An Experiential Way to Travel Through India’s Heritage, This National Tourism Day

There’s a certain kind of travel that doesn’t begin at the destination, it begins the moment you start moving. Heritage journeys, especially, are less about ticking off monuments and more about stepping into the rhythm of a place: the stories behind a fort wall, the quiet grandeur of palace corridors, craft traditions that have survived centuries, and the everyday culture that keeps history alive.

On National Tourism Day, it’s worth looking at experiences that allow you to do exactly that, travel deeper, slower, and with more meaning. From luxury rail trails that cover multiple heritage cities in one seamless route, to staying in restored palaces, exploring UNESCO sites with context, and meeting artisan communities who carry India’s living legacy forward, here are some must-do heritage experiences every traveller should try at least once.

Deccan Odyssey, a part of Ebix Travel

For travellers who want to see India’s heritage across multiple destinations without the fatigue that usually comes with long road trips and constant packing, a luxury rail experience can be an unexpectedly elegant solution and Deccan Odyssey is among the country’s most compelling options.

Designed as a moving five-star hotel, Deccan Odyssey blends slow travel with curated heritage exploration. The train features centrally air-conditioned coaches, well-appointed Deluxe and Suite cabins with attached bathrooms, dining cars, a saloon, a bar lounge, and wellness and spa facilities — making the journey itself feel as indulgent as the destinations it covers.

Its 6–8 day itineraries span some of India’s most heritage-rich circuits across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The route typically includes curated visits to forts, palaces, UNESCO heritage sites and historic cities, ensuring travellers get both iconic landmarks and cultural depth. Select itineraries also include experiences such as vineyards and wildlife parks, adding variety to the trail.

The biggest appeal, however, lies in the pace: waking up to a new destination each morning, without logistical stress, and exploring cultural India in a way that feels refined, seamless and immersive. For anyone looking to do heritage travel in style, Deccan Odyssey offers a rare combination of comfort, cultural richness and effortless movement.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Taj Hotels)

There’s a difference between visiting a palace and living in one  even if it’s just for a night. Heritage stays across India, particularly in Rajasthan and parts of Central and Western India, have redefined luxury by pairing period architecture with modern comfort. You’re not just checking into a hotel; you’re stepping into a space that once hosted royal gatherings, state meetings, celebrations and everyday life behind ornate doors.

A name that continues to define the romance of heritage hospitality is Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur,  a property that feels like it belongs to another era. From its floating setting on Lake Pichola to its intricate architecture and attention to detail, the experience is less hotel-stay, more heritage immersion.

From courtyards and jharokhas to antique décor and heirloom recipes, palace stays often feel like time travel but with thoughtful hospitality that makes the experience comfortable rather than theatrical. Many properties also offer curated cultural evenings with folk performances, traditional dining set-ups and storytelling elements that add a deeper sense of place.

For travellers who enjoy history with a touch of indulgence, a heritage palace stay remains one of the most memorable ways to experience India’s legacy.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

India’s forts have an almost cinematic presence perched on cliffs, guarded by massive gates, echoing with legends of kingdoms, wars and alliances. But what makes them truly fascinating isn’t just their scale; it’s the detail: hidden passages, old armouries, mirrored halls, courtyards built for strategy, and viewpoints that once doubled as watchtowers.

Among the most iconic fort experiences in India is Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur — not only for its dramatic setting above the Blue City, but for how well it has been preserved and presented. With museum galleries, artefacts, storytelling trails and expansive rampart walks, it allows travellers to absorb history in layers rather than snapshots.

Across states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat, fort tourism has evolved beyond basic sightseeing. Many forts now offer guided heritage trails, museum sections and immersive tours that unpack the architecture and history in a way that feels alive. Some also include light-and-sound experiences that transform the fort into a stage for its own story.

For travellers who love a blend of landscapes, architecture and narrative, fort trails remain one of the most rewarding heritage experiences in the country.

Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are often positioned as “must-see,” but they can feel overwhelming  and even underwhelming, if experienced too quickly. These places are best explored slowly, with context. The idea isn’t just to see an iconic structure, but to understand why it matters: the time it was built in, what it represented, how its design influenced its era, and what it continues to mean today.

A prime example is Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, monumental rock-cut caves that carry centuries of storytelling through sculptures, murals, and architectural mastery. The experience is immersive, almost humbling, and demands time, not haste.

From ancient caves and stepwells to sacred temple complexes and historic city quarters, UNESCO sites offer travellers a glimpse into India’s cultural continuity. Many destinations today also offer curated heritage walks and guided tours led by local experts, making the experience far richer than a typical photo-stop visit.

If you’re someone who enjoys travel that teaches you something and stays with you, UNESCO circuits are worth building into your itinerary with time to absorb the detail.

Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Odisha

Some of India’s most meaningful heritage isn’t found in monuments,  it’s found in people. Across the country, artisan communities continue to preserve traditional crafts passed down through generations: weaving and dyeing, pottery, block printing, embroidery, metalwork, miniature painting and folk art forms.

One of the most distinctive places to experience this is Raghurajpur Heritage Village, Odisha, known for its community of master artists and the living tradition of Pattachitra. What makes craft heritage travel special is its intimacy, you see the process, meet the people behind the work, and understand the culture around it.

Craft trails and cultural immersions take travellers beyond the marketplace and into the source,  artisan homes, studios, community clusters and workshops. These experiences often include live demonstrations, hands-on sessions and storytelling that reveals the cultural significance of each art form.

For travellers who want to bring back more than souvenirs,  something personal, meaningful and rooted in tradition, craft trails are heritage experiences that feel both intimate and deeply Indian.

In a country as layered as India, heritage travel isn’t about one landmark or one city,  it’s about the journey that connects them. Whether you choose a luxury rail circuit like Deccan Odyssey, a palace stay that revives royal life, or a craft trail that introduces you to living tradition, the best heritage experiences are those that slow you down and leave you with stories  not just photographs.