INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH
INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH
The Federal Republic of India is a country in South Asia and its capital is New Delhi. It is the world’s seventh-largest country, by area, and the world’s most populous, with over 1,461 billion people (recorded in 2025). India borders, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is a unique country with vibrant colours, exotic spices, rich history and culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, India has a secular, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society. Its religious composition is as follows; 80% Hindus, 14 % Muslims, over 4% Christians, over 1% Shikhs, and Buddhists, Judaism, Zoroastrian, and Jain in the minority. Therefore, it is a multi-religious society that celebrates festivals and holidays of various religions. To date, India’s biggest exports are petroleum products, followed by gems, jewellery, textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, chemicals, cars, and tea. However, their export list is endless with other products including leather, cotton products, rice, wheat, jute, etc. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to India, the most populated country on earth.
❤❤ Condolences❤❤
❤❤ I wish to pay respects to my dearest Mother and my “bestest” and no. 1 friend and confidant, critic, commenter, first to read my blogs and books, and 100% gentleman Joel Dessaints (Canada). Jay, I wish that wherever you are, you are reading one last time. Rest in Peace to you both!! (They both passed away just before their birthdays). I am still trying to recover, so please give me space and time…hence why I didn’t mention this before. My writing is my only coping mechanism at this time. THANKS!! ❤❤
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APPLYING ONLINE FOR AN INDIAN E-VISA
Applying for an Indian e-Visa was quite straightforward. If your country qualifies to apply for an e-visa, visit the official India visa website and complete the online application form. Please note; that the first step is to make an account using your email address, and then wait for an automatic email verification response. Once received, you can begin completing the online visa form. To proceed, you must submit a passport-size photo (no more than six months old), scanned copies of your biometric page in your passport, confirmed hotel booking, and other documents stipulated.
However, unlike other countries, some documents are required in PDF format only and others in Jpeg/Jpg. Not only that, but most importantly Do not apply for the visa months in advance, (especially for a single-entry visa, which is actually a double-entry visa). Because the visa date is based on the application date and not the time of your arrival in the country, and is valid for only 30 days. Consequently,, if you don’t arrive in the country within these 30 days, the visa will expire and be null and void. For this reason, I suggest applying for the visa a maximum of 21 days before your travel (I applied for it only 10 days before my arrival date). Therefore, do your necessary research regarding it.
Further, to complete the process, you pay via credit card and wait 3 – 5 business days for a response. Once successful, they will email you a soft copy of the visa. You then print it to present at the airline’s check-in before being allowed to board the aircraft.
ARRIVAL AT THE INDIRA GANDHI INT’L AIRPORT - NEW DELHI, INDIA
Delhi is so big that the plane flew over it for about an hour before landing. As soon as the plane landed at around 6:00 am at the Indira Gandhi International Airport I got a slight smell of the air quality, although I was wearing a mask. As I exited the plane to enter the airport bus, the polluted air wafted across my nose and as I looked around the airport, some of the airplanes were barely visible through this thick fog/smog…it was the infamous Smog I heard about.
Then they shuttled all passengers to the airport arrival gate on a very long drive, it seemed like the bus was driving us to the city….haha, because the airport is that big. On entering the airport, the slight foul air was for sure present. However, looking around, my senses were now focused on sight and not smell. I was quite impressed by the size, cleanliness, and aesthetics of India’s modern airport. Moreover, they proudly displayed multiple signs of “South Asia’s BEST AIRPORT a 6th Consecutive Year”, throughout the airport.
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However, before proceeding to immigration, all passengers must stand at a long counter and complete the declaration form, so have a pen ready. On reaching the huge Immigration section, I found an almost filled-to-capacity scene of many travellers. That day, many flights arrived simultaneously, because on my second visit to India, it was the opposite. The queues for the immigration and Visa lines were unending, super-long, and maze-like.
Furthermore, I had to take a breath, observe the layout of the lines, read, and then follow instructions to the appropriate line. Notwithstanding, airport officials were on hand to assist if anyone needed it. Besides, the lines on the floor were labelled, coloured-coded, and had arrows indicating where you should go according to your visa status.
There were lines for e-Visa (purple line with arrows leading you further down the airport). Additionally, there were separate lines for citizens, those who acquired visas at embassies, visa on arrival, visa-free entrants, and also citizens of SAARC countries. The visa/immigration section was well-structured and well-organized. However, at first glance, I mentally prepared to spend a couple of hours there, but it was not to be. Thankfully, when I found my line it had less than 30 people, and it went quickly and smoothly.
On approaching the immigration officer, I used some tact and my first words to the male officer were “Greetings from the West Indies and Brian Lara. Pollard, and Bravo” He looked at my passport cover, smiled, and replied “Yes we love the West Indies and the great Brian Lara…all good cricketers” I did this before he opened my passport because it contained the temporary visa from Pakistan (their Adversary nation). Not only this but I observed that three persons from my line didn’t go through the exit gate but were instead sent to another counter in the airport.
One must remember, according to their correspondence, that granting you a visa does not guarantee you entry into India. Additionally from my previous visit to Azerbaijan – the land of fire, and then Armenia last year, I didn’t want the same 40-minute “song and dance” I had to endure in Armenia before being allowed entry due to my visit to Azerbaijan (their Adversary).
Continuing, I handed him my visa and a copy of my hotel booking, but he only looked at the visa. He never asked for insurance, a yellow fever vaccine card, or a show of funds. He flipped through the passport but to my amazement, he never asked anything about Pakistan or any other questions. Instead, he stamped my passport with a temporary visa, with a smile said, “Welcome to India” and returned my documents and I left. He was quite pleasant.
It was then on to the luggage pick-up area which was big and modern, with many free carts, and labelled carousels, according to airlines. Therefore, it was a quick luggage pick up and out of the airport in less than 40 minutes. It is truly India’s and South Asia’s busiest airport because it not only handles passengers but also cargo.
DEPARTING THE INDIRA GANDHI INT’L AIRPORT - NEW DELHI
When departing India at the Indira Gandhi International all passengers must have a soft or hard copy of their flight reservation. To gain entrance to the departure area of the airport, you must present said document to officers at the departure entrance door. He/she will thoroughly check the information on the paper or phone before you can enter the building.
Once inside you check in to your airline and then proceed to immigration. However, before reaching the immigration area, all hand luggage, coats, etc. were CT scanned before proceeding. Thereafter, you proceed to T.S.A. for luggage screening and baggage check. Thankfully, it was not a requirement for passengers to discard their bottled water neither or remove their jackets. However, there were booths for women for private pat-down then exit to your gate. It was all a very smooth and quick process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE: THE DEPARTURE AREA AT THE INDIRA GANDHI INT’L AIRPORT - INDIA...
This is valuable information for all travellers: Once you enter the departure area, they will not allow you to exit the terminal, unless you are accompanied by an airport official. Therefore it must be for a good reason you might want to do this. I met one young lady, who thought that after checking in she could head back out or go to the storage area to store items for her return to India, but was disallowed.
Furthermore, airport officials will not let you enter the departure area more than six hours before your flight. Unlike most airports where travellers and non-travellers can enter the departure or airline check-in area at any time. Pakistan and India are two countries, that I am aware of, that disallow non-travellers inside the doors of their airports. As a result, if you have a connecting flight at this airport with another airline and your layover is more than six hours, it is best to sit inside the arrival hall or at a restaurant and wait this time.
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Because once you exit, you cannot re-enter, nor can you enter and wait in the departure area until check-in time. When your 6-hour’ timeframe is up, you exit the arrivals area to outside the airport, walk less than five minutes to your right, and take an elevator/escalator to the outside departure area. From there, you join the line, show your flight reservations to the officer at the entrance, then you can enter.
Lesson learned, because I along with some other first-time visitors, had to endure being 5 degrees Celsius temperature at night, at a restaurant, for four hours or more until the stipulated timeframe to re-enter the airport departure area. Take heed, because if it is winter or summer, you will be stuck outside the airport (in the covered open area), or have to find a restaurant and spend, just to stay warm or cool (depending on the time of year) until such time to enter the Departures.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO/FROM THE AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN NEW DELHI
From/to the Indira Gandhi International Airport to downtown the city takes approximately 25 – 60 minutes, depending on the traffic, means of transport, and location of your accommodation. Getting to the city center by taxi costs around $6.00 – $8.00 USD with an airport taxi, the booth is located straight ahead to the left after exiting Arrivals. There is also public transport; the airport bus $1.00 USD (40 – 60 minutes ride), and the Airport Express metro ($1.50 USD), which takes about 15- 20 minutes. The ride-sharing apps Uber and Ola, are also available at the airport and throughout the city.
ABOUT THE CITY OF NEW DELHI, INDIA
New Delhi/Delhi is the political hub and capital of India, with a population of almost 34 million people. To clarify: the Megacity of Delhi comprises two components; New Delhi, which forms a small district in the south, and as previously mentioned, the capital, and Old Delhi is the historic city in the north, all in the national capital territory of India. However, New Delhi is a more upscale part of the city, compared to the older parts of Delhi. The territory of Delhi consists of many historical monuments, marketplaces, mosques, temples, tourist attractions, and excellent restaurants. Additionally, it is an appealing shopping destination for variety and prices and caters not only to budget shoppers but also to the high-end crowd.
Delhi is a great historical,, commercial, transport, and cultural center of India. The hottest months in Delhi are between the endings of May to August, with average temperatures maxing 40 to 52 degrees Celsius (like in 2024). Further, the coldest months in Delhi are November to February with average temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius (day) and 4 degrees Celsius (night). If you are searching for a lively city, with character, adventure, nightlife, charisma, good food, drama, and lots of honking of horns, then Delhi is the place to be.
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Now let’s get to my true experience in Delhi. Not to offend, but I can honestly say that India/Delhi was the first city/country, I have visited and wanted to leave the same day…seriously. What’s my reason for the statement? Well, I have been to countries with vehicular noise pollution, and even some that smelled, but in Delhi, the first day I wanted to run, especially with my sinus issues. Although, I was well-prepared with my (#Ad) travel air purifier, masks, and (#Ad) nasal filters, which I wore religiously, for the entire stay. (In all my photos I wore my nasal filters and removed my mask only for my photos).
However, on the first day of arrival, it was all too much for me especially arriving from Uzbekistan – the country in the heart of Central Asia, a super-clean, smog-free country with cleaner, less-polluted air. The constant honking of horns, being barely able to breathe, and watery eyes, were overwhelming. Before arriving in Delhi I saw online and on the news that the AQI (Air Quality Index), was almost 500 (keep in mind a moderately normal…not good, air quality is 51 – 100, and hazardous is 500 and above). When I arrived, thankfully, but not thankfully, the AQI was a little above 300 “Unhealthy level”. The cold temperature which was around 10 degrees Celsius or so, and the fog, mixed with air pollutants to form a toxic smog, which gave the city a smokey-like appearance. This can be seen in some of my photos (they look blurry but it’s actually smog). However, by the second day, I started to see the potential of Delhi despite the smell and smog.
Continuing, most parts of the city, especially Old Delhi do not have sidewalks, some parts yes, but for the motorbikes, every clear area is a public roadway. Therefore you can expect to compete with them for foot space. Similarly, every “nook and cranny” is a public road not only for them but also for the Tuk Tuk, which are motorised vehicles. They used up every square inch of space in the city providing it is flat enough to drive. Therefore, if you can cross the road in Delhi you can anywhere else worldwide. I thought Vietnam and the Philippines were risky, but welcome to Delhi…no one ever stops…cross at your own risk…quickly….or lose a leg…haha. Eventually, it became a fun thing to cross the streets in Delhi.
Picture this; locals and some giggling visitors, like myself, huddled together crossing the road, and one or two with their hands outstretched as if stopping traffic. However, you need to keep moving, because the vehicles hardly ever stop but instead drive around you. I always found myself at the furthest end of the line in case of an impact. Furthermore, with bumper-to-bumper traffic, any severities would have been unlikely. I can only imagine the stress and chaos it causes in Delhi during the monsoon season or the height of the summer. Okay so that was my “soapbox moment.”
Nevertheless, Delhi, India is the first city/country I have visited during the low travel season, where I have seen so many tourists. Every site I visited was almost always packed with visitors, except the Indira Gandhi Memorial Site. A few of them were filled, with lines so long that I turned around and left…and that’s after commuting more than an hour to reach them. Because Delhi is a HUGE city. One local remarked that Delhi does not have high and low travel season, it always has visitors.
