INDIA

India – A Love Story That Lasts a Lifetime 🇮🇳❤️

India is one of the greatest loves of my life.

I’ve visited India five times over more than two decades, and I’m certain I’ll return many more times in the future.

Every trip has been different. Every region has had its own culture, landscapes, flavors, and stories. Yet every visit has left me with the same feeling: India is unforgettable.

My India Journeys

2002 – First Visit (2.5 Months)

My first trip to India was part of a six-month backpacking adventure through Asia.

During that trip, I visited:

Varanasi
Delhi
Agra (Taj Mahal)
Shimla
Rishikesh
Dharamshala

My original plan was to stay much longer, but growing tensions along the India–Pakistan border forced me to change my itinerary.

Leaving earlier than planned only made me want to come back.

2004 – Three Months

On my second trip, I explored:

Goa
Pushkar
Jaisalmer
Udaipur
Pune
Varanasi
Manali
Dharamshala
Delhi
Agra

2011 – Two Months + Volunteering

This trip included three weeks of volunteering in a rural village.

I traveled through:

Hampi
Mahabalipuram
Pondicherry
Kodaikanal
Munnar
Alleppey
Kochi
Chennai

2016 – Two Weeks in Kerala

I visited:

Kochi
Varkala
Munnar
Kumily
Alleppey
Kodaikanal

2018 – Rajasthan & North India

A two-week journey through:

Pushkar
Jaipur
Dharamshala
Delhi
Agra

2023 – Delhi Stopover

During a long flight connection, I spent two full days exploring Delhi once again.

Rajasthan – Colorful, Historic & Magical

Rajasthan is one of India’s most beautiful regions.

I’ve visited twice and explored several cities throughout the state.

Pushkar

Pushkar is a small town built around a sacred lake.

The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else—ancient streets, colorful markets, temples, cafés, shops, and a constant feeling of celebration.

It’s hot. Very hot.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan is filled with incredible architecture.

Two sites that completely impressed me were:

Hawa Mahal
Amber Fort

The craftsmanship, carvings, and details found throughout these structures are extraordinary.

Jaipur feels like a living museum.

Jaisalmer

One of Rajasthan’s hidden gems.

The ancient fortified city is filled with narrow alleys, golden sandstone buildings, and endless charm.

Walking through its streets feels like stepping into another century.

Dharamshala 🏔️

I’ve visited Dharamshala on three different trips and stayed in the same area every time: Dharamkot.

For me, Dharamshala represents everything I love about India.

The region is divided into three main areas:

McLeod Ganj

The main town.

Full of guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, shops, and travelers from all over the world.

It is also home to the residence of the Dalai Lama.

Bhagsu

Connected to McLeod Ganj by a scenic road.

You can walk between them or take a rickshaw.

The main street climbs steeply up the mountain and is lined with guesthouses, restaurants, and small shops.

Dharamkot

My favorite place.

A small mountain village located higher up the hill.

The main street is really more of a narrow path lined with guesthouses, cafés, restaurants.

The views are spectacular:

Green mountains
Forests
Snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance

The atmosphere is peaceful, magical, and difficult to describe.

Things to Do in Dharamshala

Waterfall hikes
Scenic viewpoints
Walking trails through the mountains
Tibetan monasteries
Meditation retreats
Yoga courses
Workshops and classes

One of my favorite walks begins behind the Dalai Lama’s temple complex and passes prayer flags, monasteries, and Tibetan monks.

The scenery is stunning.

During one trip, I completed a Shiatsu course there.

On another visit, I took a hand-drum lesson.

Many travelers come to Dharamshala specifically for Vipassana meditation retreats.

I actually completed a 10-day Vipassana course during my first trip to Nepal, a deeply challenging and rewarding experience.

Delhi – India’s Chaotic Heart

I’ve visited Delhi on three different trips and watched it evolve dramatically over the years.

During my first visit, bicycles and cycle-rickshaws dominated the streets.

Today, the city is filled with cars, modern infrastructure, and it’s much easier to communicate in English.

Main Bazaar

For me, the Main Bazaar is the heart of Delhi.

It’s noisy, crowded, colorful, overwhelming, and fascinating all at once.

Markets, guesthouses, restaurants, spices, sounds, and endless activity.

Classic India.

Favorite Places in Delhi

Lotus Temple

One of the most beautiful modern buildings I’ve ever seen.

Its lotus-inspired architecture is breathtaking.

Humayun’s Tomb

Magnificent Mughal architecture and beautifully maintained gardens.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Delhi’s famous Sikh temple.

A moving and unforgettable experience.

Akshardham

Without question one of the most impressive attractions in India.

The architecture, exhibits, and atmosphere are extraordinary. 🤩

Delhi Street Tours (2023)

During my stopover in 2023, I joined two memorable tours.

Food Tour & Street Children Project

Our guide had actually grown up on the streets of Delhi.

He shared his personal story while introducing us to local food stalls and restaurants throughout the market.

Afterward, we visited a center that supports and educates street children.

Part of the tour fee helps fund the project.

One of the most meaningful tours I’ve ever taken.

Delhi Slum Tour

Another fascinating experience.

Our guide was deeply respected by everyone in the community, and the insights he shared gave us a much better understanding of daily life in the area.

One of the most eye-opening tours I’ve done anywhere in the world.

Contact 👉🏻 @santanjha – @street_tours_india

Lodhi Garden & Lodhi Art District

A perfect combination of nature and culture.

