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10 MORE REASONS WHY
INDIA IS INCREDIBLE

Even after discovering the many ways India is incredible, the journey continues to explore even more reasons to seek out this land of diversity.

From breathtaking terrain and fascinating history, to soul-stirring spirituality and culinary delights — India has it all. Here, you will find ancient traditions that live in perfect harmony with bustling modernity. Journey to one of the oldest civilizations in the world to experience natural beauty. Catch a whiff of roasting spices and explore magnificent artistry.

If you let her, India will awaken your senses and brighten your world.

Start Your Journey
  • Photo by Sayan Nath
  • Photo by Daniel Burka
  • Photo by Binny V A / CC BY-SA

Quest for
Tranquility

Spiti Valley

The mountain desert of Spiti is a nature lover’s dream — untouched and pristine. Arid mountains, snow-clad peaks, steep gorges surround the sprawling valley and through it runs the glistening Spiti River. A spectacular road trip across the region takes you to the Kye Gompa, a thousand-year-old monastery. The walls of the Gompa are adorned with art, thangkas and valuable manuscripts, while its spirit is calm and soothing. In Spiti, you live like the Spitians — pick fresh fruits, run errands, participate in ceremonies to please ancient deities and send mail from India’s highest post office, all surrounded by Himalayan magnificence.

01

Nature in Her
Greens

Kerala Backwaters

The southern Indian state of Kerala is known for its tranquility and peace. The gem of the area is the scenic network of lakes and lagoons known as the Kerala Backwaters. Traverse along the waterways onboard a stylish houseboat, unwind on a beach by the glorious Arabian sea or unburden your body at an Ayurvedic spa, this land beckons with serenity and natural wonder. Unending rows of palm trees, exotic wildlife, snake-boat races and animated Kathakali dance performances welcome you to Kerala, locally and aptly known as ‘God’s Own Country.’

“Unwind on a beach
by the glorious
Arabian sea”
  • Photo by Alejandro Moreno de Carlos
  • Photo by Todd Beltz
  • Photo by Alejandro Moreno de Carlos
02

THE VICTORY TOWER

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a 12th-century marvel, reaching for the sky. This architectural wonder is often called the first skyscraper built with brick and sandstone, and was commissioned by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, as a victory tower for the Delhi sultanate. At nearly 73 meters, the structure is the tallest brick minaret in the world and has survived the test of time, after almost being destroyed by lightning.

Also found in the Qutub complex is an enchanted 4th century Iron Pillar, that much to the surprise of metallurgists, has not rusted. Find an official guide at the ticket office of Qutub Minar and get ready to be regaled with tales of India’s magnificent past.

  • Photo by Fancycrave
  • Photo by chopr / CC BY
  • Photo by John Hoey / CC BY
03

Yoga for the
Body and Soul

Mysore

Mysore is the home of Ashtanga Yoga, a unique form of the discipline that promises to bring balance of body and mind. Combining breathing exercises with a prescribed sequence of postures, Ashtanga Yoga is rigorous… but rewarding for those who pursue it. You’ll be cleansed of toxins. You’ll struggle to perfect your form, but you’ll surrender to a journey that leads to the balance you seek. For those who follow the teachings of founder K Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Mysore is the place where the ultimate transcendental experience awaits.

  • Photo by Ashim D’Silva
  • Photo by Christine Love Hewitt
  • Photo by Christine Love Hewitt
“Find ancient traditions that
live in perfect harmony
with bustling modernity”
04
  • Photo by Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Porrier
  • Photo by Divya Kudua

King of Indian Sweets

Rasgulla

Out of the many delicacies India has given to this world, the sweet Rasgulla (also called Roshogulla) is right on top of the list. Traditionally from the state of Bengal, this dessert consists of spongy cottage cheese dough balls soaked in a sugary syrup. The secret to a good Rasgulla is how you can squeeze out all the extra syrup while the ball retains its fluff and sweetness. Head to Kolkata to experience three kinds of this delightful treat: white ones made from sugar, light brown ones made from jaggery, and bright orange ones, whose secret ingredient is saffron.

