Is there an Indian holiday that strikes a chord with you?
Holi has to be my favourite Indian holiday. It is unlike anything we have in the United States—an exuberant celebration with colours, drumming, and groups of friends coming together with unbridled joy. We have celebrated Holi at home with family, in our local community, and at a luxury resort, and each time was a different experience.
Cultures around the world always seem to have some similarities with one’s own. What about India do you think is closest to the United States?
I was struck by the vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit that pervades Indian society. Coming from a relatively younger country like the US, I half-expected a culture that stretches back millennia to have slowed down a bit by now, but Indian society embraces the future with as much gusto as it honours its storied past.
What about the country surprised you, and what are your tips for travellers who are visiting India for the first time?
I was surprised to discover how easy it is to get around the country, even in the remote areas. Air travel is convenient and inexpensive, and local transport is plentiful with services like Uber and Ola. Make sure to get a local data plan and install a couple of key apps like WhatsApp, Uber, Yatra, and Paytm.
Which is your favourite Indian dish?
Denne historien er fra November - December 2020-utgaven av Discover India.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2020-utgaven av Discover India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.
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Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.
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Palace of Grandeur
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GARDEN of FABLES
On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.
MORE than just FOOD
Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.
Magical Moments
Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.
