The festivals of India bridge cultures, unites diversities, and nurtures traditions. The joyous cheer and high spirits of these festivals are the heartbeat of the country. Come and experience the festive bliss with our Cultural tours to India this year and here’s a quick-list of upcoming events you must experience on your next trip to India.
Watch out for these Festivals on Cultural tours to India 2024
1. Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra celebrated every year in honour of the descendance of Holy River Ganga from heaven to the. This auspicious festival is joyously celebrated in many parts of India, but is grandly celebrated in Varanasi. Here tourists from India and abroad take the holy dip, light earthen lamps (diyas) and take part in the Artis. The diyas floating in the evening river, with divine music in the background is a truly mesmerizing experience.
Date: 16th June, 2024
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Discover the Buddhist gems of Sarnath
- Tour of the famous Hindu Temples in Varanasi
- Learn Yoga at a local training centre
- Head for a Walking city and street food tour
- Classical Dance and Music Tour in Varanasi
- Motorboat ride to Ramanagar Fort
- Boat Ride on River Ganges
- Attend the Spectacular Ganga Aarti in evening
2. Hemis Festival
The main cultural landmark and the richest monastery of Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery hosts the Hemis Festival in June every year. This two-day zesty affair lets you indulge in a pure Tibetan celebration in entirety. There is no other festival here that showcases the local traditions, culture and captivates visitors with its zealous vibes.
Date: 10th June 2024
Best time to visit: April to Mid-September
Things to do:
• Camel Safari at Nubra Valley
• Bike ride to Khardung La Pass
• Rejuvenate at Tso Pangong Lake
• Visit the iconic Hemis Monastery
• Take a tour of the Hall of Fame Museum
• Pay Homage at the Shanti Stupa
• Spot a Snow Leopard at Hemis National Park
• White water river rafting at Shyok River
3. Jagannath Rath Yatra
The yearly chariot festival – Jagannath Yatra held in Puri is the greatest and most revered festivals of Orissa, is being held on July 7th this year. It is the largest and most visited Rath Yatra in the world, where visitors throng to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), his brother and sister and to lend a hand in pulling the ropes of the revered chariots. This awe inspiring procession goes through the streets of Puri and you can see people from all religions and countries participate in the yatra.
You can explore our cultural tours to India for a trip to Odisha to witness this divine event in real time.
Date: 19th July 2024
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Dolphin watching at Chilika Lake
- Visit the lesser-known Changrabaga Beach
- Bhubhneshwar Heritage Walking tour’
- Discover the biggest abode to Olive Ridley Sea Turtles
- A Heritage village walking tour to Raghurajpur
- Tour of the Jain caves at Khandagiri
- Bicycle tour to Painting village
- Learn about the local craft skills at Peepli.
4. Shimla Summer Festival
A multi-day riot of festivities in the mighty of Himalayas is what our Shimla Summer Festival is all about. This is a jazzy event that marks the onset of summers and welcomes tourists, artists and tribal people from every corner to this four-day gala. It is nothing less than a carnival to set your spirits high and indulge in a fun-filled pursuit that you surely won’t want to miss on cultural tours to India. We suggest you to book your holiday to Shimla to attend this event in advance as it falls in the peak tourist season.
Date: 1st-4th June 2024
Best time to visit: April to June and November to January
Things to do:
- Heritage walking tour in Shimla
- Toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla
- Evening tour of the Ridge, Mall Road
- Adore the architecture of Christ Church
- Pay Homage at the Jakhoo Temple
- Shop Handicrafts from the famous Lakkar Bazaar
- Enjoy birdwatching at Himalayan National Park
- Enjoy skiing at Kufri valley
5. Onam
The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam is a ten-day sacred event that is celebrated in many ways on each day. People gather together to be a part of this festival, dressed up in new clothes, streets are lit up with lamps and houses are decorated with flavour. Many savory delicacies are prepared during this festival and are served on a banana leaf. You can also witness boat racing activities and elephant decorations during this time. This is just the perfect example where you can revel in the spirit of togetherness, joy and abundance.
Date: 15th September 2024
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Tea Plantation tour in Munnar
- Houseboat stay at Alleppey Backwaters
- Wildlife Safari Periyar National Park
- Boat ride at Periyar Lake
- Spice plantation tour in Periyar
- Discover the Portuguese heritage of Cochin
- Treehouse stay in Munnar
- Kalaripayattu Show in Munnar
- Sunset watching at Thiruvanthapuram
- Kayaking in Cochin
5. International Yoga Day
Yoga is a 5000-year old tradition in India that has been adopted by people around the world. The International Yoga Day festival is celebrated in June every year to encourage practicing yoga on a daily basis. This will push you a step closer to connect your mind, soul and body. India has its own yoga capital, Rishikesh where you can join yoga sessions happening around the city.
Date: 21st June, 2024
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
- Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
- Visit the famous Neelkanth Temple
- River Rafting in Holy Ganga
- Visit the iconic Beatles Ashram
- Meditation and Yoga session at a local ashram
- Explore the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar
Our cultural tours to India offer rich experiences to travelers and leave with a lasting imprint on their soul. For best deals, explore our page here.
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