7 Things You Must Experience in India

India is shaped by countless influences, from centuries old civilizations to modern day technology. In its long journey, the country has absorbed many different cultures, which have given it different dimensions. You must experience some of these when you come for DrupalCon Asia 2016. Here is a list of seven unique experiences that will make your trip worth remembering.

Try Meditation and Yoga at an Ashram

Yoga and meditation, practiced across the world, are great ways to strengthen the mind and body. People in India also practice them to cure ailments and achieve enlightenment. Worldwide, there are studios, yoga trainers and videos available on the Internet to teach you both the arts. But how about learning them the traditional way from a guru in an ashram? These ashrams are islands of calm that people flock to to heal their minds, bodies and souls. If yoga or meditation interest you, you might find that time spent here is very rewarding.

Savor Spicy Chicken, Curries and Street Food

Tasting local delicacies is a vital part of experiencing a rich culture. India has so many cuisines that if even you were to start sampling one each day, it would take you years to finish! But a few dishes you absolutely must not miss are tandoori chicken, the wide variety of curries and spicy street food. All of them are popular across India, and because of their easy accessibility, you can drool over them whenever you want. Try them once, and soon you will find that you just cannot get enough!

Play Street Cricket

Though cricket is the national sport of England, it’s India that drives maximum engagement for the sport. For some, it’s a pastime, and for others, it’s a passion. Cricket is a part of everyday life in India, and is played everywhere—even on the streets. You are welcome to practice some shots yourself, but not before you do your bit of fielding!

Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side

Inner peace is what most of us seek. Even Kung Fu Panda attributes his awesomeness to inner peace! Everyone has different ways to attain it, and many people find it through spiritual practice. For centuries, India has been a hub for people looking to experience spirituality. Some of the most successful people around the world have come to India to experience spiritual awakening. You could visit Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Also, you must not miss the famous dargahs (shrine of a Sufi Saint) at Ajmer Sharif and Mahim that let you experience spirituality through sufi music.

Brave a Local Train Ride in Mumbai

There is a joke in India that everybody is in hurry, but no one is ever on time. You will experience this when you will go out on the streets, or witness some of India’s trademark crazy driving. One of the few things that tops both of these is a local train ride in Mumbai. Since DrupalCon is in Mumbai, boarding a local train will not require you to go far out of your way. All you need is some courage and a lot of strength to hang on in the mad throng of people!

Experience the Astounding Variety in Local Cultures

India is comprised of 29 states and seven union territories. Not a big deal, considering every country has multiple states. But what is unique to India is that almost every state has its own language; some even have multiple languages. You should not be surprised, when you come for DrupalCon, to find that Indians, on average, speak three languages. The same is the case with attire. You will have a lot to experiment with in terms of cuts and fabrics.

Gape at Breathtaking Landscapes and Stunning Architecture

India has as much diversity in its geography as it does in its culture. Due to different climatic conditions across the country, India has everything from mountains and deserts to beaches and lush, scenic landscapes. This is also true for architecture in India. Because of its ages old history and influx of multiple cultures, India has numerous heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, set amidst modern day buildings that have come up to support the rapid development in the country.

So come to DrupalCon Asia and experience the amazing things India has to offer.

The Drupal Association has partnered with Niswey, an India-based marketing firm, to provide marketing materials for DrupalCon Asia. Every few weeks, we'll be sharing the blogs and comic strips that our Niswey friends have created in anticipation of the convention.

Image credits to Wikimedia:
Yoga image  - Savory chicken -  Varanasi -  Indian traditional dance -  Taj Mahal