Top Ten Things to Do in India the Travel Guides Don't Tell You About
Are you looking for your own "Eat, Pray, Love" moment or simply trying to get away from it all? Are you mesmerized by images of the Taj and the beaches of Goa or looking for a 'Pranayam' session in the Himalayas? India can be anything for anyone, as long as you know what you are looking for, and where to look for it. But so much of this vibrant, magical country remains hidden from the outside eye with the whole tourism spiel that sells the same tired old destinations and cliched experiences. India is a treasure-trove that should be loving opened, reverentially explored, and profoundly experienced. Here are ten amazing tips that will enrich your travel to India, that you will not find in a tourist guide.
(1) Pick a destination you have never heard about
India is about as big as a continent all on its own, so it is no surprise that you will find everything from sun-kissed beaches to evergreen forests and bustling cities in its expanses. The country comprises 29 states (and 7 smaller units of administration called Union Territories). Before you choose a destination that you have already heard of or seen umpteen videos about, try wandering a bit on the tourism sites of each of the states. Most have a robust social media presence too. Each showcases everything from their most popular to lesser-known attractions you should definitely check out. From lavish natural beauty to historical sites and cultural attractions, you will many find destinations that are not already done to death on Instagram. Pick something unique that calls out to your spirit. Contrary to general perception, tourism is pretty developed all over the country, so you should not have too much trouble with accessibility or convenience wherever you choose to go.
(2) Don't worry about learning phrases in regional languages
No, there is no language called 'Indian', but you probably already knew that. Hindi is the predominantly spoken language in the North of the country, but you must know that each of the states of India has its own linguistic identity. You can safely ditch the attempts to learn phrases in Indian languages - pretty much every state speaks a smattering of English, and the more touristy your destination, the more likely it is that the locals can handle everything from English to a bunch of European languages. Communication is rarely a problem for a tourist who lands up in India.
(3) Don't shy away from experimenting with food
Just as each state has its own linguistic identity, it also has its own culinary signature, and each region jealously guards its authenticity over its food. It would be a bit of a mistake to have your first Masala Dosa in the Nothern states or your 'original Punjabi Chicken Tikka masala' down South. You are most likely being served a watered-down version that has replaced most of the original flavors with those more palatable to the locals. So check for the authentic tastes of the region you are visiting and have it in the most authentic setting you can find after thorough research. In case when you are only visiting one region but want to savor the original taste of multiple cuisines, check for restaurants that specialize in the regional cuisine, of which there are bound to be several in every city. There is a lot of inter-state migration in the country and it is only natural that migrants establish their own network of restaurants to cater to their own tastes. Street food in India has a bad rep internationally, with concerns about hygiene and adulterated ingredients. But you would be missing out on a lot if you did not try a Pav-Bhaji in Mumbai or Paani-Puri in Delhi. Simply head to a street food stall that is really crowded, meaning it is popular with the locals. That is a risk you will not regret.
(4) Don't miss out on the gorgeous fabrics
The range of textiles and needle art available in India is enormous and not talked about as widely as it should be. Every single state has a traditional fabric and/or a regional textile art - embroidery or painting - that is exquisite and quintessentially Indian. Of course you have no use for a heavy Kancheepuram silk saree or kantha-work Salwar-Kameez as apparel. But think of what extraordinary gifts they would make, or the effect of having these exotic and truly beautiful materials in the interior of your house. Use them for throws or drapes or cushion covers. Cut a square of original Kalamkari and frame it for a unique wall hanging. You might even find that a creamy-white-and-gold Kerala saree makes for a gorgeous - truly bespoke - designer gown.
(5) Don't shop at the tourist attractions
Every tourist center in the world rips off tourists - that is a given. But what is even more appalling is how unoriginal and generic their wares are. Some of the stuff peddled as original regional art in tourist centers might make the locals shake their heads in disbelief, because there isn't any such local art or handicraft industry. So why waste your money on such generic stuff in a country that has so much to offer? Government handicraft emporiums are a great place to source the very best in regional art and handicrafts. You can be sure that you are taking home something that actually reflects the heritage of the region you are visiting.
