Holidays are a perfect getaway from the routine stressful life. Some seek holidays to escape work stress, while others use it to find solace; some think of it as a perfect stress buster, while others seek fun. Whatever your reason for travelling maybe, there is no one in this world who doesn’t love holidays. If there is one country that caters to all the above needs of travellers, it is undoubtedly India. India has the power to captivate you with its beauty, and has all the traits to be the best vacation paradise. The vast country of India is full of vivid attractions.

The reason why this country is famous for its tourism is because it has everything. When we say everything, we literally mean everything. From wildlife safaris to desert safaris, nature oriented places, honeymoon spots, adventure destinations, spiritual and historical places; you name it and it’s in India. These reasons are self explanatory as to why India should be your next holiday destination. But, if you still aren’t convinced, here is a list of things that will make you pack your bags and visit this country that is full of wonders.

A gold mine for the history lovers

India is renowned for its many historical monuments, and the architecturally magnificent skill involved. Each historical monument here has its own unique identity with great story behind it. The royalty of Indian kingdom can be seen in these historical monuments. Many royal palaces are now being converted into world’s best hotels and resorts. It is the architectural grandeur of these monuments that attract visitors from around the world. There are in fact several monuments that are known for their architectural skills, for instance, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Sheesh Mahal etc.

You will fall in love with its people

What makes India a great destination to travel to is its people. Indians are as contradictory and diverse as they come. Everything that Indians are involved in has a unique flavour to it. Whether it is wedding, family functions, movie releases, cricket match or anything else; Indians celebrate everything. People here have a sense of family that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Once you become a part of a family in India, they will stick with you for life. This culture coined the motto “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which means “Guest is equivalent to God”. People here will welcome you with open arms, no matter which part of the country you are in.

Home to nature’s wonderful miracles

India is the ideal choice for the nature admirers. From hill stations to waterfalls and scenic destinations, the country rejuvenates your mind, body and soul with its miraculous natural wonders. The rich and diverse terrains of India are filled with lush green forests, scenic lakes, majestic mountain peaks, and so much more. From the mighty mountains of Kashmir to the breathtaking vista of three oceans combining at Kanyakumari, India is an assortment of treasures for nature lovers. The magnificent land of India offers a wealth of varying landscapes and places of natural beauty.

A culinary delight

We can vouch that no other country can offer the range of cuisines that India does. Yes, Indian food can be a little spicy. But the reasons to try the delicious Indian food are many. There is no one taste or definition for India food; from J&K to Kerala and from Maharashtra to Assam and Kolkata, there is a smorgasbord of fabulous Indian dishes to discover from. Hyderabadi Biryani, Tirunelveli Halwa, Mysore Pak, Ladakh’s yak cheese, Mumbai’s Pani Puri among others, the options are plenty. No matter whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian, there will be a lot of things for you to taste and enjoy in India.

Where else can you witness the border ceremony between two countries?

Wagah Border Ceremony is a popular ceremony in India that has been taking place since 1959. At the frontier between India and Pakistan, the border guards from both the nations engage in a ceremony that marks the closing of the border. The Flag Lowering Ceremony is done daily before sunset. As entertaining as the event is, it is also a display of patriotic performance. The event evokes the poise and elegance of ballet and the showmanship and aggression of professional wrestling. Witness goose stepping, shouting and so much more excitement from the crowd that gather to watch the ceremony everyday.

Live like a King/ Queen at the Palace

Relive the era of Mughal Kings in any of the former palaces of India. The Kings who ruled India used to live in magnificent palaces, and these palaces have been converted into lavish hotels. Adorned with delicately engraved walls, stunning interiors, rich furnishing and grand rooms, the palace in India reflect the royalty of the country. A stay at one of these palaces will not only take you back to the older times, but will also make you feel like one of the royals. How supremely awesome is that?

The Ferocious Wildlife

India is home to many charismatic species, both large and small. Experience the wild side of India with a wildlife-watching excursion. Wondering where and how? Well, the splendid land of India has endless numbers of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, where visitors can see everything from tigers and elephants to rhinos and rufous-bellied hawk eagles. The Noteworthy Parks here include Ranthambore, Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh. There are about 400 species of mammals, 1250 birds, 460 reptiles, 240 amphibians and 2550 fish – among the highest species count for any country.

Sail through the Golden Sand

India is undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy desert safari tours. From famous camel tours in Jaisalmer to desert camping and jeep safari, one will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a sandy safari vacation. The Golden Land of Rajasthan offers an enthralling photography tour of the sand dunes. Opt for a night camp experience in a Rajasthani village, watching the sun set over the sandy dunes, drive over the remarkable landscape and visit the homes of some local communities. Those seeking to experience something new and unique must take up Desert Safari in India. The safari will take you through some of the most traversed deserts of India. Camel rides are amazing ways to roam and explore. These animals are adapted to extreme temperatures and tough terrains. Bobbing up and down, and swaying back and forth along with the camels will be a memorable experience.

Walk parallel to the footprints of ancient India

For the first time visitor, India is all about crowded narrow alleys with people celebrating, markets lightened etc. Well, experience this India of your imagination with Varanasi. This is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in India. The cramped lanes of Varanasi can induce claustrophobia even in seasoned travellers; and that’s the charm of this city. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Not for the fainthearted, the city still makes for a spectacle visit.

Ever dreamt of hiking the Himalayas?

The Indian portion of the epic Mount Everest offers some attention grabbing vistas and fine hiking. The serenity of the towering peaks is what makes the mountainous regions a perfect holiday destination. This is the perfect opportunity for the adventure devotees to challenge the daredevils in them. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand are blessed with numerous verdant mountains, which let adventurers step out of their comfort zones and explore the unexplored.

Explore a bit of France

Travel to India and also experience the bellisimo French charm. There are quite a few places in India that will typically evoke visions of a time wrapped French charm. The long sweeping pathways in some of the nooks and corners here carry echoes of Deauville or Biarritz. Pondicherry, a pocket sized former French Colony in India will take you to the magical promenade of France.

There are only few countries that carve a deep, lasting impression on travellers. India is one of those destinations. The country sits upon layers and layers of history, yet is home to such marked contrasts. A visit to India will be full of unexpectedness and surprises. One thing that’s sure is that you won’t return home quite the same after the adventure.