For the longest time ever, India has intrigued me with her vibrant colours and interesting cultures. While working in H.I.S. (Singapore) Travel Pte Ltd during 2009, I had the good fortune to explore and market India as a travel destination. What ensues was a greater fascination in the world’s 2nd most populous country and after 2 years, I finally visited North India.

(Picture credits from Wikipedia.org)

In spite of relentless teasing from family and friends who warned of dangerous street slums, overpowering human perfume and the potential of developing a curry-infused skin, I (and 3 other friends) forged on happily with a gung-ho spirit.

We were charmed!

Overruling petty misconceptions of this beautiful country, I am happy to tell you that 1. I did not develop a curry-infused skin despite an over-consumption of the tasty dish 2. the streets are not as dangerous as long as one remains mindful of your environment 3. the “human” perfume did not really register – mainly due to fragrance of animals that roam freely on streets. 😀

(Shepherd in Jodphur dated Sept 2011)

And I would love to share my exciting scary wonderful experiences of walking into the sunset atop a camel (wondering if I will fall to death), literally doing a flying stunt off an impatient train (not unlike wonder woman but less graceful), sailing along the very Holy Granges River, enjoying the very therapeutical Ayurvedic spa session that transformed us into hysterical walking jasmines  with not-so-therapeutic oily hair flattened to scalp, indulgence living on a luxury houseboat and getting reacquainted with peace as I watched the sunrise with the Himalayan mountains as a backdrop… and so much more! But it would probably be more fun for you to experience it.

I have complied a list – 05 Things That I Appreciate About India, along with some useful information that might come in handy. Do click on the following and happy exploring!

From Me to You:
A Simple Reference Guide For Your Travel In India

• 05 Things That I Appreciate About India
• 09 Must-Know Travel Tips To Enjoy Your India Trip)
• Experience North India in 13 Days (PDF Itinerary by KaZ)
  (Involving 6 cities & 2 towns in 4 states by plane, rail, car and boat travel!)
• Personal List of Things to Bring When Travelling To India (PDF)
  (Includes free space for you to add additional items!)

Last but not least, do forgo all negativity and visit with an open mind if you have chosen India as your travel destination. With her architectural wonders that can rival the Pisa, breath-taking landscapes that would make a photographer weep with joy and beautiful people (most of them anyway) with traditional values, India has so much to offer.