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North India: Little sweet, little spicy

“If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”

Any discussion about North India will not be complete without this saying. A proud home to the most majestic and enchanting mountain range “The Himalayas” in Jammu and Kashmir, which prove the above saying to be true to every single letter. From snowy mountains to sandy desert to green plains, this region’s basket contains fruits from a variety of trees. The list of awesomeness does not end here; North India has many feathers in its cap.

North India is defined as the land, which stretches to about 1.4 million km sq. starting from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh. Technically all these states will come under North Indian umbrella—Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Although the major language in this region is Hindi, a slight change in dialect as per every region is clearly recognized. Kashmiri, Rajasthani, Haryanvi and Punjabi are some other major languages of North India.

North India

Almost 543 million people reside in this region of the country. North India shares its boundaries with China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. The North Indian region is home to major rivers like The Ganges, Yamuna, Sutlej and many more. People of almost all religion live in this region of the country.

“The Taj Mahal” in Agra, graces North India with its royal yet serene presence. “Banaras” in North India, is the spiritual capital, where people come to die, is also the oldest inhabited city in the world. ‘The Lal Qila’ reminds Indians of our precious independence and to honor it, every year on 15th August, the prime minister of India hoists the national flag here.

North India has one more badge of honor; ‘the Golden Temple’, which is the most popular pilgrimage of the Sikh community, lies here. It is the largest running kitchen in India, serving at least 50k meals per day (the number of which can rise up to 1 lakh on festivals), in the form of langar.

North India

Let me introduce you to the beautiful states of North India: One at a time

Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir regions soothes your eyes with breathtaking scenic views of mountains, packed with snow, valleys full of flowers and garden full of apples and peaches. If you are in J&K, do not forget to taste the famous ‘Noonchai’. You can also shop for ‘Kesar’, “Walnut’ and ‘Almonds’ which are cultivated in abundance here. The people here were the ‘Feram’ to protect themselves from cold.

Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh lies in the lap of Himalayas, just beneath J&K. The largest glacier in Asia, ‘Shigri Glacier’ is here. The Manali-Leh highway is the highest motor able road in India. The famous thukpa is a favorite delicacy here.

Punjab

Haven’t tried the lasii in Punjab…. What are you serious..?? Cmonnnn.. If you really wanna get the taste of North India, lassi in Punjab is a must. Sitting in a paddy field, eating makka chapattis with sarso saag gives the most patriotic feeling of the country. Sikhism is the major religion practiced here.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a major hub of adventure sports in India. The famous Chipko movement of India took place here only. Uttarakhand is famous for being the home to chaar dhaams- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is also the site for Kumbh mela, which is organized in a gap of 12 years.

North India

Haryana

Almost all major multinational companies have their Indian headquarter in Gurugram, Haryana. Haryana also produces the most number of wrestlers in the country. Delhi the national capital lies in the northern region of India. Famous for great food and diverse culture, Delhi is home to many historical monuments. Also known as ‘concrete jungle’ ironically, Delhi is one of the greenest cities of the world.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India. Famous for wheat cultivation, vibrant temples of Mathura and Vrindavan, and Kachori jalebi of Varanasi, this state is situated on the banks of the river Ganges.

Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture. It is home to a number of historical landmarks, government buildings, and cultural institutions.

Rajasthan

Lastly, Rajasthan, the state of golden dessert, is famous for its daal-baati-choorma. Desert safari are quite popular here. A very interesting fact about Rajasthan is that the cities here are color-coded- Jaipur- pink city, Udaipur white city, Jodhpur blue city, Jaisalmer golden city. Cooool…isn’t it……Rajasthan is also home to many historical temples like Mehndipur Balaji Hanumaan mandir, Khatu Shyam mandir, Salasar Hanuman mandir and Rani sati dadi mandir in Jhunjhunu and Dargah of Ajmer Shariff. Feeling all spiritual haa…… Namkeen ke sath kuch meetha ho jaye!

The North Indian region is as equally famous for its spicy food as for the delicious sweets. From lassi to halwa to barfis to mirchi pakoda, to chole bhature, this region every kind of delicacies possible. The non-veg cuisines are also very popular along with the vegetarian ones. The Thukpa soup, which is a mix of momos and noodles in a broth, is a specialty you will never forget. The kebabs of Lucknow, the petha of Agra, the paranthas of Delhi all these cuisines are a perfect blend of sweet and spice.

North India

Some interesting facts about North India… bet you don’t know them all…

  • The North Indian region is the region with most population density in India.
  • The highest battlefield of the world lies in Siachen Glacier. The altitude of this place is 6,000 metres.
  • World’s second most cold place, which is still inhabited is in Drass, Kargil in Kashmir. It is also known as ‘Gateway to Ladakh’.
  • The famous Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh is the largest human gathering in the history of the world. The place was so full of people that Ilkonos satellite captured a detailed image of it while revolving in space.
  • World’s highest post office is located in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh. It is still functional at an altitude of 15,500 ft.
  • World’s third highest observatory, The Indian Astronomical Observatory, is located in Hanle, Leh-Ladakh.
  • The Kalka-Shimla railway has been added to the mountain railways of India, World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
  • The Lathmaar holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is famous worldwide. A weeklong celebration in which people throw colors at each other and enjoy popular sweets is among the most popular festival of India. On the night of Diwali, the North Indian region lights up with so many lamps and lights that it can be even noticed by space satellites.
  • The only Brahma temple in the whole world is in Pushkar, Rajasthan. It also hosts the famous hot balloon festival.
  • The Indira Gandhi International Airport is South Asia’s largest aviation hub.

Faq's

The exact number of states in North India can vary depending on the definition used. Here's a breakdown: Commonly included states: 8 (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) Variations: Some may exclude Delhi (considered a National Capital Territory) Some may include Chandigarh (a Union Territory)

North India throbs with the pulse of India's history, culture, and geography. It's the spiritual wellspring, birthing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Witness architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and explore ancient Varanasi. Diverse states like Rajasthan and Punjab offer unique flavors and artistic traditions. North India's fertile lands and bustling cities like Delhi power the nation's economy. Yet, amidst the vibrancy, find serenity in the Himalayas' embrace, traverse the Thar Desert sands, or be touched by the holiness of the Ganges. From ancient empires to modern marvels, North India offers an unforgettable experience.

North India states offer a treasure trove of experiences. Witness architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal in Agra, a marvel found within Uttar Pradesh's borders. Explore the holy city of Varanasi, a center of Hinduism in Uttar Pradesh. Savor the rich flavors of North Indian cuisine, famous for its curries and delights like butter chicken, in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Escape the summer heat at scenic hill stations like Shimla in Himachal Pradesh or Manali further north. Embark on Himalayan treks in Jammu and Kashmir or Uttarakhand, other North India states known for their stunning mountain ranges. Immerse yourself in the spiritual traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, all prevalent across North India states. From the bustling metropolises of Delhi to the serene valleys of Himachal Pradesh, North India states promise an unforgettable adventure.

The best place to visit in North India during winter depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Here are a few options: For snow enthusiasts: Head to the Himalayas! Manali and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh are popular choices, offering snowfall, skiing, and stunning mountain views. For adventure seekers: Auli in Uttarakhand is a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding. For a quieter experience: Binsar, also in Uttarakhand, is a lesser-known destination with beautiful scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting. For a luxurious getaway: Gulmarg in Kashmir is a popular ski resort with stunning views of the Pir Panjal mountains. No matter where you choose to go, North India in winter is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.