My India, My Journey: Discovering a Nation Through Travel

From Kerala’s lush landscapes to Rajasthan’s majestic forts, V. Rajesh Mohan Rao reflects on how family journeys, cultural traditions, regional cuisines and historical landmarks have deepened his understanding of India’s unity in diversity.

By V. Rajesh Mohan Rao

A Journey That Began in Childhood

Travel has been an integral part of my life since childhood. My early journeys with my parents introduced me to places beyond my familiar surroundings, opening up new perspectives on India’s people, traditions and landscapes. As I grew older, I continued exploring the country with my family and friends, collecting memories that have enriched my understanding of its extraordinary cultural diversity.

Our family generally plans a trip together once every four years. These journeys offer us an opportunity to step away from our daily routines, spend quality time together and discover places we may previously have encountered only through books, photographs or stories.

Returning to a destination after many years can be a different experience altogether. A place that fascinated us as children may inspire a deeper appreciation of its history and architecture when we revisit it as adults. Travelling with our own children adds another dimension, as we see familiar places through their curiosity and excitement.

For me, travel is not merely about reaching a destination or collecting photographs. It is about the people we meet, the stories we discover and the memories we bring home. Every journey offers a new perspective on the country I call home.

Kerala: The Beauty of Home

Kerala holds a special place in my heart. With its green countryside, tranquil backwaters, rivers, beaches, hills and places of worship, the state offers a remarkable variety of experiences within a relatively small geographical area.

Its towns and villages possess distinctive identities shaped by local customs, festivals, food and everyday life. Travelling within Kerala has helped me appreciate how traditions can vary from one district to another, reflecting the histories and surroundings of different communities.

My interest in the Konkani language and culture has also encouraged me to appreciate the connections between linguistic communities across regions. These connections demonstrate how people can preserve their cultural identities while building lives far from their ancestral homes.

Karnataka: Where Coastal Heritage Meets Tradition

Karnataka has been an important part of my travels, particularly its culturally rich western coast. My visits to Kundapura, Udupi, Mangaluru, Koteshwara and Murudeshwar have introduced me to the region’s religious heritage, coastal landscapes and diverse cultural traditions. I have also visited Kollur, home to the renowned Mookambika Temple.

Udupi is well known for its Sri Krishna Temple and devotional traditions, while Murudeshwar is notable for its temple complex, imposing statue of Lord Shiva and picturesque setting beside the Arabian Sea. Coastal towns such as Kundapura and Mangaluru reflect a long history of trade, religious institutions and interaction among different linguistic communities.

For someone interested in Konkani culture, travelling through this region brings a sense of familiarity alongside the excitement of discovering something new. Konkani-speaking communities are spread across parts of India’s western coast, where their traditions have developed through generations of interaction with neighbouring languages and cultures.

These journeys have strengthened my appreciation of the ways geography, faith, language and community relationships shape a region’s identity.

Goa: Temples, Traditions and Cultural Roots

Goa is another destination that holds a special place in my travel memories. Although the state is widely associated with its beaches, its temples and cultural traditions reveal another important dimension of its heritage.

During my travels, I have visited Shri Mangeshi Temple, Shri Damodar Temple at Jambavali, Veling Narasimha Swamy Temple, Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple at Mardol, Mahamaya Temple and Shri Ramnath Temple.

Each place has its own traditions and significance. Together, these visits have deepened my appreciation of the religious heritage associated with many Konkani-speaking families.

For many families, temples represent far more than places of worship. They are closely connected with family histories, festivals, community relationships and customs passed down through generations. Goa’s Konkani heritage reminds me that language and culture can continue to unite people even when they live far apart.

Communities may move to different states and adapt to new surroundings, but their traditions, food, language and memories can remain enduring links to their roots.

Mumbai: A City of Energy and Many Communities

Mumbai offers a very different travel experience. Fast-paced and dynamic, the city has been shaped by commerce, migration and the presence of people from across India. Its busy streets, markets, public transport and diverse neighbourhoods reveal how people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds share a common urban space.

The city also has important connections with Konkani-speaking communities. During my visits, I explored Wadala Kashi Math, an institution associated with the religious and community life of Goud Saraswat Brahmins.

Places like these encourage me to reflect on how communities preserve their traditions while living away from their ancestral regions. Mumbai may be recognised for its modern lifestyle and economic opportunities, but its cultural identity is equally shaped by the people who bring their languages, customs and memories with them.

Delhi: Exploring History in the Capital

Delhi offers a fascinating encounter with India’s past and present. Its historic monuments reflect different architectural styles and historical periods, while its bustling markets, neighbourhoods and public spaces reveal the energy of contemporary urban life.

The capital is also home to people from many parts of the country. This diversity can be experienced through the languages spoken on its streets, the regional cuisines available across the city and the traditions maintained by its many communities.

For a traveller, Delhi provides an opportunity to reflect on India’s historical journey while observing the changes taking place in modern society. The contrast between historic landmarks and contemporary city life makes every visit an opportunity to discover something new.

Uttar Pradesh: History, Spirituality and Lasting Memories

Uttar Pradesh has given me some particularly memorable travel experiences through its historical and religious destinations. Among them is the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of India’s most celebrated architectural landmarks.

Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is admired for its white marble architecture, intricate craftsmanship and setting beside the Yamuna River. Its design brings together Persian, Islamic and Indian influences. Learning about the history behind such a monument adds another dimension to the experience of seeing it in person.

My travels have also taken me to Mathura and Vrindavan, destinations closely associated with Lord Krishna and the devotional traditions surrounding his life. Their temples, religious observances and cultural associations attract pilgrims and visitors from across the country.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, holds a distinctive place in India’s spiritual and cultural landscape. I have visited Kashi Math in Varanasi, as well as Wadala Kashi Math in Mumbai. These visits have highlighted for me the role that religious and community institutions play in maintaining traditions across different locations.

