India

A visit to India forms a part of everybody’s travel bucket list. For the least I know, if you have no wish to visit this vast stretch of spiritual land charged with a fuming history and blast of cultures, then you most probably have never heard of India. For the one who hears about this land, wants to at least have a glimpse of it. So much that even the westerners were drawned to it- but perhaps for a different reason- that of making Bharat theirs..the diamonds, the spices, the gold, the rule..the innocence of the Hind's people.

India is like this dream destination to me. It's something that grips our entire family together.

Hhmmpp I have been reading tonnes of travel guides to India and been through several Travel Blogpost on the country- I was a bit disappointed by the content given that I come from Mauritius and we literally have a lifestyle which is an extension of that of Indians.

Basically all I could find on some sites were:

-The usual notice of removing the shoes before entering the temple places,
-The usual complains about dust, mice, cockroaches and noise,
-The usual use your right hand to eat at table for the left hand is used to clean oneself after defecation,
-The usual bow in Namaste when greeting someone..

And what not more?!
But to be honest, you don't need to educate a Mauritian about all this when you send her to India.

And most probably more than thinking of India than just about the spices, colours and poverty, there'll be more I believe I'll be able to give away as someone of the Indian Diaspora! ;)

I read so much about culture shock when it comes to visiting India- and I must say that made me feel weird for it is mostly my culture as well- at least the foundation. It would not be such a shock I know- I know the realities of India- I'm connected to India basically day and night, what happens there, the electoral fever, the rapes, the slums, the ill-fates, the miseries- probably the shock would be the level of hygiene- but hey, Mauritian Grandparents have prepared us well for that! :P

Why I look forward to India:

1. India is a Huge Country

India is a vast country that's just over one-third of the size of the United States. Much of it is rural, and there are some incredible sights to be seen and discovered. To the north, there are the Himalayas. To the south, beaches. To the west, desert. And to the east, tribal territory.

2. India is a Great Value Destination

India is often thought of as a backpacker destination with grotty hotel rooms and dirt everywhere. Let me assure you that this definitely isn't the reality. You can travel as cheaply or as lavishly as you want in India, and that's definitely part of its appeal as a tourist destination. The luxury segment of the market offers some mesmerizing accommodations, such as authentic palace hotels. 

3. Broadened Perspective 

India is place that everyone should visit once in their lives to get out of their comfort zones and get a different perspective on life. The 'culture shock' in India can be hard to deal with. However, you'll quickly come to appreciate what you have back home and how fortunate you really are.

4. Explore Spirituality

India can be very inspiring and refreshing for the soul. Many people come to India to learn yoga, meditate, or spend time at an ashram. Another moving experience is to take part in an evening aarti (fire worship) along the Ganges river at either Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Varanasi.

5. History and Architecture

One of the things I always marvel at in India is the magnificent architecture found all over the country, and it varies so much where ever you go. 

6. The Food

Indian food can take a bit of getting used to for some people, but it really is worth it. You may be surprised to find that Indian cuisine is vastly different to the standard fare served up in most Indian restaurants, which is in fact predominantly north Indian cuisine.