Adding India To The Bucket List

Asia has become a travellers paradise, and is fast becoming one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world. From Hong Kong, to Thailand to Cambodia and India, Asia is such a vast and versatile continent. With so many amazing options, how could you begin to choose an Asian holiday destination? Well, If you want a little more than white sand and sunshine, India offers natural beauty, amazing food, inspirational history, religion and spirituality.

Here are a few more reasons why India should be on your bucket list:

The locals are said to be some of the kindest and most hospitable people in the world making for a welcoming holiday.

Luxurious accommodation is affordable, eating out costs very little, and you can get around the country by train for next to nothing. If you’re looking for an incredible holiday that won’t break the bank, look no further than India.

The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is worth the flight alone. It’s the most iconic symbol of India and is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Architecturally stunning and an inspirational story, a visit to this marble mausoleum needs to be on every traveller’s list.

The province of Rajasthan conjures up images Maharajas and Moguls, of majestic forts and opulent palaces. It is said that there is more history in Rajasthan than all of India combined. This is a land of camels, precious jewels and stretching desert landscapes, book a tour to ensure you don’t miss out on gems that you might not find travelling solo.

The Holy Ganges River runs 2,525 km from the northern Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal. It is much more than a river to the one billion Hindus in India and beyond, It is their salvation. Not only does it provide sustenance in the form of fishing, industry and agriculture, it is also believed to transport the prayers of believers to heaven and a dip in the river is said to purify the soul. A wonderful place to visit and a moving experience to witness.

Wildlife enthusiasts have so much to enjoy in India and many will be fortunate enough to spot an elusive tiger as well as elephants, leopards, deer and over 200 species of birds. To safely enjoy India’s wildlife, you could make sure that you book a tour at Ranthambore National Park.

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.

Indians take their food very seriously and the cuisine, just like the country itself, is incredibly diverse. In the North, you’ll taste lots of thick, creamy curries that are moderately spicy. Southern Indian cuisine is commonly characterised by the use of ingredients such as coconut, seafood and rice and is spicier than food in the north. Vegetarians are also well catered for in India, due to the large proportion of Hindus who are vegetarian.

India’s capital is a pulsating city that stifles and stimulates in equal measure. But bear with this seething settlement and it will slowly reveal a side you may not have expected; discover leafy parks with their early morning yoga classes, wander around its lavish Hindu temples, listen to the call to prayer echo from timeworn mosques, shop at bustling markets or go to a comedy club and take in a Bollywood show.