Four Recommended Places to Visit in India
A recent survey stated that the number of foreign tourists who visited India from May 2014 to October 2015 was 11.23 million. India has so many diverse landscapes and cultural groups that even the most seasoned traveller can miss the essence of this magical land. Hence, a little extra information on the places in India will help you when you travel around this historic nation. Here are four of my favourite places, each is unique, and each is very special.
1. Munnar: The Land of Tea Plantations
Munnar is one of the most sought after hill stations in India. It is located in the south of India, in the state of Kerala. The state of Kerala is an extremely diverse and beautiful place that holds a unique culture, a breathtaking landscape, hills, rivers and more.
Cochin International airport, which is 110 kms from Munnar, is the closest airport by road.
A Tea Estate at Munnar. These estates have a way of getting into our hearts.. | Source
2. Chennai: A Blend of Ancient and Modern
The city of Chennai was once called Madras. It is situated in the south of India. It's one of the most spectacular places since it was an important city during the British Empire. There are many beaches you will spot in this city where you can go and relax on a tired evening. Tamil, the language spoken in Chennai, is one of oldest languages spoken in the world.
Unlike other metropolitan cities, Chennai has embraced its rich culture despite the massive western influence. You will notice how a definite Indian culture goes really well with a strong western influence. If you are lucky, you might even meet a well educated Tamil woman dressed up in her Kanchipuram silk sari and speaking of Shakespeare and Lord Byron.
Here you will find the wafting aroma of filter coffee mesmerising you, and a sip of filter coffee on the streets of Chennai is a must-do in this place.
Chennai Nights | Source
3. Varanasi: The Land of TheAghoris
Varanasi is that place in India which will definitely leave you amazed. In Varanasi, you can go on a boat ride on the holy river Ganga.
You might even spot an Aghori here. Wondering who an Aghori is? Aghoris are people who engage in post-mortem rituals. They are mostly seen with dread locks and are found meditating by the river Ganga. This group of people are known for their extreme practices like living on cremation sites and feeding on human dead bodies.
If you happen to be in Varanasi, just stroll on the streets of this place and you will encounter some truly startling people, a very exotic culture and you will definitely get to discover a little more of the mysterious eastern religion Hinduism.
4. Jaipur: A City of Colours
Jaipur is an exotic city, and its architecture goes back to the Rajput empires. Jaipur’s vibrancy, its cuisine and its shopping spaces will overwhelm any curious soul. The city of Jaipur is also called the pink city and is the first planned city of India. It is called the pink city because of the colour of the stone that was used for the construction of all the structures, which gives the city the colourpink.The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter since the summer heat might be unbearable. The people of Jaipur celebrate a vibrant and colourful culture. In fact, even the clothes have patterns of bright colours.
One thing to look forward to in Jaipur is the largest literature festival which happens every January. It is a time when many well-renowned writers, thinkers, students come together and celebrate literature.
