India is a land of wonders, filled with rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes! 🌟 In this video, we’re unveiling 12 Interesting Facts About India that will leave you amazed. From its ancient traditions to its modern marvels, India is truly Incredible! 🇮🇳✨
📌 Fascinating Facts You’ll Discover:
✅ The world’s largest democracy 🗳️
✅ Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders 🕌
✅ The birthplace of yoga & Ayurveda 🧘♂️
✅ A country with 22 official languages 🗣️
✅ The first-ever university, Takshashila 📚
✅ India’s Mars mission was cheaper than Hollywood’s Gravity movie!
🚀 … and many more surprising facts! 💬 Which fact amazed you the most? Tell us in the comments! 👇
Read More: Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan
12 Interesting Facts About India
Hello and welcome to another exciting video from Life Travel! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of India. The most populous country in the world, home to over 1.4 billion people, 22 official languages, incredible natural landscapes, world-class cuisine, and much more, it’s no small wonder why India has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. Join us as we share 12 fun facts about India that you probably didn’t know. We’ll also suggest some of the most exciting ways to discover this fascinating South Asian country!
Number 1: India Is the Most Vegetarian Country
Did you know that India is the country with the highest proportion of vegetarians in the world? According to a recent study, a staggering 38% of the population identifies as vegetarian. This high rate of vegetarianism is largely due to the dietary laws and traditions of India’s most widely practiced religions. As a result, India is an excellent country to visit for vegetarians, with plenty of restaurants and street food options that cater to vegetarian diets. A fantastic way to engage with the food culture is to book a traditional cooking class in Delhi—suitable for vegetarians.
Number 2: The Taj Mahal is Not a Palace
Many people think the iconic Taj Mahal is a palace, but it’s actually a mausoleum. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal was constructed between 1632 and 1653. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its symmetrical beauty and exquisite craftsmanship and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. To discover this symbol of love, check out our activities at the Taj Mahal. Whether you want to enjoy a private tour or some sunrise yoga, we’ve got something for you!
Number 3: India is the Tiger Capital of the World
India proudly holds the title of the tiger capital of the world. Incredibly, a whopping 75% of the global tiger population calls the country home. These majestic creatures roam across various landscapes in India, from dense forests to grasslands. The tiger population hit an all-time low in the 1970s, leading to increased efforts to preserve the tiger population. Thanks to the establishment of reserves, anti-poaching measures, and awareness campaigns, the tiger population today is growing by approximately 6% annually. If you want to see these majestic animals in the flesh, check out this 2-day safari from Jaipur!
Number 4: Hinduism is the Oldest Religion on the Planet
India’s largest religion, practiced by nearly 80% of the population, is considered by many to be the oldest religious tradition in the world. Incredibly, the religion has roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years! Hinduism is really a broad, umbrella term which encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and philosophies. If you’re in India and want to get in touch with your spiritual side, you have lots of options. Travel to Rishikesh, the city where the Beatles discovered yoga and meditation.
On this Ashram Tour of Rishikesh, you can explore the now-abandoned Ashram of Chaurasi Kutia, also known as the Beatles Ashram. It was here that Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr wrote dozens of their most famous songs. Another option is this Spiritual Tour of Delhi, where you can discover your inner self as you make your way through mystical gardens and temples.
Number 5: Cows Have Sacred Status
Somewhat related to the entry about vegetarianism, many people are aware that cows are sacred in India. This comes down to the cow’s importance in some of the nation’s primary religions, principally Hinduism, but also Jainism and Buddhism. In ancient Hindu texts, the cow appears as ‘Kamdhenu’ or the ‘divine cow.’ It is believed to be the earthly representative of the divine and nourishing Mother Goddess, who represents fertility and bountifulness.
