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The growing population of India is a testimony to the endless possibilities the nation holds for over a billion dreams. It is crazy hot in the summers and parts of the country experience biting cold in the winters. It is crowded, colourful and chaotic, a country that has both reverent choices and a laid-back charm. A vivid amalgamation of cultures, languages, traditions, geographies and people results in one of the most fun countries to travel, India.
India is not a 'travel destination' it is rather better described as a travel experience. One that will leave your soul soaked in colourful sights, delicious food and lasting friendships. On that note and in celebration of World Tourism Day, NativePlanet team is proud to present the 10 travel experiences that are inherently Indian. Get a small taste and India is bound to leave you asking for more! Here are a few things that only happens in India.
1. Adventurous Flights
Not all flight journeys are boring, if you are looking for an exciting flight experience, just make a trip to Mangalore's Table Top Runaway. The mesmerising beauty of the surroundings also harbors the top of a plateau or tableland, which functions as the airport's runway. It is one journey to set your adrenaline pumping for sure.
Photo Courtesy: Kurush Pawar
2. Rural Strength
India is home to many villages, each with their unique culture and traditions. One such unique destination to travel to in India is Kila Raipur located near Ludhiana in Punjab and gaining prominence as the host of the Rural Olympics. The annual festival held in February transforms the seemingly placid village into a bustling destination for sports enthusiasts and travellers from across the world!
Photo Courtesy: Alosh Bennett
3. The Land of Snake Charmers
India is a mystic country with traditions and practises that date back several hundred years. One such is the worship of animals and in this case the worship of snakes. Widely feared, the poisonous snakes enjoy a rare respect and respite in the village of Purba Bishnupur in West Bengal. People consider the snakes an incarnation of the Goddess Manasa and worship them. Charmers introduce these magnificent reptiles for the crowds to offer money and take blessings. We bet that's among the most unique travel experiences you will receive in India!
Photo Courtesy: Russ Bowling
4. A Decked Up Palace
The sight of a grand palace bejewelled in strings of yellow lights is something you can only witness in the royal city of Mysore, India. The sight is truly breathtaking, and visitors from across the world choose various vantage points around the Mysore Palace to enjoy the sight during the festive occasion of Dasara.
Photo Courtesy: Ananth BS
5. Royal Weddings
There is little that is as exciting as witnessing a true Indian wedding conducted the royal way. The most popular of destinations in the country, Rajasthan is known to host many Indian weddings with a royal flavour. The exquisite palaces of Udaipur and Jaipur are best witnessed in person, and if there is a wedding party staying at your heritage palace hotel, rest assured that you will be entertained with very colourful sights indeed!
Photo Courtesy: Prem Kumar Marni
6. Snake Boat Race
The event showcases sports, adrenaline rush and cultural fervour at its best! The Aranmula Snake Boat Race that takes place in Aranmula, Kerala is among the oldest such rituals in the country. Kerala is known to attract tourists from far and near for its natural beauty. But the snake boat race sets a whole different standard of travel experience. Thousands gather on the shores of Pampa River to enjoy one of the most thrilling shows in the world.
Photo Courtesy: Yankee Swap
7. Cultural Extravaganza
India is famous for little else if not its cultural performances and festivals. To soak in the culturally rich heritage of Tamil Nadu, head to the Mamallapuram Dance Festival that is held annually during the months of December-January. The exquisite performances of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Mohini Attam and Kathakali against the stunning backdrop of Pallava architecture is among the unique travel ideas in India.
Photo Courtesy: Arian Zwegers
8. Pushkar, Camel Fair
It sure happens only in India. Tattooed camels and their proud owners in line for many competitions at the coveted Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan. Here is your chance to get to know the desert animal, up close and personal. They love the attention and are sure to smile for the cameras!
Photo Courtesy: A Vahanvati
9. Amarnath Yatra
Imagine a trip that has it all, spirituality, adventure and community building. All that and more is what constitutes the famous Amarnath Yatra. Devotees and avid travellers seeking a unique experience travel by foot from Pahalgam and traverse treacherous mountain terrains to reach the Amarnath Cave housing the stalagmite formation of the Shiv Lingam. A journey that is compared to a spiritual quest into oneself, the Amarnath Yatra is a must-do, if you plan on travelling through India.
Photo Courtesy: Nitin Badhwar
10. Chinese Kali Temple
We are sure this already has you in splits! What does Chinese, and the Hindu Goddess Kali have in common you wonder? It represents the classic case of cultural amalgamation in the country and of course an interesting prasad! The Chinese community in this part of Kolkata and the Hindus come together to worship the site of this Kali temple that has become integral to both. The prasad is noodles and chopsuey, which surely is as different as temple prasad in India can get!
Photo Courtesy: Abhijit Kar Gupta
