Embedded Files
When people think of their next vacation, India isn’t typically top of mind. However, if you want color, adventure, magnificent sights, and culture then India should definitely be on your list. I loved India for how drastically different it was than the U.S. It has a way of lovingly testing you, while also providing some of the most breathtaking sights and experiences you will ever have.
The first and most obvious attraction to India is the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. We went as the sun was rising. The fresh morning light turning the marble white uncomprehendingly massive building to gold. No matter how close you get to the Taj, your eyes never adjust. It always feels like someone is tricking you with the worlds largest green screen. Walk a lap around this tomb built for Mumtaz Mahal’s favorite wife, and wonder how it was ever constructed so beautifully in the 1600s. The Taj is reason enough to visit India but is only where the magic begins.
Another aspect of India that captured my heart was the abundance of religions and practices to delve into. Witnessing Hindus bathing in the Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi for blessings or observing the funeral pyres along the shores was a profound experience. Exploring an exquisitely carved and tranquil Jain temple introduced me to their unique belief in the sanctity of life, setting them apart from others. Walking amidst the ruins where Buddha is believed to have imparted his initial teachings was a humbling encounter. My enduring fascination with religions found a haven in India, where it appeared to encapsulate a diverse spectrum. Visiting a Mosque, Church, or Temple became a gateway to a realm previously unfamiliar, inviting me to immerse myself in a world of faiths.
After a wonder of the world and deep cultural learning, you have the WILDLIFE! India is one of the few places left in the world where, if you’re lucky, you can see tigers in the wild. With a superb network of national parks and expert local guides, India wont disappoint any animal lover. Watch elephants charge, prehistoric Komodo dragons hunt, or a leopard gracefully perched among the trees. The safaris will have you feeling like you just step foot into a page of the Jungle Book.
Last, but most certainly not least, the people. For two months I worked at a female refuge called Sumangali Seva Ashrama, that took in orphaned girls and older ladies with no family to care for them. I was welcomed with open arms, encouraged to participate in their culture, and watched after like one of their own. I felt at peace when I stepped into the ashram, like the very soil under it was blessed. I fell in love with the people their and would’ve stayed forever if I could have. The people in India look after visitors. There is a belief that guests are a form of god, transforming hospitality into a form of worship. There is such an interconnectedness among the people and their culture that is polar opposite to the independence of Americans. It is an amazing thing to experience and be a part of.
From the Marvelous Himalayas to the pristine beaches of Goa, India is filled with wonder and adventure for you to explore.
I hope this short piece grabbed your attention and garnered a little excitement. Check out future blogs on more specifics of where to go and how to visit India. Reach out if you have any questions about your own journey. Happy Travels!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse