India is one of those places with lots and lots of history that's deep-rooted in the culture of the land and the people. This land of unique and mysterious things is so culturally different from its western counterparts, and is bound to captivate you even if you're not usually very easily impressed. Check out this list of things you won't find anywhere else in the world, that demonstrate why India is truly nothing like you've seen before.
No Ticket to Ride Needed
We all know that subway surfing any train is not only dangerous but also comes with a hefty fine if you get caught. No worries though, if your heart is set on surfing a train, travel to India, and you will be hard-pressed to find a spot on top. With a population of over 1.3 billion, it's understandable that getting around can be challenging-- even still, this looks scary as hell.
No need to get a ticket to ride on the train here, literally, on the train. While transportation is getting better in India, you still will see this common sight regularly.
Smooth Sailing
By land, and by sea, apparently. Elephants are beloved creatures in India, since they are sacred animals in the Hindu religion, and eighty percent of the population is Hindu. These majestic giants are seen throughout India, and while they can walk long distances, sometimes it's necessary to cross large bodies of water, as in this photo. For its size, it's perfectly balanced on that boat, looking proud of its accomplishment.
What's truly amazing here is that the wooden boat doesn't seem nearly large enough to carry such an enormous animal, yet it does. This is something you wouldn't see anywhere else.
Cars, Buses, Rickshaws, And Elephants Too
It's a regular day in the city of Jaipur, India, with elephants being part of the daily traffic on the streets-- no common sight for the rest of us. This would make you drop-jawed in shock, if, sitting at a red light, you see an elephant coming up on your left in the side view mirror, yet the man on the motorcycle isn't phased one bit as he rides next to a few elephants.
The fact that elephants are a common means of transportation is just the coolest thing to see for anyone not from India. Instead of grabbing a taxi, you can hail an elephant.
The Ganges River Dolphin
This is another one of those very cool, yet sadly, endangered species, local to India. The Ganges River Dolphin once roamed many rivers in India, Nepal, and even Bangledesh but have since become all but extinct, with the remaining dolphins only found in the Ganges River. They are unique freshwater dolphins who are practically blind and rely on their ultrasound or echolocation emissions to navigate for food, just like Bailey in Finding Dory.
The Indian government declared them a Nation Aquatic Animal in 2009 and Ganges River Dolphins are essential in determining the health of the river ecosystem. Just as adorable as ocean dolphins and worth the effort to see.
Engagement Toe Rings Are a Thing
If you happen to see a woman with rings on her index toes, keep in mind she's already spoken for and is soon to be married. That's right, toe rings represent an engaged woman and are meant to bring forth a healthy pregnancy for the future couple, but only in the Tamil Nadu region of India, where it's traditional to wear silver rings and not gold, which is discouraged on the humble feet.
With the decorative Henna and rings, these feet are more fashionable than most. Certainly, you wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes asking a woman out on a date with these.
The Third Gender Hijras
While many cultures around the world are still coming to terms with transgender people, India has a long history of hijras in society going back to ancient times. Hijras in India consider themselves neither completely male nor female, simply put, in today's terms-- they are non-binary. They're a community within the community, and many believe they can bless or curse others--that's why it always pays to be nice to others. Better to be blessed by hijras!
In April of 2014, it was estimated that nearly 3 million hijras lived in India and the Indian Supreme Court officially recognized them as "The Third Gender" gaining rights and freedoms previously denied.
A Business as Usual Kind of Flood
While most of us have experienced some sort of flooding in our lifetime, people in India are more accustomed to flooding than most of us. If it isn't devasting, they can live with it. Sitting knee-deep in water isn't anyone's cup of tea, but it could be worse and so it's manageable for this family in India watching TV while waiting for the water to recede out of their living room.
It's impressive that the electricity still works, and a little scary at the same time. It might be safer to just sit and talk instead of risking electrocution, but here, no one even bats an eye.
Indian Purple Frog
One of the most unique frogs around, known only to inhabit India, it's also an endangered species. Not looking like a frog at all really, it also goes by the name pig-nosed frog for its pointed nose and flat round shape. Plus, it doesn't do a lot of fly-catching with its tongue, instead, it uses its nose for slurping up insects and termites. Not what you would expect a frog to look like, that's for sure.
