India is a destination like no other. Some go there for the beauty of the landscape, including the Himalayan mountains or the beautiful beaches of Goa , others to discover the incredible traditions and customs of this huge country, but most travelers to India seek a real change of scenery, a cultural shock that we can live only there.
Cities swarming, festive traditions, spicy cuisine, extreme climate, poverty, scenic beauty, spirituality, fervor, modernity, religious and ethnic diversity, biodiversity … India is all that and more.
If you are not yet convinced discover 5 good reasons to go to discover India !
To discover the incredible region of Ganges
The Ganges is one of the longest rivers in the world. It has its source in the Gangotri glacier, located at over 6000 m altitude in the Himalayas. It is a sacred symbol among Hindus for whom the water of the Ganges has the virtue of washing sins and freeing the souls of the dead. The entire Ganges region is home to a large number of sacred sites such as the cities of Haridwâr or Vârânasî where you can witness impressive rituals.
To admire the architectural richness of India
Many citadels were built at the top of the hills, they were intended to protect the inhabitants from possible attacks. The Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur and the Junagarh Fort are beautiful and worth a visit.
The most famous monument of the country is still the Taj Mahal , this beautiful funerary monument located in the heart of the city of Agra. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the seventeenth century in memory of his wife Muntaz Mahal. This mausoleum is considered the most important symbol of Indo-Muslim architecture. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
In Delhi you will discover the Lotus Temple , a place of meditation known worldwide for its principles of “universal peace and tolerance towards people and religions”.
British colonization also left some monuments in honor of Queen Victoria such as the Mumbai Railway Station or the Victoria Calcutta Memorial.
To taste a varied and tasty gastronomy
India is famous for its different cuisines with surprising flavors and colors. This is the country of vegetarians par excellence!
“Naans” are bread rolls used as an accompaniment to all dishes such as Tikka Chicken, Vegetable Samosas, Basmati Rice, Biryani Chicken and Vegetable Curry Soups. Be careful however the food can be very spicy!
To explore huge megacities
India is the 2 nd most populous country in the world after China with over 1.2 billion people. In other words, some Indian cities are huge and have a lot to offer you in terms of landscapes and monuments as well as the population living there.
We particularly advise you to go through Bombay , the film capital of the country. Visit Bollywood studios, celebrity houses and old movie theaters to discover a particularly interesting side of India.
For a change of scenery, do not miss the administrative capital, New Delhi . This city is indeed rich in cultural sites, and you will be able to learn more about the history of the country. You will also be surprised by the local people, very welcoming and warm.
To experience unique traditions
India is famous for its ancestral traditions . One of them is dress: women wear the traditional “Sari”, which is a long colored stole. Her way of being draped often identifies the region or ethnic group of her wearer.
Hinduism is the predominant religion of the country and castes always punctuate the social life of the country, so the population is hierarchical as indicated by religion.
The best known tradition is still that of the “sacred cow” . Cows are venerated because in Hinduism it is the cow that represents life, so it should not be killed by sacrifice or slaughter. They live in total freedom, which is impressive in cities because they often cause traffic jams and are untouchable: prepare yourself to live incredible moments when you visit this country!
India is too vast a country to summarize the wealth in a few lines … To find out, a trip is required!