Similarly, flying over Delhi took about an hour before landing at the airport. Agreeably, from the airport to the many visitors on the streets, I can see why New Delhi, India is a very popular tourist hub. Despite what many who have not visited, might think, know that it is on the top 20 list of most popular tourist destinations. Not good news for those who think that it is a dump and no one goes to India…from what I saw it is a BIG tourism-earner because just about every site I went I had to pay.
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Walking the streets of Old Delhi, it was almost impossible to find a supermarket, but there were numerous hotels, pharmacies, money exchange cambios, and restaurants, practically every 10 feet. Unfortunately, the city had many dirty, garbage-filled streets, especially in the old part of Delhi. Even though New Delhi is more upscale and somewhat cleaner, I still would not classify it as clean. However, the further you drive away from downtown, you will find cleaner streets, with a less-putrid smell.
Someone reading this might think, “Hell no!” I will not go there, but Delhi grows on you. It is a lively, city, full of delicious foods (no I didn’t get food poisoning or any food-related illnesses), festive nightlife, plenty of transport options, and lots of visitors from all over the world. Even when I left Delhi, I missed it, of course minus the polluted air. However, I would not suggest Delhi for the first-time traveller, or those vacationers looking for the next “Instagram moment”. However, for those craving diverse cultures, history, excitement, and thrill, or the seasoned traveller, New Delhi, India is a definite must-visit city.
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MY EXPERIENCE RIDING THE TRAIN IN NEW DELHI, INDIA
As I always say, do not believe everything you see on television. Often on social media, we see images of dirty street foods, with arms and legs being washed in the food ..ha-ha. Contrarily, I observed many street food vendors (hawkers) and they practiced proper food safety and some even wearing gloves. Similarly, on the internet, we see jaw-dropping scenes of people crammed inside, on top, and hanging on to the sides of the trains. I am not disputing that some of it does not occur, but somewhat over exaggerated, but some people believe this is the norm throughout India. Nonetheless, my experience was quite the opposite and left me gushing and pleasantly surprised.
Yes, many of the trains looked old outside but my experience regarding the service on the train was EXCELLENT, with a rating of 5*. When I took the train to another city called Agra, I was prepared to hang on to a bar for the journey or be crammed in with others. However, I experienced no such thing, it was on schedule and the service was better than on many airlines: As I arrived on the train (second class), I observed the seats were clean and very spacious. As the train took off, all passengers received bottled water, followed by fruits, then the main course of a meal, snack, and mouth refresher. I couldn’t believe I was in a second-class cabin on a train in India. The workers and servers were very pleasant and attentive and made the journey smooth and enjoyable. The train had a very washroom, and meals were quite tasty and plentiful.
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Tips and Fun Facts about India
- The languages spoken – Hindi (the official language), Bengali, Assamese, English (minimal), and about 23 others.
- Official currency – Indian Rupees (INR).
1 USD = 84.03 INR
1 Euro = 91.29 INR
1 GBP = 109.22 INR
- India is the largest producer of films worldwide. By 1986, India’s annual film output had increased from 741 annual produced films to 833. Additionally, it boasts the second-oldest film industry (second to Hollywood, U.S.A.), and at the forefront of the cinematic landscape is Bollywood in Mumbai.
- The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a fascinating wonder and mystery that seemingly defies gravity. This hill is located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway. It creates an optical illusion, making vehicles look like they are rolling uphill without power against gravity even though they are going downhill. It is a popular tourist attraction and many flock to see this phenomenon.
- The Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the top 10 busiest airports worldwide.
- The world’s tallest statue, at 597 feet (182 m), is the Statue of Unity in the town of Kevadia, in the province of Gujarat, India. It is almost three times the height of the Statue of Liberty in the U.S.A.
- India was the first country to discover and mine diamonds in the 4th century BC. The earliest diamond-producing mines were in the Golconda or Godavari Delta Region in Andhra Pradesh.
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- Varanasi in India, is one of the oldest inhabited places on earth. It dates back to the 11th century BC and has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years.
