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If you are an inveterate globe trotter just like me, then you have to travel to India at least once in your life.
When you travel to India, you don’t go on vacation! Just forget about it! Whoever decides to travel to India is going to take a real journey. That kind of journey that makes your bones for any other journey.
In short, if you travel to India you can travel anywhere!
A journey to India is a hard journey. I have been on the other side of the world but never before I had felt so far away from home.
You will witness something that will change you forever and you will bring the best out of you to adapt to a culture that is really hard to understand and that will constantly challenge you with its mass of contradictions.
Personally India challenged me in a very extreme way. While traveling through India I had some health issues. There were some moments where I thought I had something severe. Thanks to God, it wasn’t like that and now I can take medical examinations at home with no rush. Rush that they initially gave me in a weird English I couldn’t even properly understand.
They were intense moments. Moments when you start thinking carefully about life and what is really important.
And I think India really pushes you to do that. To constantly reflect on your existence.
First of all India taught me to be grateful for all the things that I have, without taking anything for granted, and to stop complaining about things I don’t have.
Poor people that you meet around the street teach you that. People who don’t have anything. Not even teeth to eat or legs to walk.
And I ended up teaching this myself to an Indian guy that I randomly met in Pushkar while I was getting a manicure. This man told me a secret that he never shared with anyone. A secret that troubles him deeply and puts him really down. He told me: “I never said that to anyone but you always smile and I can tell you have a kind heart”. I tried to cheer him up and I asked him to start thinking of the good things he has. And suddenly his eyes lit up. “I love my job! I am grateful for doing a job that I love!”. And we hugged.
You teach me. I teach someone else.
Karma is another wonderful aspect that India has taught me.
I make a good action for you. You make a good action for someone else. This way we constantly help each other.
I have seen taxi drivers pulling over to give a ride to old men who couldn’t walk. People around the street helping my friend to clean her shoe because she accidentally stepped her foot in the cow poo (holy poo, to be clear!). Men taking care of a puppy dog who was cold after falling into the water.
All for nothing in return. Only to pursue the endless loop of good actions that rules the universe.
But I have to admit that despite all the good lessons that India has taught me, I had some moments when I couldn’t take it anymore.
I couldn’t take traveling on dusty trains, being fooled by local drivers who wouldn’t take me where I asked them to take me, brushing my teeth using bottled water, getting pushed and turned around by the crowd, the constant slalom between cars, vans, tuk-tuks, cows, bikes and motorbikes to move around the streets.
Sometimes I just wanted to go home, go for a run in the park, drink out of a water fountain, have a carbonara and a glass of chilled white wine in the shade (forgive me Mallory for talking about carbonara like every day of our journey).
But in the end I also believe that all these hard times India puts you through are just a small price to pay for exploring such a fabulous land.
A land made of legendary palaces of kings and princes, formidable stories of death and intrigues, impregnable fortresses, large deserts, incredible mausoleums, holy rivers and temples.
A land made of chaotic markets and mystic sounds, perfumes and spices, wild dance in colorful dresses, traditional festivals celebrated by huge crowds.
But above all a land made of extraordinary people, who have nothing, but everything to teach.
Read also:
JAISALMER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE GOLDEN CITY OF INDIA
JODHPUR: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE BLUE CITY OF INDIA
PUSHKAR: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE VEGAN CITY OF INDIA
JAIPUR: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE PINK CITY OF INDIA
TAJ MAHAL: TIPS TO AVOID THE CROWD OF TOURISTS
AGRA: THINGS TO DO BESIDES THE TAJ MAHAL
VARANASI: THINGS TO DO IN THE HOLY CITY ON THE GANGES RIVER
INDIA FOR FIRST TIMERS: 6 COLD HARD FACTS ABOUT INDIA
PLANNING A TRIP TO INDIA: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS
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Exactly this. India is the only place I’ve been, where I can’t say if I ‘liked’ it or ‘didn’t like it’. It defies that sort of simplistic question.
I agree, India is a land full of contradictions, you are never sure what your feelings are when you are visiting this land. But one thing is for sure: it won’t leave you untouched!
such a great photo! and loved your post, agree that it has been hard travelling in India for me as well as at times you feel like you just wanna go home, but its definitely worth travelling there to see the beautiful land.
Great Blog!! Very helpful guide this will really help me out in my upcoming golden triangle tour in India.
Got our travel rout sorted after reading this post. Thanks it was of great help.
“Embark on an odyssey of the senses in mystical India, where vibrant colors, rich history, and diverse cultures intertwine. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the serene backwaters of Kerala, every corner offers an enchanting tale. Discover the soul of a nation that leaves wanderers forever changed. #IncredibleIndia”
I found your article. Thank you for this information. This article is very good and very informative for me.
A good article with wonderful Explanation, Great Post, Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Wonderful travel blog along with beautiful pics.
Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks for sharing.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “TRAVEL TO INDIA”! Your blog beautifully captured the essence of India’s rich culture, vibrant traditions, and thrilling adventures. It was a joy to see my country through your eyes, and your experiences truly reflect the diverse spirit of India. Thank you for sharing such captivating stories, and I hope you’ll return soon to discover even more of what this incredible land has to offer!
Thank you so much Rakesh for your kind words! I actually came back to India, and I’m sure I’ll keep coming back 🙂
Your post on Chandni Chowk was a delightful read! The vivid descriptions transported me straight to the bustling streets. Your suggestions for exploring the market and trying local delicacies were invaluable.
Thank you so much Jyoti!
Your descriptions of the Pink City’s attractions were vivid and captivating. I can’t wait to visit Jaipur myself and experience its vibrant culture and stunning architecture.
Thank you 🙂 I hope you get there soon!
Great post about traveling to India! While there are so many amazing places to explore, I highly recommend visiting Kerala on your next trip. A houseboat journey through the serene backwaters of Alleppey is an experience like no other. If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of luxury and nature, definitely check out Riverwoodz, the best luxury houseboat in Alleppey. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy Kerala’s stunning landscapes in style!
Hi Melissa! Thank you for your tips about Kerala, I’ll keep them in mind 🙂
What a beautifully written piece! Your description of India resonates deeply with the reality of what this incredible country offers to travelers. I love how you emphasize that “you don’t go on vacation” when you visit India, but embark on a life-changing journey. It’s so true—India isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that transforms you. Your personal story of experiencing health issues and the reflection it triggered adds an authentic layer to your adventure. It’s those moments, both challenging and eye-opening, that shape our perspective on life and gratitude.
Your encounter with the man in Pushkar and how you shared the concept of gratitude is especially heartwarming. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of “karma” that you mention. The idea of small acts of kindness creating a ripple effect is something India teaches so well, as seen in the gestures of locals, like the taxi drivers helping those in need or strangers lending a hand to your friend.
The frustration you describe—dusty trains, bottled water, and navigating chaotic streets—is such a real part of the experience. Yet, you manage to balance it beautifully with the rewards of immersing yourself in a land rich with history, culture, and spirituality. Despite the hard times, as you said, they are a small price to pay for the lessons and beauty India offers.
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment that India teaches you to reflect, to be grateful, and to embrace the contradictions it throws at you. India is, indeed, a journey for the soul as much as for the senses. Thank you for sharing this captivating and honest reflection!
Thank you Prem for this beautiful comment! It’s not easy to describe the experience of a journey to India, it is such a mixed feeling, but you got 100% of what I meant. Thank you 🙂