India off the hummus trail

No matter what reason we chose to go on this trip, whether we decided to go on an inner spiritual journey, to hang out with all our friends, to let off some steam after the army, or just to see beautiful landscapes and discover a foreign culture – India offers everything. The truth is simple – we could travel in India our entire lives without returning home, and we still wouldn’t see everything it has to offer. Even local Indians with the means will not get to know all the cultures and landscapes it has to offer. This is why, over the years, Israeli travelers have started to create a fixed itinerary created from word-of-mouth recommendations. If we don’t open our minds and arrive prepared for experiences, we too will probably be dragged down the hummus trail. But if you decide to go on this journey to experience the other India, we are here to help you plan a trip that is truly yours.

Why actually go off the hummus path?

Before we start talking about points worth considering, it's worth dwelling on this question for a moment. The short answer we can give is that you really don't have to go out, and we don't believe that those who stay on the hummus trail are missing out on all of India. There are many stunning spots in India that Israelis pass through – from Varanasi to Rishikesh. Still, there are a few things we can gain if we go off this path for a moment:

• Open your mind – Sometimes, it’s worth going on a truly foreign adventure, without all the group we made along the way. It’s an opportunity to meet tourists from other countries and sink into the depths of the Indian experience without the mediation of the Israeli language and group.
• More walking, less getting stuck – many Israelis get stuck for long periods at various points on the Hummus Trail. We have also heard quite a few stories about Israelis who hardly ever leave Kasol and the surrounding area. This diversity can greatly enrich your trip and encourage you to get out and experience.
• See things that no one has seen before – if wandering has always been in your blood, there is no better way to fulfill yourself than to go out and see things that most Israelis will not see in India. 

Three small deviations from the hummus trail that are worth making

Even if you don't feel like going completely off the beaten path, there are a few small jumps that can totally add some added value to your standard trip to India.

Trek to the sources of the Ganges (Uttarakhand)

Stuck with all the guys at the same guesthouse in Ram Jhula, Rishikesh? If you want to clear your head a bit and see stunning views and a piece of Indian history along the way, it's worth taking a trip to Gangotri and Mountri. At these points, we can reach the sources of the Ganges, India's holy river, which locals believe is the hair of Shiva himself. Instead, we can wade in the clean glacial waters and visit the large and impressive Shiva temples in the area.

Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

The ancient and holy city is just a few hours' drive from Varanasi and is known for its magnificent temples adorned with thousands of statues of most of the Hindu pantheon of gods. The entire site had over 80 temples during the 12th century. Today, only 25 survive. The art in the temple depicts a variety of scenes from the story of the Indian gods. One complex features hundreds of statues that sanctify sexuality and features extraordinary art and architectural splendor that has made the entire complex one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand)

On the way to Kasar Devi, we stop at the Valley of Flowers. On this trek, a beautiful reserve of green spaces and flower beds will unfold before you. At the heart of the reserve is the largest Sikh temple in India. 

For a variety of other worthwhile destinations off the hummus trail and warm recommendations for a trip to India outside the tourist spots, the "What's Happening in India" team invites you to get in touch.