International Holiday Destination: India
This time out, ACE-FX takes you on a tour of the glorious country of India. As part of our ongoing series on international travel destinations, we'll discuss six of the most captivating Indian sites we've discovered. And no matter which one you choose, ACE-FX will be there in the background, quietly protecting your financial interests and making your trip as smooth as possible.
You probably already know that ACE-FX offers top notch currency services and the cheapest international money transfers in the industry. But you might not be aware of all the ways we can help manage your financial needs when you travel abroad. This is actually an important part of the services we offer. Whether you're on a continental family holiday or traveling for business in Southeast Asia, ACE-FX has the travel tips and prepaid travel cards you need to focus on what's truly important.
Here's a list of some of the most enchanting Indian destinations for British travelers. The choice is up to you, but we're certain you'll find these locations as fascinating as we do.
Mumbai
We'll start with the biggest city in India and one of the most incredible metropolitan areas in the world. Home to over 18 million people, Mumbai is a city where you can have just about any type of experience you choose. You could spend several lifetimes in Mumbai and never exhaust its treasures.
Mumbai is the cultural and economic center of India. It's also home to the Bollywood film industry and some of the biggest television networks in the country. You're certain to be enthralled wherever you go in Mumbai, but there are a couple of places that just shouldn't be missed.
The first can't-miss spot in Mumbai is the Gateway to India, a gorgeous basalt arch in the Apollo Bunder area that overlooks the Arabian sea and is a gathering spot for tourists and locals alike. The Gateway has something of a street fair ambiance about it and is well worth an afternoon's visit.
The list could go on and on, but another place you're certain to find fascinating is the Babulnath temple in Girgaum Chowpatty. Devoted to the worship of Shiva, the Babulnath is the oldest temple in all of Mumbai and offers a unique spiritual and aesthetic experience for everyone who visits it.
Pondicherry
Until 1954 a French colonial settlement, Pondicherry is the capital of the Puducherry Territory and offers travelers an exquisite blend of two very different cultures. And although it's no longer the beach destination it was once, Pondicherry remains one of the most popular tourist spots in South India.
The top spots in Pondicherry include The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Bharathi Park. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most important spiritual centers in South India, attracting pilgrims and seekers from all over the world. Its blend of beauty, yogic practice, and science makes The Sri Aurobindo a lovely destination for Brits of all stripes.
Bharathi Park is the central green zone in this part of the country. Located at the center of Pondicherry and surrounded by beautifully preserved colonial landmarks, Bharathi Park offers travelers both a respite and an impressive historical survey.
Goa
Located in West India along the Arabian Sea, Goa is a place of extravagant beauty and great historical interest. Known for its popular beaches and Portuguese colonial landmarks, Goa offers something different for every British traveler.
In addition to the gorgeous variety of beaches, Goa also boasts the natural beauty of several famous waterfalls throughout its inland areas. For a more energetic experience, the Latin Quarter in the capital city of Panaji offers an incredible array of food and exotic nightlife.
Ganges River Tour
Depending on how much time you have for your Indian holiday, a tour of the sacred Ganges River might be perfect for you and your family. Although there are several attractive packages available, most tours last approximately 10-14 days and will take you by boat and land to at least a half-dozen destinations.
One tour that we researched spans 12 days and carries passengers from Calcutta to Varanasi, with stops at Sita Kund, Barh, and Bodh Gaya along the way. There are several other reputable tours available, but whichever one you choose will deposit you in a near endless procession of tranquility and beauty.
Tarkarli Beach
Not from Mumbai, Tarkarli Beach offers a scintillating experience in a less crowded setting than other Indian spots. There are several lovely tourist spots located in Tarkarli, but the beach is perhaps the most diverting. It offers magnificent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba, as well as boat rides for dolphin seeing.
Although swimming is not recommended close to the shore, many boat rides make stops in deeper areas where passengers can swim safely. If you end up spending more than a few days in Tarkarli, there are several temples in the area that could make for the perfect afternoon excursion.
