12 reasons why your next holiday should be to Incredible India
12 reasons why your next holiday should be to Incredible India
Indian cuisine is undeniably a huge highlight of any trip. Perhaps no other country can offer the range of cuisine that India does. Each state in India has their own food. From Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South, from Maharashtra in the west to West Bengal in the east, each cuisine is completely different from the other. The level of spices, the taste buds of people, the sweet or sourness of food; all differs so drastically from one part of the country to another. There’s so much to discover as you travel from one state to another. Indian cuisine doesn’t only consist of chicken tikka and masala dosa! Come and taste and discover for yourself!
Seven million people visit the Taj Mahal in Agra each year. The Taj Mahal is one of the best-known monuments in the world and arguably the most beautiful. The architecture is sublime but it is the story that the stones embody that draws millions of visitors each year. No trip to India can be complete without paying a visit to this beautiful marble structure, a symbol of love.
The tranquility and calm that transcends your body with yoga is only further enhanced high up in the Himalayas. Though the star attraction of the Himalayas, Mount Everest, lies many hundreds of kilometres away from India, on the frontier between Nepal and China, the Indian portion of this epic mountain range offers many attention-grabbing vistas, snow peaked mountains, clear streams and rivers, serene surroundings, picture perfect natural beauty and exquisite panoramas.
Live like royalty in one of India’s former palaces, many of which have since been converted into lavish hotels. There are many to choose from, though a majority of them are in Rajasthan. The intricate carving and architecture, the eye to detail and the large palace structures are bound to leave you spell bound. The hospitality and pampering that are showered on you right from the moment you arrive until you leave, will definitely leave you asking for more!
India has many national parks and jungle trails where one can see wildlife from close proximity. Experience Rudyard Kipling’s India with wildlife watching excursions and spot wild animals roaming freely in nature. From tigers and lions to elephants and rhinos, India’s national parks offer jeep and elephant safaris where nothing but nature beckons you. It’s truly a “wild” experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!
India’s culture and heritage are varied and vast. There are many monuments that are on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. Each state in India has a number of monuments that are rich in history and built many centuries ago, each with its own story to tell. Every state in India has different cultures, costumes, cuisines and languages. From the north to the south and from the east to the west, you will see colors, festivals and charisma all rolled into one Incredible country.
Nothing quite compares with travelling around India by train, an experience that brings with it wonder, nervous anticipation and heady exhilaration in equal measure. The Palace on Wheels takes you into an era where you will feel nothing less than royalty! The Deccan Odyssey, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Maharaja Express are some of the luxurious trains that one can travel on to explore different parts of India.
India is one of the countries in the world where Ayurveda is a way of life for many. For those in search of an ayurvedic haven away from the cacophony of city life, India has lots to offer. From the south to the north of the country, a culture of Ayurvedic holidays and meditation tours prevail amongst travel enthusiasts. The serenity of the retreats by the rivers and seas, the goodness of traditional Ayurvedic therapies and a healthy diet routine help people unwind. Naturopathy treatments along with yoga, meditation, music, lifestyle correction, diet planning and herbal natural medicines adds to the harmony of the overall rejuvenation process.
Kerala’s backwaters are a maze of winding rivers, canals and lakes stretching nearly 50 miles, and they are best explored on one of the old rice barges, which were formerly used for transporting grain but have since been converted to ferry tourists around. Some even operate as houseboats where a night can be spent under the stars!
Cricket is a national obsession in India. From dusty parks to mega stadiums, the game is played with gusto across the country. Every little child to the eldest family member not only knows the game of cricket, but plays and watches each match with loads of enthusiasm. There are excellent cricket grounds in most of the main cities, but for something extra special head to the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, which is also where the Dalai Lama lives. The ground has a back drop which is sure to take your breath away with the snow-capped Himalayas. Exquisite.
Besides the beaches in Goa, India has other popular beaches in Kerala, Mahabalipuram, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar island and other parts of the country. There are a lot of shacks, bars and seafood restaurants that are very popular. One can spend a day chilling and relaxing on the beach or indulge in some of the water sports on offer.
India’s topography consisting of the majestic Himalayas, is a paramount destination for ski lovers. The country has ample ski destinations that are popular all over the World. Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir are a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. Many other places in the country like Manali, Solang Nala, Auli, Kufri, Narkanda and Rohtang are some of the awe-inspiring ski destinations. The gigantic open areas, snow covered mountains and the breathtaking elevation of skiing gradients in India are sufficient to drive up the adrenaline in every ski aficionado.