Let’s talk about the reasons to visit India. Because India is a destination that constantly draws us back. Our family has been back a further six times since our very first trip – making it a total of seven times we have travelled through this incredible country together as a family!
But long before Gavin and I were navigating India with our boys, I first experienced its magic as a young backpacker travelling with my sister. I still have distinct, vivid memories of our rugged, bumping overnight bus trip all the way from Siliguri down to Kolkata.
At the time, it felt like an endless, exhausting test of endurance (or madness?). But those are exactly the kinds of travel stories we laugh about now and look back on as the most memorable of memories.
The biggest secret to enjoying India is simple: you have to surrender to it. You cannot fight that chaos, and you can’t force a rigid plan. India is a place where you must learn to just accept your surroundings, go with the flow, and let it – the madness – carry you. Once you lean into it, you realise it is one of the most rewarding places on the planet.
So, if you are on the fence about booking a ticket, here are 10 undeniable reasons why you need to experience the magic of India for yourself.
1. The World-Famous Destinations
There are certain sights on this planet that you simply have to see with your own eyes, and India is home to some of the most famous destinations in the world!
Standing before the white marble of the Taj Mahal in Agra as the morning fog clears is a genuine bucket-list moment. It is every bit as breathtaking (and foggy) and monumental as you have imagined.
This has got to be the most famous of reasons to visit India, right?
2. The Learning and Ancient Culture
A huge part of travel and what makes it so special (and addictive!) is the learning. India is as colourfully exciting as it is cultural – and there is a heck of a lot of learning to visit India!
The spiritual depth of India is completely woven into the fabric of daily life. Even as a traveller you can see it all. From the mesmerising nightly Aarti fire ceremonies along the holy Ganges River in Varanasi to the quiet, inclusive service inside Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the country offers a deep cultural immersion.
And while travelling in India isn’t an easy holiday. It forces you to slow down and witness traditions that have survived beautifully intact for thousands of years. Enjoy!
3. The Living History
Unlike western historical sites that are entirely cordoned off behind velvet ropes, history in India is raw and accessible. Every corner of India tells a story of empires, dynasties, and maharanas.
You can wander through ancient, abandoned royal cities, explore underground stepwells, and step inside structures that have truly stood the test of time.
4. The Incredible (and Mind-Boggling) Architecture
The sheer scale of Indian craftsmanship is staggering. Then, coming from a relatively young New Zealand this is even more massive. Here the landscape is dotted with intricately carved stone forts and stunning, multi-story havelis (heritage mansions) decorated with exquisite frescoes, lattice screens, and colourful stained glass.
Cities like Udaipur and Jaisalmer showcase a level of architectural detail that will leave your camera roll completely full! (Trust me!).
5. The Iconic Indian Cities
Few countries offer the dramatic geographic and structural diversity that India does.
You can dive into the hyper-modern, high-energy colonial streets of Mumbai or navigate the historic monument lanes of Delhi with your camera keenly. Then beyond the mega cities you’ve got the famous blue alleyways of Jodhpur (the Blue City), or the deep sands of the Thar desert and then more.
Much more!
Each destination to visit India feels almost like an entirely independent nation with its own distinct identity.
6. The Desert and Wildlife Safaris
As busy as the country is, India isn’t just about bustling city streets; it is also home to incredible natural wilderness.
It seems a far cry from the megacity streets of iconic India doesn’t it?!
But you can venture out into the vast, rolling dunes of the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer to ride camels into the sunset and sleep under the stars. Or if you prefer wildlife, heading into the jungles gives you a chance to track wild Bengal tigers on an authentic safari.
7. Ride Around in a Local Auto-Rickshaw
Forget standard tour buses – the absolute best way to experience and visit India is from the open cabin of a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk).
Zipping through tight bazaar gaps, playing chicken with oncoming traffic, and hearing the roar of the engine is an absolute thrill ride! It is cheap, highly entertaining, and provides a front-row seat to the local street life.
8. The Vibrant Clothes
I think this is one of my (obviously) favourite things about a visit to India! As soon as we arrive I am making plans for a market dash for the colours!
India is a country draped in colour, largely thanks to its spectacular textiles. Watching the local women move gracefully through dusty streets in bright pink, orange, and all colours of saris is visually mesmerising.
Buying and wearing local styles – like a loose, comfortable cotton kurti – is a fantastic way to beat the heat, show respect for the culture, and add a burst of colour to your wardrobe (and epic travel photos!).
9. The Sensory Explosion
The famous chaos of India is a total assault on the senses. But in the absolute best way possible!
I love India for its chaos. It is like a brilliant symphony of sound, movement, and colour. There isn’t really any other way to describe it.
It is intense and energetic – and exciting!
10. The People
By far, the number one reason to visit India is its people. The local hospitality is legendary.
Throughout our seven visits across Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, and beyond, we have been invited into the family homes of complete strangers for home-cooked meals, hot cups of chai, and genuine conversation.
These humbling, heartfelt connections are the kind of raw, authentic travel experiences that you simply can never find on a sterile, pre-packaged travel tour.
Visit India
India will challenge you and surprise you. There is no doubt about it. But it is the place that travellers just like us – and you – have been coming back to for decades.
My advice? Stop overthinking it, embrace the beautiful chaos, visit India and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Read More India Inspiration
- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning any more reasons to visit India!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
