Indian Culture Before Your Trip: Food for Thought

Diwali, the Festival of Lights

When it comes to culture, few countries can claim a more storied history or a more diverse present than India.  Though it’s unlikely that you’d try to learn a new language or make a religious pilgrimage on your trip to India, there are still many aspects of this magnificent country’s culture in which you can partake during your journey.  From festivals to cuisine to the performing arts, here is some information regarding Indian culture that may help you to make plans for your trip:

1. Festivals

Though the majority of India’s biggest festivals are religious in nature, respectful foreigners are always welcomed with open arms.  Perhaps the grandest festival of them all is Diwali—India’s festival of lights.  Depending on the year, Diwali occurs either in October or November.  Nearly every town celebrates with fireworks and by lighting itself up for five nights straight, while many also have their own unique traditions associated with the festival.  If you can’t make it for Diwali, there are many different festivals all year round—just do your research before you head out!

Gulab Jaamun

2. Indian Cuisine

A quick disclaimer: there really is no “Indian” cuisine—every region and state has its own unique culinary history.  That being said, there are some commonalities throughout the country.  Due in large part to Hindu and Buddhist religious influences, most Indian cuisine is vegetarian—with beef being the rarest meat of all.  Of course, the very popular curry dish is found throughout India, containing complex blends of herbs and spices that vary greatly by style and region.  If you’re in the mood for street food, try Kati—a sort of wrapped sandwich containing vegetable, egg, and kebab.  When it’s time for dessert, make sure to try gulab jaamun—balls of dried milk cooked in a sugary syrup that are sure to blow your taste buds away.

Bharatanatyam Dance

3. Performing Arts

India’s artistic traditions are of course widely varied as well.  Perhaps at the forefront of the Indian performing arts is dance, whose roots on the subcontinent go back millennia.  Classical dance forms include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, while folk dancing spans a wide number of traditions as well.  Traditional Indian music is just as expansive and goes way beyond the sitar popularized in the West by hippies during the 1960s.  You owe it to yourself to check out a live arts performance during your trip to India at least once!

Before You Go... 

Pick up our India map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

Screen Capture from our India GPS Map

Screen Capture from our India GPS Map

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3 Different Takes on Indian Adventure Tourism

Located in South Asia, India is the world’s second-largest country by population as well as its largest democracy.  Renowned for its linguistic and religious diversity, its colorful history, and its increasingly important role in an ever-globalizing world, India is also putting itself on the map as a popular destination for adventure tourism.

Lake Roopkund, India

Because of its size and geographical diversity, India offers a wide variety of options for vacationers seeking an exciting adventure in an exotic land.  Let’s take a look at just a few of the locations throughout this magical country that are growing ever-more popular with a unique class of tourists who want more from their vacation destinations:

Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

1. Uttarakhand

This northern state is situated in the heart of the Himalaya Mountains and is renowned for its natural beauty and peaceful nature.  Its mountainous topography makes it ideal for hikers, rock climbers, and skiers.  Uttarakhand is home to the infamous Roopkund, a trekking destination where, during the summer months, a vast number of human skeletons can be seen beneath the thawed lake water.

2. Rajasthan

Located along India’s western border, this massive state is home to the equally gigantic Thar Desert—one of the largest in the world.  For those who fancy a visit to this culturally- and geographically-isolated locale, there might be no better way to do it than on the back of a camel, taking a true Rajasthan-style safari.  No matter your price range or preferred travel style, there’s an option for you—from simple backpacker accommodations to posh and luxurious desert treks, Rajasthan has it all.

3. Goa

Goa, India

This tiny southwestern state is by far India’s richest, with a GDP over two times the country’s average.  If your idea of an Indian vacation includes cultural immersion and historic sites but you prefer beaches to the mountains or the desert, this is your place.  Options for adventure tourism in Goa abound—from water sports to scuba diving to fishing to hiking, there is bound to be an activity in Goa that piques your interest.  Once again, the tourism industry in Goa caters to visitors of many price ranges, and whether you’re looking at hostel dormitories or upscale hotel rooms there is a space in Goa for you.

Before You Go... 

Pick up our India map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

Screen Capture from our India GPS Map

Screen Capture from our India GPS Map

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.