Being in social isolation doesn’t stop us dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit; in fact, now we’ve got even more time to daydream. Escape on a virtual vacation to bring a little piece of India to your living room.
India has been capturing visitors’ imaginations – and their hearts – for centuries. Its diverse mixture of bustling cities, exotic jungles, laid-back beaches, snow-capped Himalayas, majestic architecture, and the sacred river Ganges mean that it’s on the bucket list of most adventurous travellers. Moreover, the multitude of festivals and cultures, the world-famous cuisine, and the contrasting luxury and poverty make a trip to India utterly unforgettable. Those who have been know it has to be experienced to be believed. As we can’t visit right now, we’ve gathered some ways to experience the spirit of India from your home.
Romance
Guzaarish (2010): An Indian romantic drama with beautiful dance sequences, Guzaarish stars Hrithik Roshan as a man who has been paralyzed and wishes to end his life. Can his nurse, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, convince him that he has something to live for?
Bride and Prejudice (2004): Bollywood meets Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. What more can we say?
Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Dev Patel stars as a boy from a humble background who appears on an Indian game show, ultimately delivering a feel-good message despite showcasing a dark side of Bombay.
Adventure
The Darjeeling Limited (2007): This Wes Anderson film is perfect for anyone dreaming of travelling India by train.
The Jungle Book (1967/2016): This classic film uses Hindi names for its famous animal characters, introducing viewers to India’s rich cultural heritage.
Drama
Lion (2016): An adopted boy named Saroo returns to India after 25 years to search for his family.
A Passage to India (1984): This epic film directed by David Lean explores the tensions between British colonials and native locals in India during the 1920s.
Salaam, Bombay! (1998): A film credited with putting Indian cinema on the map, it explores the daily lives of children living in the slums of Bombay.
Indian Classical Music
The music of A. R. Rahman (the Indian composer and singer known for the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack and more).
Love Stories/Tragedies
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a beautiful and tragic novel exploring the childhood experiences of twins growing up in Kerala.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth revolves around a love story about the quest to find Lata a ‘suitable’ husband, set against a backdrop of a country embracing its new independence.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is an epic tale of four individuals navigating a world of comedy and tragedy amid political turmoil.
Shantaram reads like a thriller and recounts the extraordinary real-life experiences of Gregory David Roberts, who established a free health clinic in a Bombay slum after escaping from prison.
Political Sagas
The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee juxtaposes poverty against wealth through the tale of a Calcutta family involved in the peasants’ uprising.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga offers a gripping portrayal of a rickshaw puller’s son who transforms his life through drastic measures.
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie unfolds the story of a young man born at the moment of Indian independence, blending personal and historical narratives.
The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh spans three generations against the backdrop of colonialism and World War II.
Podcasts to Explore Indian Culture
Anupama Chopra Film Review
A quality podcast by a renowned film critic focusing on Bollywood and Hollywood films.
Cyrus Says
A comedy podcast tackling topical issues in India from politics to sports, traffic, and parenting.
No Sugarcoat
This podcast explores Indian cuisine through stories from chefs in engaging 40-minute episodes.
Maed in India
Dive into independent Indian music with interviews featuring diverse musicians.
Learn Basic Hindi
Of the languages spoken in India, Hindi is considered the easiest for English speakers to learn. Here are some phrases to get you started:
- Namaste – Hello
- Dhanyavad – Thank you
- Maaf kijiye – Sorry
- Suniye – Excuse me
- Accha – Good
- Kitna? – How much?
Indian Language Resources
Duolingo: Specializes in bite-size, quick lessons for Hindi learners.
Indian Cuisine: Exciting Recipes You Must Try
When it comes to Indian cuisine, there are incredible dishes to enjoy. Here’s a selection of popular recipes to explore:
- Goan vindaloo
- Chennai chicken
- Kolkata kati roll
- Indian samosas
Refreshing Drinks
Whip up a refreshing Indian non-alcoholic cocktail with our recipe for a mango lassi.
Shop From India
Explore Indian shops that ship internationally, even during restrictions:
