10 Reasons why India should be on your travel list in 2017

MF editorial team 27 Oct 2016 updated the 16 January 2017 à 10:58

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Experience the Festival of Colours
If entering a crazy dust storm of bright rainbow colours sounds like the perfect way to start an otherworldly holiday in a place far from home, head to India in the springtime and celebrate the passing of the winter season.
Holi, known all over the world as the famous “Festival of Colours”, is perhaps the ultimate reason why you should visit the country during the month of March. Turn your face and body into a giant canvas for the most vibrant shades imaginable, as the people in the city sling whimsically coloured powder and water at each other and dance under water sprinklers. It is a visual spectacle not to be missed.
We recommend taking a trip to Delhi or Jaipur to experience this stunning once-in-a-lifetime occasion. In 2017, Holi will fall on 13 March.
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Marvel at the architecture in Hyderabad
India may be a single country, but it is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Religion plays an instrinsic part in lives of the Indian people. In fact, most aren't aware that the subcontinent is where 4 of the world's major religions were born: Hindism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. From temples to mosques to mandirs, there are plenty of imposing architectural marvels to see in India.
The Charminar in Hyderabad, one of the most iconic structure in the country, should make it onto your bucket list of monuments to visit, as well as the massive and intricately designed Swaminaryan Akshardham complex in New Dehli (pictured), which doubles as a hindu house of whorship as well as cultural campus dedicated to devotion , harmony, and learning. You'll find that is stands as one of the most impressive structures in all India.
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Explore the unique port city of Kochi
Kochi, located in the southwestern coastal state of Kerala, has long established itself as a port for more than 600 years.
One of the most unusual sights in Kochi are the traditional Chinese fishing nets installed over the water at Fort Kochi. These fixed hammock-like nets are almost 10 metres in height and their huge mechanisms are held up by teak and bamboo poles. They are truly a sight to behold over the calm waters of the sea at sunset.
Legend has it that the unusual method of fishing was introduced by Chinese explorers, which is not entirely impossible as China is located around 5,000 kilometres from the city and Kochi’s status as an important trading port has attracted seafarers near and far for centuries.
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Visit the old towns around Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli sits in the centre of Tamil Nadu. It is home to the Srirangam Island, which is surrounded by the River Kaveri, and features the magnificently sculpted Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the biggest Hindu temple in the world, which boasts 21 towers.
Visitors to Tiruchirappalli should also take eye-opening day trips out to explore the surrounding areas. Historical Thanjavur, just 60 kilometres away, draws many visitors because of the great Brahadeeswara Temple, built in 1011 AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Today, the predominantly agricultural district is incredibly diverse in its population, with a melting pot of different religions and cultures coexisting together.
45 kilometres from Tiruchirappalli is Pudukkottai, which was once a kingdom and subsequently a princely state of British India from 1680 to 1948. The district of Pudukkottai is quite famous for its carvings and paintings that date back many centuries.
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Go on the ultimate road trip
Can’t quite decide on which city to visit? Why not experience the best of both worlds and go on an ultimate road trip between two! Though India has a reputation for its hectic traffic and lack of road rules, a lot of roads are actually surprisingly easy to travel along.
For a quick one-day drive, fly into Bangalore and make your way to the beautiful Bandipur forest. The charming route is only 5 hours long, and you even have the chance to spot some deer nonchalantly crossing the road! If you’re after something a bit longer, escape the heat of Chennai and head 600km to Munnar, a beautiful hill station with rolling tea plantations and perfect temperatures.
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Rediscover your spiritual self
Travellers seeking to become one with their spiritual side have been visiting India for years, banking on the country’s rich wisdom of ancient practices like yoga and meditation. If work stress has been getting you down recently, perhaps it’s time you did the same! India has an abundance of spiritual retreats perfect for peace-seekers from abroad, that cover everything from disciplined meditation, yoga, and philosophy courses at spiritual centres to simple rest and relaxation programmes at luxury spas.
For a perfect yoga holiday, head to Goa and visit Ashiyana, a beautiful riverside retreat focusing on yoga, holistic therapies, and nutritious food. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, Shreyas in Bangalore is for you, with relaxing and revitalising Ayurveda retreat programs.
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Ride the trams in Kolkata
Surprisingly, the tram system in Kolkata is the one and only tram network still operating in India today. Running since 1902, it is also the oldest operating electric tram network in all of Asia. Don’t worry, the trams are perfectly safe and very affordable. Most importantly, they play a huge part in the city’s heritage.
There are many different types of trams you can catch a ride from, including old-style double-coach trams on the south Kolkata routes, as well as faster and more efficient air-conditioned single-coach trams. Whichever tram you decide to hop on, you’ll be fascinated by the bright and vibrant colours that many of these public coaches are painted.
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Visit a wildlife sanctuary
Speaking of wildlife, one simply cannot visit India without catching sight of its national animal, the Bengal tiger. As the tiger is unfortunately endangered, one of the best (and of course safest!) ways to see it is in a wildlife sanctuary, and the Ranthambore National Park is the perfect choice. Located about 3 hours from Jaipur (just a short flight from Kolkata), the park offers both safaris and lodge stays, allowing you to get up close and personal with the tigers, as well as leopards, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, and even hyenas!
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Visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya
Associated with spiritual imagery of pilgrims and worshippers, Bodhgaya is perhaps the most revered out of all Buddhist sacred sites. Located just under 500 kilometres from Kolkata, Bodhgaya is home to the most famous Buddhist temple India: the Mahabodhi Vihar ("Great Enlightenment Temple”). Immediately recognisable for its striking central tower that stands at 54 metres, the beautiful and intricate architecture of the temple is a sight to behold.
Many Buddha statues are seen throughout the temple grounds, some of which are several centuries old. Inside the temple sits a large statue of the Buddha covered in vibrant gold and bright orange robes, maintaining a posture of supreme enlightenment.
Right next to the magnificent Mahabodhi temple is the Bodhi Tree, which is said to have descended from the very tree that the Buddha attained enlightenment under. With such spiritual and historical splendour, Bodhgaya is truly worth a visit to experience the sheer ancient beauty of the sacred Mahabodhi temple and its grounds.
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Check out the world’s fastest growing cities
India is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse of the modern world in all things tech, engineering, and finance. With a GDP growth set to surpass China in the years to come, it’s no surprise that many cities in India are rapidly growing and evolving, resulting in a beautiful balance of new and old, tradition and modernity. This is best seen in the interesting blend of architecture in cities like Bangalore and Gandhinagar. Hypermodern towering skyscrapers sit alongside magnificent temples, while office workers go between their favourite street vendors and air-conditioned office blocks.

If India isn’t already number one on your bucket list, perhaps we’ll be able to convince you to put it there.

For even the most seasoned traveller, stepping into the mystical realm of India can be a truly eye-opening experience. Outside of the comfort of your hotel room is a veritable feast of art, music, food, religion, sights, and amazing people. From simply munching on a kachori bought from a friendly Kolkatan street vendor, to dancing through the streets of Delhi and getting covered in an abundance of vibrant colours in one of the world’s largest religious celebrations, everything you do in India is a reflection of the country’s incredible diversity.

With its popularity as a tourist destination growing, especially amongst adventure-seekers looking to find an out-of-this-world experience, or amongst the more open-minded wanderers wanting to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, India is the one place on the planet that offers everything a traveller could dream of.

If you’re still on the edge of deciding whether to visit this vibrant country, we invite you to head up to the gallery above to check out our top 10 reasons why you should book a trip to India in 2017.

Spice up your 2017 (literally), and book your tickets out of here

From partaking in the joy and laughter during the much-anticipated Holi festivities during spring, to hitting the snowbanks of the mountains up north in winter, there is always something to inspire awe in this South Asian country no matter what the season.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, you’re in luck. AirAsia flies out to plenty of locations in India. Need to get to the capital city of New Delhi? No problem. Thinking of heading west to explore the coastal areas of Kochi? Certainly! Interested in trying South India’s cuisine? AirAsia can bring you straight to Chennai in Tamil Nadu. With a handful of other convenient cities to fly into from Malaysia, it’s about time to head over to airasia.com and plan the trip of a lifetime.

This post was brought to you by AirAsia.

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10 Reasons why India should be on your travel list in 2017

Spice up your 2017 (literally), and book your tickets out of here

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