13 Places That Make Us Incredibly Proud Of India!
There’s one thing common amongst all Indians in the world ; the love for the A.R Rehman song ‘yeh jo des hain tera’ and undying affection for their motherland. Sure, we have our complaints and qualms about the many imperfections that we survive with, but when it comes to defending our country we are like warriors on a mission; whether it is on the cricket field or the battlefield.
India is a land like none other.And we have plenty reasons to be proud of it. Here are the top reasons why we are so proud of India and its landscape:
1. The Loudest Proclamation of Love: Taj Mahal
Shahjahan loved all his wives, but there was one that he especially adored- Mumtaz Mahal. The grand king that he was, he decided to commemorate his love by building what is perhaps the most resplendent tomb in the world; Taj Mahal. No other place in the world can boast of having a proclamation that cost close to $ 827 million (in today’s money.)
2. Floating Palaces: Udaipur
Yes, our palaces are not only monumental, some of them float as well! Udaipur has a number of lakes that add to the charm of this royal city. The lake palace is the epitome of luxury and is a coveted tourist attraction all over the world. In fact, we also have a floating palace in Jaipur!
3. Comfortably Hippie: Goa
Sure, we can make a big fuss about religion and traditions. But we’re also hippies by heart. Gleefully surviving alongside staunch religious beliefs, are Goa’s hippies that have called this beach haven their home for decades. That’s right, we’re tolerant and democratic, and carefree too!
4. Zen from 5th Century : Ajantha Ellora
Spiritualism has come in vogue in the last decade or so as celebrities suddenly discovered the benefits of yoga and meditation. But India has been Zen since the 5th century! The Ajantha and Ellora caves are proof that we nurtured spiritual masters like Buddha since the very early stages of life.
5. The Best Cup of Tea in the World: Assam
Who doesn’t enjoy a piping cup of masala chai? The tea from Assam and Darjeeling is exported all over the world and is counted amongst the finest teas available. To top that, these tea estates make for gorgeous holiday destinations.
Also Read: 50 Best Hill Stations in India
6. The Highest Motorable Pass in the World: Khardungla
Khardungla lies 18000 feet above sea level. The air is thin and oxygen is scanty here but that does not stop dare devils from riding their bikes all the way up! The unimaginably beautiful region of Ladakh is full of jaw dropping scenery that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
PC: Sistak/Flickr
7. Tigers Aplenty: Wildlife Parks
We might not come close to Serengeti and Masaimara, but together our wildlife parks are home to over 2000 tigers and many more exotic animals. These parks are extremely well maintained and managed. Popular with nature enthusiasts, parks like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha offer the authentic forest experience right here in India.
8. Undying History: Hampi and Khajuraho
Not just at the famous Hampi or Khajuraho, India is replete with history from all stages of evolution. From ancient temples to entire civilizations, we have a treasure chest of archaeological wonders that are waiting to be explored. And we might not boast about it enough, but we taught the world how to make love!
9. Our Very Own Bora Bora: Lakshadweep and Andaman
French Polynesia is great. But why spend thousands of dollars when you can have a similar experience right at home? With azure blue waters and soft glistening sands, Andaman and Nicobar are India’s best beach destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. Or if you’re lazy like me, beach bumming.
10. Tomatina’s Daddy: Mathura and Vrindavan
That’s right. Tomatina festival might be the hip event to be at, but if you’ve experienced holi at Mathura and Vrindavan (or just any other Indian city), you’d know that the Spaniards aren’t the only ones who know how to have fun. A riot of colors and fun, the Indian festival of Holi is the most entertaining event in our calendar.
11. Our Heaven on Earth, Kashmir
Looking for God? You’ll see Him in the pristine streams that gallop on soft rocks and the verdant valleys that romance snow capped mountains. Kashmir offers the best scenes and sights in India. From skiing to shikaras, India boasts of its very own Switzerland. Some would even say that comparing both would be unfair to the magnificence of both these places.
12. Looking for a Mummy? Don’t need to travel that far
You’ve heard tall praises about the Spiti valley. And it lives up to all of them. What you probably didn’t know is that a small village called Giu that falls on the way to this epic valley has a mummy in the sitting position that dates back to 550 years. Get this ; the mummy has not been preserved in any artificial ways.
PC: youtube.com
13. A Bringer of Peacefulness: The Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab,is a place of great beauty and sublime peacefulness. The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - A bringer of peacefulness.
A country of many faces, India is a puzzle that unravels in mystifying ways and places. Tell us how you are proud of this country!
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