Wallaroo Wanderlust: Exploring India

Welcome to Wallaroo Wanderlust, a series of blogs inviting you to travel the world with Wallaroo!

As the CEO and Founder of Wallaroo Hat Company, I love to travel the world whenever possible. Travel introduces me to new people, languages, cultures, and food. It opens my eyes to different ways of living and allows me to visit natural wonders, charming cities, and everything in between.

Travel is good for the body, mind, and spirit - it allows us time for rest, exploration, and a break from daily routines.

At the end of 2024, I took an inspirational and restorative trip to India. I’m happy to share my adventure and some interesting facts about India with you.

INDIA AT A GLANCE

India is an Asian country with over 1.4 billion people, more than 22 languages spoken, and home to various cultures and religions.  The country is known for its delicious and flavorful cuisine and extensive vegetarian dishes. In addition, India boasts 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and features landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to the Himalayas.

●    visit the Taj Mahal
●    take a boat ride on the Ganges River
●    enjoy India’s delicious cuisine, including its street food. 
●    witness a festival, such as the famous Holi Festival of Colors

WHEN TO GO:

The peak tourist season in India is typically during the country’s winter season, November to March. During this time, tourists will find mostly pleasant weather conditions ideal for travel. It’s always best to research the temperatures throughout the various regions of India, as temperatures and conditions may vary during certain months.

WHAT TO BRING:

Lightweight, modest clothing (breathable cotton or linen tops, loose pants, long skirts or dresses) and comfortable shoes are of the essence, and dressing in layers helps with temperature changes and provides options for temple visits and cultural sites. Laundry services are inexpensive in India - so packing lightly is a good option.  In addition, don’t forget sunglasses, a Wallaroo hat (such as packable options like Sedona, Gabi or Charlie Trilby), sunscreen with SFP for sun protection, and mosquito spray. Finally, bring essentials like prescription medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, pain medication, and any other items you may need. A daypack or small backpack is handy for day excursions, and don’t forget a portable phone battery. Also, bring a travel adaptor that will work in India.

WHERE TO STAY & HOW TO GET AROUND INDIA:

India offers a diverse range of accommodation options - from budget-friendly to luxury and everything in between. On the less expensive side, choose from hostels, guest houses, and budget hotels. Those looking for luxury accommodations can enjoy boutique or heritage hotels and unique options such as restored palaces and forts. In addition, India offers distinctive lodging through homestays, houseboats, jungle or eco-lodges, and ashrams or wellness retreats.

GASTRONOMY OF INDIA:

India offers diverse flavors and cuisines (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), featuring complex spice profiles. Dining options range from vibrant street food like the iconic Samosas (golden and crispy pastries filled with spicy potatoes, peas and sometimes meat) or delicious Kathi Rolls (skewered meat, eggs, paneer, or vegetables that are wrapped in flatbread) to typical restaurant dishes like Biryani (a classic rice dish) or Chicken Tikka Masala ( marinated chicken roasted in tandoor mixed in a creamy sauce).

A GLIMPSE INTO MY EXPERIENCE IN INDIA:

While I did get to appreciate the country's beauty, diversity, and gorgeous landscapes, I wasn’t there to do the typical activities one might enjoy on a vacation to India.

India is also a destination for those who wish to support their health journeys, step away from daily life, and focus on wellness in a stress-free environment. This was what brought me to India last November.

I began my trip at Vaidyagrama, an eco-friendly, authentic Ayurvedic healing clinic offering a holistic wellness approach. Located on the outskirts of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, South India, this clinic features clusters of healing spaces led by experienced Vaidyas (practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine) and therapists who provide customized Ayurvedic treatments and freshly prepared medicines.

Vaidyagrama offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments in a natural, eco-friendly environment with a vision of “Authentic Ayurveda for Universal Well-Being.” Its mission is to nurture wellness and heal illness. Also integral to its mission is serving nourishing food. 

In addition to nourishing meals, herbal teas, medicines, and treatments, Vaidyagrama offers opportunities for meditation, consultation, and participation in traditional ceremonies. 

For example, on Friday afternoons, the clinic has a “cow pooja” (Gau Pooja in Hindu) ritual of worshipping cows, as cows are considered sacred in Hinduism. In this ritual, homage is paid to cows through offerings of flowers, fruits, water, and other items, while blessings are offered through blessings and mantras. 

At the end of one’s stay at the clinic, each patient has the opportunity to plant a tree.

More information about Vaidyagrama can be found here. 
 
In addition to my time at Vaidyagrama, I spent some time in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga.  

Located in Uttarakhand, India, Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and serves as a gateway to the Himalayas. A spiritual town, Rishikesh attracts seekers from around the globe who want to deepen their yoga practice and connect with their inner selves. In addition to many yoga ashrams and meditation centers, Rishikesh offers adventure activities like white-water rafting, trekking, and bungee jumping. 

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Ganges River, explore local attractions like Lakshman Jhula and Triveni Ghat, and even participate in the profoundly spiritual nighttime Ganga Aarti ceremonies.

I found November to be a great time to visit Rishikesh. Other desirable times are between March and May and September and November, as the weather is ideal for the area’s many outdoor activities.

MY THOUGHTS ON TRAVEL, RESET, AND THE SUNNY LIFE 

My trip to India exemplifies how travel can introduce you to new cultures and people while providing a much-needed “time out” from the real world and giving valuable insights into our lives. Travel is a great “reset” - a time to step away from our regular lives and return home refreshed.

This may be your cue to begin searching for that perfect getaway!

Wherever you go, please travel safely and remember…

It’s a sunny life. Wear your hat!