05

Where delicious was born

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is India’s most loved curry, and it lives up to the hype. True to its name, Butter Chicken is prepared with Tandoori chicken pieces in a thick tomato-based gravy, with a unique combination of spices and of course… butter. The distinctive taste of this dish comes from a delicate balance of spiciness and its silky texture, that pack a punch of flavor.

The roots of this now iconic, beloved dish can be found in the kitchens of Old Delhi. Complete your meal with some Dal Makhni and naan, and your appreciation of North Indian cuisine will stand changed forever.

  • Photo by Darren Muir
  • Photo by pulaw / CC BY
06
  • Photo by Jeremy Woodhouse
  • Photo by Jeremy Woodhouse
  • Photo by Devanath
  • Photo by milinkapoor

Hues of
Holi

Vrindavan

The advent of spring signals a season of colorful bliss… Holi is known as the Festival of Colors, where the victory of good over evil is at the heart of the celebration. Vibrancy envelops every city; strangers and friends splash color on each other, followed by feasting on Gujjias, Farsans, Thandai — delectable sweets prepared specially during this time of the year. In Vrindavan, a small city in North India, the Banke Bihari temple celebrates a special version of Holi, where flowers are thrown instead of color. Musts for Holi? Give thanks. Have the best fun. Wear white and be prepared to be colored from head to toe.

07

Art of Worship

Durga Puja

Durga Puja — the largest festival of Bengal, commemorates the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that goddess Durga defeated the evil demon Mahishasura in a 10-day long battle to save humanity. So, for ten days, every October, the state of Bengal — especially the city of Kolkata — is engulfed in colorful chaos. Pandals, or temporary shrines, sprawl across the

city to display idols of goddess Durga and her entourage in a variety of creative styles. Developed by local artisans, thousands of pandals showcase folk art, ornate glasswork or even sculptures created out of pencil shavings, paying homage to the divine goddess Durga. Take a guided tour across Kolkata to witness festivity through art, local delicacies and carnival cheer.

  • Photo by Prasanta Kr Dutta
  • Photo by Sukanta Maity
  • Photo by Belur Math
  • Photo by Belur Math
“Witness festivity through
art, local delicacies and
carnival cheer.”
08

A Cascading Tryst
with Nature

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

The ‘sea of milk’ is a fitting translation for Dudhsagar, a four-tiered waterfall found amidst the sunny shoes of Goa. Over 300 meters high, Dudhsagar is one of India’s tallest waterfalls and a sight to behold, as the waterflow plunges down to form a mystical milky froth at the base, leaving you awestruck. If you wish to explore wildlife in its real form, a trek to the peak will give you a stunning view of the gushing waters surrounded by lush greenery. While the waterfalls are a splendid sight all year round, the best time to visit is the monsoons. Rains ensure that Dudhsagar falls are in abundance, presenting the extent of true prowess of India’s natural beauty.

  • Photo by Bishnu Sarangi
  • Photo by Bishnu Sarangi
  • Photo by Kumaresh Rajarajan / CC BY
09

Glory of Times Past

Great Living Chola Temples

The Chola Dynasty of Thanjavur brought in economic success, military triumph and architectural advancement to Southern India. The Grand Living Chola Temples present a living testament of their era; they have not only survived as longstanding monuments but have also preserved ancient rituals of worship. These granite temples are dedicated to mighty Lord Shiva

(‘The Destroyer’), whose shrine remains displayed at the innermost sanctums. Distinctive murals and carvings that embellish the walls of the temples, unveil the lives of the Chola rulers and their religious beliefs. However, it is the temples’ grandeur and elaborate bronze casting work that tie them together as a symbol of India’s rich history.

10

15 MORE REASONS
WHY INDIA IS INCREDIBLE

This is where your journey to India begins – or starts all over again. Whether you seek the sprawling beauty of the Zanskar Valley, the idyllic shores of the Andamans or the buzz of Mumbai, every part of India is Incredible.

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