India Calling After Slumdog Millionaire Success

The recently released, Slumdog Millionaire was to prove the most popular film on the night at the 2009 Oscar Awards.

Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young boy from the slums who takes a seat in the spotlight of the Hindi version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and wins. His story backtracks to show us how and why he came to be sitting in the famous hot seat - but more importantly how he appears to know all the answers to every question.

Filmed on location in beautiful India, viewers are gifted with an insight into the sad reality of the slums which contrasts sharply with the exotic, exciting portrayal of other spectacular locations in and around Mumbai and Agra. It is a film packed with emotion that will have you laughing, crying and most importantly, gaining a more in-depth perspective of life in India.

Slumdog Millionaire is a film that manages to educate viewers on the sights and sounds of this glorious country - and the success of the film is inspiring more and more holiday makers to try a slice of Indian life. Indeed, many will have now experienced what India has to offer thanks to the big screen; however, an escorted tour is the best way to see the sights of India and with a knowledgeable guide you will be in for a truly eye-opening experience.

Such tours can offer to take you through Delhi, Jaipur and Agra - with opportunities to extend your tour and visit Goa, Sri Lanka or Ranthambore. Visit mesmerising Old Delhi with its narrow streets and colourful bazaars, before moving on to the imperial architectural masterpiece of Lutyen’s New Delhi.

Then move onto Jaipur, also known as the pink city; receiving its name from a pink paint job the locals performed on their houses and stores to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1853, which gives the town a calm and relaxed feel. En route, why not visit the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri or get lost in the magic of Bollywood at the Raj Mandir cinema - both of which provide an opportunity to further experience what the local culture has to offer.

Agra is most famed for the Taj Mahal - a tribute built by 20,000 labourers for Shah Jahan to honour his wife, Mumtaz. The cool marble and clear symmetry are justifiably a masterpiece of the modern world. In fact, it may prove beneficial to have a professional photographer on hand, to make sure you get amazing shots of this awe-inspiring icon.

If you choose to extend your India holidays, then visiting Ranthambore National Park is a major example of Project Tiger’s conservation plans in Rajasthan. Here you will be treated to three games drives in open-top vehicles to see these magnificent creatures, which is just another example of the many iconic images of India you can expect to experience.