- The Khardung-La Bailey Bridge located in the Ladhak Valley between the Suru River and Dras River in India, is the highest-altitude road bridge in the world. It is a staggering 18,380-foot (5,602 meter) pre-fabricated Baileys Bridge, constructed in 1982.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the third-unhealthiest air quality in the world. (Hence the reason I travelled with my (#Ad) wearable mini Travel Air Purifier and (#Ad) almost invisible Reusable Nasal Filter).
- India has the second-largest population of English speakers worldwide (129 million), U.S.A. takes the top spot.
- The wettest inhabited area/place on earth is Mawsynram – a town in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya in North-eastern India. It reportedly receives an annual average of 11,872 millimetres of rainfall (467.4 inches).
- India is home to the only floating post office worldwide. The post office sits on a houseboat on the Dal Lake in Kashmir, serves the community, and is also a tourist attraction.
- The first and only female prime minister in India was assassinated. Indira Gandhi, the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (not the daughter of Mahatma Gandhi as some might think), was assassinated while still in office in 1984.
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India - the Most Populated Country on Earth Cont...
- Cows are sacred in India… FYI for the beef-eating steak lovers….don’t expect to find it on the menu in India. Leave your bags of beef jerky at home also, out of respect when travelling to India.
- India is third in the world for the most billionaires behind the United States of America and China.
- The game Chess (formerly known as Chaturanga), originated in India during the Gupta Dynasty in the 6th Consequently, it spread to Persia, and today it is played in more than 175 countries.
- In terms of purchasing power, India is the third-largest economy worldwide.
- India’s national is the peacock. Additionally, its national animal is the Bengal tiger which was adopted as India’s symbolic animal in 1972.
- Hinduism, India’s main religion, is the world’s oldest religion and dates back over 4000 years.
- The University of Nalanda is the world’s first completely residential international university. It is in India and was established in the 5th century AD in the historical city of Rajgir in Bihar.
- More than 75% of the world’s tiger population is in India, making it the tiger capital of the world.
- The Rupee (India’s currency) is a closed currency. It means you cannot purchase it outside India at any money exchange. Additionally, if you exit the country with it (which they discourage) you will have to discard it because not even the banks will accept it. This approach is for the government to have better control over the currency’s value and stability.
- India is the “Outsourcing capital” of the world. Approximately 67% of the world’s outsourcing is done in India. Moreover, the Indian IT industry is valued at USD 150 billion.
- The world’s biggest cricket stadium is in Gujarat, India. The Narendra Modi Stadium (originally the Motera Stadium), named in honour of the current Prime minister, has a seating capacity of 132,000 patrons.
- India produces 75% of the world’s spices. Furthermore, Khari Baoli in Delhi, India, is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. It has been operational since the 17th century and is named after the street on which it is located.
- Shampoo (called Champu) was invented in the Indus Valley civilization in India during the 16th It was first made with gooseberry (Amla), flowers, and other herbs.
- Pakistan is India’s biggest enemy and vice versa because of the disputed Kashmir region. (Kashmir typically refers to the mountainous region straddling India and Pakistan’s border). So if you previously travelled to India, prepare to face some third-degree questioning on entry.
- Jantar Mantar is one of the oldest astronomical observatories worldwide, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features the world’s largest and oldest Sundial, built in 1734 in the heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
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ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF INDIA
Indians are very respectful and humble people. It’s the first thing noticeable thing about them. No matter how long they know you, whether you are older or younger than they are, they will afford you full respect. If you are a woman expect to hear “Ma’am” or “Madam” a lot. They are also hospitable, stare at their visitors…but not too intense, and are very helpful. I have had too many instances where the locals were delighted to assist at the airport, or even in the street without being asked, and without expecting money in return. Almost everywhere I went, the locals were friendly, and very courteous, especially the staff at my hotel.
The locals were always curious about where I came from and loved it even more when I told them about the Caribbean which they knew as the West Indies. Most also learned that the West Indies is not a country but a Region. Of course, they all felt happy meeting someone from the region/country of some of their favourite cricket stars. Moreover, the younger Indians love Nicholas Pooran the most and of course, Brian Lara. Their other favourites are Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and Kieron Pollard (for those unfamiliar with these names, they are sportsmen in the sport called Cricket). Indians remind me of the people of our region, they are non-pretentious and live life as it comes. They are a cosmopolitan mixture of people of various religions and beliefs living together in harmony and respecting each other’s differences.
