Rich in history and culture, distance, exotic, and just plain cool, India has long been a traveler favourite for obvious reasons. With cities that overflow with life, breathtaking natural scenery, spiritual heritage and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, this diverse and colourful country has become a bucket list destination for travel junkies across the continent.
In celebration of the launch of its brand new India trip, youth travel experts Contiki have compiled a list of reasons why India is a feast for all the senses, and somewhere everyone should visit at least once.
Sight
India boasts some of the world’s most awe-inspiring sites of natural and man-made beauty, but it’s not just the scenery that will disarm you. Everything from the clothing to the food and the make-up is bursting with vibrancy and color. A prime example is India’s Holi festival of Color, which has now been recreated by several western cities. Without a doubt, India is one of the most visually stunning travel destinations in the world, a treat for the eyes as well as a cultural, historical or spiritual travel experience.
Smell
India is known for its smells as much its known for its temples, beaches and spirituality – it’s all part of traveling through India. Evenings are a wonderful time to explore India’s streets as the smell of fresh spices waft up from the roadside snack stalls, and people light incense to attract Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, into their homes. As you might expect, your olfactory system may find the myriad of smells in India a bit of a shock, but come prepared to endure the occasional nose wrinkle and it will make the enjoyment of evening spices, incense or flower scents that much sweeter.
Sound
Whether it’s the sound of a cowbell, spices being ground with stone, water lapping against a boat in Kerala or traffic noise in Delhi – the sounds of India are unlike any other place in the world. When visiting India’s cities, perhaps the din that westerners will notice the most is that of other people – the term ‘cheek by jowl’ is given new meaning in a country of over a billion people – but alongside this, you’ll hear sounds reflective of the billion lives being lived in this amazing country.
Taste
Indian food is known as being one of the of most aromatic and flavorsome national cuisines in existence, but most western countries predominantly consume a completely westernized version of Indian food, stripped of its more interesting flavors and superhot spices. One of the treats of travelling to India for the first time is being delighted by the taste of real Indian food – just be careful you don’t opt for anything too heavy on the spice!
Touch
India is the home of touch and texture; the rough stone of old buildings contrasts with the polished marble of the temples and earth underfoot. The silk of saris flutters in the wind, the water of the Ganges River is warm to the touch and an endless sea of tea plants brush against your leg if you choose to visit the plantation region of Munnar. Eating with your hands, traditional in much of India, adds a whole new level of tactile wonder to the Indian experience as you not only taste but touch the breads, spices, rice and meats that round out your sensory experience.
If you’re excited at the prospect of travelling in India then consider this video required viewing:
Featured image by: Dennis Jarvis
