Rituals, Rivers & Rising Faiths

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Beliefs & Rituals

With its eye-catching golden dome glistening in the sun, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a holy place for Sikhs across the world, the holy waters of its pond are believed to have healing properties. Here, you can visit the principal shrine and witness pilgrims partaking in the traditional Langar-style meal that has been cooked by the Gurudwara’s disciples in its community kitchen. If you wish, you can volunteer in the community kitchen as well. Image credits: Nimitnigam, CC-BY-SA

Old Delhi Exploration

Cuisine

Heading down Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, partly on foot, partly by cycle-rickshaw, one can palpably experience the sacred yet secular way of life that is so typical of India. Interestingly, apart from the assortment of stores selling everything from jewelry to sarees, numerous eateries have also been established along these bylanes that add flavor (literally!) to the old market - and tangibly evoke a sense of history. You can also embark on curated food walks in these old quarters. From savoring some of the most mouthwatering snacks to indulging your sweet tooth, from visiting Asia’s largest spice market to..

Architecture Trails

Art & Architecture

Step back into the Mughal era, with Travel Scope's Art History Trails. Let an art historian lead you to the Emperor Humayun’s tomb, OR the prayer tower of Qutab Minar, some of the Mughal Empire monuments, and introduce you to the finer details of architecture, artistry and history.

The Oberoi

Overlooking Delhi’s lush Golf Club greens and the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, The Oberoi, New Delhi is an urban landmark of understated luxury. Recently renovated, the hotel blends modern design with Mughal-inspired touches — offering spacious rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and panoramic city views. Guests can indulge in award-winning dining, rejuvenate at the spa and wellness center, or simply retreat into calm at the heart of India’s bustling capital.

The Claridges

Luxury Boutique

The Claridges hotel offers its guests a relaxing stay in its beautiful beige accommodations, and has been a landmark in Lutyens’ Delhi since the 1950s.  Located amidst lush and tranquil surroundings in the heart of the city, the hotel is within close proximity of the shopping and cultural centers and historical landmark.

The Leela Palace – New Delhi

Luxury Boutique

Imposing, inspiring and right at home among the grand landmarks of the New Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, this iconic palace style hotel makes a significant statement in terms of architecture and intent. Its architecture is inspired by Lutyens’ work, art and embellishment by Mrs. Madhu Nair, and its levels of refinement and generosity of space mirror the great palaces of the world.

The Imperial

Luxury Boutique

The Imperial hotel offers the best in luxury as well as comfort with its regal interiors, as elaborate as the backdrop of The Great Gatsby, and an impeccably trained staff. The hotel offers rooms in varying sizes and cost, yet the promised comfort and amenities are in no way compromised upon. The hotel houses museum-worthy artefacts as well as an art gallery among its many corridors. The in-house restaurants are brimming with elegance and reflect the hotel’s art-deco ambience. However, it is The Spice Route, which is its major attraction; an intricately designed restaurant that features exquisite carvings.

Boating on the Ganges

Music & Dance

No trip to Varanasi is complete, without a visit to the banks of the river Ganges. A boat ride is a great way to experience the rituals and rhythms of the people who flock from far and wide to worship the river. Start your morning with a sunrise cruise downriver to watch the ghats (the steps that lead down to the river) come to life. For an unusual wedding anniversary, you can also renew your vows on a sunrise boat ride, consecrated by the chants of Hindu priests! Or be serenaded by a flutist on board a bajra - a..

Markets & Riverside Rituals

Beliefs & Rituals

Discover Varanasi by walking through the twisted bylanes of markets, with a plethora of interesting shops selling everything from flowers to spices, which open up onto the colourful, pilgrim-overrun ghats – the steps that lead down to the river. A more interesting way to see the hubbub on the ghats is to set off on a boat ride – where you pass people swimming in the river, taking ritual dips, washing clothes and offering prayers. End the day, with the Ganga Aarti, an evening ritual of lighting lamps against the darkness and offering prayers to the river deity, Ganga -..

Sarnath ruins & museum

Art & Architecture

Sarnath was a great center of learning where the Buddha preached his first sermon on the Dharmachakra, his code of conduct. Today, a Bodhi tree commemorates Buddha’s initial moment of enlightenment during which he conceived the Eightfold Path to Nirvana. You may also visit the Archaeological Museum which houses a well preserved and broad range of relics and artefacts significant to the Buddhist faith. Sarnath Museum hosts the iconic Ashoka pillar, placed by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka circa 250 BCE – and India’s emblem of 3 lions atop a Dharma Chakra, with a horse on the left and a bull..

