When I visited India for the first time, it surprised me. India is incredible, as the international marketing campaign of this country says. It may happen to you only in India, that you miss security check on the borders (with Nepal) that you should pass. It is only the Indian immigration office that you can accidentally miss even easier, as it is fitted into a small half-ruined house without windows and doors. Its entrance is hidden behind a dirty curtain. However, I highly recommend to visit this office. Without their stamp on the visa you won’t get out of the country, especially by air.

From my experience, there are only two groups of people – those who love India and those who hate it. If you find yourself in the first group, here are 7 reasons why you should visit this country, 7 things that make India incredible.

Varanasi is known for two places – Muslim quarter where silk and silk textiles are produced, and sacred river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims visit this place every day (causing the city to have between three and ten million inhabitants). River banks are lined with Ghats (stairs leading to the holy river), where the “opening ritual” takes place every morning and every evening the river is closed with a formal ceremony. We took part in one too and watched an hour-long ceremony from a boat. Everybody was singing, clapping their hands, Brahmins were waving with incense-boats. At the end of the ceremony, everyone can lit handmade floating candles and let them float on the surface of the holy river. Night sky, hundreds of candles and people in colorful dress take care of the magical atmosphere. At that moment, Varanasi was suddenly breathing with life; it was colorful and beautiful to me.

Taj Mahal is well known for its romantic story. It was built in 1632 on the request of the emperor Shah Jahan as an act of love to his wife. She died when giving birth to their fourteenth son. Mausoleum was completed in 1948 and since 1983 it belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To get inside, you have to buy tickets in the main building right next to the parking lot. You automatically get bottled water and shoe covers as well (you can enter the tomb only wearing these covers, so better take them, otherwise you have to go with bare feet). From here, their bus drives you to the main gate where you go through security checks. There are lot of things forbidden to bring inside the complex (let me say it is even worse than airport security check), so I recommend taking only the necessary with you and leave the rest at the hotel. And you’re in! Inside the complex of Taj Mahal! However, to see the mausoleum, you have to go through yet another gate. Visit the Official Website of Taj Mahal for detailed information and ticketing options.

Even though Taj Mahal has never been my dream, I consider two hours spent inside the complex not enough. It provided me with lot of time to take photos, yet not enough to feel the atmosphere and realize where I am at that very moment. I was melting from the beauty of the place, I felt like on a postcard. Because Taj Mahal looks like a postcard. Beautiful, clean, quiet, perfect. Well kept green gardens, clear water in fountains, marble mausoleum magnificent from both, outside and inside – simple, yet mastered into the smallest detail. Taj Mahal is just worth a visit, there is nothing more to be add.

Less known, but equally beautiful, is the Red Fort of Agra. As it is situated close to Taj Mahal, it would be a shame not to visit it once you are in Agra. Surrounded by a 2.5 kilometers long wall and consisting of several palaces, gardens and two mosques, it used to be an independent city of the rulers. During a hot weather, it is a perfect hideout – all rooms are open, doors and windows are strategically situated, so that wind can blow through the entire building (something like a natural air conditioning). Originally, the interior was decorated with marble and gold, unfortunately you can’t see that anymore as it wasn’t preserved. Musamman Burj tower provides spectacular view on Taj Mahal lying on the banks of the river Yamuna.

Except of the world-famous monuments, Agra offers cultural activities too. We decided to visit the local cinema. ‘Singham’ was on schedule in 50 minutes, so we bought tickets. Cinemas in India are different from those European ones (at least those I’ve visited). Cinema in Agra was modern, seats were comfortable, you could even set them into almost lying position. This was very convenient as we sat in the third row from the bottom. Movie begins in a little different way than we are used to – instead of movie trailers you have to stand up and listen to the national anthem of India.

The film we decided to watch was classic Bollywood, a lot of violence, but no blood, a little singing, dancing and romance, but nothing sexual. Even though none of us speaks Hindi, we understood the story (thanks to many gestures and mimics). Only the air conditioning was spoiling those pleasant three hours in the cinema, as it was set at 16°C (what is typical for all the Indian hotels, offices, restaurants and cafes). If you decide to go to the cinema in India too, do not forget to clothes accordingly.

It was in India where I’ve tasted some of the most delicious dishes in my life. I love their spicy food, however, Dal Makhani, Rogan Josh and Chicken Kali Mirch belong among my favorites. In this country, even McDonald’s is worth trying – especially typical Chicken Maharaja Mac, after which I would lick my fingers if not being in India.

Traveling around India is an amazing experience. We tried different means of transportation. Right at the borders we got into the Jeeps. Some of them missed bumpers, some didn‘t have rear view mirrors, and others had its windshield cracked. On the road, we had to maneuver among elements moving along the road. Except for the cars, cyclists, rickshaws, pedestrians and children, there were cows, goats, monkeys and dogs. Here and there also the flaming rags lying on the road.

On our way to Varanasi, we tried Indian trains. If I compare them to the Chinese ones, they are simpler. When travelling in night train, instead of soft cushions and bed sheets, heavy blankets and something small under the head is waiting for everyone. Your peaceful sleep can be slightly disturbed by strong air conditioning, which you can successfully fight with several layers of clothing.

Typical green rickshaws with yellow roofs are another favorite means of transportation in India. For our day spent in Varanasi we “hired” personal chauffeur. His name was Hira, which (allegedly) means a diamond. In India, it is very likely that your chauffeur drives you first to visit all their relatives, and then to your destination. And he doesn’t forget to ask a decent some of money. Luckily, it didn’t happen to us.

India can be a difficult nut to crack and there are always those who don’t like it, but it enchanted me. I saw a lot in this country. Everything. Incredible contrasts. Beautiful green nature alternating with heaps of garbage, breathtaking sights looking like from a fairy tale with half-ruined buildings without windows, the lovely smiling Indians with those poor and sick ones. One should pay attention to what he eats, and even more to what he drinks. Simply this is India. Exactly the way I was expecting it to be. Worth every visit. Incredible!

Planning a trip to Asian countries or just like reading about my experience? Read also my post on the 7 Worth-Seeing Places to Visit in Nepal.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions that popped up in your head during reading, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below 😉