This cartoon character like frog, was only recently discovered because they only come out to mate for two weeks a year in Western Ghats, India, during monsoon season. Sadly, with all that hiding, they are still endangered.
Gone Shopping
When shopping for clothes, using google or WhatsApp for a search is commonplace, but you probably haven't shopped in a google or WhatsApp storefront ever? Expect to see this around India on your next trip. Using well-known logos for a storefront is a popular thing for businesses in India. The logo is what's getting customers in the door, regardless of the actual clothing brands themselves. It's pure eye candy that works.
Even as a tourist walking the streets, curiosity will bring you to mosey on in for a look-see-- Who knows, you may find something you like at Google The Fashion Galary.
Gravity Defying Ladakh
What goes up, must come down is a fundamental concept of gravity, unless you are at the Magnetic Hill of Ladakh where the strong magnetic pull appears to be defying gravity altogether. A known tourist must-see, Ladakh's Magnetic Hill is an impressive sight. Park your car in the yellow square, put it in neutral, and watch the magic happen. A car can be seen rolling up to 12mph up the hill.
It's an extraordinary phenomenon only seen in Ladakh, so while there isn't much else to see in the area beside Magnetic Hill, it doesn't stop people from making the trip for a gravity-defying moment.
An Absurd Delivery Truck
A delivery truck is defined as-- a van suitable for carrying and delivering goods or services. This is certainly not what you would expect when you think of a delivery truck, that's for sure. How did he even get all those bags that high on top? With three wheels, this is certainly something you won't see every day unless you're in India. By any means necessary, this guy is delivering the goods.
In most places, this delivery truck wouldn't be allowed on the road, but compared to other means of transport like an elephant, say, he's all good for travel, even with three wheels.
Elephants Make Great Friends
Elephants definitely come with the territory when you think of India, so it's not so far-fetched that they can make great friends with people. They are seen in all areas of life in India, but the best is seeing them as besties with a human counterpart. Who wouldn't want an elephant as a best friend anyway? They love and mourn just like the rest of us--plus they will always have your back.
These two besties are all decked out in outfits and smiles clearly having a good ole time together. Just goes to show even the largest creatures can have the kindest hearts.
Floating Post Office
As far as post offices go, this Floating Post Office is the only one like it in the world. Located on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, with snow-topped mountains as its background. Since it's a one-of-a-kind post office, it has become part of the tourism of Kashmir getting lots of attention from locals and tourists alike, it even sells special stamps with Dal Lake on them, has internet available, and international phone service.
Tourists love to stop by the Floating Post Office, as it's appropriately called, to send a postcard to family and friends back home. It's definitely a thing to do when in Srinagar, Kashmir.
A Spin on KFC
You may need to take a second look to realize this isn't KFC, the popular Colonel Sanders chicken place many of us know. But it's a great spin on the well-known brand. Sadar's Fish N Chicken took the colors, photo logo idea, and even the initials style-- with good reason you can understand. While you'll only find SFC in India, it too, is a popular fast food place, especially in New Delhi.
It's worth giving Sadar's a try, he's got the look and maybe the food is just as good as his spin-off counterpart. It's not really KFC, but SFC Indian style.
Which Way Would You Say
According to this sign, all directions, except the one you're coming from, lead to the same place. This is highly unlikely, yet makes for a very funny sign. Not only is the English all the same but the native language as well. Talk about confusing tourists, the Department of Transportation has a jokester within its ranks--that, or someone that really doesn't want people to get where they need to go.
The good news is that one of the three directions is bound to lead to Kottayam, at least we hope. You have a one out of three chance of picking the right direction. Not terrible odds.
Statue of Unity
The world's largest statue is in India, called the "Statue of Unity", stands 597 feet tall. It represents the Indian Independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was responsible for uniting India after British rule. He convinced all the divided provinces to come together and stand as one nation of Indian peoples. He is known as the "Unifier of India", his statue was erected in October of 2018, for his unwavering efforts.
