The Essentials to Know
Bombay, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, is one of the most populous cities in India. Its bustling streets full of life and its legendary Bollywood atmosphere make it one of the most fascinating cities in the country. Varanasi, or Benares, on the banks of the Ganges, is an essential stop. An early morning boat ride offers a mystical moment as Hindus purify themselves on the riverbanks. It is also here that many Indians are cremated, an ancient rite allowing the soul to reincarnate according to Hindu beliefs.
Pondicherry, a former French trading post, charms with its colonial architecture. With its churches and government square, this city is reminiscent of French coastal towns and is an essential stop on a trip to South India. In Pondicherry, one can admire sublime sunsets by the sea and speak French with locals.
Sanchi, forty kilometers from Bhopal, is home to the oldest existing Buddhist sanctuary before the 12th century, with influential Buddhist monuments. The Dasara festival in Mysore celebrates the victory of good over evil with dances, sacrifices, and offerings to Hindu gods. In Ladakh, a yak safari allows you to meet the Dard people and the nomads of Chang Tang and to discover breathtaking landscapes.