Why do many people love India?
11 reasons that make you return to this incredible country
Many people hesitate whether they should go to India or not. They are curious about this exotic country but have doubts at the same time because India looks scary through the media. It seems dirty, messy, chaotic, lacking basic hygiene, dangerous for solo travelers, and so on. When it comes to India, there are no neutral opinions. Unarguably, it is not for everyone. It is a love-or-hate thing. The reason why opinions about India vary extremely is that it is so different from anything else.
So, why do people fall in love with India?
1. India constantly teaches you something that makes you become a different person
You often hear that a trip to India changes your attitude. You start to appreciate your circumstances much more and will be more satisfied with what you have. Indeed, that is already a reason itself why everybody should visit India once in their lives.
The strong family bonds, how family members can count on each other are impressive for a Western traveler. Lonely people are rare in India.
Many Indians live in extreme poverty but can still smile and look happier than many Westerns who live in far better conditions. It is one of the striking things about India.
2. The culture is so unique, and many ancient traditions are still part of the daily life
It is impossible to sum up all the things that are unique to India. First, it is the birthplace of 4 religions: Hinduism and Buddhism. India has enrooted old traditions that faded with time but did not vanish. The caste system and are still an integral part of society.
The power of religion is striking. They worship the Gods as idols in temples, and even poor people do not hesitate to leave some donations. Religious Hindus dip in holy rivers to get blessed and wish to die in Varanasi to get rid of the circle of rebirths and acquire direct salvation.
3. Endless breathtaking places to visit
There are probably a few well-known sites in India that come to your mind. But India has so many hidden gems. The Abaneri stepwell between Jaipur and Agra is jaw-dropping as well as the tiny Orchha town, the forts of Rajasthan, or the view of Udaipur. The Jain temple in Ranakpur in the middle of nowhere up in the Aravalli Mountains, the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, the erotic temples of Khajuraho, the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora — to mention a few — are worth a visit. After seeing the Taj Mahal, you would not expect anything better, but you will recognize by traveling through India that there are far more surprises.
4. It is so much fun to be in India
Take a crazy tour with an auto-rickshaw in the crowded streets, an elephant ride, a jeep safari to spot tigers, a boat trip on the backwaters of Kerala, or visit Hindu and Sikh temples and mosques, or participate in a colorful Hindu festival. You can attend a folklore evening to watch Indian dances or watch a Bollywood movie in the cinema.
5. Indian kitchen is one of the best in the world
Local dishes are not simply spicy. They use fresh ingredients and a wide variety of spices that make Indian food so delicious. It is a paradise for vegetarians. Many Hindus avoid eating meat, which means that the choice of vegetarian food is immense.
6. Indians are the Jack-of-all-trades, and they solve your problems in no time
Probably more problems pop up in India, but they can solve things quicker than you could imagine in your home country. Your phone is soaked, a vehicle got a puncture at night, or you need a complete suit ready within few hours? Who will stitch your costume in few hours in a Western country and have it delivered to your room? You can probably throw your phone away once you dropped it in water, as it costs more to have it fixed than buying a new one. Vehicles work on an electric system, and you are not supposed to touch it without a mechanic. In India, everything is possible. They may not have the same top-notch tools everywhere, but they still know how to make things work in an old-fashioned but very efficient way.
7. The spiritual aspect of India attracts many people to find peace
Ashrams (meditation centers) welcome visitors to meditation and yoga all over India. Rishikesh is a popular choice among tourists. People come to India for some months and get a spiritual refreshment. Indians have immense knowledge about spiritualism.
8. Indians are helpful, friendly, and welcoming
Do not be afraid to ask for help from locals. They give a hand and show respect towards visitors. For Indians from the countryside, a white person is a curiosity. So they grab every opportunity to take a selfie for their memories.
It is part of the culture that they never say no. It can be annoying because even if they cannot help, an Indian will not say no. But their intention is good. That is the most important.
9. India is an incredible place
Maneuvering in the crazy traffic with a cycle or auto-rickshaw is a lifetime experience. If there is an empty ground, you see children play cricket. Cricket is above everything.
Holy cows cross the highway and have rest in the middle of the road. They are free to do whatever they want. But an elephant or a camel can also wander in the streets of a metropolis.
In some parts, people still travel on top of the train to avoid paying for the ticket.
When it comes to Holi, Indians turn crazy and throw colorful powders and pour liquids on each other.
10. India is a heaven for shopping — top-quality for a reasonable price
Indians produce amazing stuff. Whether you are looking for wood carvings, jewelry, carpets, or textile, you can find everything. Shopping malls have all the Western clothes for a better price. They are masters of ayurvedic and beauty products (Himalaya brand).
Many women still wear the traditional Saari or the shalwar-Kameez (trousers and blouse combination with a scarf). Lively colors dominate fashion in India, which makes it so joyful.
India is a big culture shock that affects all your senses. In one moment, you are fed up; in the other, you adore it. India is an emotional roller coaster. If you have a better understanding of a place, your feelings can completely change.
Thank you for reading.
For more posts about India, visit my website: Voiceofguides, or follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
If you want to read more of my writings, you may check out the following articles.
- Beautiful and Less Attractive Hindu Wedding Traditions
- Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
- “We Work Hard to Leave the Past Behind, We Really Do.”
Originally published at https://voiceofguides.com on April 16, 2021.
