10 Immersive Experiences to Discover on Our India Tours

Uncover the essence of India through its vibrant arts, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes with our unmissable immersive experiences. Available exclusively on our group and private tours, you can delve deeper into India’s rich history by visiting local villages and tribes, or by trying your hand at age-old crafts such as hand-loom weaving, and traditional fishing.

Which immersive experiences will you add to your travel itinerary?

1. Learn the Art of Tea Making in Tezpur

Tezpur, in Assam’s Sonitpur district, is known as the heart of India’s tea-growing industry. This is the destination where Charles Bruce, a British naval officer turned explorer, discovered the indigenous tea plant, earning him the title ‘Father of Assam Tea.’ Day four of this tour features immersive experiences like sampling diverse tea blends at Addabarie Tea Estate and visiting Guwahati’s bustling Tea Auction House. The itinerary also includes a visit to Jorhat, the gateway to northeastern Assam and home to lush tea plantations and the Tocklai Experimental Centre. Here, you’ll explore a tea factory and witness the various processes involved in tea production, followed by an enriching tea-tasting session. 

Tour: Tea Gardens & National Parks Assam Tour

2. Try Traditional Hand-Loom Weaving in Maheshwar

Explore Maheshwar’s centuries-old tradition of hand-loom weaving, which dates back over 1,500 years. Under Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign from 1765 to 1795, this small town became renowned for crafting exquisite nine-yard saris. Despite facing extinction decades ago, the art of Maheshwari saree weaving was revived through the efforts of the Rehwa Society. Established in 1979 by the Holkar family heirs and supported by the Central Welfare Board, Rehwa played a crucial role in revitalising this craft.

Why not include Maheshwar on your tour to visit the Rehwa Society and witness the weavers’ skills first-hand?

Tour: Passage Through Central India Tour

3. Visit India’s Heritage Villages in Kangra

Explore the heritage villages of Pragpur and neighbouring Garli on this unique tour. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, Pragpur Heritage Village offers a journey back in time into a bygone era. As you stroll along cobblestone paths past old shops and houses with slate roofs, and mud-plastered walls, it feels as though time has stood still. The village’s ancient havelis and untouched architecture are a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Established in the late 16th century, Pragpur, along with Garli, was designated as India’s first heritage village by the Himachal Pradesh State Government in 1997, cementing its status as a crucial cultural landmark.

Tour: Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Tour

4. Meet the Shepherds of Bishnoi in Jodhpur

5. Stay in a Traditional Heritage Village in Nagaland

6. Enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance in Cochin

Experience the enchanting Kathakali dance at Cochin’s Kathakali Centre. This classical Kerala tradition combines dance, drama, and music, making it one of India’s most compelling art forms. At the centre, you’ll enjoy a captivating performance featuring vibrant costumes and dynamic movements. Arriving early offers you the opportunity to see the meticulous preparation and elaborate makeup application by the performers. Known for its expressive storytelling through synchronised eye-hand movements, dramatic facial expressions, and intricate gestures, be prepared for a truly spectacular theatrical extravaganza. 

Tour: Essence of Kerala Tour

7. Learn About India’s Textile History in Ahmedabad

Enjoy a guided tour of the Calico Textile Museum in Ahmedabad, known as one of India’s textile hubs in the 1940s. The museum, founded in 1949, showcases an impressive collection of antique saris, Kashmiri shawls, embroidered textiles, and traditional clothing. Renowned for showcasing one of the world’s finest collections of both antique and modern Indian textiles, the museum houses handmade pieces up to 500 years old. Marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship on display, including Kashmiri shawls that took three years to complete and intricate double-ikat fabrics, where each of the 100,000 threads was individually dyed before weaving. 

Tour: Textiles and Tribes of Gujarat

8. Enjoy a Culinary Tour in Kerala

Indulge in one of the finest immersive experiences in Kerala on this culinary adventure. During your stay at Philipkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom, you’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration by a local family, discovering the region’s spices and flavours. Here, you’ll savour delicious staple dishes like rice and string hoppers, paired with duck, chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables. On the final day, you’ll explore the farmland and join top chefs to pick fresh produce and create a bespoke dish together. Seated at the chef’s table, you’ll sample a lovingly prepared authentic Kerala dish enriched with secret culinary tips.

Tour: Culinary Tour Kerala

9. Practice Yoga in Rishikesh

This award-winning retreat in Rishikesh offers a unique blend of immersive experiences designed to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit, from sunrise yoga sessions to calming meditation. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, you can also enjoy curated spa therapies that will melt away stress, combat the signs of ageing, and boost your immunity. Expert gurus will guide you through transformative yoga sessions to enhance your well-being, while personalised consultations with Ayurveda experts will introduce you to holistic wellness practices and therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Tour: Rishikesh Yoga Retreat and Private Tour

10. Dive Into Village Life in Kerala

Connect with rural Kerala on our Village Life Experience Tour, designed to deepen your appreciation for the region’s rich cultural traditions, and local way of life. During this tour, you’ll meander narrow canals aboard boats operated by local villagers, and try your hand at traditional fishing using a bow and arrow to cast nets. You’ll also visit Anganwadi, a government-run school where villagers practice traditional crafts such as screw pine weaving and broomstick making.

Tour: Kerala Tour Package

At Authentic India Tours, our ATOL and ABTA-protected tailor-made holidays are designed to meet your exact requirements. If you would like to enhance your tour with more immersive experiences, please let us know. We are here to customise your journey to ensure it includes unforgettable experiences tailored to your preferences.