Incredible India Travel

This episode takes you to a 11th century temple at Modhera  in Gujarat, which is designed to get lit-up by the first rays of the sun on the summer solstice every year. Our next destination will be Raani ki vaav, a world heritage site and the grandest step-well in Gujarat built by a Queen in the memory of her husband. It is sheer poetry in stone. More interestingly the world of women and water converged at the step wells in medieval times. This immersive experience will end at Patan with a glance into weaving of the magical Patola silk sarees

Listen to the story of making of Chennai at Georgetown and how the first English settlement has transformed into a bustling trading city. Retrace the evolution of George Town from a trading post for British East India Company in the 17th century to its emergence as Chennai's foremost market today. Visit Fort St George, the first English fort in India. Explore streets selling everything under the Sun, where Armenian traders set up shops in 1712, walk past ancient temples and savor mouth watering snacks in a food street!

Hosts Tim and Debbie take us to the 8th century world heritage site of Mahabalipura in South India,  famous for spectacular rock cut architecture. The experience comprises spell binding Pancha Rathas or Chariots carved in stone, Asia’s largest bas-relief structure at Arjuna’s Penance, a gravity defying boulder and the magnificent Shore Temple, which was one of the 7 Pagodas as mentioned by Marco Polo during his visit in the 11th Century.

In this episode hosts Tim and Debbie discover the ancient city of Ujjain, which used to be the Prime Meridian of India and the central point for the calculation of Indian time. They discuss about why the city was considered due to its central role in astronomical calculations and its cultural significance. They also refer the Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Sanskrit treatise composed between the 4th and 8th centuries CE, which identified Ujjain as a reference point for calculating planetary positions and other astronomical phenomena, making it a central hub for Indian astronomy. The hosts also recommend a convenient way to experience this through a private guide tour organised by 5 Senses Tours.

The hosts discuss about Ajanta Caves, the first world heritage site of India. Ajanta Caves are a magnificent set of 30 rock cut Buddhist caves. Famous for Buddhist Paintings and Sculpture, the cultural influence of Ajanta during the 1st and 2nd century BC not only extended all over India but also to far flung areas like Java in modern Indonesia. The hosts strongly feel that Ajanta Caves definitely feature in their list of places to see before you die. The podcast also recommends a convenient way to explore these caves through a private guided tour.

Ellora Caves episode is a discussion about why the Kailasanath temple here is arguably the world's greatest work of art.  Built to resemble Mount Kailash, the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, it is the largest single monolithic excavation in the world. Built in the 8th century, Kaliasa is twice the size of Parthenon and was built by 7,000 labourers over 150 years. Listeners will also get recommendations for how to take private tour to get the maximum out of this experience.

This episode in the Incredible India series explores Mayong, an Indian village famous for black magic & sorcery. The other interesting location being discussed is the Pobitora wild life sanctuary to spot the rare Indian Rhino. The details of how someone can book this is  provided at the end of the episode

The Great Betrayal episode is a discussion between 2 hosts about why Murshidabad is a compelling destination to explore India. They discuss and relive the history of Murshidabad where Mir Jaffar betrayed the Nawab of Bengal and The East India Company gained control of Bengal and eventually all of India. We will visit the site of the famous Battle of Plassey, Katra Masjid, the house of Siraj-ud-daula the Nawab, Mir Jaffar the traitor and Jagat Seth the most famous money lender of Murshidabad, the Imambara and the magnificent Palace of a thousand doors. The tour is offered by 5 Senses Tours and is a 2 day fully guided experience.

The Kamasutra episode is about the hosts talking about Khajuraho world heritage site in central India and why should someone consider it, while visiting India. Travellers will be teleported to the 10th century to discover magnificent temples and erotic sculptures from the Kamasutra etched in stone. This medieval temple complex with 22 temples is a world heritage site and is an unforgettable journey. The experience comprises spectacular Hindu and Jain temples with a unique style of architecture. The tour is offered by 5 senses tours and this company makes a positive impact on commmunities through their tours. They train and employ local guides, do business with local vendors and instil a sense of pride in the community by getting people from around the globe to meet and talk to them.The hosts conclude that the erotic sculptures truly make Khajuraho "Kamasutra" etched in stone.

The Gothic & Art Deco episode is a discussion about the best way to experience Mumbai. The hosts talk about taking an architecture walk where we can listen to the story of evolution of a small fishing village into a global trading metropolis. We will walk past magnificent buildings built in Gothic & Art Deco style over the last 2 centuries which are now a world heritage site. The walk is organised by 5 Senses Tours. The hosts also mention about the social impact the tour company makes. They train and employ local guides, do business with local vendors and instil pride in the community by getting guests from around the world to meet and talk to them