Not sure you're a history buff? You don’t have to be. This one-off cultural journey is as much about atmosphere, elegance and unforgettable moments as it is about dates and dynasties. Whether you love culture, cuisine or simply exploring places few others do, this trip offers a rare way in.

If you’re the kind of traveller who devours historical detail, finds joy in crumbling architecture, and has a soft spot for forgotten dynasties, this 14-day journey into the Islamic heritage of northern and central India is built for you. Here’s why this trip, hosted by acclaimed historian and author John Zubrzycki, is an unmissable opportunity:

Travel with one of Australia’s foremost South Asia historians

John Zubrzycki’s career spans diplomacy, journalism and bestselling books on India’s royal and colonial past. Having studied under renowned South Asian scholars and reported from the subcontinent for decades, few can offer such rich context along the way.

Delve into India’s lesser-told Islamic legacy

Beyond the Taj lies a fascinating tapestry of Nawabs, Begums, Sultans and Nizams whose courts were filled with poetry, architectural grandeur, gourmet feasts and refined etiquette. John brings their stories to life in Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad and beyond.

Exclusive insights from someone who’s walked these palaces before

Many of the trip’s highlights - from the haunting Mahmudabad palace to the private homes of cultural custodians in Lucknow and Hyderabad - have personal significance to John. He’s stayed there, researched there, and now invites you in.

A curated itinerary with substance and soul

This is no rush through monuments. The pace allows for immersion - whether wandering Mughal ruins in Delhi, pausing at a 30,000-year-old rock painting in Bhopal, or sitting down to high tea in a Nizam palace.

Flavour, elegance and atmosphere throughout

Expect exquisite meals steeped in history, heritage stays that feel like a passage through time, and an itinerary that celebrates India’s richness without the crowds. From Bidriware artisans to centuries-old recipes, every detail is intentional.

India’s history is as layered as its landscape, but for those drawn to the grandeur of lost kingdoms, forgotten dynasties, and cultural legacy, one chapter remains remarkably overlooked: the story of India’s Islamic princely states.

From the refined courts of Lucknow to the female-led dynasties of Bhopal, and the pearl-trading Nizams of Hyderabad, the contributions of India’s Nawabs, Sultans and Begums form a vital part of the subcontinent’s cultural heritage. Their stories are ones of poetry and power, of architecture and empire, of resistance and refinement.

These were the rulers who shaped India between the fall of the Mughals and the rise of British imperialism. In cities like Delhi, remnants of the Sultanate and early Mughal periods whisper through the minarets and marble tombs. In Hyderabad, you’ll find tales of the Nizam whose fortune once rivalled the world’s wealthiest. And in Lucknow, the elegant Bara Imambara still stands as testament to a time when art, etiquette and architecture were tools of influence.

But the most fascinating historical places to visit in India lie just beyond the typical tourist radar - such as the haunted palace of Mahmudabad or the astonishing survival of 30,000-year-old rock art in Bhopal’s caves. These destinations offer rare glimpses into India’s complex relationship with Islam, colonialism, and modernity.

For travellers who see history not just as a list of dates, but as an experience to walk through, these cities are open-air museums. They are places to witness how cultures overlapped, where Persian calligraphy adorns marble mausoleums, and where the past still lingers in courtyards, cuisine and poetry.

Whether you’re a reader of William Dalrymple, a lover of Sufi music, or someone whose bookshelf includes The Last Nizam, this is the India you’ve been searching for - an India of nuance, depth, and often surprising beauty.

If you’re seeking historical places to visit in India with cultural depth, explore our range of high quality cultural journeys - each designed to immerse you in the stories that shaped a civilisation.

View adventures in India

The spring season sees a lot of cultural festivals being celebrated around the world. We collected the most colourful ones that are a privilege to take part in at least once in your life. 

Travel to Paro in Bhutan for the Paro Tshechu festival or reach higher spheres during the Hemis festival in Ladakh. Then there are the Buddhist Pi Mai (New Year) in Laos; Mongolia’s annual sporting event, Naadam Festival; and Cusco’s vibrant Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), all of which are colourful celebrations that are attended by locals and visitors alike.

Inti Raymi in Peru

What is it? The Festival of the Sun

The event traditionally involved the sacrifice of an animal to ensure healthy crops. The sacrifice was banned by the Spaniards, and today the festival involves a procession through the streets with music, prayers, dancing, and scattered flowers. 

The Inti Raymi Festival or "sun festival" is a religious ceremony that dates back 500 years to the Incan Empire’s heyday. The festival honours one of the most venerated gods in the Inca Empire: Inti. 

Women with brooms sweep away the evil spirits plus you will see priests and participants dressed as snakes, condors and pumas. It’s the second largest festival in South America with hundreds of thousands of people travelling to Cusco to celebrate the weeklong event.

When is it? It is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, also known as the Winter Solstice, which is generally around June. 

Want to join? Time your visit to Peru around June when the festival is set to occur. It's a great way to add more cultural elements while incorporating the magnificent sights of places like Machu Picchu.

Hemis Festival in India

What is it? Celebrating the Birth of Guru Rinpoche (or Lord Padmasambhava)

Observed at the Hemis Monastery, the festival is situated in a gorge in the north-Indian province of Ladakh and is a colourful celebration in honour of Lord Padmasambhava. 

The festival is famous for the masked dances that represent the good prevailing over evil and is performed by gompas that follow tantric traditions. 

