As the end of the year draws near, many people are beginning to think about the trips they want to take in 2018. If you haven’t decided where you want to go yet, consider broadening your horizons with a trip to India. Here’s why:
The food
Whether you’re already a fan of Indian food or you haven’t tried much of it, you’ll get hooked when you head to the country. From Palak Dal to Pineapple Kesari to Tamil Black Pepper Chicken and more, you’ll find a wide variety of bold, comforting dishes.
The Taj Mahal
You can’t take a trip to India without seeing the Taj Mahal. Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by the emperor and showcases the Mughal style of architecture. Every year, around 7-8 million visitors travel to Agra to see it.
The wildlife
Love wildlife? You’ll find everything from tigers to elephants to rhinos to monkeys and more. There are safari opportunities all over the country, and some of the best wildlife viewing can be found in national parks like Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Kaziranga, and more.
The Himalayas
If you love the outdoors, the Indian portion of the iconic 1,500-mile mountain range is not only beautiful, but offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Try water rafting, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, trekking, or even a gondola ride.
The hospitality
Great hospitality is sometimes rare to find, but the Indian people are well known for it. In fact, there’s a saying in India: “Athithi Devo Bhava”, which means “the guest is God.” Having guests in the home is an honor in the Indian culture and homeowners will go out of their way to please them, so if you want an authentic experience, try a homestay.
The value
If you’re looking for a vacation on a budget, a trip to India is one of the more affordable abroad destinations. From lodging to transportation to food and more, you can find what you need for an affordable price.
The diversity
The country of India spans nearly 1.3 million square miles (about 1/3 the size of the U.S.) and is made up of several different regions – each with something unique to offer. Head to South India and you’ll find the spiciest style of food while a visit to West India will open your eyes to one of the country’s most industrialized areas.
The festivals and fairs
India has been called “the land of festivals,” and for good reasons. Head there nearly any time of year and you’ll find a celebration – from Diwali (the celebration of good over evil) to Ganesh Chaturthi (the celebration of the elephant-headed god) to Onam (a harvest festival), the locals are always up to something exciting.
The spirituality
Religion is very influential in India. In fact, around 80 percent of the population follows Hinduism and more than 10 percent are Muslims. The rest follow Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and a mix of other religions. By immersing yourself in the spirituality of the culture, you can learn a lot.
The history
If history is one of your main interests, why not head to where one of the most ancient civilizations was formed? India has a rich history and you’ll find dozens of monuments, fortresses, tombs, palaces, and more that showcase the many different eras of the country.
So – which part of India most appeals to you? No matter what part of the country you decide to visit, we suggest skipping the parking at Newark Airport and making a reservation with us instead.
