A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity: Exploring India in 2000 (part. 1)

Once upon a time, India was a place of mystery and wonder.

In the year 2000 it was a country filled with culture and adventure, sure to entrance its visitors!

For those looking to explore a nation full of exotic vibes and captivating histories, India was the ideal destination.

The country stretched from the Himalayan Mountains in its northern states, all the way down to the Bay of Bengal in the southern tip - making its diverse landscapes and terrains hard to miss.

From the dry, windswept deserts of Rajasthan to the rain-forested mountain peaks of Kashmir to the lush, palm-tree dotted Kerala coast, there were plenty of regions to explore in this astounding country.

The colorful cultures that bordered each region made it especially inviting with bustling city centers in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The food alone brought the joys of a unique culinary experience, with Indian spices jumping out of every pot and pan!

For travelers looking to learn more about its rich history, India was just as exciting. Its unique languages, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam religions and philosophies, left an evident imprint on the culture. Plus, ancient towns like Varanasi still served as beacons of spirituality and artisanship.

Across the country, monuments, forts, temples, mosques and other historical sites marked some of India’s proudest past successes and greatest achievements. Visiting or even simply seeing the likes of the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple in Amritsar were here now but not forgotten experiences.

Whether it be in the markets and bazaars of Old Delhi, the vibrant nightlife of Mumbai or the peaceful waterfronts of Goa, India boasted a unifying sense of giving. Strangers and tourists from all corners of the world were welcomed warmly by the many people they met, flooded with the array of humanity and diversity India held.

Though the country still faced challenges such as poverty, and other situations of inequality, India in the year 2000 was an overwhelmingly positive space - one that celebrated life, friendship and peace.

To this day, I can personally attest that India’s charm, beauty and openness have never faltered; it remains an accessible, beautiful place. But if you had the chance to explore India in 2000, then that would have been a truly once in lifetime opportunity.