The festival is said to originate in the 8^th Century and other activities include the offering of food, playing traditional music (think cymbals, trumpets and drums), and performing spiritual ceremonies. Joining the festival is believed to give spiritual strength and good health.

When is it? The Hemis Festival is celebrated annually in the month of June or July.

Want to join? You can visit the beautiful Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh in June or July. We often offer special itineraries centred around the festival.

Naadam Festival in Mongolia

What is it? It is locally known as the 'Three Games of Men Festival'

The festival is an ancient cultural spectacle that combines colourful costumes and performances with an exciting tournament of three traditional sports: archery, wrestling and bareback horse riding. 

Travel to Chandman village to experience the festival in a setting of nomadic life. In the capital of Ulaanbaatar, visitors are presented with an incredible opportunity to experience the culture and people of this amazing land.

When is it? This is the biggest festival of the year in Mongolia and is held throughout the country in midsummer from July 11-15. 

Want to join? You have several opportunities to visit the Naadam Festival when travelling on our Mongolia trips in early July. Get in touch with our team for ideas on the best trips that include the Naadam Festival. 

Pi Mai in Laos

What is it? Buddhist New Year

Like its neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, celebrations for the new Buddhist year are important for locals. 

Expect to be celebrating alongside them towards the last days of the festival. Usually, days at the start of the festival are set aside to clean homes and temples and to spend with family. A traditional ceremony is for women to pour on men a cup of perfumed water with flowers. 

Today, this transformed into a carnivalesque water festival in places like Luang Prabang.

When is it? Celebrations are from 13 or 14 April to 15 or 16 April.

Want to join? Book an April departure to join in on the festivities in Luang Prabang.

Paro Tshechu in Bhutan

What is it? The Festival of Paro

A tshechu is a religious and cultural festival in Bhutan and, according to the Lunar Tibetan calendar, throughout the year many are held. 

One of the most popular ones is in Paro valley: Paro Tshechu. Experience the living Bhutanese culture when the local people celebrate Guru Rimpoche who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. 

Festivities include masked dances, drums, trumpets, ceremonies and people wearing their beautiful, colourful costumes. One of the highlights of the festival is the unfolding of the thangka, named ‘thnongdroel’ in Bhutan.

When is it? The Paro Tshechu Festival is generally held in March or April.

Want to join? Tie in an exploration of Bhutan with a Paro Valley visit. We incorporate various cultural journeys into our Bhutan itineraries.

Forlorn palaces cling defiantly to their once-glorious pasts, and the half-ruined mosques and mildew-covered tombstones of East India Company employees are reminders of an era when Murshidabad was as large and rich as London. Now paddy fields and mango orchards have consumed most of what was once the flourishing capital of Bengal.

About 10 years ago, I composed a bucket list of places I wanted to visit in India after three decades of traversing all corners of the subcontinent. Murshidabad was always near the top of my list, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The Cossimbazar Rajbari is a fine example of European and Indian architecture Getting to Murshidabad is an entertaining journey in itself. The Hazarduari Express leaves Kolkata at the civilized hour of 6.50am. Baul singers, whose devotional songs reflect their blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Sufi beliefs, move between the carriages along with hawkers selling toys, snacks and colourful pieces of cloth. Chai sellers strain their brew through tannin-stained muslin sieves. My breakfast is two cups of their syrupy concoction and some freshly roasted peanuts.

Murshidabad’s story is one of conquest and commerce. It’s capture in 1757 by Robert Clive laid the foundations for British rule in India. Its silk merchants were among the richest traders in the world. When Clive plundered the Nawab of Murshidabad’s treasury, there was so much gold and silver in its vaults he expressed surprise at his own ‘moderation’ for not taking more than he did. 

This is West Bengal at its best. Green and serene. A bend on a narrow road that winds its way through mango groves and paddy fields suddenly reveals an overgrown graveyard, a 17th-century mosque or a Jain trader’s palatial mansion.

With the exception of Kolkata and the tea-scented hill station of Darjeeling, West Bengal has been largely left off the itineraries of foreign travellers and tour companies. I’ve never understood why. 

There are no monuments rivalling the Taj Mahal and its mostly flat riverine topography means there are no forts to dominate the horizon. What it does have is a rich cultural heritage that sets it apart from the rest of India. It also boasts one of the world’s largest mangrove forests known as the Sunderbans and home to the Bengal tiger. Its colonial past is evident in cities such as Kolkata and the remains of European settlements scattered along the Hooghly River.

The Bauls, those itinerant mystic minstrels who entertained me on the train to Murshidabad, are based around Santiniketan. The name of the town means 'abode of peace' and it was here that Nobel laureate, poet and artist Rabindranath Tagore founded the Visva Bharati university, where today many of the classes are conducted in the open air under vast spreading banyan trees.

Bengal’s temple architecture is also unique. A scarcity of stone means that the temples are covered in beautifully sculptured terracotta plaques, while the structures themselves are an intriguing mix of styles reflecting influences from Bengal, Orissa and the Mughal period.

There are a few of these temples scattered around Murshidabad as well as a Dutch cemetery and a beautifully restored Armenian church giving the town a strong multicultural mix.

For me, Murshidabad’s most magnificent building is also its most neglected, the 18th-century Sripur Palace. It was once the home of Krishna Kanta Nandy, who was rewarded with vast landholdings for saving the life of Warren Hastings, the future governor of Bengal. From the outside, the palace looked so forlorn I expected an empty shell. Instead, I discovered a majestic courtyard framed by a hundred pillars topped with lotus motifs and joined by exquisite carved archways brought all the way from Benares.

