7 Reasons why India should be your next holiday destination

Anjali Wadhwa

The charm and enigma has caught the imagination of many authors, poets, and philosophers. The world owes a lot to India, as this is the place that told us how to count. It is a land of superlatives; everything over here is breathtakingly beautiful, impressive and fascinating. In the plethora of traditions, cultures, religions, and spirituality, it is as unique as it is rich. This is the land where a woman is worshipped like a god, where people of every religion pray and stay together, where people don't need a reason to rejoice, in fact every day is a celebration for them. Moreover, this is the place every guest is welcomed with open arms, and is treated like a god.

Every time India depicts different aspects of her personality to each and every traveller of the country: extravagant, exotic, eclectic, and elegant.

With this article, I aim to give you reasons why India should be your next travel destination:

1. Experience great Indian hospitality: Athithi devo bhava is a traditional saying in India, which means "the guest is god". Indians consider it a huge honour to have a guest at their homes. They will never let any guest go away unfed or unhappy. There's nothing like hospitality in India, which is so humble, genuine and pious. If you don't want to stay in any sterile hotel, then there's no better way to experience the incredible diversity and charm of India than at a home stay. Whenever you visit the house of any Indian, each and every member will greet you by saying 'Namaste', because Indians believe that god resides in the heart of every human being. Perhaps the one thing that is going to take you by surprise, and also deeply touch you, is the warm hospitality of Indians. Do you know that Rishikesh is deemed as The World Capital of Yoga, has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists? It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of Moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it;

2. Explore the cultural, religious and spiritual side of India: India's art, music, literature, cinema and dance speak a lot. On one hand, there is the art of India, which is the myriad expression of heritage and tradition; on the other hand, are folk dances, which are an expression of joy. Since ancient times, India has been considered as the centre of spirituality and diverse religion. In fact, many of the prominent religions in the world were originated in India only. Some of the major religions followed here are: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bahá'í Faith. Many people come to India to learn yoga, meditate, or spend time at an ashram. Do you know that India has a mix of people following many religions: 82% of them would be Hindus, 12% Muslims, 2.5% Christians, 2% Sikhs, 0.7% Buddhists, 0.5% Jains, 0.01% Zorastrians, 0.005% Jews? India is the world's largest producer of films, with as many as 1000 films in various languages of India being produced annually;

3. Enjoy the appetising cuisines: You're about to begin the wildest culinary trip of your travelling life. Don't ever doubt the eating capacity of Indians! The world's best gourmets are fascinated by India and its avant-garde chefs. From the spicy Rajasthani Laal Maas to the sickly Sandesh of Kolkata, each and every dish here will entice your taste buds. If you are on a trip to India then food will never ever be a problem because not only Indian, but international cuisines are also served here that too with an authentic taste. Did you know that India is rightly called the Land of Spices because no other country in the world produces as many varieties of spices as India? Seventy of the world's spices are imported from India;

4. Relish the exhilarating wildlife experience: If your sole reason to come India is to witness the tigers, then you definitely will not be disappointed by your choice. India is home to the largest biodiversity in the world. The country houses more than 400 species of mammals, 460 reptiles, 2550 fishes, 240 amphibians - one of the highest species count for any country. From the Hemis National Park in Ladakh to the Eravikulam National Park in Kerela, there is a lot to explore. The forests of India are wild, magnificent and diverse. The most obscure animal in sight in India is the Bengal Tiger, and one of the best chances you have of seeing this incredible animal is at Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Do you know that India (Gujarat) is the only country in the world where Asiatic Lion can be found? Sonepur, Bihar hosts world's largest animal fairs in the world;

5. Witness the fun and frolic festivals: Indians organise the worlds' most spectacular spiritual celebration. Enjoy the colour and drama of India's festive pageantry. Though India is often and justly described as a land of many religions and innumerable languages, it might well be described as a land of festivals as well. People in India need a reason to celebrate, whether it's Sachin Tendulkar's world cup century or small win elections. Being a highly spiritual country, festivals are highly cherished in India. Do you know that the Kumbh Mela (or Grand Pitcher Festival) is a huge Hindu religious festival that takes place in India every 12 years? In 2001, 60 million people attended, breaking the record for the world's biggest gathering. The mass of people was photographed from space by a satellite;

6. Plan a heritage walk: One of the things I always love about India is its magnificent architecture found all over the country, and it varies so much wherever you go. The history associated with every monument is completely fascinating. India is home to the lone Taj Mahal, which is deemed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Whether it's about laid-back villages of Hampi or amazingly carved caves of Ajanta and Ellora, you can see the architecture in India as old as 2500BC. Do you know that Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and is an incredible example of early Indo-Islamic architecture?

7. Go on a shopping spree: For shopaholics, India is a sinful indulgence. The crafts made in various parts of India are famous worldwide. Each and every part of India specialises in a particular industry. Whether it's about blue-glazed pottery from Rajasthan or the Chappals from Maharashtra, or the silk saris from Kanchipuram, each and every item produced in India has its personal identity.
   

From the soaring snow-clad mountains of Ladakh to the steamy sun-kissed beaches of the deep Andaman, India's dramatic terrain is breathtaking. India's remarkable diversity is reflected in its landscapes, customs, spirituality and cuisines. A journey to this intoxicating country will fill your memory long after you've left its shores.