Vibrant Cities

Once a sleepy regional capital, Bangalore today is a modern metropolis that will come as a big surprise to those visiting for the first time. Also known as Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is the technological hub of India and the very place where the country’s new, confident global identity is being forged. Although the city might somewhat lack historical sites, its buzzing and liberal atmosphere provides the perfect base for exploring the beautiful temples and palaces of the Deccan.

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai has a history involving Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch settlements before becoming a significant British trading port in the 17th century. As time progressed, Chennai has grown significantly. It is now India’s fourth-largest city by population and serves as the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. From historical landmarks and temples to modern amenities and lively markets, this bustling and colourful Indian city is bound to have something on offer for everyone.

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is an Indian city in the state of Kerala that is widely renowned for its beauty and rich history. This city has long been a hub of international trade, with merchants from around the world coming to Kochi to exchange various products for aromatic spices, fine fabrics and shiny jewellery. The city's architecture is influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Italian cultures, and it is filled with museums, temples, shops, restaurants, and other attractions to keep visitors entertained.

Hyderabad is India's national treasure, full of history, culture, and amazing architecture. The century-old city never ceased to attract visitors from all over the world, with international influences first pouring in with trade merchants in search of aromatic spices, shiny jewellery, and gorgeous pearls. Today, Hyderabad is still known and loved for these goods, and many still travel here from afar to purchase them.

A city with well-known architectural beauties like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the World One skyscraper set against the natural harbour of the Konkan coast, Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, India. It has now become one of the biggest melting pots in the world, boasting an ever-increasing population that is attracted by both the sights and business opportunities available here. Seeing all it has to offer may seem like a daunting task, but you are sure to find something to your liking in this megalopolis.

New Delhi is a thoroughly inscrutable onion of a city: every layer you peel off reveals an even deeper layer of history. Rebuilt eight times by its many conquerors, it has been the seat of the Hindu, Muslim, and British empires. All of them have left their mark on the architecture, customs, food and people of this relentless city; all are undergoing a transformation in the capital of modern India.

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.