A wide balcony from the second storey looks down on an overgrown courtyard. Anywhere else this would be a major tourist attraction; instead, its wealthy Kolkata-based owners are happy for it to rot in the tropical heat and humidity because they have never forgiven the government for taking away their ancestral lands.

Sripur Palace’s days are clearly numbered, making it another reason why Murshidabad should be near the top of every traveller’s list to explore.

Words by historian, writer and former diplomat in India, John Zubrzycki. Learn more about his current trips with World Expeditions here.

About the writer

John Zubrzycki worked in India as a diplomat, consultant and foreign correspondent and has spent years searching out its hidden gems. He is a best-selling author and has written six books on India, the latest being the story of its princely states. He also writes feature articles for Australian and Indian news outlets. He has more than 40 years of travel experience in India and considers India’s east to be his favourite part of the subcontinent.

The trip highlights for this active Kerala holiday included words like palm-fringed beaches, pilgrimage towns, masala dosa, ancient forts and active fishing ports. And as all of that was going to be explored by means of a cycling holiday, Elisabeth in our London office was very keen to go on the Goa to Kerala Cycle trip in South India.

Off she went in October last year and the trip turned out to be a fantastic experience with lots of positive aspects such as cycling in Goa, the temple of Murudeshwar in Karnataka and Kerala’s ancient forts & serene beaches. That’s why in this article, she wanted to share with you what this South India trip is like.

So here we go with the top 6 reasons to take a Kerala cycling trip, in no particular order:

1. Backroads for Quiet Cycling

The Goa to Kerala cycling trip is mainly on the backroads of southern India along stretched sandy beaches and palm trees and through quiet (fishermen) villages. We heard birds chirp, cicadas sing, and passed the occasional sleepy dog by the roadside. We would cycle in the shadow of palm trees or through green rice paddies, passing vibrantly decorated temples, mosques and churches.

2. Interaction with Local Indians

Several times during our bike rides, we would be welcomed by the local team that had prepared some snacks, fruits and cold drinks for us. These little breaks from our cycling were fantastic opportunities to meet and chat with some of the local people. By nature, the Indian people seem very curious and it was great to chat with them, hear about their life and talk about the fact that we were on a 2-week South India cycling holiday – an idea quite alien to them!

3. Sea Breeze

The trip follows pleasant backroads along the coastline from when you start cycling in Goa and then via Karnataka all the way down to Kerala. There’s a lot of variety on these paths and plenty to see along the way. The sea breeze, sound of the Arabian Sea, seagulls and occasional beach hut are other great aspect of this cycling trip.

4. Slow Pace

As all of us in the group were on this Kerala holiday to have a pleasant time and because the cycling distances were very manageable, none of us ever felt rushed to finish the day. There would be plenty of time to take pictures, visit a school, and explore interesting sites such as ancient forts and temples.

5. Cover 3 Different States

Ahead of the trip I wasn’t really aware of the three different states (and how different they actually are) that we would cover on this cycling adventure. From Goa, where the majority of the population is either Hindu or Roman Catholic and the political influence is cultural nationalism, we cycled to Kerala, where besides the large Hindu population a big portion is Muslim and there is a strong communist presence. We could clearly observe the change while cycling south and this definitely added to the variety of our South India trip.

6. See the Real India: day to day life, away from all other tourists/travellers

Perhaps the biggest reason to go cycling in Kerala is the fact that it is basically entirely free from mass tourism. There were no particular highlights on the trip, which you could say was the actual highlight. We were taken to quiet fishermen’s towns, stopped at local eateries to be sat eating side by side with the regulars, and explored ancient cultural sites that we only had to share with the occasional local visitor. The route really allowed us a glimpse in local daily life of South India.

Inspiration for Kerala Holidays

• Goa to Kerala Cycle
• Bike, Hike and Kayak South India
• Trails of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
• Highlights of Kerala
• South India in Depth
• Kerala & Maldives Adventure
• Kerala Cycle
• Kerala Family Adventure
• South India: Coast to Coast Cycle

The state of Kerala is one of our favourite destinations and now, more than ever, Keralite’s need your support.

Its relaxed pace, the warmth of the local people, the outstanding food, fascinating history, exciting wildlife sanctuaries and the treasure chest of beautiful, natural environments – from picturesque coasts to the highlands carpeted in tea plantations – provide travellers with colourful and inspiring memories.

For those who have considered a trip to Southern India, and even travellers looking for new destinations to discover, now is the time to push Kerala to the top of your bucket list. The resilience of the local people was evident immediately after the recent devastating floods, with the clean-up beginning in earnest and many businesses are expected to re-open by as early as the 1st of September.

The trickle down economic benefits of travel help to support so many local people. Rather than avoiding the state, because of the recent floods, we encourage you to do the exact opposite.

The best way to support Kerala is to support the economy

"The best way to support Kerala is to support the economy," says Vishal, our local partner on the ground in Kerala.

“Tourism is one of the biggest forms of revenue for Kerala and many local people make their livelihoods through tourism. From the tea shops to the tender coconut vendors, drivers to destinations guides, waiters at resorts to small homestays, a lot of families survive because of tourism. It will take some time for Kerala to get back to normal, but as long as there is income for families, they will fight their way through.”

