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Looking forward to travelling to India and exploring its enchanting beauty? But have not been able to yet? Well, do not get disappointed. Let us take you to the appealing world of India, a country of exotic legacies, rich culture, and spell-binding history. Get ready to travel to India from home. Yes, that’s right! You do not even need to get up from your couch.
Travel to India From Home – Here’s How
What to Read?
City of Djinns
A travelogue beautifully penned by William Dalrymple, the City of Djinns narrates memorable anecdotes the author comes across while exploring the capital city of Delhi. The book explains the cultural spectrum of old India and delves deep into the historical landscape of the country. The work shares an insight into the traditional lifestyle of India back in the 1900s and how the country evolved over a period of time. From the 1857 Mutiny to 1947 partition massacres, everything is so wonderfully jotted, that you would find yourself walking through the streets of India.
Around India in 80 Trains
A commendable piece of travel literature, Around India in 80 Trains is the work of journalist Monisha Rajesh who traveled across India in 80 trains. The book focuses on describing the memorable moments she lived while on the journey. From discovering new places to exploring multi-cultural societies, it sketches all the incidents that took place in her four-month-long train excursions. Read it to experience the Indian street culture, the traditional lifestyle, and the modern societies of the country while sitting at home. A book will help you understand a lot about the country, helping paint a good narrative of how can one plan a travel to India from home.
A Search In Secret India
A Search in Secret India is a popular classic piece of travel literature that shares an account of Paul Brunton’s journey across the length and breadth of India. It explains his voyage of living with sages and mystic yogis and discovering peace within himself. How self-realization and peace of mind change one’s attitude towards life is all this wonderfully composed focus on narrating. Read it and go on a spiritual journey of India on the trails of Paul Brunton.
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What to Cook, Serve, and Relish?
Biryani
A travel to India from home is incomplete if you have not tasted this succulent Indian dish with a history dating back centuries. Biryani is one of the most loved and admired foods in India. Whether you are in Hyderabad in the South or Delhi in the North, the aromatic flavour of biryani never leaves you. The mixed rice dish has Indian spices and meat as major ingredients and is extremely popular across the Indian subcontinent. Savour its flavoursome recipe and satisfy the foodie in you.
Masala Dosa
You cannot miss out on relishing the traditional dish of masala dosa if South Indian food is all you are looking forward to. Prepared from lentils and rice batter and served with chutney and sambhar, this appetizing dish is often enjoyed for breakfast. Relish its tastes at home and let your taste buds walk through the streets of Karnataka. Feel the old-world vibes of Malgudi days.
Vada Pav
Everyone loves Vada Pav for its tangy taste and piquant flavour. Often served with fried green chillies and garlic chutney, Vada Pav is a kind of vegetarian Indian burger with deep-fried potato fritters placed inside the buns. Bite on this awesome fast food and feel the entire culture of Mumbai confront you. Enjoy Vada Pav with Indian tea as the combination provides the tongue with a mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavours.
What to Watch?
Swades
A movie that showcases the raw culture of Indian villages, Swades is the story of an Indian expatriate working with NASA. He returns to his native land in search of his grandmother. However, upon his arrival, he was left sad and disappointed after witnessing what his country was going through. The lack of infrastructure and poverty disheartened his soul. All of this compelled him to stay within the country and work for his motherland. The cinema evokes a sense of patriotism and takes you through the alleys of an offbeat Indian setting.
Sholay
Often described as the national film of India, Sholay is an action-adventure film that ran in cinema theatres for more than a decade. A trendsetting cult classic, the picture reveals the story of two criminals who were hired by a retired policeman to catch a dacoit who had created an atmosphere of fear in the village. The movie also had romantic and family-drama angles. And that’s why it is often regarded as the greatest Indian story ever told.
Bahubali Series
One of the biggest hits in the history of Indian cinema, the Bahubali series is divided into two parts. It revolves around the Kingdom of Mahishmati and the fight between the good and the bad over its claim. The gripping plot of the movie will keep you engaged till the end. The movie also details the ancient traditions and customs of Indian kingdoms. It showcases how retaining values was the top priority back in the day. Gear up for your weekend with this epic adventure and have a fun time with your family.
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Go On Virtual Tours To India’s Top Attractions
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an exotic beauty that has stood strong for centuries with great pride on the banks of the Yamuna River. Explore its outlandish architecture and scrutinize the intricate patterns it boasts of on domes, gateways, and minarets. The gorgeous mausoleum was built in the early 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan. It houses the tomb of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is the epitome of forever love and is a strong symbol of romance in India.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
The royal palaces, the grandeur of surrounding hills, and the magnificence of dazzling lakes are all that form the undying charisma of Udaipur. One of the most prominent places in India, the city hosts an amazing series of Indian history and culture. Step forward in the ancient lanes of Udaipur and witness history coming alive. Sign up for a virtual tour of the city and watch it surprise you to the core.
Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir
Rightly said – If there is heaven on Earth, it is Kashmir. Flower valleys, towering lush green hills, snow-capped mountains, beautiful gardens, sprawling grasslands, and age-old culture – Kashmir in the northern parts of India features all of these. Ride down the Leh Highway or simply marvel at the serenity of nature in Doodhpathri. The virtual tours of Kashmir provide you with everlasting travel memories.
Varanasi
Feel the essence of spirituality at the ancient temples and mystical ghats of the Ganga River. Varanasi is popular as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the planet. Hence, it has everything that would share deep insight into the traditional lifestyle and customs of India. It is here you witness Indian practices evolving. Sit by the peaceful banks of the Ganga and revitalize your mind and soul. Or just take a stroll through walkways and capture the lives of yogis and gurus.
Travel like a Fellow Indian With These Popular Indic Phrases
Namaste – Hello!
Shukriya/Dhanyawaad – Thank You!
Nahi – No
Haan – Yes
Yeh Jagah Kidhar Hai? – Where is this place?
Aap Kaise Hain? – How are you?
Mai Samjha Nahi – I didn’t get it
Mai <name of place> se hun! – I am from <name of place>
Iska cheez ka daam kya hai? – What is the cost of this thing?
Kripaya Rasta Bataiye – Tell me the way, please
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