A Guide to Planning the Perfect Tour of South Asia

One of the most evocative and diverse regions on earth, South Asia has a lot to offer the traveller just looking for something different. Spanning the Indian Subcontinent, South Asia is home to people of a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. Travelling to this part of the world opens you up to an incredible array of experiences and cultures. From the stark, mountainous terrain of the Himalayas to the lush green valleys of the Ganges River, there is much to see and explore in this part of the world. Here’s a guide to planning the perfect tour of South Asia!

Add a little spice to your trip with a South Asian cooking class 

Want to add a little spice to your trip? Plan to take a cooking class while you’re in South Asia! This is an easy way to get a taste of what the region has to offer. You’ll be able to taste some local cuisine, learn about the history of food in the area, and practice your skills at home.

Visit a temple in the Himalayas 

One of the most popular experiences for travellers to South Asia is a trip to a religious site. Some of the most unique and incredible sites in this region are the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain temples. They are a testament to the different cultures that have made India their home. You can visit some of these sites by using your own two feet or you can book an organized tour from one of the many companies that specialize in tourism in this region.

Cycle through the capital of Nepal 

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It shares borders with China, India, and Myanmar. The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. There are many things to see and do in this region including trekking the Himalayas and visiting Buddhist temples in Kathmandu.

Take a houseboat cruise in Assam 

One of the most popular destinations in South Asia is India’s Assam. The region is surrounded by tea plantations, with winding rivers, misty mountains and rich diversity of flora and fauna. A perfect way to see this part of India is through houseboat cruising. Houseboats are available for cruises up the Brahmaputra River and can be rented as day tours or overnight trips. These houseboats are typically small wooden boats, propelled by a paddle wheel, which take you on easy-going tours into the lush green surroundings of what is one of India’s top tourist destinations.

Another way to see this region is through an elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park. Elephants have been domesticated in India for centuries, making them one of the country’s most iconic animals. Kaziranga National Park has more than 400 elephants that roam freely through its thick forests and wetlands, creating a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants! And if you’re looking for even more wild animal action, try trekking through the jungle at Nagaland’s Kohima Wildlife Sanctuary!

Soak up the rays on a beach in Goa, India 

Goa, India is the perfect place to spend a relaxing tropical holiday. The one-time Portuguese colony is known for its laid-back atmosphere and serene beaches. First stop on your trip should be the picturesque Goan capital of Panjim, followed by nearby Anjuna Beach, where you can enjoy an authentic beach experience. After soaking up some sun in Goa, make your way south to Mumbai, India’s financial hub. The next stop is the ancient city of Hampi in southern Karnataka before moving north to the sacred Jagannath temple in Puri. Then you’ll head west to explore Srirangapattana and Mysore before making your way back east to Delhi.

Mumbai has plenty to see and do with its vibrant neighbourhoods and bustling downtown area as well as a number of interesting sites including the Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Elephanta Caves and more! The next stop is Delhi, India’s capital city that offers an intriguing mix of Old World charm and modern sophistication that’s made it a major destination for international travellers. Finally finish up your trip with a visit to Agra, which was once home to one of the world’s most important monuments: the Taj Mahal!

Discover the Jewish Heritage of Mumbai 

Bollywood, the Hindi film industry, is famous for its romantic melodramas and musicals that have brought Indian cinema to the world. But did you know that Mumbai has a long tradition of Jewish life dating back to their arrival in 1689? Today, you can see remnants of this history in the Mumbai Jewish Cemetery.

One of the most famous Jewish sites in Mumbai is the 18th-century tomb of Rabbi David Halevi. This beautiful cemetery is usually open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and it offers visitors a chance to meditate among centuries-old graves. In addition, there are also some wonderful synagogues in Mumbai that date back as far as 1775. The Elphinstone Synagogue is one such place that was built by Sephardic Jews in 1828 but was restored after being bombed by Muslim terrorists during World War II. Its stunning architecture and beautiful interior make it worth visiting even if you’re not religious!

 Dine like a royal in Hyderabad, India

When you think of South Asia, India is usually the first country that comes to mind. However, there are other countries in this region with much more to offer than just a tourist destination. One such country is Hyderabad, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. If you’re travelling through the region between November and March, make sure to set aside time for a visit to this amazing city.

The food here is absolutely delicious–you won’t want to miss out on trying out some of the local delicacies. For example, Hyderabadi biryani consists of layers of basmati rice with tender lamb and spices cooked in an oven at low heat until golden brown on top and bottom. Another popular dish that you must try when visiting Hyderabad is Andhra chicken curry which includes onions, tomatoes and spices cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

In addition to these dishes, there are many other things that you can do while visiting Hyderabad. For starters, you might try taking a trip to one of the royal palaces like Golconda Fort or Salar Jung Museum where they house some of the most valuable pieces of art ever made in India.

Travellers should also make sure to visit Charminar–one of the most famous landmarks in the world–while they’re here! This iconic monument has been designed by architects from around the world and features intricate carvings all over its exterior surfaces.

Conclusion

Planning a trip can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Here’s how to go from tourist to traveller with ease.