I lived and toured in India for two months. I went alone, at the age of twenty, and met dozens of other people from all over the world, who were part of the same volunteer program. We arrived in October and spent the first month in Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region, in the Himalayas. I stayed at a camp in the village of Bundla, which was much more traditional, where I couldn’t wear tanks and had to cover my shoulders at all times.
Then I moved to Goa, a more touristy state on the west coast, which was colonized by the Portuguese. There, I volunteered in two places: at a school in a fishing village and at a women’s home. Interestingly enough, some ladies knew a few words of English, which they had learned from their parents, and on some street signs I recognized the language too.
On weekends, we always took some train, car or bus travel to other tourist destinations in India. Thus, I was able to get to know different aspects of the country, passing by historical monuments and natural beauties. Check out a selection of places to include in a trip to India itinerary.
AGRA:
The visit is a must, but remember to arrive early as the place is crowded with tourists and locals. The entrance opens 30 minutes before sunrise, allowing for beautiful views of the monument. There are also tours on full moon nights, which must be spectacular! Pay attention to the objects you are carrying in your bag, as many are not allowed. Check the visit details on the official website.
I could spend all day at the Taj Mahal admiring its beauty. Highly recommend!
AMRITSAR:
The Golden Temple was the place that impressed me the most in all of India. I had never heard of him and I was able to make two visits, one during the day and one at night. It is wonderful in both periods and gives different views of the temple.
Located in the city of Amritsar, in the very north of India, near the border with Pakistan, the Golden Temple (also called Harmandir Sahib) is a holy place, which belongs to the religion of Sikhism. Originally built in the 16th century, there is the golden temple in the very center, surrounded by an artificial lake and a white marble building. Everyone is welcome at the temple, whether it’s to pray or just meet and photograph. To enter it is necessary to take off your shoes and pass through water at the entrance. You also need to cover your hair with a scarf and dress more conservatively.
I didn’t get to go inside the golden temple, because the line was too long. But just being around you feels a very different and special energy. The place is absurd, so beautiful. The colors of the white and gold marble blend with the colorful clothes and turbans of the visitors. Some men bathe in the artificial lake, other people pray, others just admire it all. And at night everything is lit up! Want to travel Australia Click here
I would love to return to this place so full of peace and faith. I recommend it as much as the Taj Mahal.
GOA:
Goa is a very touristic state and famous for its beaches. I never imagined finding such beautiful beaches in India and I didn’t even think I could wear a bikini (after spending a month covering my shoulders in Himachal Pradesh). The beach we visited is called Palolem. It was November and it was pretty empty, which made the experience even better.
It is quite extensive and I remember finding nice restaurants facing the sea, where I had DELICIOUS breakfasts sitting on colorful cushions, admiring the view and listening to the sound of the waves. I was lucky enough to take a free yoga class with an Indian on a Sunday morning, almost standing on the sand, and sing around a bonfire of some foreigners at night. It was so much fun and I would love to go back to this place.
JAIPUR:
TOURISM IN INDIA: AMBER PALACE FORT AND HAWA MAHAL:
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is full of sights worth visiting, with numerous monuments and buildings in the color that made its fame: pink.
The first must-see is the Amber Palace Fort. With its construction started in the 16th century, it is located in the city of Amer (near Jaipur), with palaces, gardens, halls, tunnels and other rooms very impressive and full of details.
The second is the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, which was built in 1799 as a summer retreat for royalty. It is one of the icons of Jaipur, with an imposing architecture full of small windows, which provide excellent ventilation to the palace. For Visa Consultation you can consult here.
I believe that everyone should get to know the country one day. Some love it and some hate it, but certainly everyone is impacted. I loved living and sightseeing in India and would have liked to visit other places. It’s a huge country, with a lot of poverty, a lot of creativity, a lot of color, different smells and flavors. And Indian food is certainly one of my favorites around the world!
