India is nothing but diverse. The food represents this array of cultures since every state claims very different diets according to their local produce. Kerala boasts coconut as a staple, Punjab the vegetable dishes, Goa the seafood, Kashmiri the yogurts and the list goes on. Yet at the base of almost all Indian dishes are several key features; Naan, jasmine Rice, and Masala (Curry). These three staples illustrate that inexpensiveness is essential to the poverty stricken country of India. Naan is a simple flatbread, jasmine rice is a basic mixing rice, while Masala is the term for an array of mixed spices that Indians use to make curries. Most classic Indian dishes are a collection of these three dishes along with a basic meat in a sauce (never beef for religious reasons) with a spicy curry and yogurt based sauce on the side along with vegetables. Now that you have an introduction to basic Indian cuisine I will discuss some cool travel ideas to do in this interesting country...Three "Must-do" Travel Idea's in India...
- Taj Mahal: One does not simply go to India, and not see the Taj Mahal! Located in the isolated city of Agra this marvelous testament to human architecture will guarantee to blow you away with it's sheer magnificence. The Taj took around 30 years to complete with a workforce of some 20,000 men, I wouldn't mind having those statistics on my grave! The story goes that a Mughal Emperor mandated the Taj to be built after his favorite wife died. Agra is home to another magnificent fort and many hotels to accommodate tourists need. Located a couple hours outside of Delhi and a days train ride from Mumbai this location is certainly a must do for any tourist in India.
- Backwaters of Kerala: The southern state of Kerala holds a collection of lakes, lagoons, and canals that stretch over 205km along the coast of the Arabian sea. This labyrinth of waterways brings unprecedented beauty of isolated Indian villages, exotic wildlife, local boats, and a very serene silence. The best way to explore these backwaters are by Kettuvallams, a beautifully crafted native houseboat that range from large party boats to a floating one bedroom paradise. The houseboats come equipped with a full crew that serve all your meals locally and know the backwaters like their backyard. From the cities of Thiruvallam to Kollam one can easily find a houseboat company and charter their very own experience with this beautiful untouched part of India.
- Camel Treks: The Indian state of Rajasthan holds vast desertous regions that offer tourists the opportunity to undertake multi-day trips through the desert on Camels to hidden villages and old ruins. A one time chance to ride a Camel and experience the desert in it's most raw element is something I found hard to pass up. Accompanied by guides that spend every day in the desert one can get a very profound glimpse at Rajasthani culture. The best two places to find this chance is in either the City of Amritsar which also holds some very cool ruins or the small lakeside religious city of Pushkar.
- 'SO SO SO SO so So So So So don't miss out on I hope this gave you a taste of all the crazy enlightening activities and sites India has to offer, so get on your camel, and book your flight and you'll be stuffing your face with Naan and Mango lassi in no time!
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