According to Vishal, restoration is already underway and the destinations visited on our adventures will not be impacted.

All the major roads to tourism destinations are motorable already and any main roads that are closed for maintenance are accessible by detours on alternate roads. The Public Road Works department is planning to finish all the maintenance work by mid-September and after that there should not be any restrictions on traffic.

These road restorations do not affect any of our cycling routes and none of the campsites we utilise on our trips were affected during the floods. Our trekking routes were also not affected as they are situated well above the flooded areas.

“The Keralite people have built societies in all parts of the world, and now, we will rebuild our state. Hard work has never been alien to us. The restoration of our amenities is our priority and your safety is paramount. The businesses now shut will be up and running by the 1st of September, 2018. Comfort us most by doing business with us; support us by trusting our instincts about our land. Be a part of our resurgence,” says Vishal.

Our South India trips begin in October. View all trips in Kerala.

I’d had a hankering to visit southern India for a long time, which must have rubbed off on the rest of the family because when I suggested this for our next active holiday, there was a cheer at the dinner table. So, with my husband and teenage children, we set off for Bangalore in January, anticipation high and cycle legs ready.

It was a soft landing into India – Bangalore’s airport is modern and efficient – with Francis greeting us at the arrivals and a smooth transfer to our first hotel, ideally located next to the Botanical Gardens. A short walk from the hotel had us feasting on our first of many Masala Dosa’s at a ridiculously low price, but with no beer to wash it down – alcohol is not usually available at local restaurants.

A family adventure

World Expeditions' Bike, Hike, Kayak South India adventure offered our family the perfect balance of activity and culture, staying in great hotels with incredible food and experiences. It also gave my kids the opportunity to break away from their digital gadgets and, instead, take in the sights, sounds, colours and cultures of a country home to spice gardens, sandalwood forests, rolling foothills and floating markets.

We all know full well that teenagers need to be engaged or they'll become attached to their devices. This trip gets them active and aware of their surroundings, immersed in the atmosphere of the place and getting a buzz from the sense of achievement that an active holidays offers.

The safety net of a support vehicle, experienced cycle guides and an assistant guide offering fruit, snacks and drinks at breaks, means everyone can relax and enjoy the thrill of pedalling through tea plantations or wildlife reserves, past rural scenes of bullocks pulling carts and children walking home from school.

We stayed in a bungalow beneath the soaring Nilgiris (the Blue Mountains), where deer wander past and monkeys are playing in the trees, and sip on gin and tonics by the fire while we are regaled with the history of the ‘resort’ by the owner. We attempt an ascent of a hair pinned road to Ooty, which would fit right in on the Tour de France.

Local experiences and food highlights

Each meal from breakfast of Idli soaked with curry, lunches of thali with their array of refillable side dishes and Masala Dosa and local spiced curries for dinner are anticipated by us all – to say we are in food heaven would be an understatement.

The boys learnt from our guides to use their right hand to scrape up the curry with rotti bread and mix in all the round dishes of coconut, lentils and pickles and, of course, rice. With the majority of meals provided on our trip, as well as dining at local restaurants, this opened our senses to South India's delicious cuisines which we safely consumed (often with second helpings).

Taking a break from cycling, we journeyed to the tea plantations of Munnar, passing Chinnar's dry scrub woodlands and Marayur forests. We ascended above the clouds, trekking to the second highest peak in the Western Ghats, Meesapulimala (2,640m); another great sense of achievement for us all.

The pace slowed with a backwater cruise in Kerala where you can kayak or walk along the banks and see village life in animation before the sun sets on another perfect day.

Our last stop was at Fort Kochi; with its old world atmosphere, Chinese fishing nets dotting the coast, kathakali dancers – with their wonderful expressions, and markets filled with local artefacts. Our hotel on the waterfront was once an old granary and is bursting with atmosphere, forcing us to reflect on the rich trading history of this area.

None of us were ready to leave South India but one thing is certain, we will be back.

Words and images by Kate Baker who travelled on our Bike, Hike, Kayak South India trip.

What countries have you explored by bike? Let us know in the comments below.

There are many reasons why UNESCO World Heritage Sites are best discovered by bicycle.

The steady pace of cycling allows you to access less touristed areas to gain a very unique and memorable perspective of an iconic site. Pedalling under your own steam also lends itself to meeting locals, stopping for a chat or a bite to eat along the way.

With more than 1,000 awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites to experience at handlebar level.

1. Nepal - Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley

A unique way to visit UNESCO protected Bhaktapur Durbar Square is by bicycle

Several kingdoms resided in the Kathmandu Valley and each had its own Durbar Square (royal square). The square in Bhaktapur is one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal and rich with temples, monasteries and palaces.

Explore the Kathmandu Valley by Bike

On the 16-day Annapurna Mountain Bike trip you will explore by bicycle a few of the Durbar Squares that are located in the Kathmandu Valley. Then continue into the Himalaya mountains and cycle sections of the Annapurna Circuit around Jomsom and Gorkha.

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2. Cuba – Old Havana, Vinales Valley & Trinidad

Explore the photogenic streets of Havana in Cuba.

With palm-studded tropical beaches and streets lined by rows of faded colonial buildings painted in muted candy colours - Cuba is an outrageously photogenic destination. It also has nine UNESCO sites including Old Havana, Trinidad, and Vinales Valley, that can be explored by bike.

