Despite India being in the list of population, poverty and corruption, there is something about this country. Lets not get to the history but talk about the present India 2012. When I travelled India, I did see the lack of sanitation and basic amenities but that alone cannot define a nation.
India 2012: What I Saw..
The Travel
Many a times we find videos of people comparing the developed with the developing. They bring up all the negative points, make fun by being dramatic on clips and do what not. But one thing is for sure, India's certain tourist spots can be compared to nothing of the world. These attractions are a proof to the oldest civilisation. The Ajanta, Ellora and Badami caves, the ruins of hampi, the massive gopuras of temples in Tamil Nadu and Kerala speak a different culture all together.
The People
At the tourist spots, you may find hungry children but when you request them for a picture, they will always pose with a smile. They may annoy you for pennies but are also ready to help you in every little way.
On my visit to Mysore palace, I observed a funny scene. The autowalas and local guides treated some foreign travellers like celebrities in an intention that they may gain some more money. Where on Earth can you expect such a treatment?..Even if you are ready to pay, you can never wish for such a treatment like in India 2012.
The Food
The idlis, dosas and rotis didn't upset my stomach as much as the burgers, french fries from the Internationally famous restaurant did. Their jal jeeras and lassies are the best than any aerated drink in the world.
One of the flight tickets had warned its passengers travelling to India to prefer only packaged drinking water. My question is, isn't it the same case in every country? Who would prefer the water of the fountains and ponds in the city?
The Clothing
In India, you are blessed if you plan to shop. You can purchase atleast 2 bags more than anywhere in the globe (I, here, refer to the international brands).
If you know English, you can happily travel in India where atleast 50% of the world still strives to get a few words of universally accepted language.
The Beliefs
Their spiritual beliefs aren't strange but the Indian media doesn't wish to take a break from the controversial news, even if the world is ready to know. The channels are driven with the idea of spreading the virtual India which the new gen isn't aware.
All in all, this was the India I discovered in my expedition but you may have something else to say, do you?
The Travel
Many a times we find videos of people comparing the developed with the developing. They bring up all the negative points, make fun by being dramatic on clips and do what not. But one thing is for sure, India's certain tourist spots can be compared to nothing of the world. These attractions are a proof to the oldest civilisation. The Ajanta, Ellora and Badami caves, the ruins of hampi, the massive gopuras of temples in Tamil Nadu and Kerala speak a different culture all together.
The People
At the tourist spots, you may find hungry children but when you request them for a picture, they will always pose with a smile. They may annoy you for pennies but are also ready to help you in every little way.
On my visit to Mysore palace, I observed a funny scene. The autowalas and local guides treated some foreign travellers like celebrities in an intention that they may gain some more money. Where on Earth can you expect such a treatment?..Even if you are ready to pay, you can never wish for such a treatment like in India 2012.
The Food
The idlis, dosas and rotis didn't upset my stomach as much as the burgers, french fries from the Internationally famous restaurant did. Their jal jeeras and lassies are the best than any aerated drink in the world.
One of the flight tickets had warned its passengers travelling to India to prefer only packaged drinking water. My question is, isn't it the same case in every country? Who would prefer the water of the fountains and ponds in the city?
The Clothing
In India, you are blessed if you plan to shop. You can purchase atleast 2 bags more than anywhere in the globe (I, here, refer to the international brands).
If you know English, you can happily travel in India where atleast 50% of the world still strives to get a few words of universally accepted language.
The Beliefs
Their spiritual beliefs aren't strange but the Indian media doesn't wish to take a break from the controversial news, even if the world is ready to know. The channels are driven with the idea of spreading the virtual India which the new gen isn't aware.
All in all, this was the India I discovered in my expedition but you may have something else to say, do you?
Excellent write up!
ReplyDeleteAs I have seen in Rome (I think in many parts of historic places in Europe), the water is available to public in the form of fountain waters...The water is free and open to public.. tastes good as well.
ReplyDeleteI dont think the mention of water consuming here is not completely right!
Hello Giuseppe, the article is not questioning the purity of fountains and lakes in other countries. It is only in the intent of changing the perception of a traveler to India.
ReplyDeleteInteresting video
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajqLxwlFLyM&feature=related
Excellent write up Anju. Very well put indeed. I 'd like to add here that, no country or nation has been spared the negative criticisms. Even the nation that we consider fully developed, has its downsides. What I would urge the unbiased traveler is to enjoy & appreciate the best that every country has to offer. I 'd like to quote Clifton Fadiman here who says " When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable". I personally feel that, the best that any place can do is make you feel welcome. Perhaps in its own language, culture & expression. If only we would be receptive enough to it.
ReplyDeleteNicely told Anu ..thanx
ReplyDelete