It is diverse, it is secular, it is rich and it is complete… It is a country that lives and breathes with its people. A country that invites you and a country that assures you of finding that missing meaning of your existence on this planet – It is India. The Incredible One, don’t forget! It is here that one gets rid of a feeling of incompleteness as India and its unimaginable and unmatched vast culture and heritage engulfs you, along with the people who are too simple and loving to have any prejudices even for strangers, leaving little scope for materialistic pleasures. The purity and serenity of the places would ensure that you have a memorable holiday here.

Shiver in the eternal snows of the mighty Himalayas or witness the rich cultivation in the southern peninsula, search for an oasis in the vast deserts of the West or sweat in the humid deltas of the East, witness nature’s weather marvel in the dry hot and cold Central Plateau or get instantly refreshed in the cool forest foothills, Indian geography compliments the diversity of its people and culture.

KASHMIR : Heaven On Earth!

The richness is further glorified by the beautiful crown on India’s head. The proud Indians boast of having Paradise on Earth as their own! Jammu & Kashmir is everyone’s dream destination for a holiday. After all, who wouldn’t like to experience paradise, without having to lose anything for it? The state is divided into 3 main geographical regions, separated by ‘The Lesser Himalayas’ (Kashmir), ‘The Inner Himalayas’ (Ladakh) and ‘The Outer Himalayas’ (Jammu).

While Gulmarg is known for its hill resorts and winter games because of its proximity to Srinagar, Sonamarg is famous among visitors for its Thajiwas Glacier, which is a major attraction particularly in summers. The Pahalgam Valley, popularly known as the Valley of Shepherds, is situated at the merging streams from Sheshnag Lake and Lidder River.

Pahalgam Valley, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
flickr.com/photos/utpalvaishnav/4134457304/

Breath-taking views and resorts set deep down with towering mountains surrounding, the pine forests are a great retreat. Pahalgam has been the favourite place of filmmakers due to its untouched beauty. The Dal Lake is another famous attraction as it is the symbol of this paradise on earth. It is the second largest of this region and one of the most beautiful lakes in India. The Shikaras and the numerous romantic scenes in them for Bollywood movies only emphasize its beauty. The lake is surrounded by the campus of University of Kashmir on one side and gardens and orchards on the other. The sheer tranquility and charm of the place leaves you mesmerized.

Delhi : Heart Of India

From the crown of India, to the Heart of India, the journey brings you to the capital of India! Delhi or rather Dilli, as it is popularly known, complimenting the fact that it is the Heart of Incredible India. A city that would, for ages to come, continue to be proud of hosting the much talked about Commonwealth Games successfully, a city that has the amalgamation of the Old and prestigious heritage as well as modern and happening hangouts. Delhi has truly evolved as a world class city with expansion of the Metro network and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The monuments that are till date as protected as ever making you want to stop and visit them instinctively. Lotus Temple or Bahai Mandir is a unique Lotus shaped temple built entirely with white marble. Lotus was chosen as a common symbol to Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, making it a common place of worship. There are 9 pools of water around the lotus petals which are lit up in the evenings. The Temple has recently completed its 25th anniversary.  Another historical place is the observatory built in 1724 – Jantar Mantar. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur to take observations of time using the instruments and shadow of the sun. Located in the busy streets of Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is the oldest and the largest Mosque in India. It has a capacity of holding 25,000 devotees. The fact that it is visited by people of all religion makes it a symbol of Indian secularism.

photo of Jama Masjid, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, flickr.com/photos/lingaraj/3965633894/

When in the streets of Old Delhi, the aroma around would take care that you do not leave without trying the mouth-watering cuisines. Right from the roadside chaat-papri and age-old eating joints to high class restaurants and five star hotels, from traditional Mughlai and desi food to people friendly fast food joints and international variety of cuisines, Delhi has it all. The Purani Dilli eateries in Chandni Chowk can easily attract you towards parantha wali gali, famous for its half-fried paranthas of numerous varieties. If you are a non-vegetarian, head straight towards the aroma from Karim’s and other non-veg joints widely spread over the area.

While this is one ‘Dilli’, the other ‘Delhi’ lives in the happening places of south extension, greater kailash etc. The Select City Walk Mall, Saket is one of the favourite hangout places of Delhi’s youth and adults alike. DLF Promenade is another favourite place. Malls have the trendiest collection of clothing, accessories and footwear, apart from movies and international cuisines and other junk food. As can be seen, it is a place that invites every age group. There’s everything for everyone.

Padharo Mahro Rajasthan!

The love and care of Delhi makes one want to stay here forever. But North India is not just limited to this. The richness in traditions and continuity of preserving them in modern times is something one cannot ignore when so close to Rajasthan! State of numerous havelis, forts, palaces and history that will leave you enchanted, Rajasthan is the richest and most diverse state of India. All religions existing mutually with love and understanding makes Ajmer a great example of Indian culture.

Dargah Sharif-tomb is the Dargah of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which enjoys deep-rooted beliefs of both Muslims as well as Hindus. Through Ajmer, one can visit Pushkar, the place where the only Bhrama temple on this earth exists. Obviously, it has acquired the status of the most sacred place for Hindus particularly. The Pushkar Lake has great devotion among visitors and huge crowd gathers in the month of kartik to take a dip in its sacred waters and enjoy the much-awaited Pushkar Mela.

Beautiful Rajasthani lady against the backdrop of camel traders' camp at Pushkar, Rajasthan. The smoke comes from make-shift kitchens preparing breakfast over dried camel dung fires. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, flickr.com/photos/kkoshy/2206628346/

The capital is even more beautiful. It is unique as there is every modern facility available and is a well-developed city but still the age-old charm is so prominent, it usually surprises the visitors and leaves them spell-bound. Known as the Pink City due to the numerous houses painted pink! And historical forts palaces like Hawa Mahal, Nahagarh, Amer, Jaigarh, Moti Doongari etc., Jaipur’s royalty is reflected in its preserved history and modern development.

photo of Hawa Mahal from the back, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, flickr.com/photos/christianhaugen/3292576837/

Rajasthan is a land of even richer history of cuisines. The prince and princesses had their royal food menus prepared by royal cooks or Khansamas. Dal-bati-churma, lachhedar parantha and bessan ki missipuri, red meat, sweets like malpuas, dil jani, ladoos, ghevar are just some of the mouth-watering specialities of Jaipur, served famously in Hotel Choki Dhani, Surya Mahal Restaurant, The Royal Fast Food, The Temptations and Shivir Restaurant. Fast food joints of Fresh Flavours, Garden Cafe, Hotel Breads, Pizza Hut and Wimpy ensure that variety of food is maintained. Visitors get to enjoy wonderful shopping ranging from traditional artefacts, handicrafts, tie-and-dye textiles, kundan jewellery and lot more. There are polo and golf clubs, as well as theatre for relaxation.

Conclusion

This was just a peek into the India that we know is Incredible. North or South, East or West, India is the BEST! It leaves you wanting more, because there is so much to see and experience. You can be assured of taking back so much with you that your next holiday would automatically get planned beforehand!! Come, and experience the Incredible and wonderful land of diversity.

Aishani Gupta

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Launched in August 2007, The Viewspaper has fast emerged to become India’s largest youth paper, and has been credited in creating a platform for the youth and a new niche in media.  Look for their articles on the first Friday of each month!

Feature photo of threads of roads, Ladakh, Kammu & Kashmir, India, courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons, flickr.com/photos/irumge/3861223771/