Experience Cuba on Two Wheels

Soak up Cuba at handlebar level and explore some of the highlights of this Carribean gem on the 12-day Cuba by Bike trip. World Heritage sites visited on this trip include the vibrant Havana, colonial Trinidad and the limestone karsts in the Vinales Valley.

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3. India – Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Jaisalmer Fort & more

Stunning views over Jaipur from the walls of Amber Fort.

There are 36 World Heritage sites in this melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions, diverse landscapes and breathtaking architecture. There is no better way to appreciate the diversity of India than by bike, allowing you properly take in the mind-blowing colours, sites, smells and sounds.

Get Active in North India

Discover some of North India’s top World Heritage sites on the 12-day North India Adventure which includes visits to the Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer Fort, Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri.

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4. Ecuador – The Galapagos Islands

Native giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands. Photo by Ken Harris

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s greatest treasure troves. The awe-inspiring diversity of this archipelago was what inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Famous for its exceptional and fearless wildlife, the ancient landscape and rare inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands give visitors a unique view of the natural world.

Galapagos by Land and Sea

Mix it up on the 8-day multi-activity Galapagos Bike, Hike and Kayak. You’ll cycle to the pristine El Garrapatero Beach which is fantastic for swimming, relaxing and observing flora and fauna.

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5. Laos – Luang Prabang

Sunset on the Mekong River, Laos. Photo by Ken Campbell

Lush, languid and welcoming, it's easy to see why travellers are lured back to Laos. The World Heritage listed tranquil river city of Luang Prabang in is northern Laos, sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan. With its quaint French colonial streets, saffron-robed monks and vivid green surrounding mountains Luang Prabang is an excellent place to explore on two wheels.

Combine the Best of Laos and Cambodia

Combine the best of Laos and Cambodia on the 12-day Bike, Hike and Kayak Laos and Cambodia. Starting with a ride through tranquil Luang Prabang, you will cycle and hike between its exquisite golden temples to nearby caves and waterfalls.

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6. Cambodia – Angkor Wat Temples

Cycling the hidden paths of Angkor Wat. Photo by Rob Keating

Exploring the Temples of Angkor by bike is a great way to get away from the tourist fray. Riding along the quiet, shady tree-lined dirt trails from temple to temple, you’ll almost feel like you’re alone in one of the world’s most visited ancient marvels.

Cycle the Hidden Paths of Angkor Wat

Embark on the 4-day Angkor Wat Cycle, exploring the ancient Khmer temples as well as the lesser known Rolous group of temples.

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7. China – Lijiang

Beautiful World Heritage Lijiang in Yunan Province

With cobblestone streets, rickety wooden buildings and gushing canals – it’s no wonder the time-locked World Heritage city of Lijiang is a highlight of the Yunnan Province. Cycling to a surrounding village is an ideal way to escape the tourist crowds and discover the less visited corners of this quaint and magical town.

Discover the 'Old Town' Lijiang

The 14-day Yunnan Cycle and Tiger Leaping Gorge combines some of the top attractions in the Yunnan Province. It includes a ride through the surrounding ancient villages of Lijiang and a hike through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge.

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8. Sri Lanka – 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without seeing at least one of it's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the cycling holiday with World Expeditions, you'll even discover five of them! Take in the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Dutch colonial heritage in Galle. Kandy is a sacred city and a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. At 488m, it's also Sri Lanka's hill capital, so you may want to exercise your legs ahead of this trip!

See them all in Sri Lanka

Yield to the cadence of Sri Lanka from the seat of a bicycle on the 11-day Sri Lanka by Bike cycling holiday. From capital Colombo, get on your bicycle to venture first south along the coast and then inland via rain forest, hill stations, religious monuments and colonial heritage.

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9. Peru – Cusco

Festival in Cusco, Peru. Image by Donna Lawrence

Step back into the cosmic realm of the ancient Andean culture in the World Heritage listed city of Cusco in Peru. It’s a place where old traditions are not forgotten as pagan tradition mixes with Catholic ritual at colourful and vibrant festivals. Hop on your bike to explore the more remote dust-worn corners of this culturally rich city.

Embark on a Family Adventure in Peru

Take the whole family on a 16-day multi-activity adventure of a life-time on the Family Adventure in Peru. On this tour you will gain a unique perspective of Cusco and take a 3-hour ride in the open fields surrounding the city.

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10. Vietnam - Halong Bay

Gorgeous sunset at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Image by Julia Xiao

With its striking landscapes, gripping history and rich culture, Vietnam is an outstanding destination on all fronts. The World Heritage-listed Halong Bay is a bucket list destination. Many travellers flock here to witness firsthand the breathtaking turquoise waters and limestone islands. Cycle through the forested mountains, fertile farmlands and down scenic backroads as you travel to Halong Bay by bike.

Ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay

This is the ideal active adventure for those short on time in Northern Vietnam. On the 5-day Hanoi to Halong Bay by Bike trip you will experience some of the top sites of the region by bike, as you cycle from Hanoi to the picturesque Halong Bay.

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Why cycle with us?

World Expeditions began organising its first cycling holidays in India in 1978. Today, we operate a broad range of cycling holidays to suit all levels of abilities around the world. Our cycling trips include comfortable geared bikes, support crew and a backup vehicle. In addition, you'll ride at a steady pace, so you are free to enjoy the scenery along the way.

>> Browse all Cycling Journeys

We’ve teamed up with World Animal Protection to craft new itineraries that focus on wildlife encounters. Each itinerary has been reviewed and approved by World Animal Protection and here at World Expeditions we’ll donate a percentage of each trip to World Animal Protection. By doing so, we can support their work to save animals from abuse and neglect.

