Hi I'm Jing…Before coming to India, Li, Mei, and I already had an image of the country in our minds.
The truth is, none of that image came from our own experiences. It came from television, online news, documentaries, and conversations we'd had over the years. Like many people who have never visited India, we only knew the stories that reached us through headlines. We were curious about the country, but we were also unsure about what travelling there would actually feel like.
Despite those questions, we decided it was time to experience India for ourselves.
The three of us had almost a month to travel before returning to China, and rather than rushing through famous landmarks, we wanted our journey to be meaningful. We were looking for a balance between comfort and authenticity—beautiful places to stay, time to relax, opportunities to understand local culture, and experiences that would help us connect with India beyond what we'd seen online.
That's how we found Planout.
Instead of creating a packed itinerary, they helped us design a journey that moved at a comfortable pace while introducing us to different sides of India. They suggested boutique stays, local train journeys, heritage cities, wellness experiences, and practical tips that allowed us to travel independently while always knowing someone was there if we needed help.
Discovering That India Has Many Different Faces
One of the biggest surprises during our trip was realizing how impossible it is to describe India as one single place.
Every region introduced us to a completely different culture. The languages changed, the food changed, the architecture looked different, and even daily life felt unique from one state to another.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we found ourselves becoming more curious with every destination.
The India we had imagined before arriving slowly disappeared, replaced by countless small moments that no news report could ever capture.
Finding Peace in Rishikesh
One destination that left a lasting impression on all three of us was Rishikesh.
Before arriving, we'd heard it was known as the Yoga Capital of the World, but experiencing it ourselves was something entirely different.
Early mornings beside the Ganges, peaceful yoga sessions surrounded by mountains, and evenings spent watching the Ganga Aarti created an atmosphere unlike anywhere we had travelled before.
For the first time in months, life felt slower.
Phones stayed in our bags.
Conversations became longer.
Time seemed less important.
It reminded us how valuable it is to simply pause.
Kerala – Wellness Beyond Expectations
From Rishikesh, we continued south to Kerala.
If Rishikesh brought peace to the mind, Kerala brought relaxation to the body.
One experience we had been looking forward to was trying authentic Ayurvedic therapies. We spent a day enjoying traditional wellness treatments, learning about Ayurveda, and understanding why these practices have been part of Indian culture for centuries.
It wasn't simply a massage.
It felt like pressing a reset button after months of busy lives back home.
Of course, Kerala offered much more than wellness.
The peaceful backwaters, lush green landscapes, fragrant spice plantations, and incredible South Indian food quickly became some of our favourite memories. Every meal introduced us to flavours we'd never experienced before, and we found ourselves becoming surprisingly enthusiastic about Indian spices.
Rajasthan's Royal Heritage
Another highlight of our journey was Rajasthan.
Walking through magnificent forts and palaces made us feel as though we had stepped into another era. Every city told stories of kings, queens, artists, and traditions that had survived for centuries.
The colourful streets, handcrafted textiles, local markets, and evening cultural performances showed us a side of India that felt vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.
Everywhere we looked, history wasn't locked away inside museums.
It was still being lived.
Travelling Like Locals
One thing we appreciated most about the journey was travelling independently while always having local support when we needed it.
The GoPlanOut team helped us understand India's railway system, suggested the best train routes, recommended local cafés and neighbourhoods, and shared practical advice that made travelling feel much easier than we'd imagined.
Rather than staying inside tourist bubbles, we travelled the way local people do.
Those train journeys became some of our favourite memories because they gave us the chance to observe everyday life, meet families, speak with fellow travellers, and experience India beyond the attractions.
More Similar Than Different
Perhaps the biggest lesson we took home wasn't about destinations.
It was about people.
As we travelled through India, we began noticing something surprisingly familiar.
Families spending evenings together.
Grandparents living with children.
Meals shared around one table.
Respect for elders.
Celebrations that brought entire communities together.
It reminded us so much of home.
Although India and China are different in many ways, we realised our cultures share something very important.
Both place family, relationships, and community at the centre of everyday life.
That realisation made India feel unexpectedly familiar.
One Month Changed Everything
When we first boarded our flight from China, we were carrying questions.
By the time we returned home, we were carrying stories.
Stories about the people who welcomed us.
The peaceful mornings in Rishikesh.
The relaxing Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala.
The royal heritage of Rajasthan.
The conversations on long train journeys.
And the countless moments that helped us understand a country far more complex and beautiful than we had ever imagined.
The greatest lesson of our journey was simple.
No country should be understood only through headlines.
Sometimes, the best way to discover a place is to experience it yourself.
India gave us that opportunity.
And we're incredibly grateful that it did.
