Shruti Sharma

10 THINGS THAT MAKE INDIA A GREAT TRAVEL DESTINATION Incredible India, as they say, is a land of fantasy, contrast and fascinating splendor. A land where there is no dearth of stunning beaches, deserts or mountain ranges; it truly is a country like no other. India is a very warm, inviting and rather extraordinary country. It is impossible not to be awe-struck by the infinite variety it offers in terms of its culture, religions, places to visit and much more. From any trip you make to India, you are sure to take memories that you will cherish forever and a day more. I don’t know if you need any more convincing to visit India than this, but if you do, here are some of the best things that is sure to make India your next travel destination. THINGS THAT MAKE INDIA YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION 1. THE EPITOME OFLOVE – TAJ MAHAL India’s most beautiful masterpiece and one of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife Mumtaz Mahal. The epic beauty of Taj Mahal cannot be compared to that of any monument in the world. You will believe this only once you actually witness this immeasurable beauty with your own eyes. 2. THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS IN VRINDAVAN, UTTAR PRADESH The diversity of India does not only lie in its cultures, religions and languages but also in festivals. Witnessing Holi – the festival of vibrant colors in India is a different thing but being a part of a four-day celebration in the city of Lord Krishna himself is an experience like no other. People from all over the world visit Vrindavan only for this color frenzy. 3. THE GRANDEUR OF FORTS AND PALACES IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN In Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, you witness a fusion of rich traditions and modern world. If you have a thing for architecture, history and glorious palaces and forts, then this makes for one of the reasons why you should visit India. The pink city, as Jaipur is called, is world renowned for golden triangle tour and handicrafts. 4. THE SPIRITUAL DIP IN THE GANGES IN VARANASI (KASHI), UTTAR PRADESH There is no dearth of holy and spiritually significant places in India. When we talk about holy places, one can’t possibly ignore this city of Lord Shiva and the Ganges and 88 of the Varanasi ghats. Ghats are the riverfront steps that lead you to the holy river for worshiping (puja) ceremonies. Puja is a truly a sight worth seeing and is sure to take you on a spiritual journey like never before. Once you have witnessed the puja of the Ganges in the Varanasi ghats, you will go back completely transformed from the inside out. 5. A (ROAD) TRIP TO LEH, LADAKH You want to see a road which defies gravity, also called the Magnetic Hill? Go to Leh, Ladakh. Not only for this reason but also because of the scenic beauty this place has to offer. With a very small population, the ladakh region remains untouched even by tourists and hence it does not fail to impress you with its serene lakes and snow-capped mountains. AND how can I miss the unimaginable terrains that make a road trip to the region worthwhile. If you want to ride across the highest motorable pass in the world, don’t forget the Khardung La Pass. 6. ADVENTURE SPORTS IN BIR BILLING, HIMACHAL PRADESH If the word ‘paragliding’ at the world’s second best site in the world and the best in Asia gives the adventure fanatic in you goose bumps, then Bir Billing is the place you need to be at. Whether you want to do a tandem ride with an experienced professional or you’re a pro yourself, remember to settle your tummy and sit back to enjoy the breathtaking views of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Also, did I mention, Bir Billing hosted the first ever World Cup of Paragliding in 2015? 7. FOOD THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR TASTE BUDS ASKING FOR MORE Indians take their food very, VERY seriously and when it comes to diversity, Indian cuisine does not get lagged behind. From Mughlai Chicken Biryani made in a huge earthen pot to finger licking (quite literally) Chettinad Fish Fry served from Tamil Nadu, India will give the foodie in you some serious food goals. Also, in case you’re a vegetarian, Indian food will not leave you disappointed for there are far more varieties of vegetarian delicacies than you’ll be able to taste in one trip alone. 8. THE TEA ESTATES IN DARJEELING This is for the chai lover in you! Some of the finest tea in the world, known for its rich legacy, unparalleled flavors and aroma, comes from no other place than a place which is set against the backdrop of the Great Himalayas - Darjeeling. Most of the tea gardens in Darjeeling are over 100 years old making them legacy gardens. Once you get there, you can not only get a tour of these estates but also taste some of the finest teas in the world. And we also have Asia’s highest elevation station in Darjeeling (if you fancy a train ride). AND the third highest peak, Kanchenjunga, in the world. Good enough reason to pay India a visit? 9. THE ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES India has, for a very long time, been known as a country full of architectural masterpieces. From the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to the mysteries of Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, these works of outstanding artistry and workmanship deserve to be seen with an eye that will truly appreciate them. There are no words to aptly describe the beauty and mysteries behind these treasures. 10. THE PARTY CAPITAL – GOA The beach capital also the party capital also the lover’s paradise has to be on your to go check-list when you plan your trip to India. Why? First off, the white sand beaches are an absolute must visit. You get to have beach beds and umbrellas for free and for the entire day if you eat or drink at the beach shacks. Everyone who has ever been to Goa knows what Tito’s and Mambo’s are. For the party animal in you, Goa hosts music festivals like Sunburn and Supersonic in the month of December. And if you’re looking for some peace and serenity to unwind, Chorao and Divar islands are your go-to destinations. If these authentic flavors of India got your taste buds tingling, then why are you waiting to book that plane ticket? I promise you won’t regret this experience of the senses and that it’s going to be worth it! Happy travelling!