Taj Ganges

Heritage Homes/Mansions

Nestled amid 40 acres of lush gardens, Taj Ganges is an oasis of calm in the sacred city of Varanasi. Blending contemporary elegance with spiritual heritage, it offers serene views, world-class hospitality, and curated experiences that reflect the timeless soul of the Ganges. Ideal for travellers seeking comfort, culture, and meaningful connection.

Taj Nadesar Palace

Luxury Boutique

Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquility set in the midst of one of the most vibrant and chaotic cities in the world. Works of art from the Maharaja’s collection decorate the walls of the palace and the suites are embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era. With impeccable service and connectivity to the mystic heritage of Varanasi, the Nadesar Palace offers a complete world-class experience.

Brijrama Palace

Luxury Boutique

Brijrama Palace is an emerging, unique experience that holds a lot of promise for travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences in Varanasi, especially for those looking for something more lavish on the riverside ghats. A uniformed team in a canopied boat welcome guests with a cool, local drink - setting the tone for Varanasi hospitality. The 3 storeyed property can be accessed by an elevator - a one-of-its-kind mechanism installed in a palace turret. The hotel suites are comfortable, well-furnished, with gold-leaf interiors and offer a great view of the bustling ghats. The dining experience at Brijrama Palace, albeit without..

Ken River Safari

Wildlife & Wilderness

The Ken river flows right through the Panna Reserve. A boat safari down the gushing Ken can help you glimpse wildlife along the lifeline of the forest and you can stake out creatures who come to the riverside for water and food. It is a rare pleasure in a forest teeming with life, and the riverways offer a more tranquil way to experience nature.

Khajuraho Temple Trail

Art & Architecture

Experience the best Khajuraho has to offer with the Temple Trail, an evocative way to experience history of a bygone era, with a narrative of the Chandela dynasty, the temple construction and the city’s name. Khajuraho has some of the best preserved temples in the country, with intricate stone carvings that have the finish of wood or metal and while the erotic sculptures have brought it to the attention of the world, there is a far deeper symbolism to the art.

Panna Jeep Safari

Wildlife & Wilderness

Explore the heart of diamond and emerald country on a jeep safari. Panna's habitats include dry broadleaf to moist deciduous forest, and the catchment of the Ken river irrigates national park. With over 200 species of birds, a rich abundance of large and small mammals, like the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, wild dogs, chinkara, spotted deer, sloth bear, and riverine reptiles like gharials and crocodiles - a jeep safari through the park throws up a lot of surprises.

The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace

Urban Abodes

Cradled in the peaceful countryside near the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho, The Oberoi Rajgarh offers a luxurious retreat into India’s artistic and spiritual heartland. Drawing inspiration from the region’s legacy of sacred sculpture, sensual artistry, and celestial symbolism, the property combines royal Rajasthani architecture with Oberoi’s signature hospitality. It’s an oasis where travellers can unwind amidst nature, while being moments away from one of India’s most remarkable temple complexes - where stone comes alive with stories of devotion, cosmic balance, and the eternal dance of life.

Sarai at Toria

Wildlife Lodges

With sweeping views of the gushing Ken River, the thatched, mud-caked cottages and the stone-paved dining areas, the Sarai at Toria is a simple but tastefully done-up property that blends into the rustic landscape at the edge of the Panna National Park. Enjoy the comforts of a stay that has little impact on the wildlife, offers rich pickings for fishermen, and is dominated by the incredible diversity of insects and birds on the riverside.

Orchha Heritage Walk

Art & Architecture

Set off on a quiet, charming heritage trail through Orchha’s Indo – Mughal architecture – the indomitable stone structures that command the horizon of the town with their beautiful domes known as chhatris. The sights include the ruins of the Jahangir Mahal with its open courtyards and painted ceilings, the Lakshminarayan Temple with its ceremonies and bells, and the numerous cenotaphs along the riverside. Image Credits: Alikmandal, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Agra Old City Walk

Art & Architecture

While the Taj Mahal steals the thunder in Agra, there are several other beautiful monuments that have their own story to tell. An Agra Old City Walk will take you past the Agra Fort Railway station with its distinctly European architecture, and the Jama Masjid district surrounded by Old Agra’s bazaars and fine architecture. Here you can hone your bargaining skills on everything from zardozi embroidery to inlaid marble objects. Image credits: Varun Shiv Kapur, CC-BY

Taj Mahal by Sunrise

Agra has been immortalized by Taj Mahal – the magnificent mausoleum, which the emperor Shahjahan had built for his queen, Mumtaz and India’s own jewel in the list of 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Travel Scope recommends that you head there early morning, to watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal and avoid the bustling tourist queues to enter the monument. Instead let our storyteller guide weaves tales of Agra’s and the mausoleum, as also the romance between Shahjahan and Mumtaz.

