What’s a life without the thrill of travel? Travel lets you broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in different cultures, and interact with locals who have lived entirely different lives from yours. But we’re not always looking for culture shock on a vacation, so places with those little familiar comforts of home can be just as refreshing. Hearing a few phrases spoken in Hindi or Bengali, smelling the many curry spices like fenugreek and garam masala, or celebrating an Indian festival can give you a sense of belonging, even while exploring new territory.
And just like when finding the highest RTP games to play, you’ll want to choose the perfect destination to maximise your experience. Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a few travel destinations where Indians can find a home away from home.
Malaysia
Indians aren’t blessed with the opportunity to travel to most countries and territories without a travel visa, making the 62 countries that don’t require one a much easier pick. One of these countries is Malaysia, a megadiverse country with a unique blend of cultural charm, big city sights, and lush coastal beauty. Not only is there so much to see and do, but the country also has a deep connection to Indians through its Indian diaspora, primarily Tamils.
Many cities in the country have preserved Indian cuisine, customs, and culture, with restaurants fusing the flavours of China, India, and Malaysia and vibrant Indian clothing available for sale around the shops. With an abundance of Hindu temples surrounded by nature, Indian travellers can find a sense of solace and peace there after touring the Petronas Towers and Central Market.
Mauritius
Searching for a slice of paradise? Mauritius is heaven for Indian travellers for two main reasons—the fact that it grants you 90-day visa-free entry and the gorgeous, untouched nature. While most world travellers think of Fiji, Hawaii, and the Maldives for their tropical getaway, few islands on Earth are as paradisiacal and authentically exotic as Mauritius. After all, Mark Twain himself stated that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
Indians can tour the mountainous landscapes, explore the national parks, find a sunny spot on the beach, and dip their toes in the water. Travellers can enjoy a little taste of home, as the cuisine is a blend of Indian, Chinese, and European influences—like puri, roti, and fish curry. Sound familiar? There are also many cultural similarities, including modest dress, a big vegetarian population, and Hindus and Muslims frequently visiting temples and mosques.
Sri Lanka
With no time difference to worry about and less than four hours of travel time, Sri Lanka is a relatively close destination for a vacation. Right off the coast of India, you’ll find a diverse, laid-back place that caters to all sorts of tourists. Those searching for a spiritual experience can visit the many sacred pilgrimage sites, while culture enthusiasts can head straight to the cultural triangle, with five UNESCO Sites there alone. Travellers who want to go off the beaten path can venture to cities like Nuwara Eliya, and surfers can pick from dozens of beach towns to practise their craft.
Sri Lanka naturally shares abundant commonalities with India, considering they both boast delectable, spicy dishes, incredible sunsets, cultural sites, glittering temples, and countless markets. However, Sri Lanka is primarily a Buddhist nation, which paves the way for a variety of interesting differences too that add a fresh perspective.
Nepal
Nepal is so close to India that, if you wanted to, you could drive there. While the drive isn’t easy—around 14 hours and 30 minutes, a flight takes less than two hours. So long as you have your valid Indian passport and a voter ID with a photograph, you can explore the country and its many affordable attractions and activities. Although Nepal is ideal for the budget-conscious, it’s absolutely teeming with adventure, natural beauty, rich history, and one-of-a-kind diversity that features 35 ethnic groups.
The sheer number of tentative and confirmed UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in this small country is astounding. It’s home to the Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini (the birthplace of Buddha), Chitwan National Park, and more, all of which are bound to leave a lasting impression long after your adventure. Since it’s a cultural ally of India, you’ll feel right at home among its people.
Thailand
Thailand is known for being extremely welcoming to all its tourists, and that’s no exception for Indian tourists. The best part about a vacation to the Land of Smiles is that you’ll never run out of things to do or places to go. The country is so diverse that you could spend a day searching for handmade wares at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, go on a wildlife tour, dive into the emerald waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands, relax with a Thai massage, and attend a full moon party, all in a couple of days.
With its no-visa policy for Indians and its accessibility thanks to several daily flights, there’s already a strong foundation for easy travel. Adding on the similarities in culture, such as a distinct culinary heritage and an emphasis on religion and family values, Thailand won’t feel completely alien. If you enjoy Rasam, you can order a Tom Yum Soup, and a Pad Kra Pao might just remind you of Pulao. Like India, Thailand emphasises spirituality through traditional healing practices, rituals, and meditation, with spaces all around the country dedicated to these activities.