Few countries in the world carve such a deep, lasting impression on a traveller as India does. Sitting upon layers upon layers of history, there is perhaps no other country on Earth that is home to such marked contrasts as India is. India overloads the senses with its cacophony of sounds, its vibrant colours and its extreme contradictions. A trip to India is full of the unexpected but one thing’s certain: you won’t return home quite the same after the adventure!
There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds… I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor. — Keith Bellows, National Geographic Society
1. India is a Huge Country
India is a vast country that's just over one-third of the size of the United States. Much of it is rural, and there are some incredible sights to be seen and discovered. To the north, there are the Himalayas. To the south, beaches. To the west, desert. And to the east, tribal-territory.
2. Indian Hospitality
The local people in India, particularly in the rural areas, are some of the kindest and most hospitable people I’ve encountered in all of my travels. Whether you’re invited into a local’s home for a traditional meal or just simply wander the streets and encounter children playing, you’ll surely be touched by the warmth of the locals.
3. The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is the most iconic symbol of India and is, arguably, the most famous monument in the world. Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his favourite wife, this ‘teardrop on the face of eternity’ is widely considered one of the most beautiful architectural wonders ever created. A visit to this marble mausoleum needs to be on every traveller’s list.
4. The Food
Indian food can take a bit of getting used to for some people, but it really is worth it. You may be surprised to find that Indian cuisine is vastly different to the standard fare served up in most Indian restaurants, which is in fact predominantly north Indian cuisine.
5. Shopping
You will love shopping here. Items in India are so irresistible! The handicrafts are particularly eye catching and well made. Each region tends to specialize in a particular industry that's been handed down over generations.
6. The holiest river in the world
The Ganges River runs 2,525 km from the northern Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal. It is much more than a river to the one billion Hindus in India and beyond, however. It is their lifeblood. Not only does it provide sustenance in the form of fishing, industry and agriculture, it is also believed to transport the prayers of believers to heaven and a dip in the river is said to purify the soul. Many observant Hindus make a pilgrimage to Varanasi, India’s oldest city, to participate in ceremonies or to cremate the dead along the banks of the Ganges. Hindus believe that if the ashes are washed away in the river, the soul is guaranteed to be transported to heaven and will escape the cycle of rebirth.
7. The beaches
India’s palm-fringed southern beaches are the ideal escape from the frenetic pace of the north. While many of the popular beach destinations in Goa are now crowded, the state’s southern, more remote beaches are quiet and more pristine. My favourites are Agonda and Palolem, about 90 minutes south of Goa’s airport.
8. Religion and spirituality
In India, religion and spirituality are intricately intertwined with everyday life. India is home to all of the major religions of the world and is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Observing the local people engaging in their daily rituals is a profoundly intimate experience. Many people also come to india to find spirituality, practising yoga or attending a meditation retreat in an ashram.
9. The history and architecture
India is an exceptionally beautiful and architecturally diverse country filled with forts, palaces, mosques, temples, monuments and ancient ruins. Home to the world’s oldest civilisation, the architecture of India is rooted in its history, religion and culture. Architectural styles have evolved under the influence of countless dynasties as well as the colonial period. There are currently 32 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites across the nation, making India a treasure trove for history buffs and design enthusiasts.
10. The adventure
India has much to offer the curious traveler, both on and off the well-beaten path, from mountains to beaches to deserts. You can plan to stay in a luxury suite or a small village, and all of these experiences would be authentically Indian. Equipped with an understanding of its climate, best weather, and flights go ahead and book your trip today.
India is the most epic and incredible country with so much diversity that you can ever visit. So don't think, just pack your bags and travel to INCREDIBLE INDIA.
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