India has a vastly changing landscape and as you travel from state to state, not only does the language change- but the clothing, the attitudes, the traditions, and especially the weather changes along with it! You can’t compare Manali with Kovalam, or Mumbai with Coorg… they are so different that it makes the traveler realize India is full of surprises.
So, if you can only choose one vacation for a couple of weeks, instead of choosing “beach or city?” why don’t you pick a country that gives you so much of everything! The ONE country that can make you feel like you’ve been to FIVE:
Some people say they have no calling to go to India or no desire to come because of the poverty or dirt, but I think they aren’t giving India a fair chance. If you’re asking, “should I go to India?”, here’s 5 reasons why!
Explore India’s 5 VERY different landscapes
1. India’s Deserts.
Feel like wandering sand dunes, riding a camel, and seeing bright-colored turbans coming up over the horizon? You don’t need to head to the middle east, try Rajasthan! Explore the Thar Desert from Jaisalmer by camel. There’s not just sand desert, but the salt lowlands you see in South America, but instead here in Kutch. You’ll also find ancients forts out here, as well as Maharaja palaces.
2. India’s Mountains.
Fancy the Swiss Alps? Maybe you want to trek and play in the snow? You can do these things in India too. You can ride a yak in a wool coat and drink tea with people from Tibet and Nepal in Himachal Pradesh, or go even further into Kashmir- this is nothing like you’d imagine “typical India” to be. The people wear completely different types of clothing, have a different culture, plus there are Buddhist temples everywhere. You can fish for trout and eat homemade apple pie, or make a snow angel! Depends which mountain range you choose.
3. India’s Jungles.
Nevermind the Amazon Rainforest, what about the Andaman Island Rainforest, Assam, or the Western Ghats? See the wild elephants charge, run from silly monkeys, see 8 foot long pythons, giant crocodiles, and all the big cats (tigers, leopards, and more!). Trek through hilly terrain or go deep into the forests, either way you’ll find adventure. You’ll even meet tribal people if you look in the right places.
4. India’s Beaches.
It’s not just Goa and Kovalam, the islands of India have some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Snorkel in Andaman and Nicobar, or kayak or scuba dive at Netrani. Those bungalows you see celebrities staying at? Why not do the same at the Lakshwadeep.
5. India’s Cities.
You’ll be surprised to find the cities of India to be more upscale in some areas than you would imagine. There is all the Indian culture you are curious to experience with heavy traffic, gorgeous saris, and busy markets- but there’s also a great culinary scene and poppin’ nightlife. In fact, Chris Martin just played at a club in Delhi and my hero Jamie Oliver is opening up a couple restaurants in India.
from this is sheena – read her post on hippie in heels about mumbai!
I would love to get back to India and see more of the country’s diverse landscapes! I felt the same way when I visited South Africa – you can go from safari to city to mountains or beaches within hours!
Oh man i would love to go to south africa!!
Ohh I love your post.
so apt of a description and so much of positives to look about.
I don’t know why our own country media is so negative
India is amazing, but yes there are somme negative things. On here I try to write about the good and the things some perceive as bad to prepare travelers.
You only share the truth and what’s necessary for the traveller and few blogs which you have written shows the negative side also but that’s the truth.
Besides every country has some of it.
But our media is for sensationalism.
Yep I know what you mean.
wonderful article..i think that’s the essence of india..a lot of little countries in one..and varied landscapes..
thanks!! :)
India is just so incredible. I’m seriously, SERIOUSLY considering India for my big trip next summer. India has been high on my list for years, and I’m feeling like it’s time to get my ass over there!
you definitely should!!! before it becomes the cool gap year place lol but could india ever be tourist? i dont think so!
I get asked a lot about why I go to India so often. There are many reasons, but one of them is most definitely that there is so much to see! It shows you just how different India can be. I personally love the colour and deserts of Rajasthan, the lush green of McLeod Ganj, the gentle jungles of Kerala, and of course the beloved beaches of Goa. Great post Rachel!
Absolutely Maddy. So I guess I’ll see you back in Goa next season?
It’s certainly looking that way, although things are constantly changing here in the UK right now!
Love the website and I have to commend on how well you seem to know India. I always find it sad though that a lot of travel writers seem to focus on the rest of India and completely ignore the North East of India where I come from. I have not been to a more beautiful valley than Yumthang or Dzukou nor seen a river so strange as the Brahmaputra. I have not explored a cave so vast as in Meghalaya nor seen a lake more beautiful than Gurudongmar. And these are all in the North East. I have not been through all your articles though I am at risk of doing so tonight in my cozy little Palolem guest house this monsoon night but I do hope you make a trip that side to see for yourself if you have not already. Cheers and Best of Luck!
I’d love to explore the NE more! Even the very popular places like Darjeeling and Sikkim I haven’t been.
Because of how big India is, and because of its variety, I cannot imagine just going for a week or two. I feel like India would take MONTHS to discover and as soon as I get enough time off, I can’t wait to explore its many different landscapes!
Yes! You need lots of time! although if you are visiting someone or find a cheap flight it’s worth coming for a couple weeks – or if you’re a millionaire why not! lol
Thanks for writing. I always think maybe every 100 km its different.