INDIA

The land of culture, colour, spirituality and adventure

 Home to over a billion people, Indiais known for its vibrant culture and hospitality.The country welcomes travellers to any and every experience they are looking for. Enriched with architectural gems, mouth-watering cuisines, unique art and culture, the country is a natural paradise offering a sense of peace and spirituality that is unmatched.

Experience the flurry of cities and the serenity of village life, come walk through the mystic palaces, let the aroma of spices awaken your senses, load up your luggage with the indigenous handicrafts and fill your heart with the warm smiles that greet you at every corner.Many would describe a visit to India as a life changing experience and are compelled to revisit this enchanting land.

 

Architecture

 

Deeply rooted in history, culture and religion, the subcontinent has structures which date backto a thousand years. Witness the intricate Hindu Temple architecture through the Sun Temple in Konark and Vitthala in Hampi, where each pillar tells a story. The sight of the rock-cut architecture at the Ajanta Ellora Caves is not only a feast for your eyes but also compels you to appreciate the ancient engineering and craftsmanship. The Indo-Islamic architecture shows a beautiful blend of Persian style and Indian traditions. And no one can miss the marvel that is Taj Mahal.

 

Culture

 

Like the blend of spices is the essence of Indian cuisine, blend of various customs, languages, art forms is the essence of Indian culture. Though there are 22 recognised languages in India, the number of languages and dialects spoken is way higher. Every region makes a distinctive contribution to Indian music and dance forms. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi are a few of the many examples of classical or folk dance forms in India. The artists who go through years of disciplined training display magnificent performances on stage. The diverse ethnic clothing is a reflection of the rich Indian heritage.

 

Religion and Spirituality

 

India is the birth place of four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism and therefore, the home to their holiest sites. Sites such as Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, Golden Temple in Amritsar, Ghats of the sacred river Ganges enable travellers to embark their journey to inner peace.

Cuisine

 

With the food as diverse as the country itself, Indian cuisine is a flavourful blend of spices, culture and love. From street food to fine dining each region has something unique to offer. Be it Dal BatiChurma from Rajasthan, Puchka from Kolkata, Hyderabadi Biryani, there is a long list of delicacies one cannot miss. And if you are overwhelmed, don’t worry the refreshing water from the earthen pot or matkawill make you forget the stress of travel.

Biodiversity

 

Due to its rich geography, India is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The biodiversity is protected and nurtured through the wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and forest zones where one can spot the exotic wildlife including the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger and the Asiatic Lion.

Adventure

 

Trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, skiing, surfing, rafting, just name the adventure sport and you can experience it all in India. The Northern India is known for its mountain ranges and the South for its coast line. Mountain biking is a popular choice of sport to indulge in the beauty of the landscape.

 

Festivals

 

The festive season never ends in India. Each of them have their own significance and highlights. The festivals are often region or religion specific but the prominent ones are celebrated all over the country with great zeal and vigour. Celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights and Holi, the festival of colours in India is something that should be on every person’s bucket list.

 

If you are a first-time traveller, make sure you have a proper itinerary. It is important to consider factors such as climate because it is a common misconception that India being a tropical country is always really hot. Also, since it is a multi-lingual State, sometimes even the natives require a translator while travelling from one State to another, so make sure you have someone who is well versed in the local language to guide you. Overall, the language barrier is not something to worry about as there is a large population of English Speakers in India. For those who are returning to India for another visit make sure that you don’t limit yourself to the basic attractions, India has the Himalayan Mountain ranges, Thar desert, mesmerising beaches, ancient temples and an alluring wild life that you can explore.

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