Wild Animal Encounters in India

14 days | Departs Delhi on 24 February 2017

Set off on wildlife excursions to some of India’s best National Parks spotting tigers, jungle cats, rhesus monkeys and more, all in their wild habitat. Packed with wildlife spotting opportunities this itinerary also includes some icon spotting to see some of India’s famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Pink City of Jaipur.

Wild Animal Encounters in Thailand

12 days | Departs Bangkok on 03 March 2017

Journey by 4WD and foot through Thailand’s top National Parks spotting wild elephants, tigers, gibbons, macaques as well as a plethora of birdlife, culminating at the Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea, to swim with sea turtles. A day is spent at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand wildlife rescue center to learn about the plight of elephants in the tourism industry in Thailand and how this wonderful organisation is offering elephants and many other animal species a better future.

If animal encounters are high on your list for your next adventure, make sure your experiences aren’t harmful, then these adventures are perfect for you. Don’t miss out! Learn more about …

India adventure >> 

Wild Animal Encounters in India

Thailand adventure >>

Wild Animal Encounters in Thailand

Did you know?

These Thailand and India adventures are part of a series of 4 new trips that take off in 2017. Curious to know where the other two animal trips endorsed by World Animal Protection will take you? Find out here.

>> All trips to Thailand

>> All trips to India

Both confronting yet stimulating, whilst peaceful and inspiring, it's the contrasts that make India so special.

A melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions, diverse landscapes and breathtaking architecture - there are endless things to see and do in India. You could lose yourself discovering the world-renowned textiles, fragrant spices and intricate handicrafts in the bustling markets, delving into the mouthwatering flavours of one of the world's greatest cuisines, or exploring the exquisitely designed temples and palaces. People watching is always a lot of fun too!

With so many fascinating and captivating places to visit in India, it can be hard narrowing down an itinerary, particularly if it's your first time travelling to India. To help make it easier, we've come up with eight places in India that you simply cannot afford to miss. Some in the North and some in the South, we hope this inspires your next India adventure!

1. Agra – Home of the The Taj Mahal

Agra is well known to be the home of the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and arguably one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth. Towering grandly and ever so elegantly over the bank of the Yamuna River, this delicate and intricately designed grand marble ivory-white mausoleum lives up to all its talked up to be and leaves few disappointed.

Whilst many visit Agra on a day trip to see the Taj Mahal alone and are on their way to their next destination soon after, there is more to Agra that people give it credit for. The Mughal Empire has left a wonderful fort and numerous captivating mausoleums and tombs. The Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, is an exquisite tomb that is also worthwhile a visit in Agra. Less crowded and just as elegantly designed as Taj itself, it is well worth spending some time wondering through this tomb, appreciating the fine architecture, without the masses of people.  You could spend several days visiting these monuments, as well as navigating your way through the lively marketplaces.

However, do be aware that with the flocks of tourists drawn to the Taj, comes many street sellers, rickshaw wallahs, touts and ‘fake’ guides which can get tiresome at times. All in all, Agra, is a must-see city in India, even if it is just for the Taj Mahal.

How to see it now

Tick Agra and the Taj Mahal off your bucket list on our five-day India’s Golden Triangle, where you will spend the morning at the Taj Mahal watching the sunrise as well as visit the Agra Fort, ‘the Baby Taj’ and participate in a marble inlay workshop.

2. Jaipur – The Pink City

Jaipur was founded by Maharake Jai Singh in the early 18^th century and is known as the “Pink City of India” - the gateway and capital to India’s most flamboyant state, Rajasthan. You will soon see why as you drive through the bustling city with almost every wall painted the colour pink, which was done to welcome Prince Edward VII and Queen Victoria in 1876. Jaipur is a delightful city, and is somewhat calmer than chaotic Delhi (but still pretty crazy!).

A big draw card to visit Jaipur is the historic fort-palace Amber Fort, nestled among the Aravalli Hills. Built in the 1600 by Raja Man Singh, this stunning fort will take your breath away! You could spend hours wondering through this fort marveling at the intricate and elaborate details in the buildings décor as well as enjoy learning about the story of the kingdom.

Another highlight of Jaipur is the decadent and magnificent City Palace which includes a huge complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings that are a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, as well as a fascinating City Palace museum.

With it’s beautiful forts and palaces, Jaipur is sure to be a city that won’t disappoint!

How to see it now

Visit the highlights of Jaipur on our Classic North India trip where we will spend two days in Jaipur including time at Amber Fort, the City Palace museum full of fascinating ancient artifacts and Jai Singh’s Observatory. This trip is the perfect for those who want to soak up the biggest highlights of North India.

Amber Fort

3. Alleppey - peaceful Kerala Backwaters

If you have been travelling through North India, then the South of India, and in particular Kerala’s backwaters, comes as a welcomed break. These beautiful, picturesque backwaters must not be missed for those travelling in South India, and travel in all directions from the city of Alleppey (or Alappuzha), the hub of the surrounding backwaters.

The main attraction of the backwaters are the houseboats (also known as kettuvallams), with more than 2000 houseboats floating down the river. The kettuvallams were originally used as grain barges but have since been transformed into floating cottages – some being quite luxurious!