Sardar Patel had a vision for the people of India, unity, and now his statue stands as a reminder for all to see that unity is always the path to peace.
The Richest Place of Worship
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, (Boy that's hard to say) the state capital of Kerala, India. While it looks like it's made out of gold, it's the gold inside the secret vaults that makes it the richest Temple in the world. Thiruvananthapuram, or The City of Lord Vishnu (much easier to say), is the deity of the temple. Vishnu is the preserver or protector of the world.
There are six known vaults containing millions of dollars of gold, silver, and jewels inside this temple. People from all over come to see this stunning temple that holds secrets still waiting to be discovered.
Living Root Bridge
Isn't this the coolest bridge you have ever seen? Made of living tree roots, it is one of many in the state of Meghalaya, India. Wooden bridges rot too fast in the damp jungle climate, so bridges in this area have been created using roots from living trees. Khasi and Jaintia tribes-people have mastered the art of wrapping roots together creating these bridges that are so strong they can hold up to 50 people at once.
Sure, it takes a long time to get a bridge to look like this, but it's extremely strong and can last forever. Basically, they aren't going anywhere fast, but you will.
Natures Bioluminescence
The beauty and wonder of nature's creatures never cease to amaze, just like this magical place the Purushwadi Forest, Maharashtra, India. Millions upon millions of fireflies come out to mate, lighting up the night. Every year the tribal village hosts a Firefly Festival in the forest, that's only 111 miles from Mumbai. It's a sure stop for anyone visiting from May through June. A magical bioluminescent wonderland, and who knows, maybe fairies live there too.
Most of us have seen fireflies and even caught a few in jars as kids, but this is like no other place for the sheer volume of fireflies makes this an experience like no other.
A Pilgramage Like No Other
The Hindu Festival called the Kumbh Mela is a religious pilgrimage that occurs every twelve years. It's so big that there are satellite photos of it from space. Over the course of 55 days, from January 15th to March 4th in 2019, this festival hosted some 130 million people at the Prayagraj Ardh Kumbh Mela where 3 rivers merge-- the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati, which is said to run underground.
In a nutshell, if you're looking for atonement then this is the place to be, cause bathing in the converging rivers during the festival gives atonement. No wonder so many people go.
Where's the Beef
Where's the beef? Not on the menu in India, anywhere. Elephants aren't the only sacred animals in India, cows are too. So it's totally fitting to see the cows walking around outside the McDonald's instead of being on the menu. In fact, no cows are on the menu at all in India-- it's chicken all the way or veggie burgers. They have nothing to worry about and they know it.
You'll see cows roaming all over India because they are protected sacred animals in every sense. Not aggressive and harmless, India may be the only country where cows live without fear of slaughter. Go cows!
Windows Are Exists Too
You're definitely not existing a city bus through the window unless it's an emergency, but in India, the overcrowding on busses makes it harder to exit from the doors than from the windows. This isn't an uncommon sight when traveling around, and if you're bold enough to try it, watch and learn before you take your chances. It takes skills to do this with grace and a whole lot of courage.
This girl looks like she's done this before and she's absolutely timing it just right for a soft landing, in flip flops no less. Dismounting busses is an art form when traveling in India.
Some Fancy Camel Hairdo
Just like kids who like to get some cool graphics done with their haircut, camels also get beautifully intricate designs on their hair. While they may not be sacred, like the cow, camels pull their weight (and much more) in Indian society. They have been used for centuries in India and are considered a workforce animal for many nomadic and desert people. They don't get nearly enough credit for all they do.
They do get very cool haircuts and are often seen with brightly colored decorations. Two times a year they get some recognition for all their hard work at Camel festivals, where they are the main event.
One Full Rickshaw
These rickshaw riding ladies are definitely getting the most bang for their buck with this ride-- we count three ladies taking the ride, but there may be another hanging off the other side, who knows? After a day shopping at the market, who wants to schlep all their stuff home on foot? Look at the woman hanging off the side, she is holding a bag of groceries, it's amazing she doesn't fall.