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However, one thing I didn’t like was the sight of so many child beggars. From what I observed, 90% of the beggars were children and women, with children in the majority (even during school hours). On the other hand, I don’t know if it’s tactics but many of the men dressed as women with makeup, and begged at intersections where there were traffic jams. Moreover, their style of begging was like no other. They relentlessly tapped on the glass of your vehicle or if the glass is down, pushed their hand in front of you and will not withdraw it until you give or drive off. The children, on the other hand, repeatedly said the same words and even touched you until you gave to them. However, the sad part is, that as soon as you give to them, many others will encompass you. This caused many visitors, including myself, to reluctantly and or inconspicuously give.
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SAFETY AND SECURITY IN INDIA
I had no issues regarding my personal safety or security in India. I was advised to hold my handbag tightly to my body or in front of me, which I did not always do. Furthermore, I did not hear, or witness any incidents of bag-snatching in the city, despite it having many beggars. Additionally, I observed that at many of the stores, and food chain restaurants there were no security guards, and this for me is a good indicator that criminal activities might be somewhat low.
As a female solo traveller, I walked day and night along some seedy-looking streets undeterred. During my stay, I experienced no pickpockets or petty crimes and heard of no robberies or other criminal activities. Further observation, revealed the absence of police on the streets. Yes, there were many metal barriers alongside the roads that read “Delhi Police,” but no police were in sight. Nonetheless, the safety of visitors and locals seemed to have been met.
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HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Prices for everything in Delhi, India were inexpensive. It is sure to make it on my list of the cheapest countries worldwide to visit. The meals, accommodation, and all public transportation (buses, minibuses, Tuk Tuk, metro, taxis, and also motorbike taxis), were simply cheap. For example, my hotel room was the most economical room I have ever stayed in all my travels. It was $20.00 USD per night and better than many hotels I have previously stayed for triple the price. Regarding meals, $5.00 USD could get you a delicious lunch with a drink and a healthy breakfast (not junk food).
One thing I must mention about transportation; dear visitors, do not scoff at the Tuk Tuks/auto Rickshaws. Unlike some countries where they are powered by cycling, these are motorised and are quite efficient and fast. Because, the first day I arrived in Delhi I did, and ironically they were not only mine, but many other visitors’ primary mode of transport.
Due to the insane traffic in the city, these “lifesavers” and simultaneously “part of the problem,” can get you through any traffic safely and speedily. I quickly learned this, because while awaiting Uber on numerous occasions, the pick-up time sometimes increased instead of decreased due to traffic. Then driving through traffic, the driver most times seemed not too bothered or knew how to manoeuvre the traffic jams. Hence the reason the Tuk Tuk and also motorbike taxis are widely used.
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ABOUT INDIAN FOOD
India is a country with a rich culinary heritage, native to the Indian subcontinent, and uses many locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It has some of the most colourful, diverse flavours, ingredients, and a delicious range of cuisine on earth. Indian dishes are famous for their tantalizing spices, curries, vegetarian delights, and tandoori cooking. Moreover, their cuisines are heavily influenced by traditions, religious, and cultural choices. Hence the reason many of their cuisines vary substantially. I must mention that India has some of the most delicious snacks I ever tasted, which range from peanuts to potato chips, etc. I even bought some of their spicy snacks and nuts when departing the country. Similarly, I saw a man open his suitcase at the airport and I saw no clothes….haha, only a multitude of snack packs.
FYI, this one is for my peeps in T&T and Guyana (the Caribbean curry hubs)…“The motherland of curry” displays its curry menus like this: Chicken Curry, Shrimp Curry…not in reverse, (Pakistan also). See the photo below. Which way is the correct way? It does not matter! Just know it tasted similar but with a reddish rather than yellowish colour.
TOP 5 INDIAN FOODS YOU MUST TRY
- Khichdi (a popular dish in South India. This dish is a healthy vegetarian and is made of rice, moong lentils, ginger, cumin seed, and ghee. It has many variations which include bajra and mung dal Khichri. It is a simple and humble Indian dish).
- Murg Makhani or Butter Chicken (a dish made with a mildly spiced tomato sauce made with garlic and cardamom sauce and cooked until orange coloured. They then add butter, spices, and khoa (powdered milk) to this sauce, then chunks of chicken, and then cook it in a tandoori oven).
