India is a beautiful country. Home too many nationalities, ethnicities and creeds, the kind of cultural and historic diversity you find in this country is overwhelming. Each cultural group has contributed its own flavour to the mix, resulting in a mosaic of traditions, a medley of occupations and a potpourri of cuisines.
To truly understand and witness the diversity this nation has to offer, you have to visit! If you do plan a holiday to India, here are 7 things you absolutely must do. By partaking in these activities, you’ll get a raw dose of this country’s cultures, customs, culinary delights, historical past and a host of other experiences characteristically Indian.
So, here goes:
Partake in a Festival:
In India, festivals tend to be a very traditional affair. Each festival has a mythological legend associated with it. Gods are worshipped, rituals are performed and prayers are chanted. Along with all of this, there are scrumptious lunches and dinners, public functions and lots of visiting and gifting. Partake in an Indian festival to witness the pomp and aplomb with which almost every festival is celebrated.
Visit Famous Temples:
India is a very religious country. With a pantheon of Gods and Goddesses to worship, it isn’t surprising that thousands of temples, big and small dot India’s map. Indian temples have beautiful architecture and life-like sculptures grace the walls. Visit some of the famous temples to get a glimpse of this beauty.
Visit Historical Monuments:
India has a large number of forts, temples and palaces that have been constructed with such care and beauty that they have become monumental in stature and value. Whether it’s the Taj Mahal, The Red Fort or Varanasi Ghat, do take some time out to visit these grand and significant structures. More importantly, spend time getting to know the intriguing stories behind these monuments because each of them has one that will interest and inspire you.
Go Street Shopping:
Street shopping in India is fun! Once you know where to go (you’ll probably have to ask locals to direct you towards the right lane/alley) you’ll be completely mesmerized by the variety you see! From clothes to shoes to accessories to kitchen appliances to office stationary to the latest technological gadgets, the humble shopping streets of India offer it all. The best part is that you can make the biggest purchases at dirt cheap prices! You’ll have to brush up on your bargaining skills though.
Sample Street Food:
Since so many diverse cultural groups co-exist harmoniously in India, one gets to sample a range of dishes and delicacies. However, street food seems to belong to a culture of its own. This food is spicy, served piping hot and usually gobbled down quickly by the hungry customer. So, whether it’s Chaat, Misal Pav, Bhajjis or the humble Vada Pav, make sure to spend some time treating your taste buds to delicious, mouth-watering Indian street food.
Travel by Train:
The Indian Railways are the lifeline of India. In a country bursting with people, trains prove to be the fastest, most economical mode of transport. These trains are quite different from the ones you find abroad, no air conditioning and definitely no auto-shutting doors. However, travel by these trains to witness the diversity in our population, take a peek at the different stations and rail routes and get acquainted with the famous ‘fourth seat’ phenomenon!
Learn Indian Music:
India is a musical country. It is no secret that Indian kings of the past were connoisseurs of talent and showered presents on singers and musicians who could move them to laughter or tears. Melody and the love for music runs in every Indian’s blood and this is why there is so much diversity even in music. If you are in India, experience the magic of Indian music by learning a classical raag or any Indian musical instrument. This is something you will surely enjoy and will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Eager to learn Indian music or an instrument? Take up a course at The True School of Music and bring out the musician in you! Visit this link to view this list of courses this music academy offers: TSM music courses
Now that you have so many exciting activities to indulge in, you must make a trip to this fascinating country! You’ll surely enjoy the bustling beauty and colourful chaos of this place!
