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India has unique and diverse cultures, rich history, and mythical stories that enchant travellers worldwide. It is a place where the past and present coexist, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for those who visit. In this blog, we address commonly asked questions about India by travellers who intend to explore India.
The Indus Valley Civilization or Harappa Civilization was one of the World’s earliest civilizations, which flourished around the Indus River ( Spread between present-day western India, Pakistan and Afghanistan) in present-day Pakistan and west India from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. Studies have proved that the Indus Vally people were a highly advanced society with a writing system, urban planning, advanced agriculture and trade systems. The name “Indus” comes from the river on which the civilization was based.
The Persians first used the term ” Hindu ” to describe the people living in the Indus Valley. It later started to imply the religion or way of life practised by people in the Indus Valley, now known as Hinduism. The term “Hindustan” slowly became a synonym to refer to the land of the Hindus, and Hindustan became another name for India.
Hindi is a leading language spoken in India and is the fourth most-spoken language in the World. It evolved from Sanskrit, the language of the ancient Indian texts and the Vedic scriptures. The name “Hindi” comes from the Persian word “Hind, ” meaning “Hindustan”. Hindi is one of the 22 official languages and around 400 languages spoken in India.
The Republic of India is the 7th largest country in the World by area and the second most populous country after China, with over 1.3 billion people. India is home to a diverse population with people from various ethnicities, religions, and languages living harmoniously. India was under British rule for more than 200 years till winning independence in 1947. It is now the fastest-growing economy in the World.
The paleo-anthropological history of India dates back to the Stone Age when the first humans migrated to the Indian subcontinent. India’s oldest hominid fossil (Homo Erectus? ) was discovered in the early 20th century and is believed to be around 2 million years old. In addition, the discovery of stone tools and artefacts from the Paleolithic era provides evidence of early human activity in the region. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the World, flourished in northwestern India around 2600 BC and is considered a remarkable achievement of ancient humans.
An Indian is a citizen of India. But anyone who acts as the custodian of Indian heritage can be broadly called Indian. Hinduism is India’s most prominent and broad-spread religion, followed by about 80% of the country’s population. However, India is a secular country, and people of all faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, have been living together in harmony for many centuries. This secularity is the core of Indian culture, and Indians are proud of it.
As explained earlier, India is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the World. Since early times, India’s cultural heritage and customs have been passed down from generation to generation.
Indian sagas like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are still widely read and celebrated. The wisdom of these ancient texts continues to influence Indian Society every day, with lessons on morality, family values, and spiritual teachings still in practice. Likewise, techniques such as yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation have their roots in ancient India and are still famous around the World. Ayurveda practices offer a holistic and natural approach to integrated health and wellness that has successfully stood the test of time. It has become a scientifically accepted alternative medical practice for many lifestyle diseases.
India has a long and fascinating history of kingdoms and empires, and each has left its marks on its cultural and architectural landscape of India. One such dynasty in India is the Maurya Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE. The Gupta dynasty, which ruled a vast part of the subcontinent from the 4th to the 6th century AD, is known for its advancements in science, art, and mathematics. Some of the other great kingdoms of India include the Chera and Chola Empirers in the South, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Mughal Empire, founded by the emperor Babur. Mighty Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 and lasted until the British Raj. The Taj Mahal is one of the alluring symbols of the Mughal dynasty.
The story of colonization and British imperialism in India is complex and often controversial. India was open to foreign trade for over 5000 years, and those visiting traders only had commercial interests in India. But the arrival of the Portuguese in 1496 changed it. Europeans had colonial ambitions. Following the Portuguese, French, Dutch, and Danish East India also arrived for their pound of flesh. The British East India Company, which came to Indian shores later, established its first trading post in India in the early 1600s. Over the next few centuries, the British gradually gained more control over the country. India became a British colony in 1858, and the British Raj lasted until India gained independence in 1947. During this time, the British implemented policies that led to widespread poverty, famine, and political unrest in India. The Indian independence movement, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, ultimately ended British rule in India.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly called Mahatma (Which means “Great Soul” ) Gandhi was an Indian independence activist who later became the father of Independent India and one of the most influential, revered figures in Indian history. Gandhi was a firm believer in nonviolent civil disobedience movements and in using fasting as a means of achieving political change. His tactics are an impetus to civil rights movements around the World even now. In addition, his teachings on nonviolence, self-discipline, and community service continue to inspire people around the World.
India is a land of incredible diversity, beauty and contrasts, and exploring it is a unique experience that should be on every traveller’s wish list. India has something to offer every traveller, from its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks to its diverse landscapes and delicious cuisine. Exploring India will allow you to discover one of the World’s ancient traditions, vibrant cultures, and spirituality while immersing in its colourful and lively atmosphere. If you are a Western traveller, it can be an overwhelming experience initially. However, most of you will get enticed into it and return with many enlightening and memorable experiences.
Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born in the ancient city of Kapilavastu now in Nepal, over 2500 years ago. After seeing human suffering in the world around him left his privileged life as a prince to seek the causes behind suffering and the truth of existence. After many years of vagabond life, meditation and contemplation, he attained “enlightenment” while meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He becomes a Buddha.
Buddha or the “awakened one.”
The Buddha’s teachings, known as Buddhism, emphasize the Four universal Truths, which are the foundation of his philosophy. The first truth is that suffering exists in the universe, and the second is that suffering arises out of craving and attachment. The third noble truth is that it is humanly possible to end suffering, and the fourth truth is the Eightfold Path, which is the means for achieving enlightenment and ending suffering.