Alleppey itself is graceful and greenery-fringed, and is a watery world of villages, punted canoes, shops and many houseboats. Float along the backwaters and gaze over the vibrant green rice paddies, observe the village life, enjoy the mesmerizingly beautiful and relaxing experience and unwind from the chaos the rest of India brings.

How to see it now

There is no better way to visit Kerala than spending the night cruising peacefully down the backwaters on a traditional houseboat on our Highlights of Kerala trip. This relaxed introduction to the charming and diverse state of Kerala, after sightseeing in Cochin, allows you to soak up the lush tropical scenery and get a close-up glimpse of village life as you float down the backwaters.

4. Varanasi - the holy city

Varanasi will be like no other city you have ever been to before – at the same time as being completely mind-boggling and chaotic on a whole new level, it is one incredibly fascinating and compelling place. Home to the famous River Ganges, an important centre of the Hindu universe, where many pilgrims come to wash away their sins or cremate their loves ones in the sacred waters. With public rituals of life and death, Varanasi is certainly not for the faint-hearted, although overwhelming it’s a city that is definitely worth a visit.

A walk along the ghats and a boat ride or evening ceremony is something to remember forever, as you watch Hindu pilgrims bathing in the waters of the sacred River Ganges, a ritual that washes away ones sins. It is also an auspicious place to die, as those who do are released from the cycle of rebirth. Spending time on the ghats is a moving experience like no other, and is something that will leave you in awe and complete fascination.

With scenes that may shock or inspire, and with a bustling chaos in the heart of the city like-no-other, Varanasi is a place of such cultural and spiritual significance that you simply must see it to believe it.

How to see it now

Spend two days in this holy city, on our 22-day North India in Depth  trip, a cultural journey which will bring the complex history of the extraordinary country to life. In Varanasi you will have the opportunity to visit Sarnath, which is a major centre for Buddhism in India, full of monasteries and magnificent stupas. Arrive at the Ganges by dawn and be awed as you witness pilgrims bathing and praying in the city ghats at sunrise. End the day on the ghats being blown away by an evening performance of traditional music and dance.

5. Delhi - a melting pot of the old and new

For most people, Delhi is their first taste of India when they exit the airport and have to navigate their way through the chaotic traffic to their hotel. Past the mayhem of India’s capital, which is home to a population of 25 million people – is a maze of mega malls, bustling markets, colonial buildings, Mughal mausoleums and fascinating relics of ancient empires.

Whilst some are underwhelmed by Delhi, if it’s given a chance, Delhi’s hidden corners will give you the most rewarding and memorable experiences. These might be wandering through the winding streets of the walled city of Old Delhi and marvelling at the remains of what once was the capital of the Mughals,  filled with mansions, elegant mosques and gardens. There is something quaint and charming about the crumpling walls and chipped paint of what was once a grand building. Enjoy a free lunch and a sip of chai at a Sikh Temple and this will top off your day meandering through the organised chaos.

Along with exploring Old Delhi, there are many beautiful sights in Delhi which could take a good few days to see. You may even need a second visit to see all the monuments in Dehli. Some places of interest include the majestic Humayun’s Tomb, the old military barraks Red Fort, Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque) and Mehrauli Archaeological Park (often overlooked by tourists).

How to see it now

Our Rajasthan Cycle tour combines the “Golden Triangle” cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with a wildlife-safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve and stop over at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, perfect for travellers who would like to tick the big cities off their bucket list and see some wildlife too. Explore key monuments including the Taj Mahal, City Palace, the Jantar Mantar and the magnificent Red Fort. The cycling route follows the old road that was once a merchant route between the princely state of Alwar and Jaipur.

6. Udaipur - Venice of the East

With its shimmering lakes, grand marble palaces, temples, havelis and winding colourful streets - Udaipur is known as the “Venice of the East” and has been named one of India’s most romantic cities. This enchanting city is set on the man-made lake Lake Pichola against the woody Aravail Hills and was voted the best city in the world in 2009 by the Travel + Leisure magazine.

A highlight of Udaipur is the City Palace Complex and the City Palace Museum situated in the middle of Lake Pichola which houses a wonderful collection of traditional miniature paintings and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. A boat ride on Lake Pichola will give you a whole new perspective of the city.

Other highlights include exploring the architectural splendour of the Bagor Ki Haveli, watching the sunset over the Monsoon Palace, the Jagdish Temple - an imposing white Hundi temple with intricate architecture and carvings and the Ambrai Ghat - the perfect vantage point to photograph the city.

With its bustling ancient bazaars, vibrant art scene, quaint old buildings, winding narrow streets and beautiful country side, as well as wonderfully unique palaces and temples, this city full of character and zest is one not to be missed when travelling in India.

How to see it now

Experience this romantic city in depth on our Royal Rajasthan adventure allows you to explore the maze of narrow alleys and crooked lanes, taking in a number of significant architectural delights including the Garden of the Maids of Honour and the imposing City Palace (the largest of all of Rajasthan).

This two-week evocative tour will leave you in awe as you tour Rajasthan’s romantic past and ensuring splendour, visiting extraordinary forts, marvellous palaces and exquisite havelis, witnessing the ancient tales and stories from each city come to life.

7. Pondicherry - a taste of France in India

What do you do when you are craving some delectable French pastries while in India? Go to Pondicherry of course! Get a ‘taste of France’ in Pondicherry (also known as Puducherry) with delicious French food in this city which was under French rule until 1954. Pondicherry is a great place to sit down with a croissant and coffee by the sea; as you watch passers-by stroll down the picturesque foreshore, then perhaps relax with some afternoon yoga. While the modern part of Pondicherry is as busy as any other South India city, the older part, with its charming colonial-era teahouses, is calm, clean and relatively quiet and can give you a much needed break from the other bustling cities of Southern India.