The gardens are filled with historical monuments, while the nearby art district showcases impressive street murals and public art.

Hanuman Mandir

A fascinating temple featuring a giant Hanuman statue.

Stepping inside was a memorable experience.

Kerala – India’s Tropical Paradise 🌴

Kochi

A fascinating blend of cultures and history.

Highlights include:

The famous fishing nets
The Jewish Quarter
Historic synagogues
Traditional Kathakali performances

One of my favorite experiences was arriving early at the theater to watch the performers apply their elaborate makeup before the show.

Kochi also has a huge modern shopping mall that feels like a completely different world from the India outside.

Munnar

One of the most beautiful places in southern India.

Rolling hills covered with endless tea plantations.

The best activity?

Simply walking among the tea fields and watching local workers harvest tea leaves.

One day we hired a jeep guide who took us to viewpoints, tea factories, and scenic locations.

Another day we spent hours hiking independently through villages and tea-covered hills.

Those walks remain some of my favorite memories.

Munnar Trek

During my first visit, I completed a three-day trek from Kodaikanal to Munnar.

The trek wasn’t especially difficult and passed through villages where we stayed overnight.

A fantastic experience for anyone who enjoys hiking.

Varkala

A relaxed beach town built on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The cliff-top path is lined with:

Restaurants
Guesthouses
Cafés
Shops

The perfect daily routine:

Beach → Sunset → Dinner → Massage

There are also temples and local villages within walking distance.

During our visit, we happened to encounter religious celebrations and processions, which made the experience even more special.

Alleppey

One of Kerala’s most famous experiences.

We spent a night aboard a traditional houseboat.

The journey takes you through rivers and backwaters, passing villages, fishermen, lush landscapes, and local life.

The crew cooked delicious meals and took excellent care of us.

An unforgettable experience.

Kumily (Thekkady)

A charming town near a protected jungle reserve.

We spent two nights there.

Highlights included:

A traditional martial arts performance
A guided jungle trek
Great local restaurants

The wildlife experience isn’t comparable to an African safari, but the jungle scenery is beautiful.

I still remember one restaurant that served more than 100 varieties of masala dosa. 😋

Kodaikanal

One of the most magical places in South India.

You’re literally sleeping among the clouds.

Sunrise is absolutely worth waking up for.

I stayed in Vattakanal, the higher mountain area that I personally recommend most.

Favorite Places Around Kodaikanal

Dolphin’s Nose

An incredible viewpoint overlooking valleys and mountains.

Coaker’s Walk

A scenic cliffside walking path with beautiful panoramic views.

Sustainable Farm Visit

On my first trip, we hiked several hours to visit a self-sufficient farm powered by solar energy.

Everything was built using natural materials.

A unique and inspiring experience.

Mahabalipuram

A charming coastal fishing town.

Known for:

Beautiful beaches
Stone-carved temples
Sculpture workshops
Artisan markets

I even took a stone-carving class during one visit.

Pondicherry

Formerly a French colony.

Walking through its streets feels completely different from the rest of India.

European architecture, quiet boulevards, colorful cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere create a unique blend of India and France.

Hampi – One of India’s Most Extraordinary Destinations 🤩

Hampi is unlike anywhere else in India.

A river divides the area into two distinct sides:

One side contains:

Ancient temples
Local markets
Traditional villages

The other side offers:

Guesthouses
Restaurants
Relaxed traveler vibes

The landscape is filled with enormous boulders and spectacular temple ruins.

There are also beautiful hiking routes, rice fields, and a famous Monkey Temple.

Hampi is remote—but absolutely worth the journey.

Other Places I’ve Visited

Over the years, I’ve also traveled through:

Varanasi
Rishikesh
Pune
Goa
Manali
Udaipur

More than twenty years have passed since some of those visits, but I still have wonderful memories of every one of them.

Varanasi

India’s holiest city.

Built along the Ganges River, it is famous for its sacred cremation ceremonies and spiritual atmosphere.

Every evening, the traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place along the riverfront.

An unforgettable experience.

Rishikesh

A spiritual town divided by the Ganges River and connected by iconic suspension bridges.

Known for yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats.

Like Varanasi, it hosts beautiful evening ceremonies along the river.

Pune

I spent a week at Osho’s Ashram, participating in various meditation programs and workshops.

Goa

India’s beach paradise.

Simple as that. 🌴

Volunteering in India ❤️

In 2011, I spent three weeks volunteering in a rural village near Mahabalipuram.

We lived in the village and spent mornings working in an organic community garden that supplied food for local residents.

In the afternoons, we worked with children at the local school and organized additional activities.

Life in the village was extremely simple.

Some homes were built from mud, and many of the children had never met foreign visitors before.

It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my travels.

My Favorite Indian Foods 😋

Indian cuisine is my favorite in the world.

Some dishes I recommend everyone try:

Malai Kofta
Palak Paneer
Masala Dosa
Uttapam
Thali
Naan
Paratha
Chapati
Samosa
Pakora
Puri

And of course, the beloved traveler desserts found across India.

Even today, after all these years, I eat Indian food at least once a month.

Final Thoughts

India isn’t just a destination for me.

It’s a feeling.

It’s the colors, the sounds, the people, the spirituality, the chaos, the mountains, the food, the temples, and the moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Every trip has given me new memories, new friendships, and new reasons to come back.

India is love. ❤️

And I’m certain I’ll return many more times in the future.

For more photos, locations, and travel inspiration, feel free to follow along on Instagram. 📸✨

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