Tajview

Urban Abodes

Just minutes from the Taj Mahal, Tajview, Agra offers an inspiring blend of contemporary comfort and Mughal-era charm. Set amidst landscaped gardens, the hotel provides panoramic views of the world’s greatest monument to love. With warm Indian hospitality, curated cultural experiences, and close proximity to Agra’s architectural marvels, it serves as a tranquil haven for travellers seeking both romance and history in the heart of the Mughal capital.

ITC Mughal

Urban Abodes

A premier resort and spa spread over 35 acres, the ITC Mughal Sheraton offers a truly royal Mughal experience. Its 285 rooms and suites overlook verdant landscaped lawns or sparkling waters. The country's largest spa is a harmonious blend of Mughal and contemporary design and offers an oasis of tranquility.

The Oberoi Amarvilas

Luxury Boutique

The resort sits a mere 600 meters from the world famous Taj Mahal, offering brilliant views of the monument from the lobby, pool, spa, restaurants and every room in the hotel. Elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains and pavilions complement the classic architecture of the hotel.

Agra Fort

On the right bank of the Yamuna river, is one of the most important and robustly built stronghold of the Mughals, embellished with a number of richly decorated buildings – the Agra Fort. Let our guide tell you the rich, evocative Mughal history of Agra Fort, where emperors like Babar, Humayun, Akbar, among other historic characters take centrestage.

Know a Gentle Giant

Popular Culture

While deserts are mostly associated with camels, Jaipur’s ancient regal families have left behind a legacy of elephants. Elephants used to serve as royal mounts for day-to-day life, and during a war – today, they offer an interesting insight into the lives of these lovable, sensitive creatures. Spend time interacting with an elephant, experiencing up close life as the world’s largest land mammal!

Block-printing workshop

Arts, Crafts & Textiles

The technique of printing from wooden blocks onto paper and textile, originated in China and spread across Asia. It may have inspired the first engraved woodcuts that lead to the printing press. This technique is still widely used in India, mostly on textiles, and Travel Scope can offer you a block-printing workshop to learn the art and skill.

Home cooking experience

Cuisine

World over, the most famous chefs with the most inimitable recipes have been inspired by their childhood, homely favorites! In India, a home-cooking experience with hosts from different cultures can surely be the highlight of discovering a new city. From culinary demonstrations to hands-on cooking experiences – each ending with a homely meal, partake in the culinary traditions of the country! From North Indian delights of meat and gravies to South India's coconut-and-curry-leaf preparations, set your palates on a wide variety of traditional, homely food.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Urban Abodes

Nestled amidst 32 acres of lush gardens and ancient trees on the outskirts of Jaipur, The Oberoi Rajvilas is a sanctuary of royal Rajasthani splendour. Designed like a traditional fort with courtyards, reflecting pools, and hand-carved stone columns, the property blends 18th-century grandeur with contemporary luxury. Just moments from Jaipur’s palaces and pink-hued bazaars, it offers an immersive experience of Rajasthan’s regal past, where every detail reflects grace, tranquillity, and timeless hospitality.

Samode Haveli

Luxury Boutique

This 150 year old Haveli, which was built as the Samode Royal family's suburban Manor House, has been meticulously restored and maintains antique furniture, furnishings and original works of art.. Serving as a celebration of traditional values and gracious living, old family portraits adorn the walls of its rooms and suites.

Taj Rambagh Palace

Luxury Boutique

In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers guests a taste of royal living, thanks in part to the royal butlers that still work inside the palace walls.  Elegantly appointed rooms decorated with rich fabrics, silk drapes and warm hues; marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with the sounds of history.  Many aesthetically restored rooms and suites are available, including the chambers of the former Maharaja.

Rajmahal Palace

Luxury Boutique

Rajmahal Palace, belonging to the royal family of Jaipur is one of the oldest and most treasured properties in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with a 200-year old history. This exquisite palatial home is an enclosed oasis, with tall bay windows, mirrored doors and exquisite interior décor set in exquisite gardens, and exudes a sense of celebrated history.