“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colours, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor” said Keith Bellows.
The land of India
India is a land which is a living embodiment for diversity and richness of culture. There is so much to see, so much to soak in; that one is compelled to return over and over again to this vibrant country.
‘Incredible’ is the word that defines India in so many ways. Misty and charming hill stations; long and sandy beaches; lazy backwaters lined by coconut trees; temple and historical sites; centres of art and culture and religious destinations with history of Hinduism ,Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism; are all entwined into the single thread called India. And that’s not all; there are treks, national parks and sanctuaries for the wildlife and adventure connoisseurs.
Never in a single country would you be able to see life at striking contrasts. If you want a complete experience of life, India is the land that awaits you. On one hand there are the busy streets and happening nightlife of Mumbai while there are also the crowded yet mystical Ghats of Varanasi; the atmosphere divine with hymns and aroma of burning incense sticks. There is also the laid back life of Kerala where you could spend your days relaxing on a backwater cruise gorging on the tastiest fish curries ever. If you are holding up for a wildlife safari, for those moments in the wilderness and for unlimited excitement; then you could spend days in the Gir Forest National Park and take in the majestic feel of the Asiatic Lions. The Rann of Kutch, another jewel in its crown, is like India’s very own moon here on earth with miles and miles of white desert; in fact it is the largest salt desert in the world. The temple towns of Tamil Nadu; crowded streets filled with people, lined by flower vendors ; the path leading up to the shrines with bells chiming and chants evoking the Gods. The list; the thrills and splendours are far too many to even jot down in one place. It would only be apt to say that India is a kaleidoscope of wonders; a land so colourful that you would be drenched in it and forever cherish the moments spent in this magical land.
A Moghul emperor once rightly quoted for Kashmir; another gem of India;
“Gar firdaus baruhe zamin ast
Hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto”
(If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.)
Yes, India is the land which has paradise on earth. It is a captivating nation with the unique combination of culture, tradition and geography. Each part of India – north or south or west or east – is worth exploring and worth relishing. An exotic land, with variety at its best is what ‘India’ is; so be sure to place it on that on the very important travel list of yours!
Visa for travels in India
Just like you need visum usa to visit the United States, similarly you will need your Indian visa if you are visiting India no matter where you are coming from and for any purpose. There are strict rules which you need to follow when obtaining the visa for your travels to India. India is working towards an agreement where you can obtain the visa for certain countries at the airport. If you are coming from the UK then the visas for India has been outsourced to VFS Global. You will need to visit their centres but you can receive your passport via post.