Things to do in India

The Taj Mahal in Agra is not just a monument; it is a poem in white marble. Described by Rabindranath Tagore as 'a teardrop on the cheek of time', this mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal is the epitome of Mughal architecture and eternal love.

Visiting at sunrise is essential. The changing light transforms the marble from soft grey to violet, then to a dazzling pink, and finally to a brilliant white. The symmetry of the structure, the perfect reflection in the water channels, and the intricate inlay work of semi-precious stones (pietra dura) are breathtaking.

Standing before it, the chaos of the world fades away, replaced by a sense of awe and harmony. It is rightly considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities, offers a spiritual assault on the senses that is intense and unforgettable. The Ganga Aarti performed every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a choreographed ceremony of fire and devotion dedicated to the River Ganges.

Priests in saffron robes hold heavy multi-tiered brass lamps, moving them in rhythmic unison to the sound of conch shells, bells, and chanting. Thousands of devotees and tourists watch from the steps and from boats on the river.

The air is thick with incense and faith. It is a powerful display of Hindu ritualism that connects the earthly with the divine, highlighting the cycle of life and death that plays out daily on these ghats.

A cruise on the backwaters of Kerala is the ultimate definition of 'God's Own Country'. Boarding a traditional 'Kettuvallam' (houseboat) in Alleppey or Kumarakom, you drift silently through a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes lined with swaying coconut palms.

Life here moves at a different pace. You pass by small villages, watching children go to school on boats and women washing clothes by the banks. The boat crew prepares fresh Keralan meals, often using fish caught right from the water.

The tranquility is absolute. As night falls, the only sound is the gentle lapping of water. It is a rejuvenating experience that immerses you in the lush tropical beauty of southern India.