- Chicken Tikka Masala (a dish consisting of marinated, chunks of chicken, which they roast in a creamy, orange-coloured masala sauce made with tomato, cream, yogurt, and garlic. They then serve it with Naan – Indian bread or rice).
- Samosa and Biryani (two popular dishes that originated in Southern and Central Asian dishes that are now enjoyed worldwide. The Samosa is a fried or baked triangular pie with various fillings, and Biryani is more of an Asian-style Pilaf that is made with fragrant Indian Basmati rice, saffron, spices, beans, goat, or chicken).
- Famous Curry (they consider this the national soul of Indian cuisine and is a very popular dish. The Famous curry is made from thick curry sauce (reddish-colour not as yellow as in other parts of the world) cooked with meat or vegetables in a curry sauce made with yogurt and cream and fresh milk. This brings its own unique taste and texture to Indian Famous curry).
TOP 5 MUST-SEE SITES OF INTEREST IN NEW DELHI, INDIA
- The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort (take a day trip outside Delhi to see both sites). This ivory-white marble mausoleum, not a palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 7 Wonders of the World (this was my 3rd of the 7). Furthermore, it is India’s most iconic architecture, and the Jewel of Muslim art, located on the bank of the River Yamuna in Agra Uttar, Pradesh. It is one of the top 5 most-visited monuments worldwide, with an avg. of 25 million visitors annually. A short drive away is the Agra Fort, a historical 16th-century fortress in Agra, also known as the Red Fort because of its red sandstone, and clay-like colour. It was the main residence of India’s emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. Both sites are definite must-visits.
- Qutub Minar (a minaret and “Victory Tower” that forms part of the Qutub Complex, which lies at the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city). It is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.
- Swaminarayan Akshardham (in 2005 it was the Guinness World Record holder of the largest comprehensive Hindu temple and complex. It measures 356 ft. long, 43 m (142 ft.) in height, and 96 m (316 ft.) in width. However, overall, it is now the world’s fifth-largest BAPS Hindu temple, following the construction of bigger mandirs in other countries. Further, the mandir was constructed by BAP’s fifth spiritual leader and took only 5 years to build. It is truly a fine piece of mastery that brings pride to all Indians). Heads up…they disallow all photography on the inside or on the compound. Everyone must deposit cameras and phones before entering.
- The Lotus Temple (a gorgeous Bahai Temple in the heart of the city. This temple is a beautifully designed building shaped like a lotus flower. It is a very prominent attraction in the capital).
- Pasar Chandni Chowk (one of the busiest places in Delhi, this is a bustling market in the old city. It is an excellent place to shop, explore, haggle, eat, and mingle with the locals. This open-air market is an overall experience, the true existence of a bustling, old city. Use a rickshaw/tuk tuk to get around because it is busy and huge. It is a definite must-visit).
For all these tours, I highly recommend Pioneer Holidays – Fatehabad Road, Taj Nagri, New Delhi, for its fair prices, skilled drivers, excellent service, and royal treatment.
India - the Most Populated Country on Earth Cont...
Minimum 15% saving available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Early 2025” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Saving varies depending on the destination country, a full breakdown of discounts is detailed below: minimum 20% saving on properties in Asia and Oceania; minimum 15% saving elsewhere. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 01/04/25 for stays with check-in from 01/01/25 and check-out on or before 01/04/25. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.
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SUMMARY
India is a unique country and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dismiss the videos posted on social media with people hanging off trains and unsanitary street food, etc., which are mostly sensationalised. As previously mentioned, India, or more so New Delhi, is a very popular tourist destination, with so many visitors, especially Westerners, aaand, during what we refer to as the low travel season. There must be something special about it right!? If New Delhi does not appeal to you, visit one of the many other beautiful cities like Jaipur, Kolkata, Udaipur, Mumbai (Bollywood), Agra, Kashmir, and others. However, despite the smog and odour, I was elated that I had the opportunity to visit India. Even more, the foodie, budget traveller, and adventurous would be happy in India. Considering that it has something for everyone, is inexpensive, consists of scenic landscapes, culture, and history, and the food is super-delish. In conclusion, I highly recommend India, the most populated country on earth, to all travellers. Visit and Enjoy.
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