Whether you spend the day shopping, sitting in a French bakery, or relaxing by the seaside, you are sure enjoy the vast contrast that Pondicherry brings in comparison to the big cities.

How to see it now

Indulge in some French pastries, and walk along the charming seaside of Pondicherry, while you experience this slice of France in India on our Ultimate Southern India Journey. This tour will take you on an in-depth exploration into lush and tropical Southern India with all its colour, vibrancy, spirituality and diversity.

8. Leh - an enchanting desert city high in the Himalaya

Leh is the capital of Ladakh in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state and is a beautiful hassle free and enchanting desert city. High up in the Himalayas, 3500m above sea level, it is important to spend some time here acclimatising before you embark on any active adventures in the region. Leh is the gateway to many incredible treks and cycling adventures in the Indian Himalaya and is known for its Buddhist sights and the massive 17^th century Leh Palace, which was modelled on the Dalai Lama’s former home. The palace is the most noticeable building in Leh, and is a great place to explore with dark and spooky corridors, and a gorgeous yet eerie Buddhist prayer room in the centre of the palace.

It’s easy to fall in love with Leh’s quaint charm, particularly in the Old Town, which is a patchwork of stupas and mud-brick houses, surrounded by maze-like laneways that lead to green fields. You could easily spend a couple of days in Leh, exploring the Buddhist temples and monasteries, or go on day trips to the Pangong Tso, a beautiful high altitude lake at 4350 metres with deep blue waters, the Nubra Valley, and the Victory fort.

How to see it now

Visit Leh on our Hidden Valleys of Ladakh trek, the perfect introduction to the breathtaking, culturally rich region of Ladakh. Start and end your scenic trek into the rugged land characterised by Buddhist and ancient forts in Leh, where you will spend time wandering the bazaar, visiting Victory Fort, and exploring the winding streets that soak up the quaint and charming atmosphere.

India with World Expeditions

World Expeditions operates many active adventures in India, from trekking high up in the Indian Himalaya to experiencing some of India's most famous cities. Browse our India trips here

Remote Festivals of Asia

To highlight the unique cultures and extra special experiences that Asia has to offer, World Expeditions has put together a number of unique journeys and departures that take in some of the most interesting festivals throughout the world. Here we are just looking at some of our favourite festivals in Asia that are well off the beaten track.

May: Saga Dawa Festival - Tibet

Journey to the roof of the world at the time of the Saga Dawa festival and you will have the chance to join many thousands of pilgrims from throughout Tibet as they gather to pay homage to the Mt. Kailash, one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Many of the pilgrims may have spent up to a month travelling across Tibet to attend the festival, which involves monks offer their prayers and blessings to the huge gathering before a huge prayer pole is erected. The event takes several hours creating a feeling of awe and expectation before the pole is finally put into place. It is then time for the more devout pilgrims to commence the ‘kora’ or pilgrimage around Mt Kailash.

Get there in 2016 on our Journey to Mount Kailash (20 Days) >>

June: Hemis Festival - India (Ladakh)

Hemis commemorates the Indian sage Padmasambhava who introduced Tantric Buddhism to this region of the Himalaya in the 8th century. The festival consists of an elaborate series of masked dances depicting the life of Padmasambhava and the moral victory of knowledge over ignorance etc. Several hundred Ladakhi villagers from throughout the Indus Valley attend the festival. Besides its religious significance it is a time to renew acquaintances, visit the
many stands and drink large quantities of butter tea and barley beer. In essence it is more of a medieval fair than a religious festival that reflects much of the contemporary cultural life of Ladakh.

Get there on our Hidden Valleys of Ladakh (20 Days) >>

July: Naadam Festival – Mongolia

This UNESCO listed festival is a mass gathering of local tribesman in Ulaan Baatar. See local contestants put their courage, strength and daring to the test with the three “manly” sports of archery, horse racing, and wrestling. Discover a unique nomadic culture and traditional hospitality at its best in the land of Genghis Khan.

Get there on our Trans Siberian Adventure Naadam Festival (23 days) >>

October: Jambay Lakhang Festival - Bhutan

A hugely popular religious festival which takes place every autumn at one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Considered one of the most spectacular, the festival lasts for five days and the highlights of the festival are the fire blessing ceremony ‘Mewang’ , where devotees attempt to jump across flames to ensure good luck and the ritualistic naked dance (‘Tercham’, the ‘Dance of Treasure’), designed to bless fertile women and allow them to conceive.

Get there with our Bhutan Festivals - Land of the Thunder Dragon (13 days) >>

December: Hornbill Festival – India (Nagaland)

Celebrated every year in the first week of December the Hornbill festival brings together 12 Naga tribal groups including Konyak, Ao, Angami, Sema and Rengma, who gather to transform the festival ground to a traditional Naga village with their different and unique style of housing. The sound of log war drums and the song of the head hunting ceremony with the ferocious traditional dresses with tattoos makes for an exciting atmosphere. Every day will be traditional Naga dance, song, games and other activities performed by different Naga tribes, which highlight the cultures and traditions of the tribal peoples.

Get there with our Assam, Nagaland & The Hornbill Festival (9 days)>>