Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Dreaming of India: 7 Must-See Places

My favorite book in all the world is The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye. It's all about the love story of a British soldier and an Indian princess. However, it's not as simple as that. This love story is set in the period of the British Empire and it's an eye-opening look at oppression, religious conflict, slavery, colonialism, and patriotism with beautiful stories of lifelong friendship and brotherhood all woven into a massive epic that is, lest we forget, an unforgettable love affair. 

That's why India's always been on my travel bucket list. Just to see all the places described in Far Pavilions. I've always wanted to see the majestic Himalayas (they're always described as majestic), the temples and palaces, Rajasthan (literal translation: The Land of Kings), the vast deserts, the women, the men. So when I was asked to publish this guest post on the 7 must-see places in India, I agreed! And now I want to go see Incredible India!

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GUEST POST - Life has changed for everyone since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is not the most important thing that has changed by any means, one of the most common things I’ve talked about with friends and family that we are feeling right now is the shift in summer plans. Summer is a popular time to go on holiday and it is just not safe (nor allowed) to travel internationally right now. However, there is no harm in planning long-term or talking about places you’d like to go once all this is over! Plus, it’s a great way to stay positive and have something to look forward to. 

A place that is on my bucket list is India. It is such a fascinating place, with a rich culture, history, and tradition. 

Here are 7 must-see destinations in India: 


Chennai 

Chennai is a gateway to the south of India and it has a gorgeous city landscape and diverse population. It is a unique city in India due to two primary things: its local culture is based on Tamil traditions, and it will be among the newest megacities with the highest population density. 

Bangalore 

Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka and is known as the Silicon Valley of India. Even as a megacity it is one of India’s most livable cities with large, green spaces and continued development, and is actually India’s most livable city. 

Jaipur 

Jaipur is the largest city in the state of Rajasthan. There are a number of palaces, castles, and temples to explore here, including the Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Palace of Winds, Water Palace, and more. 

Varanasi 

Varanasi is a gorgeous and spiritual city located in the north of India along the left bank of the Ganges River. It is a sacred place for Hindus and Jains, and more than a million pilgrims visit the city each year. It is also famous for its production of silks and brocades. 

Udaipur 

Udaipur is a gorgeous city in the state of Rajasthan that is famous for its gorgeous lakes. It is a romantic city filled with gardens, forts, temples and palaces, while being situated up off the lakes and gorgeous views at every turn. If you plan on visiting, check in to see if there is a festival around the time you’ll be there, as it is a city that hosts them all year round. 

Delhi 

Delhi is the capital of India, and it offers so much in regards to arts, history, and culture. Must-see sites in the city include the Red Fort, the Baha’i Lotus Temple, and Jama Masjid. This is a city where dining out, visiting sites, walking around markets, and enjoying the nightlife will keep you busy and you’ll instantly pick up on the liveliness of the city. 

Mumbai 

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the most popular to visit. Located on the west coast of India, it is a city on the sea with countless places to explore. A must-see is the Gateway of India as well as the Haji Ali.  

India is a fairly large country and there are beautiful towns and cities to discover on every corner. So this list is definitely not complete, but just some of the must-see destinations! 

* This guest post was written by Mary Davis, a freelance editor and copywriter. To place a guest post, email frances@topazhorizon.com. 

1 comment:

  1. Indian culture is very rich. You cover everything in one life.

    ReplyDelete

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