Leisure activities in India
India is a vast country with unique and interesting diversities. There are ample of opportunities and places to discover and explore. There are heritage buildings, refreshing hill stations, sea water adventures, beautiful beaches and expansive deserts, and lot more to explore in India. Hence, if you are planning to relocate to India, be sure that the bountiful country will never disappoint you.
History, art and culture
India is a country well-known for its interesting history and diverse culture and traditions. A stay in India will give you the opportunity to discover and learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. Numerous monuments and fortresses of different eras, ancient architecture, museums, etc. are marvels that attract thousands of tourists from across the world.
Every state of the country has something interesting to offer. For instance, Delhi has several monuments of Mughal times, such as the Red Fort, Lodhi Garden, Qutub Minar, etc.. Mumbai, the biggest city in the country, hosts among others the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum. In Calcutta, you will find the Religion Museum and in Chennai, the Government Museum where ancient dynastic cultures and artefacts are exhibited. The Sun Temple in Orissa and the Junagarh Fort and Hawa Mahal in Rajasthan are exquisitely built structures that are simply awesome.
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The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is an enduring monument that has been listed in the Wonders of the World. Unrivalled in beauty and grandeur, it is a masterpiece built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in memory of his beloved wife.
Religions and traditions in India
Religions and their related customs and traditions form an integral part of the country. The presence of amazing shrines, temples, mosques and churches of ancient and contemporary times reflect the importance of religious sentiments of the nation. Every building is a wonderful reminder of the deep connection of the people with their creator. Jama Masjid and Lotus Temple in New Delhi are two unique and beautiful religious structures that attract many people from different corners of the country. Varanasi, found in the heart of the country, is deemed to be a sacred city due to the presence of the Ganges, the sacred river.
The churches of Goa, such as Se Cathedral, Bom Jesus Basilica, and Church of Our Lady Immaculate are beautifully preserved ancient structures where devouts continue to pray. The Golden Temple of Amritsar, in Punjab, is an exquisite religious temple highly revered by the Sikh community. South Indian regions have the highest number of shrines and temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. There are several other religious places and temples that reflect the rich cultural and religious legacy of the country.
The Indian nature
The presence of numerous natural parks, nature reserves, and waterfalls make the country an ideal destination for nature lovers. There are nearly 103 national parks and more than 400 nature reserves. You will love the wildlife and surely get amazed by the unique living species. Some of the famous parks found in India include Jim Corbett National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Navegaon National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Sariska National Park and the Eravikulam National Park.
Discovering and exploring high mountains too can be very interesting. India has some of the highest mountain peaks that go beyond 1000 meters. The Himalayan range is the most famous and highest range of India that bisects India from the rest of Asia and is also the primary source of several rivers in the country. Some other mystical mountain ranges that will leave you awestruck includes Karakoram, Pir Panjal, and Purvanchal ranges.
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During monsoon seasons, you can enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls. Dudhsagar in Goa and Chitrakoot in Chhattisgarh are amongst the most popular waterfalls that are ranked among the most beautiful sights in the world.
Beaches and islands of India
India is home to numerous beaches, islands and mountains. You will find some amazing beaches in Goa such as Baga beach, Agonda beach, and Mandrem beach. There are other states too like Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh that boast of beautiful beaches.
There are more than 1000 islands in and around India. Some of the most popular islands that attract tourists from far off places include Andaman and Nicobar, and Daman and Diu islands.
Indian cuisine
If you want to delight your tastebuds, India is the place to be, offering a wide variety of sumptuous flavours and tastes. The traditional Indian cuisines include curries, tandoori items, pulses, biryani, etc. and have rich and spicy tastes that ensure a flavoursome experience. Some of the traditional drinks such as lassi, sharbat, and masala soda are worth a try. For those who enjoy street food, there are several interesting gastronomic food zones that will trigger your senses. Apart from the traditional and authentic Indian food, you will also find specialities of other countries including Chinese, Italian, Thai, and Japanese.
Shopping and other leisure activities
India is a perfect haven for those who enjoy shopping. Here you will find diverse marketplaces that offer a wide variety to the customers in terms of items, quality, pricing etc. There are numerous shopping malls, boutiques as well as upscale and traditional markets, wholesale traders and folk fairs. You will love the variety you get to see in clothing, shoes, accessories, gadgets, handicrafts, jewellery etc. Most of the shops remain open till nine 0'clock to ten o'clock at night, in most cities. Note that one day the shops are closed in a week.
There are also nightclubs, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, cinema halls, concert halls, etc. that ensure you some good and relaxed time. So, no matter where you are placed, you will get something interesting to enjoy.
Other leisure activities in India
If you like sports and enjoy adventurous activities, there are several options you can try during vacations and weekends. Some of the most popular leisure activities that attract tourists and others include paragliding, mountaineering, river rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, etc.. Moreover, you can also join a sports club or gym if you want to maintain a healthy body and soul.
Yoga and meditation centres of India are very popular amongst expats. These ancient practices help you maintain inner peace and give you the much-needed escape from the busy humdrum of life.
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