Such journeys have reinforced my appreciation of the connections between faith, family heritage and cultural memory.

Rajasthan: Majestic Forts and Cherished Family Memories

Rajasthan occupies a special place in my travel memories. I visited Hawa Mahal and several forts in the state when I was younger, and later had the opportunity to revisit historic destinations with my family.

Seeing these places at different stages of life has made the experience particularly meaningful. Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, popularly known as the Palace of Winds, is famous for its distinctive façade and numerous small windows. Built in 1799, this five-storey structure remains one of Jaipur’s best-known landmarks.

The forts of Rajasthan are equally captivating. Their massive walls, imposing gateways, courtyards and architectural details offer glimpses into the region’s rich history.

When I travelled with my children, I was delighted to see their excitement as they explored these historic sites. Their curiosity reminded me that travel can be an educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Seeing historical places firsthand allows children to connect with the past in ways that books and photographs alone may not provide. Travelling together also gives parents opportunities to share their knowledge while learning alongside their children.

For me, these shared experiences are among the most rewarding aspects of family travel.

Discovering India Through Its Food

Food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience India’s regional diversity. Every region has its own ingredients, cooking methods, flavours and eating traditions, shaped by its climate, local produce, history and communities.

The food we encounter in Kerala may differ considerably from the cuisines of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Each region offers something distinctive, making food an important part of the travel experience.

At the same time, I have learnt that not every dish suits every traveller. A meal enjoyed by one family member may not appeal equally to another. While some people prefer familiar flavours, others enjoy experimenting with new dishes. Both preferences are perfectly natural.

I believe that we should appreciate local cuisines without feeling obliged to enjoy every dish. Exploring regional food should be a pleasure, not a requirement.

Practical preparation also matters, especially during long journeys. Carrying suitable snacks and drinking water can be helpful when travelling with children or older family members, when delays occur or when suitable restaurants are not readily available.

Food should be packed safely, particularly in hot weather, and travellers should consider individual dietary needs when planning their journeys.

Being prepared does not mean missing out on local cuisine. Instead, it offers flexibility and allows us to enjoy regional specialities while taking care of our practical needs.

For me, discovering India’s food traditions is another way of understanding the people and places that make the country so diverse.

Travelling Responsibly: Health and Safety

Travel brings unexpected experiences, and not all of them are enjoyable. On two or three occasions during our journeys, we encountered health-related discomfort that reminded us of the importance of preparation.

These experiences have made me more conscious of the need to consider health and safety before setting out.

Travellers should carry their regular medicines in accordance with their doctor’s advice and keep a basic first-aid kit for minor needs. It is also sensible to identify nearby hospitals or clinics and keep their contact details accessible, particularly when travelling with children or older family members.

Those with ongoing medical needs should plan ahead, ensure that they have an adequate supply of necessary medicines and keep important medical information and emergency contacts readily available.

Although illness is not something we want to think about during a holiday, reasonable preparation can help families respond more calmly if someone becomes unwell.

For me, responsible travel means enjoying new experiences while taking sensible precautions to protect the well-being of everyone travelling with us.

The Languages That Connect Us

Knowing Konkani, Malayalam, Hindi and English has made travelling across India easier for me. These languages have helped me communicate in different places, ask questions, understand directions and travel with greater independence.

Language, however, is more than a practical tool. It can also help us connect with people, appreciate their perspectives and understand their cultural backgrounds.

Even when we do not speak a local language, a willingness to listen, communicate politely and respect local customs can make a meaningful difference.

India’s linguistic diversity is one of its remarkable characteristics. My journeys through different regions have strengthened my appreciation of the importance of language in preserving cultural identities and building connections among communities.

Family, Reading and the Joy of Writing

Travel means more to me than visiting destinations. It is about the people with whom I share the journey, the experiences I gather and the memories I preserve.

My childhood travels with my parents gave me many happy memories. Later journeys with my family and friends brought different kinds of happiness, while watching my own children discover historical places and unfamiliar surroundings added a new dimension to the experience.

Reading is another of my favourite activities, including during travel. Books offer quiet enjoyment on long journeys and encourage me to reflect on places, people and ideas.

Writing, too, is a passion of mine. Travel provides an endless source of inspiration, whether I am reflecting on history, language, culture, food or the everyday lives of people.

I believe travel writing is most meaningful when it remains honest and personal. An experience does not need exaggeration to become interesting. Careful observation, genuine memories and respect for the places we visit can tell their own stories.

My India: Celebrating Unity in Diversity

My journeys across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have helped me appreciate India’s extraordinary variety.

The landscape changes from one region to another. Languages, cuisines, architecture, festivals and customs differ, reflecting the country’s many histories and traditions. Yet these differences do not prevent people from sharing a common national identity.

India’s unity does not depend on everyone being the same. It lies in the ability of people with different languages, beliefs, histories and lifestyles to coexist and recognise one another’s place in the country.

Travel makes this diversity tangible. We move beyond familiar surroundings, encounter different ways of life and discover the many stories that contribute to our shared national experience.

The memories I carry from my journeys include temples, historic monuments, coastal towns, bustling cities, unfamiliar flavours and, above all, the time spent with family. From childhood trips with my parents to journeys with my own children, travel has taught me that exploring the country can educate us, bring generations closer and deepen our appreciation of India.

For me, India is not merely a collection of destinations on a map. It is a shared home filled with countless cultures, traditions and stories.

Every journey adds something to my understanding of this vast and diverse land. I hope to continue travelling, reading, observing and writing, preserving these experiences through words that remain simple, sincere and true to life.