India: Ancient temples, tiger reserves, and unforgettable flavors

COUNTRY EXPERT

Jaydeep Singh

General Manager, India
India is a country of immense variety, where ancient history, wildlife, vibrant cities and regional cultures come together to create unforgettable journeys. While iconic landmarks draw visitors from around the world, some of the best experiences come from slowing down, exploring local traditions, and discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail.

What to see

Khajuraho: a masterpiece of Indian heritage

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is one of India’s most remarkable cultural treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its intricately carved temples, which showcase extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship dating back nearly a thousand years.

Local tip:

Khajuraho

The best time to visit is between October and March, when cooler temperatures make exploring the temple complex especially enjoyable.

Panna National Park: India’s wild side

Just a short distance from Khajuraho, Panna National Park is one of Madhya Pradesh’s leading tiger reserves. The Ken River runs through the park, creating spectacular scenery and supporting an impressive variety of wildlife.

Coorg’s coffee plantations: a place to slow down

For a completely different experience, head south to the coffee-growing hills of Coorg and Chikmagalur. Surrounded by plantations and misty landscapes, this region offers a glimpse into a quieter side of India. Staying in one of the area's heritage plantation properties, waking up to the scent of fresh coffee, and enjoying the relaxed pace of life makes for an unforgettable retreat.

Hidden gem: Orchha

Often overlooked by international visitors, Orchha is one of central India’s most charming historic towns.

Located on the banks of the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh, it is home to magnificent palaces and temples that blend Rajput and Mughal architecture. Highlights include Jehangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple and Sheesh Mahal.

Unlike many famous heritage destinations, Orchha remains relatively uncrowded, making it an ideal place to experience India’s history at a slower pace.

A defining local experience: food and festivities

India is best experienced through its festivals, and music. Every region has its own traditions, and local music festivals offer a wonderful introduction to the country's cultural diversity.

Just as important is exploring local food culture, whether in bustling markets, family-run restaurants, or famous street-food stalls. Some of the most memorable experiences happen around a shared meal.

What to eat and drink

A few must-try dishes include:

Chole Bhature
Spiced chickpeas served with fluffy fried bread
Masala Dosa
A crisp rice-and-lentil pancake filled with spiced potatoes
Gol Gappa (Pani Puri)
Crispy shells filled with potatoes, chickpeas, spices, and tangy flavored water

Local tip:

My favorite places in New Delhi include:

Ikk Panjab, Connaught Place Gulati Restaurant and Foods, Pandara Road Market Dum Pukht at ITC Maurya

Staying safe during your travels in India

How to stay safe

Avoid banking or other financial transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi whenever possible, enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts, and verify network names before connecting. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, the VPN included with Kaspersky Premium encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your personal information while accessing travel services, banking apps or email.