Buddhism also emphasizes developing compassion, practising non-violence, and living in mindfulness. Meditation is also a crucial practice in Buddhism, as it will calm disturbed minds and develop insight into the nature of reality.
Buddha’s teachings offer a path towards inner peace and enlightenment through compassion and mindfulness. We hope you will get the opportunity and find time to learn a bit about the teaching of Buddha and see its practical application of it in our day-to-day life.
India is a vast and diverse country with many cultural and natural attractions. Selecting the top 20 places to visit out of thousands of attractions is a Herculean task. However, the following list can provide you with a starting point.
A few weeks to a lifetime. India is a massive nation with many cultures, languages, and geographical features. There is so much to explore and experience in this beautiful country that you can spend months and still not see it all. Depending on your interests, you can explore a particular region, such as North India, South India, or the Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. A three-week trip can be a good start for seeing the major attractions. However, consider allocating more time for your trip if you are exploring more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
India is generally safe, with millions of tourists visiting every year. However, like any other country, there are specific safety concerns that you should be aware of. Taking precautions such as not carrying too much cash, being vigilant about your belongings, and avoiding isolated areas at night is always advisable. Women travellers should be extra cautious and avoid travelling alone at night. Also, it is advised that you should respect regional traditions and dress modestly. By taking these basic precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to India.
Absolutely! From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the backwaters of Kerala in the South, India has something to offer for every kind of traveller. Some of the most famous heritage places of the World are in India, like the Taj Mahal and the forts and palaces of Rajasthan. However, India is about more than just sightseeing. It is a country that stimulates all the senses, from mouth-watering cuisine to vibrant festivals and colourful markets. Visiting India is a life-changing experience that will leave a lasting impression on you.
The best time to explore India depends on the region you plan to explore. However, The winter months (November to February) are generally good as the weather is pleasant or cold in most parts of India during that period. Therefore, it is the ideal time to explore North India and Rajasthan and the beaches of Goa and Kerala. However, if you plan to visit the hill stations in the north or the tea plantations in the South, consider visiting during the monsoon season (June to September), when the landscapes are lush and green. On the other hand, the summer months (March to May) can be very hot, especially in the plains of North India.
Please visit the blogs below for more information about cultural and historical places to visit in India, the best historical and heritage hotels in India, and the traditional food and drinks that you must try while in India.
India is a land of thousands of festivals, practised and artistic relevance. We mention a few of them here without following any order of importance, only considering their diversity and visual uniqueness.
Ramlila: A popular theatrical reenactment of the life of Lord Rama, celebrated during the Hindu festival of Navaratri.
Time: During Autumn
Yoga: An ancient practice that originated in India, emphasizing physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Practised worldwide, it has many styles and variations.
Kutiyattam, Kerala: A classical Indian dance-drama from Kerala dating back over 2,000 years. Known for its intricate makeup, costumes and gestures.
Kumbh Mela: A mass Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years at four different locations in India. Considered the world’s largest gathering of people.
Kalbelia, Rajasthan: A traditional dance of the Kalbelia tribe, characterized by its fluid movements and intricate footwork.
Durga Puja: A significant festival celebrated in West Bengal and other parts of India, honouring the goddess Durga and her victory over evil.
Chhau dance, Odisha: A tribal martial dance from Odisha known for its acrobatic movements and colourful masks.
Sankirtana, Manipur: A devotional singing and dancing tradition from Manipur performed by the Vaishnavites community.
Thatheras of Jandiala Guru: A traditional metalworking community from Punjab known for their skill in making brass and copper utensils.
Kathakali Kerala: A traditional dance-drama from Kerala known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and facial expressions.
Ramman, Uttarakhand: A traditional festival celebrated in the village of Saloor-Dungra in Uttarakhand, featuring colourful processions and performances.
Snakboat race Kerala: A traditional boat race held during the festival of Onam in Kerala, where colourful snake-shaped boats race against each other. It is the largest team sport in the World.
Camel Festival Rajasthan: A two-day festival in Bikaner, Rajasthan, featuring camel races, local performances, and competitions.
Holi: A colourful festival celebrated across India, marking the subjugation of evil and the arrival of spring. People celebrate by throwing coloured powders and water at each other.
Staying in a well-managed heritage or historical property is the best way to experience India’s thousand years of heritage and traditional hospitality. These properties are often located in the most stunning locations and are living examples of India’s glorious past. Additionally, staying in a heritage hotel allows you to understand the lavish lifestyle of the ruling class and colonial masters during their heydays. The staff at heritage hotels are well-trained to explain the history of the land and share stories that will amaze you.
At www.stayclopedia.com, we have carefully selected the best heritage hotels, palaces, and colonial houses to ensure you experience the best of luxury hospitality while exploring India. Our website offers our own reviews of these properties, a brief history, and reasons why you should consider staying at these properties.
Please visit the blogs below for more information about cultural and historical places to visit in India, the best historical and heritage hotels in India, and the traditional food and drinks that you must try while in India.
An expedition is the application of known travel knowledge to explore unknown lands. Pally Planet is an online resource for adventure travelers that encourages you to explore more! This blog offers destination insights, itineraries, and travel tips for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, anglers, and trekkers. Let the expedition begin!
An expedition is the application of known travel knowledge to explore unknown lands. Pally Planet is an online resource for adventure travelers that encourages you to explore more! This blog offers destination insights, itineraries, and travel tips for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, anglers, and trekkers. Let the expedition begin!
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