The Land of Fortune: India
From the icy mountains of the North to the stunning, sunny beaches of the South, India is endowed with natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. Home to the world’s second-largest population, it is an exceptionally diverse country with a culture that changes every 6 miles. A trip to India is a trip through history, tradition and culture. A trip you can’t afford to miss, post COVID-19 of course.
1.Namaste from the Ganges
Begin your journey with a dip in India’s holy river, Ganga, and be transported to another world of divinity and bliss. Varanasi is world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The place where you feel the grandeur of the land: Bharata (India). You don’t have to be religious to be blown away by the power of Ganga Aarti (prayer of the River Ganga) for those goosebumps and serene numbness.
We say, start with Banaras/Varanasi, Kashi, the Land of Shiva, the Soul of India.
Before you skip to the next point, go check out Paula’s page on Instagram for your dose of beauty and nature. And say thanks for this lovely Ganga Aarti picture above.
Thank you, Paula! 🙂
2. Ladakh
Bound by the Great Himalayas and Karakoram Range, Ladakh lies amidst quiet monasteries, thrilling mountain passes and a distinctive culture. A trip to Ladakh is a dream destination for every adventure seeker and nature lover. With sites like the Pangong Lake, the Thiksey monastery, and the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, Ladakh is the ideal mountain experience, and the next destination on your list.
DO NOT MISS LADAKH IN INDIA! And tag us when you reach there.
3. Aesthetics and colour: Handicraft of India
Each region of the country is endowed with unique range of handicrafts. In the North, you’ll find a rich tradition of woodwork with intricate carvings and nuanced designs. Kashmir is home to the famous Pashmina shawl, which is made entirely by hand. Bikaner in Rajasthan is known for its painted pottery, Kolhapur in Maharashtra for kolhapuri chappals (leather shoes); West Bengal, Assam and Tripura are ecofriendly craft destinations, while Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Kashmir, Agra and Ajmer are experts in Zardozi embroidery work (elaborate designs made with gold and silver threads). What you must must try are the traditional Indian attire : Sarees’s. Worn by women and yes, they too vary from state to state! Tamil Nadu in South is known for its Kanchipuram sarees with soothing motifs and colours, while Banarasi silk sarees with zari work are to be found in North.
Hey hey hey, take a look at the stunning images above again. Aren’t they beautiful? You too can have them on Crafthaat, an exclusive Indian craft house. Go, order now.
4. Architecture
Intricate fine designs, attention to details and creativity are to be seen at every nook and corner of this land. From apparel to the architecture be sure to be smitten by its magnanimity, intellect, and ingenious.
Indian architecture is rooted in history, culture and religion. It’s a delight for your eye and a mystery for your mind. With 33 million gods and goddesses, your doorway to the finest architecture lies in the temples. The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, the Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur, the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, the Kailash Temple in Maharashtra and the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha are the must-visit places of your itinerary. You have to see the shadow of the Brihadeeshwara Temple disappearing noon or witness the Kailash Temple in the 16th Ellora cave which is twice the size of the Pantheon in Athens and is one and a half times as high, built by cutting rock with hammer and chisel.
Yes, that’s right. One can’t have enough of this land. Not in a lifetime, for sure.
5. Sing and dance you’re in India
As the apparel changes so do the varied dance forms and music. Come and experience the many dance forms in different costumes, postures, and techniques depicting the same stories of Rama and Krishna; of valour and love, separation and angst, sacrifice and devotion, creation and destruction. Experience every lived emotion in these tales of love, life, and learnings. Experience India in its singing and dancing, in its past glories and achievements, in the wisdom and grace, in its culture and tradition. Experience in India.
6. One for the aroma and taste!
Indians take their food very seriously. They spend hours preparing sumptuous dishes. No wonder they are known for its aroma and taste around the world. So feel free to munch the roadside dishes or grab a meal in some fancy Indian restaurants. Try the local food as much as possible, and hey travellers if you are vegetarian then India is your food heaven.
By the way, check out Chef Jomon’s Instagram page for some drool-worthy Indian dishes.
7. The Festivals of India
Expect a festival or two every month in India due to the country’s diversity. Each festival is a unique experience with its own history, legend and significance. Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most significant Hindu festival. Families decorate their homes with fancy lights, clay lamps, flowers, candles and elaborate floor designs called rangoli. The festival lights up the entire country on the darkest new-moon night. Holi, the festival of colours, is the most vibrant festival. Friends and family play with water and coloured powder to celebrate the coming of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and to come together as one. Mathura, Vrindavan and Banaras are the best places to witness a Holi celebration. Ganesh Chaturthi brings Mumbai to a standstill with its 11 days of continuous celebrations. The energetic dancing and singing on the streets are infectious, and you are bound to sing or dance along with them. Dussehra, Eid, Gurupurab, Durga Puja are some of the other widely celebrated festivals in India, and if you happen to be travelling during one of them be ready for a pleasant feast-y singing and dancing colourful surprise.
8. The Great Rann of Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Spread across around 3,861 square miles, it remains entirely underwater during monsoon season. However, for the remaining eight months of the year, it dries out to become an enormous stretch of white salt. Make sure to plan your trip here on a night with a full moon to see the white carpet of salt glow like a dreamland. It’s surreal to witness, and even if you miss out on the full moon, stay on the salt land for the transcendental sunset.
9. Time to relax! Where be the beaches?
By now you’ll be overwhelmed with the many sights and sounds. So its time to relax and chill! Choose a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters in Alappuzha, or hit the famous/infamous Goan beaches. The best among them all is my favourite Havelock Island in Andaman. Quiet, serene, scenic: three in one. Swimming elephants and white sand await you.
Welcome to Paradise India.
Featured image: Paula A.
