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Telangana
A young state with an ancient
cultural heritage, Telangana
represents a rich confluence
of the north and the south
to provide us with a unique
culture entrenched in art,
music, food, and festivals.
Telangana’s cultural
history is of about 5,000
years and the influence
that the various reigning
dynasties—from the
Kakatiya dynasty to
Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi
Dynasty—have had on
this region, reflects in the
unique multicultural ethos
of the state. Experience
popular local festivals such
as Bathukamma and Bonalu,
sample the Hyderabadi
biryani, and shop for the
unique pochampally and
gadwal sarees.Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has one of
the most diverse religious
fabrics and mythological
associations that have
therefore impacted the
rituals followed in the
state. Couple that with the
beautiful landscapes and
a rich spiritual journey is
promised. Key spiritual
places in the state include
Varanasi (don’t miss the
Ganga aarti performed
everyday in the evening on
the Dashashwamedh ghat),
Vrindaban and Mathura (to
experience the unique Holi
celebrations), Allahabad,
Kushinagar, and Ayodhya.Bihar
Three world religions
were born in Bihar and
therefore it is no surprise
that for a spiritual journey,
travellers would choose
this state. Prince Gautama
attained enlightenment
here, something that would
later lead to the birth of
Buddhism. It is here also
where Lord Mahavira, the
founder of Jainism and
the 10th and last Guru of
the Sikhs, Guru Gobind
Singh were born. Places of
spiritual importance include- Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Bawan
Pokhar, Sher Shah Masjid,
and Harmandir.
The best cultural destinations this year give cue to the travel trends for the
coming year and indicate how travellers are heading south for culture trips.BEST CULTURAL DESTINATION
Karnataka
Karnataka’s diverse demographics
and influences of various kingdoms
gives it a unique cultural identity and
makes the state a pioneer in the areas of
music and art. The state is recognised
for being at the forefront of Carnatic
music and has achieved a prominent
place in the world for Hindustani
music as well. Different dance styles
such as Yakshagana (musical theatre)
is popular in coastal Karnataka while
Kunitha, a folk variable, is also found
when you travel deeper.CLOCKWISE: MANFRED SOMMER; INDIAPICTURES/ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK
BEST SPIRITUAL
DESTINATION
Readers travelled to
two destinations for
spiritual tranquility.The Bara Imambara in Lucknow
photographed at dusk.Painting of hindu
deities on rocks at a
temple in Telangana.DOMESTIC
DOMESTIC
Chariot and Vittala temple
in Hampi, Karnataka.travelandleisureindia.in 75