There are more than 460 museums in India. Among the most significant are the Government Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Chennai, the National Museum in New Delhi, the Sarnath Museum in Varanasi, the Indian Museum in Kolkata with its collection of archaeological and natural history exhibits, as well as the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. The Museum of Western India is located in Mumbai.
The Himalayas, the largest mountain system in the world, are one of India’s greatest treasures. Here you will find the highest point on Earth, the famous Valley of Flowers, evergreen hills, and numerous waterfalls. In the state of Rajasthan, visitors can expect a quiet desert world with magnificent palaces and temples, colorful festivals, and fairytale hotels. Mumbai is considered the traditional gateway to India. The energy of this vibrant city surprises everyone who visits it for the first time. The most popular holiday destination in western India is Goa, with its expansive beaches, up to a hundred kilometers long, which offer ideal conditions for a relaxing vacation all year round.
India impresses with its size, its noise, and its diversity. Those interested in ancient legends and mysteries will find numerous historical sites, temples, and ancient traditions. India is a land full of emotions and contrasts that often deeply touches travelers and exerts a strong fascination.
Nothing in this country is predictable or constant. Everything is constantly changing its form and meaning, and one always discovers new sides to this fascinating country. India is a kind of litmus test for many travelers: some are happy to leave it, while others would prefer to stay forever.
Indian cuisine is one of the oldest and most popular in the world. It is based on vegetable dishes, rice, fish, pasta, and bread such as puri, as well as various dairy products. The number of traditional Indian dishes is almost immeasurable. The most characteristic element of Indian cuisine is spices, which are used in almost all dishes, often in unusual combinations. The well-known spice blend curry includes numerous recipe variations and gives even simple dishes a special touch.
Very popular in India are tea, which is often drunk with hot milk or spices, coffee, fresh juices, and fruit drinks. Alcohol is rarely consumed with meals; most dishes are accompanied by cold water.
Water transport is only weakly developed in India. During the tourist season, there are shipping connections between Port Blair (Andaman Islands) and Kolkata as well as Chennai. A modern ferry line connects Kochi with the Lakshadweep Islands. Regular passenger boats operate along the coast of Kerala, including a genuine paddle steamer that connects Alappuzha and Kovalam. A modern catamaran with air-conditioned salons runs between Mumbai and Goa. Foreign tourists may pay for tickets in rupees if they present an exchange receipt. Tickets can be returned up to 24 hours before departure (fee 200 rupees). If canceled less than 24 hours before departure, there is no refund.
In South Goa, visitors find excellent hotels with well-developed infrastructure and long, beautiful beaches with warm seawater. Days are spent on the beach sunbathing, swimming, doing water sports, or taking walks. Directly on the beach, there are small restaurants that offer fresh seafood at very reasonable prices. Many tourists choose exactly this for lunch: it is delicious and inexpensive. A large portion of rice with shrimp costs about two dollars, a large baked fish twelve to fifteen dollars. Around the hotels, there are numerous other restaurants that are clean and hygienically impeccable, so that families with children also feel comfortable.
North Goa is known as a meeting point for the alternative scene. Many Europeans spend the winter here to escape the weather in Europe, to party, and to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. The tradition goes back to the hippie movement that once discovered this place. Endless beaches, warmth, low prices, and freedom shaped the atmosphere. The Goa trance style and the famous beach parties also originated here.
Today, several generations of Europeans already live here. Many own hotels, small restaurants, or boutiques, or work in handicrafts. Some also sell cannabis products. Hotels and food are cheap in North Goa; common means of transport are motorcycles; bandanas and tattoos are part of the typical style. Tourists from South Goa regularly visit North Goa to dance or to experience the night market.
The selection of nightlife options is large: from elegant clubs to simple beach bars with a strong local flair. Trance parties usually take place on the beach. The famous Saturday night market is a meeting point for locals and travelers, where one can buy everything: clothing, shoes, handicrafts, jewelry, and works of art.
What does a vacation in India mean?
A vacation in India means warm, blue waters of the Arabian Sea and fascinating landscapes. A vacation in India means a stay in a country where wishes come true. A vacation in India means particularly comfortable relaxation. A vacation in India means excellent hotel service. A vacation in India means friendliness and peace far away from everyday life.