What Not to Miss While You're in India

With so many wonderful places to go and things to see while in India it's hard to decide what to do. It's a tough job sorting out which fantastic beaches, ancient temples, and reverent festivals you want to visit while you're there. When travelling abroad anywhere it's good to know at least a little bit about where it is you're headed. If you're planning a trip to India then here is a list of things not to miss while travelling abroad.

Mahabalipuram

A must see for its beautiful beaches, temples, and sometimes temples on beaches. Mahabalipuram is located on the east coast of India. Known best for its temples Mahabalipuram is also a great place to find rock cut caves and a thriving stone sculpture industry. The best time to visit is between December and march when the weather is cool and dry. Just be careful swimming as the currents here can be especially strong.

Visit the Taj Mahal

Although in recent years it has become obvious that the pollution and natural wear and tear have had a toll on this magnificent piece of architecture. I think that it is especially important to see this great monument before it is too late. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Since 1983, the Taj Mahal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site but heavy tourist traffic as well as contaminants in the air around the Taj have been slowly deteriorating the enormous structure. The Indian people have petitioned several times for more stringent conservation of this monument and hopefully the Indian government will soon act upon their wishes.

Visit Goa

Handling about 12% of India's tourism, Goa can get a bit crowded during the winter and summer months but for good reason. India's smallest state is also one of its most affordable. You can eat with $10 a day and often find lodging for similar prices. The combination of a laid back lifestyle and a carnival-esque night life is encapsulated in Goa's beautiful beaches and vibrant night markets as well as hot spots like club nine.

The Palace on wheels

For those of you looking for an all inclusive package "cruise" through India. Palace on Wheels offers tours ranging in price from $2300 to $4700 (from 8 to 10 days.) Travel in air conditioned comfort through India to many sights like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, and Bharatpur. The company offers a variety of cruise experiences by land, water, and air. Many travelers prefer a more rugged experience but for some people creature comfort is the way to go. Palace tours caters to this crowd. They structure your visit and take care of your food, housing, and transportation. In some places the itinerary sounds a lot like a guided tour but at other times it seems that you would have the opportunity to explore on your own. Either way it's a great way to get a lot of sightseeing done in a small amount of time.

Visit the golden temple of Amritsar

Originally located on a small peaceful lake in the middle of a forest the golden temple has transformed the surrounding landscape into a bustling city. However in the center of the lake still stands the great and peaceful temple. Shining brightly in the sun and serving as a holy meditation retreat for centuries. It is believed that the Buddha once meditated there and was followed by many other spiritual gurus. The temple itself has been destroyed on more than one occasion and each time was built back up, even more beautifully, by the Sikhs.

Whatever you do in India don't be afraid. It's a completely different place and each nation state has its own character and its own traditions. Try everything you can, within reason, and remember to make the best out of every situation. Have respect for the land, the people, and the traditions of the culture you are visiting. Make friends and keep your eyes and ears open for great deals on transportation and lodging. You're sure to have a great (and affordable) time travelling abroad in India.