This is such a regular thing for these ladies no one is even batting an eye at the situation. It's definitely a regular thing happening in India, overstuffed transportation everywhere you look.
No Door Necessary
Many people in India believe they are protected by the local deity and therefore don't need to lock their doors. Some people don't even have doors like pictured here. Businesses don't even lock their doors which is something completely unheard of in the western world. That's not to say crime doesn't exist in India, it does, just like in any other place. Locking the door behind you is second nature, to everyone, except in India.
Doorways are meant to be welcoming into places, as seen here, with the beautifully painted flowers around. Well, if there is a breeze, you know where it's coming from, indeed.
Home of the Big Cats
If there is one thing that you won't see anywhere else in the world it's the five big cats all in one place. India is home to the Royal Bengal tigers (pictured here), Asiatic lions, snow leopards, Indo-Chinese clouded leopards, and Indian leopards. They all live in the wild forests in India and it's the only place in the world that has tigers and lions living amongst each other in the same country.
The beauty and rarity of having the five big cats all in one place is a definite must-see if you head to India. Plus they are exquisite animals so bring your cameras.
Namaste From the Yoga Capital
Where do you go if you want to be at the center of yoga practice? India, of course. Rishikesh is considered the birthplace of yoga, dubbed the "Yoga Capital of The world". Yoga has origins in Northern India dating back some 5,000 years, so it's no wonder students from all over the world travel there for yoga teacher training, classes, courses, and all spiritual-related practice. Rishikesh is the most spiritually peaceful place, and now you know why.
Between the crystal blue Ganges River and the majestic Himalayas backdrop, Tapo Bhumi, as many call it, means the place of yoga and meditation of the Gods. That pretty much says it all-- don't you think.
The Home of Henna Tattoos
There are plenty of places you can visit that offer henna tattoos for your pleasure of temporary body art. India is the home of henna and is used for the purpose of decorating the body mostly for special occasions like weddings. Henna is a dye made from the henna tree and made into a paste called Mehndi. Applied wet, after it's dried and washed away it leaves intricate designs that last two weeks or more.
They are the perfect solution if you're thinking about getting a tattoo but don't want permanence. You can find henna tattoos all around India and they create some of the most beautiful designs. So got for it, it's temporary.
Street Flow With No Order
Traffic on the streets of busy cities is nothing new these days-- but when there are no sidewalks it basically becomes a free-for-all getting to where you need to go. Cars, busses, rickshaws, pedestrians, and everything else just mesh together like an intricate maze that has no clear path-- India is like this in plenty of places throughout the country. So be ready to make your own path trying to get where you want to go.
The good news is that it's lively and bustling with life, which makes for a great opportunity to people watch if you like to do that sort of thing. You just need to find a good spot on the sidelines.
Elephant at the Spa
You could almost be envious of the elephants at the Punnathoor Cotta Elephant Yard Rejuvenation Center for getting a spa day when most of us barely get enough sleep, let alone a spa day. But these elephants deserve it for they are greatly relied upon in Indian society and work really hard day in and day out. In no other country would elephants have a place dedicated to pampering them.
Every year during July this elephant rejuvenation center is dedicated to bathing, massaging, and feeding them premium selected foods to enhance their well-being. This center is part of Guruvayurappan Hindu Temple where elephants play a key role in temple life.
Two Parts Hydrogen One Part Oxygen
All around the world phrases and words commonly are lost in translation, so it helps to have a native speaker double-check the translation-- which obviously didn't happen here. It's a curious question to ask what did they think was in the water before it had H2O in it. Well, we may be having a good laugh over this sign, Nandi Aqua has some questionable marketing people they may need to reconsider.
Wonder how many of these signs they put up and if anyone mentioned to Nandi Aqua they have a really confusing sign. It would be interesting to know what they were getting at, or not.
Welcome to Bollywood
Bollywood is the world's largest center for film production in the world-- that's right, Bollywood, not Hollywood. Based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), its name comes from combining Bombay and Hollywood together. Bollywood is the center for Hindi film in the world and produces more films per year, than any other place on the planet. While sheer volume doesn't mean every film is a blockbuster they deserve solid recognition for all they accomplish.
