commercial, cultural and educational centre of East India. Its port is the oldest in the country and the only one built on a river. The area in which it is located was already inhabited 2000 years ago, but the city rose from the union of three villages only in the 17th century. It played a fundamental role during the 18th century and the East India Company took possession of it in 1757 and British rule lasted until the beginning of the 20th century. It was the capital until 1911.

Chennai – Capital of Tamil Nadu, until 1996 known as Madras, a name that now indicates the historic centre of the city. It is an important commercial centre and can boast great historical and cultural riches. It is also the capital of the Indian automobile industry, covering about 80% of total production. It was occupied by the French, Portuguese, Dutch and finally English; it obtained independence in 1947.

Kochi – Important tourist city of Kerala, one of the main seaports of India, also long dominated by Europeans due to its exceptional position as a junction in trade routes. Many monuments are present, including the Madir, Hindu temples, the Cathedral, the Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Fort.

Madurai – the city of temples has more than 2500 years of history and was the capital during the Pandya reign. Its particular activity is the production of flowers, also exported abroad.

Shimla – Former British colony, summer capital during British colonialism. It is a popular mountain tourist destination.

Pondicherry – former French colony, draws its charm from the mixture of European and Indian style.

Varanasi – important spiritual city, one of the oldest cities in the world being inhabited for about 3500 years. It is the sacred city of the Hindus, who have to go there at least once in their lifetime to immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the river Ganges.

Mumbai (formerly Bombay) – the most populous city in India and the world. It is the commercial and entertainment capital of the country. It has had a complex history, from the fishing villages, to the many dominations: Muslim, Hindu, Portuguese and English. Today it is the largest city in India.

Jaipur – city of Rajasthan founded in 1728, rich in monuments and famous as ‘the pink city’, for the predominant colour of its buildings. The Palace of the Winds, the Royal Palace and Fort Amber, which stands on a hill near the city are famous attractions.

Jodhpur – important tourist town for its wealth of temples and palaces, as well as Mehrangarh Fort. Also called ‘the blue city’ because of the many houses painted in this colour.

Pushkar – one of the oldest cities in India, famous for its camel and cattle fair.

INDIAN CUISINE

The culinary art in India has a strong identity and a long history. It varies greatly from state to state, although, mainly in the north, more meat and less spices are used, while in the south Indian cuisine becomes more vegetarian and spicy. In general, Indian cuisine makes extensive use of spices, milk and dairy products. Indian bread is also very famous, sometimes served as a ‘dish’ accompanying meat dishes. It can be with or without yeast, with or without filling, baked in Tandoori oven or fried.
In addition, many recipes are based on rice or wheat.
Among the most famous recipes we have:
Samosa – triangular phyllo dough dumplings, based on vegetables or meat.

Pakora – Pancakes of vegetables, fish or chicken in chickpea flour batter

Dahl – typical dish based on red lentils and spices

Coconut rice – Rice is used in many recipes, this is a popular version, where spicy spices are sweetened by the taste of coconut.

Tandoori Chicken – Chicken cooked in the special Tandoori oven, with yoghurt and spices

Tikka Masala Chicken – Boneless chicken cooked with tomato sauce, spices and yoghurt.