What do you think when you hear India? Taj Mahal? Goa? Temples? Beautiful people? You are correct on all of these. The scenery, the people, the food (yes, it will most likely be spicy even if you ask for the least spicy thing on the menu). And don’t forget about the sea! Oh, the sea. With a population of over 1.2 billion imagine how many stories all these people have! This country has so much to offer and all you have to do is to open your heart up and let India in.
Your flight will most likely get your to New Delhi, the capital of India. It might look like the metropolitan area that it is but there is also so much more to this city! You absolutely have to visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjit (the largest mosque in India), Swaminarayan Akshardham, Humayun’s Tomb (that was an inspiration for the famous Taj Mahal), Qutab Minar (the tallest minaret in the world!), and oh so much more. If you plan out your route – you will see so many wonderful monuments with an amazing history.
If you are looking for something calming and if you are doing some soul-searching don’t forget to visit a great city of Varanasi. Considered to be a spiritual capital of India, this city has so much magic. Stop by the Vishwanath Temple then go to Manikarnika Ghat where you can learn about the Hindu culture of cremation. Interestingly, there are quite a few Ghats in Varanasi yet Manikarnika Ghat is considered to be the most prestigious.
You can’t let yourself leave the country until you visit Agra. Yes, we know that sometimes visiting ‘popular’ places can be overrated but come on, it is the Taj Mahal we are talking about and you have to see it. Come for the Taj Mahal and stay to see the Agra Fort, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and the gorgeous Fatehpur Sikri, a small town west of Agra. No matter where you go you will have to fight tourists like yourself. Our advice is to be patient and count your blessings – you are about to see a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue your journey on to Jodhpur. There is no need to be blue (see what I did there?). Most buildings in Jodhpur are different shades of the color blue. That is where the city gets its nickname from: The Blue City. At this point anywhere you go in India you will see monuments, and mosques, and temples that are thousands of years old. Jodhpur has something else to offer: the city has a very well-developed craft industry so it will be a perfect opportunity to stock up on those souvenirs!
Take your significant other to Udaipur. This city is famous for their numerous artificial lakes, and is the site of luxurious palaces. Udaipur has tons of romantic spots and was also a backdrop for multiple movies, including the 13th James Bond movie. Don’t forget to bring your shorts – the climate is tropical and it can get crazy hot.
After your calm Udaipur weekend head over to Mumbai, India’s largest city. See the stone arch, and give yourself time to soak in the culture. The city is a hub for big Bollywood producers and actors. Get acquainted with modern Indian art, visit museums, galleries, and numerous cafes this place has to offer. Mumbai is a very fast-paced, diverse city – don’t get lost!
Need a break from a big city? Take a trip over to Hampi, a rather religious hub of India. There you will find ruined temple complexes, abandoned monuments and temples. Doesn’t it sound like a perfect place to reflect? An added bonus if you enjoy rock climbing – Hampi will blow you away.
Alright – alright. I know you’ve been waiting for this one. Yes, let’s go to Goa. Gorgeous beaches, best holiday resorts in the world, people from everywhere enjoying life and partying it up! We are mostly talking about the coastal life over here because we all secretly want to live by the sea. For over 450 years this has been a Portuguese territory and the mix of people and cultures is astonishing. But let’s face it: we know you’ll be going there to party. No judgement!
Are you already searching for the cheap tickets to India? Which city are you going to visit first? Let us know in the comments below!
