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The Glossary

Ashram - "Spiritual hermitage."

From India Glossary

Photograph by:
Manu Sood - Spiti Valley, India

Breathtaking is just one of the many words that can be used to describe the unique land called India. It is the seventh largest country in the world, brimming with more than 1.1 billion people. In fact, it is the most populous democracy and a hotbed for religion, having given birth to four of the world's major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. A gentle giant as well, it has never invaded a foreign land for its past 10,000 years of history, and attained independence from the British without violence.

The nation of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, it is perhaps one of the most diverse anywhere: sacred temples, exuberant festivals, bustling markets, majestic mountains, party-riddled beaches, traditional villages, and technologically-advanced cities. It's no wonder that the roughly five million foreign tourists who visit it every year often get torn between loving and hating it. One thing is for sure, though - it never fails to make an impression on the imagination.

Cultural Experience

What makes India such a draw, however, is its colorful and multi-faceted culture. Its immense population is an ideal breeding ground for different groups of people - each of them forming their own traditions and beliefs that present a myriad of experiences for any traveler. There are the Hindus who celebrate the triumph of good over evil using clay lamps during the Diwali. Those from Mumbai and New Delhi have embraced the modern age, churning out “Bollywood” movies and IT specialists.

The most distinctive feature of India may very well be its cuisine, which is both popular and influential all over the world. Characterized by the use of spices, herbs, and vegetables, it is a definite plus for every visitor to the country. Curries, paneer, tandoori chicken, roti, and chicken tikka are some of the most known.

Indian Highlights

India doesn't only boggle the mind and the heart. It can also shock the sense of sight. Certainly the first thing that comes to mind is the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra, a marble masterpiece embodying the love of a sultan for his wife. Not as popular, but certainly as impressive are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India's Maharashtra region. Hewn from rocky hills hundreds of years ago using only crude tools, they represent the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture.

In such a diverse country though, sightseeing only scratches the surface. Go shopping, hiking, camping, rafting, and cruising - the list goes on and on.

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