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Generations of travelers have heard the mystical call of India. The bright colors, variety of landscapes, mixture of cultures, and unique cuisine are just a few of the reasons it has become a not to miss destination.
A General Background and History of India
The modern Indian state was created in 1950 after independence from Great Britain was achieved. However the area has been inhabited for as many as 30,000 years. Between the years 2000-500 BC the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures were recorded by those living on the Indian subcontinent. By the 4th and 5th centuries AD India experienced a cultural renewal that could be seen in advances in science, medicine, mathematics, and literature. Between 1000 and 1600 AD India was ruled by a series of Muslim rulers. It was also during this time that trade with the rest of the world grew exponentially. In the 18th century India became a colony of Great Britain and endured many internal and external conflicts. India has only became an independent nation in the last sixty years.
3 things you probably didn’t know about India
Some estimates state that there are more than 750 languages spoken in India today! 15 of these languages are considered national languages.
Bollywood (Indian Hollywood) are the only movies in the world that have 4-5 musical songs in every film.
India is the birthplace of yoga and there are classes to practice yoga offered all over the country. You can even move into an ashram for extended periods of practice.
What are some must-visit sites?
The Taj Mahal is at the top of every visitor’s wish list for India and it truly is breathtaking. But beyond this site there is so much more to see. The big cities of Mumbai,
Hyderabad, and Bangalore have a particular urban feel where you can experience amazing shopping for locally produced handicrafts, and amazing street food. The state of Kerala is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of the country boasting amazing scenery and a beautiful coastline.
If you love to eat then India is the place to be. Each region has a particular style and flavor. Arrange for a cooking class to learn the secrets to making some of the delicious food you’ve enjoyed during your visit.
Where can you see some hidden highlights?
India is incredibly diverse. Thanks to a mixture of many religions you’re bound to be visiting during a religious festival of one faith or another. People are also very open minded, often celebrating the holidays that are outside their own faith traditions. Jump in and join them!
You might think a visit to Africa is the best destination for a wildlife safari but India is also a great place to see wildlife up close. Half of the worlds’ wild tigers live in India and a visit to a park such as Bandavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is one place you may be able to see these creatures. Some of the treks are on elephant back and along with tigers you may also see lions, bison, and monkeys.
Why this country should be on YOUR bucket list
India is a huge country, with the worlds’ second largest population. You will see many different ways of life from very rich opulence, to crushing poverty. You can swim in the ocean and hike snow covered mountains. But most of all India should be on your bucket list because it is an experience you’ll never forget!
Would you travel to India? What countries are in your travel bucket list?
There are SO many places on my travel bucket list, and India is one of them!
How fun! I would definately want to travel to India sometime during my life. I have traveled pretty extensively throughout Asia, but never made it to India. Yes, love Bollywood movies… even if I don’t understand them. The tunes are catchy! But the textiles and spiced foods really have me hooked.
I’ve never even really thought about visiting India. I have heard the Taj Mahal is very beautiful.
India does sound like an interesting place to visit, but what I have in my bucket list is definitely Australia!
I’ve never been to India, and to be honest, it was never on my list to visit. One line above has me rethinking… I LOVE to eat, so India must be for me
Sounds like such a wonderful place to visit! I have never been to India and it has always been on my bucket list…now that I’ve read your post it has moved a few spots up the list!
My bucket list travel locations are Ireland, Scotland, Greenland
I would definitely travel to India. It is beautiful. My one bucket list trip is, Africa. Hubby says I can’t go because I will want to bring babies back!
India is not one of the places I have my heart set on visiting. I guess I just want to work through my mile-long list of places to see in the states before I venture overseas and then I have another mile-long list of places to visit in Europe.
I do think India is a beautiful country though.
India would be a dream location to travel to!