(6) Check out a temple festival
When inhabitants of the second-most populous country in the world decide to celebrate, they do it on a scale you cannot begin to imagine! From the world-famous festival of Puri Jagannath in Odisha (from which the word 'juggernaut' originated) to the colorful Thrissur Pooram of Kerala, the festivals are rich in sights, sounds and cultural practices you will not find anywhere else in the world. But don't just focus on the biggest ones - even a small local temple or church will organize an annual festival highlighting the rich culture and heritage of the region. So don't be disappointed if your trip does not coincide with the really big festivals you have already heard of - figure out the ones that are happening in the neighborhood during your visit (of which there are guaranteed to be one or two) and treat yourself to a cultural extravaganza on a scale you could not have imagined.
(7) Pamper yourself with some Ayurveda
The ancient Indian system of medicine - Ayurveda - is a big draw for international visitors, and with its global popularity, there is now an 'acclaimed' Ayurvedic treatment center or spa at every corner. If Ayurveda is on your itinerary, first be clear about your expectations. Ayurvedic treatment is found to be extremely effective for some chronic physical conditions. It also provides salutary effects in relaxation and rejuvenation. If it is treatment options you are looking for, be very careful about your selection. Don't be fooled by 5-star facilities - look for the 5-star doctors! Try to zero in one of the more reputed hospitals before you entrust your body to them. On the other hand, if you are looking for some spa-style relaxation packages, by all means go for the luxe facilities and ethnic charm. Book yourself into an Ayurvedic resort (distinct from an Ayurvedic hospital) in a great location so you can enjoy the sights as well.
(8) Connect to your inner self in the right places
God is almost a cottage industry in India. From every religious persuasion and every shade of faith, there is something here for everyone. But the question is, who do you go to? Are you looking for something deeply transformative? Or just acquiring some insight? As with Ayurveda, you will come across 5-star panderers of faith as well as shady platforms lurking in fraudulent 'ashrams' all over the country. The key is research. If you are just looking for an experiential taste of religion in India, the best thing is to NOT plan anything in advance. Whichever city you are heading to, zero in on the major places of worship there and pay a visit (be careful of places where people of different persuasions are not allowed in). You will very likely come across small gatherings of devotees in those places where you can gain first-hand information of whatever you are looking for.
(9) Buy Jewelry
Indians take their gold jewelry very seriously. It takes pride of place in wedding attire and bridal gifts and for even the lowest level of income, a pair of gold earrings and a gold chain around the neck on which to wear your wedding locket are a sine qua non. Which is why gold jewelry in India is (1) among the best quality seen anywhere in the world and (2) priced at a level that might surprise someone from the Western world. Go to any top-rated jeweler in the city you are traveling to and you may be amazed by the range of designs available. A solitaire diamond engagement ring, which will set you back by close to $10,000 in the US can be purchased from India at around $2500, with the assurance that you are getting the purest quality of gold and certified diamonds too. Even if you are not looking for something in that range, stock up on exquisite earrings, finger rings and bracelets. They will appreciate in value and can stay in the family forever as heirlooms.
(10) The Movie Experience
India has a unique relationship with its movies and movie stars. Some states have even had matinee idols transition to political leaders and become Chief Ministers. The exuberance around a big release from a major movie star can be quite amazing to experience! Especially if you are traveling to cities like Chennai or Hyderabad, it may be worth checking if there is a release from someone like Rajnikanth or Vijay around the time of your visit. If there is, pre-book tickets to the opening show at a local theater. Mind you, the upper-end multiplexes in posh malls won't give you the same experience. Look for popular single screens and bear witness to a spectacle that is quite unlike anything you will see anywhere else in the world. Fans of the stars welcome the release with drum beats and processions and the whole atmosphere is akin to a carnival! This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience that you should not miss if you have the opportunity.
Make your dream trip to India the most memorable and unique experience it deserves to be. Come back enriched with more than tales of bustle and old-world charm.
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