Number 6: India is Home to Some of the World’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities
The oldest of India’s continuously inhabited cities is its spiritual capital, Varanasi, located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Incredibly, this North Indian city has a 3,000+ year history dating back to at least 1200 BCE. Today the city is known as the cultural capital of India. With its winding streets, ancient temples, bustling markets, and much more, this is certainly a city worth visiting! There are lots of great ways to discover this spiritual city. Explore Varanasi’s temples on a private tour. Alternatively, get in the thick of it with this fantastic tuk-tuk tour of Varanasi!
Number 7: ‘Snakes and Ladders’ Comes from India
One of the most popular games of all time, not many people know that this household classic emerged from the nation of India, with a history dating back to the 2nd century BC. Some historians place its history even further back, to the 13th century BC! The game was used to teach morality, with the ladders representing virtues such as generosity, faith, and humility, while the snakes represented vices such as lust, anger, murder, and theft.
Number 8: Staggering Linguistic Diversity
Second only to the United States of America, 10% of India’s population (125 million people) are fluent in English, and around 30% of the population can speak English to a certain level. Even more interesting is that English is one of 23 officially recognized languages spoken in the country. In fact, there are many more languages than that spoken in the country, with over 19,500 languages/dialects recorded as mother tongues in the 2018 census.
Number 9: India is the Largest Producer of Films in the World
A lesser-known fact about India is that it is the world’s largest film producer and boasts the second-oldest film industry globally. With an extensive domestic following and a substantial international audience, the impact of Indian cinema is significant and far-reaching. At the forefront of this cinematic landscape is Bollywood in Mumbai—a dynamic and influential component of Indian cinema. If you find yourself in Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, why not check out our Bollywood Tour & Show and visit the iconic Bollywood SJ Cinema?
Number 10: Anti-Gravity Hill?
The Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, India, is an intriguing natural wonder that seemingly defies the laws of gravity. Located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway, this hill creates an optical illusion making it appear as though vehicles are rolling uphill against gravity when they are actually moving downhill. Still, tourists from around the world flock to the site to witness this phenomenon.
Number 11: India Has the World’s Largest Sundial
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is home to the world’s largest sundial, known as the Samrat Yantra. This astronomical observatory, built in the 18th century, features a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. The Samrat Yantra, the largest sundial in the world, stands at 27 meters tall and can measure time accurately to within two seconds.
Number 12: India is the World’s Largest Democracy
India is the world’s largest democracy, with over 1.4 billion people. The country’s democratic system is a testament to its commitment to freedom, equality, and the rule of law. India’s diverse population, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant democracy make it a unique and fascinating country to explore.
And that wraps up our 12 interesting facts about India! We hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as we did. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on social media for more travel inspiration. Thank you for watching, and until next time, keep exploring the world with Life Travel!
FAQs
What is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and mild.
Is India safe for tourists?
Yes, India is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take standard safety precautions.
What is the currency used in India?
The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee (INR).
What languages are spoken in India?
The official languages are Hindi and English. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
What is India famous for?
India is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities.
How do I get around in India?
India has a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, and domestic flights. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.
What are the must-see attractions in Delhi?
Must-see attractions include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.
What historical sites can I visit in Agra?
Historical sites include the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
What is Jaipur known for?
Jaipur is known for its palaces, forts, and vibrant markets.
What can I do in Varanasi?
You can explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and take a boat ride on the Ganges River.
What is Mumbai famous for?
Mumbai is famous for its vibrant nightlife, historical landmarks, and Bollywood.
What outdoor activities can I do in Ladakh?
You can go trekking, mountaineering, and explore the stunning Himalayan vistas.
What natural attractions can I visit in Jaipur?
Natural attractions include the Jantar Mantar and the world’s largest sundial.
What is Rishikesh known for?
Rishikesh is known for its yoga and meditation centers.
What should I pack for a trip to India?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying weather, and essentials like a travel adapter and local currency.
What is the best way to experience Indian cuisine?
Try local dishes like biryani, samosas, and curries, and enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.
Are there any festivals in India I should know about?
India hosts numerous festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and the Kumbh Mela.
What is the best souvenir to bring back from India?
Popular souvenirs include traditional handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