Like Hollywood, Bollywood is definitely a place to check out in Mumbai. You can take a tour and see behind the scenes of the movie-making industry, with a chance to see some of their big stars.
The Holy Trinity Hindi Style
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, worshipping one God, known as Brahman. Having 1.2 billion followers globally it's the third-largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. Brahman is considered the universal soul, the universe itself, and the material that makes up the universe. Some say Hinduism is a religion, and some say it's a way of life, either way, it's unlike any other, no wonder it's so popular.
Now, to make it a little more confusing, Hinduism has many deities, like the ones beautifully portrayed here. Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer, are the ones you will see most throughout India.
Off to School They Go
This image doesn't come to mind when you think of a school bus taking kids to school, but transportation is lacking on all fronts in India, including school busses. These kids don't want to be late for their first class and are hanging on to the bus for dear life. It kind of makes you wonder what would happen if they were late-- is the teacher really that mean or what?
It's nice to see the kids want their education though, and will ride outside the bus to get it. This is something commonly seen in India, where transportation, even for kids, is an issue.
Seducing Snakes Is Still a Thing
You can rest assured this isn't for everyone, but snake charming is still a thing in India and definitely a sight to see-- from a distance of course. While most of us are scared witts of the sight of even a little garden snake, snake charmers dance with the deadly ones like it's nothing, daily. Street performers like this one, seem to hypnotize their snakes with flute playing music that the snake follows.
The cobra isn't really hearing the music, instead, he is following the flute and considers it a threat, so while this may appear to be a dance, don't be fooled, he's ready to attack.
That's One Sweet Ride
India is known for rickshaws and they are a common sight all around India. Like a cross between a horse and carriage and a bicycle, rickshaws use pedal power to get people and things around town or are pulled by a person with no third wheel and bicycle mechanism. They even pick up extra travelers-- like this girl riding a skateboard. She's getting a free-of-charge ride--she did bring her own wheels after all.
Talk about getting your steps in for the day, these drivers or runners must log in miles upon miles every day without even trying. No need for them to go to the gym.
Every Wedding Is a Mega Celebration
Wedding celebrations happen all over the world so there's nothing new there. But Indian weddings are on a whole new level. They celebrate with massive public parades strutting through the streets full of vibrant colors, music, and tons of happy people. It's not just an event that lasts a couple of hours-- it lasts about three days jam-packed with food, dancing, flowers, groom, bride reveals, outfits, and lots of red.
So if you happen to be in the area, go ahead and join in on the celebration. You know how the saying goes, The More The Merrier-- never more true than in India.
A Toilet Museum Like No Other
India is home to the only toilet museum in the world. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets gives you the history of toilets and the evolution of sanitation throughout history, from 2500 BC to the present day. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, known as the Soldier of Sanitation, has been on a crusade to bring better sanitation facilities throughout India. While it's a shitty conversation for most, where would you be without your porcelain thrown?
The real purpose of the museum is to educate students about sanitation in the hopes of solving the world's sanitation problems. The solution could be just one flush away, or maybe two.
No Border Control Needed
Now it's not uncommon for freedom of movement between states in the U.S.A. and even within the European Union if you happen to live there, but in India crossing the border into Nepal is free of charge, with no need for passports. Thousands of people pass through the border every day for tourism and commerce alike. The border is nearly 1100 miles long, between India and Nepal, including the Himalayan territory.
So when you visit India and get the urge to climb Mount Everest in Nepal, on a whim, dress warm and pack your hiking gear too. It's a long way to the top.
The Absence of Color and Life
In many places throughout the world, black is the color for mourning the loss of a loved one. Windows wear black every day for years after the loss of their husbands, never to wear another color again. It's easy to see the grief they bear just by the clothes they wear. In India the color for mourning someone is white. So when you see someone wearing white in India, it's not a celebration color, it's the color of loss.
White represents purity and is also the absence of color, like the absence of life. The life that was lost also takes the color out of the life that is still living-- it makes perfect sense.