Feel the flavuors of an exotic country. Emerge yourself in a journey in which the first element is CULTURE. India has been by far a life-changing experience for me and allowed my to reflect on the true meaning of life.
INDIA- a country of heart
Going to India changed my perception of the world, it opened my mind and my heart. Everyone kept asking me why I chose India out of all the places in the world? I was always very drawn to it but I didn’t have the answer until I returned home.
MY LIFE CHANGING ADVENTURE
I knew my India trip was going to be an adventure but I didn’t realize just how life changing it would be. I am not saying India is for everyone but growing up in a third world country like South Africa I learnt there is beauty in everything, sometimes you just have to look a little deeper. I discovered that people’s perceptions about India are often clouded. Anyone can ramble on about things that are wrong with a country so let me tell you what I thought was right with it.
MORE TO THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE
If you arrive in Mumbai or any major city in India and you don’t understand the reasoning behind the constant hooting or the undercarriage of the hassle and bustle, it can leave you feeling quite overwhelmed but dont let that detour you.
When you leave the major cities, the landscape changes completely. Once I discovered India’s incredible diversity and scratched beneath the surface I found myself in a land like no other and I fell in love with it
INDIA IS MADE UP OF DIFFERENT RELIGIONS, CULTURES AND TRADITIONS
India is made up of many states with many different religions and traditions. From the deserts in Rajasthan, to the beautiful architecture of the Taj Mahal, to the green tea fields in Kerala there is a little something for everyone in India. I found that the love and generosity of people stayed the same. It was only their way of greeting that changed.
India’s also home to one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi dates back to 1800BC. We really enjoyed our travels to Varanasi and made a Banaras photo gallery of our favourite images around the ancient city.
Spiritually this country is incredible, the rivers, mountains and animals are all worshipped. Temples and Churches are part of the landscape and marigolds decorate the shrines that litter the streets. Race and religion don’t divide, Hindu’s celebrate with the Buddhists, Buddhists celebrate with the Christians, neighbours are friends and communities are family. Been around the globe’s article about travelling India as a solo black traveller is another excellent example of the countries wonderful hospitality. Festivals are plenty, there is always a reason to celebrate and bring people together and some festivals are celebrated by all India’s people as a nation.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD
Four of the world’s religions originated from here and ancient practices like Yoga, Wellness, Meditation and Ayurvedic remedies are all used the western world today.
Home to some of the most ancient cities in the world and with that, comes some unique architecture. I could sense that some buildings have real historical stories behind them which took me back in time.
India has come far and is most certainly going places, their contribution to science, medicine and technology has taken world stage. Spiritual practices that they have shared with the world in meditation and Yoga has contributed to society wanting to take a more peaceful and meaningful approach on life.
RELATED ARTICLE: Travel Guide to India’s Golden Triangle
INDIA’S GRATITUDE AND INSPIRATION
I left with friends for life and most of them don’t have half of what I have at home, yet happiness and laughter full their hearts.
This community puts all the things you have or think you don’t have into perspective. The gratitude you gain spending time here will turn what you have into enough and its people’s fight for survival and recognition is inspirational. This country was chosen to teach compassion to the rest of the world and I personally gained so much being one of its students.
If you planning on visiting India, have you considered visiting Bodh Gaya?
When you strip away the layers and colours you left with real people, beautiful and ancient cities, traditions and beliefs. I didn’t only see India, I felt India and it is a place I will always return to visit friends and to see what is around the next corner.
I know so many people that are intrigued to visit India but are so hesitant, do your research and go on a journey you will never regret! Here is a great guide that includes a travel budget for South East Asia to get you started and if you in India and would love to travel then this is a great post on Visa for Indians.
Have you been to India? Drop us a comment below and tell us what has been your most memorable moment?
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