11 Facts about India to Leave You Mesmerized

India is a land of many wonders. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the spectacular mix of traditions, festivals, and spiritual beliefs makes India a heavenly mix of contemporary and classical. Surrounded by diversity in its every corner, the nation is the land of extremes. Although its people are upbeat and modern, they are deeply rooted in their traditions.

The country is blessed with sun-kissed beaches, snow-capped mountains, meditative forests and serpentine rivers that have been enriching the ancient civilizations since eons. You can come face to face with a lion on your average jungle safari, or just relax at the beaches. If trekking is your game, then there Himalaya is waiting for you.

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When discussing facts about India, how can you forget Indian cuisine? Just like its landscape, the country has dynamic gastronomic traditions where gods are offered a platter consisting of 56 dishes, a smorgasbord of recipes – each with a distinct cooking technique and ingredients.

Let's uncover some of the mesmerizing facts about India that surprises many tourists.

1. The ancient Varanasi

Located on the banks of Ganges River, Varanasi is an ancient city believed to be founded in 11 century B.C. Also, known referred to as Benaras, Kashi, Avimukta, and Rudravāsa – the city is an important center for pilgrimage among the Hindus and Buddhists.

Varanasi is also an important cultural center of India and has been a vital trade center as well. You will find expensive muslins and silk fabrics, carpet works, and antique scriptures.

2. Several Mundane and Important Things Originated in India

Several mundane and important things originated in India including the game of Snakes and Ladders, the concept shampoo, diamond mining, and so on. Buttons also originated in India! 5,000-year-old sea-shells were discovered while excavating the Indus Valley Civilizations.

Trigonometry, Geometry, and early Astronomy originated in India as well. The country is also among the first countries to develop holistic healing techniques, Ayurveda and Yoga. See also Ayurveda and Yoga in Delhi

3. Only Post Office That Floats

India has a close to 1, 55,015 post offices in the world. Interestingly, the country has a floating post office located on the Dal Lake, Srinagar.

Built on a houseboat, the post office is also philately museum housing several rare postal stamps. Visitors can also buy picture postcards, local souvenir items, stationery with Indian Postal themes, and so on. Trip to this post office and museum is a must for philately enthusiasts.

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4. A Village without Doors - Shani Shingnapur

Located in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, the Shani Shingnapur or Shingnapur is a village without doors. The reverted temple dedicated to God Shani or Swayambhu Shanaishwara, the Hindu god associated with planet Saturn. Each day thousands and thousands of devotees visit the temple.

It is believed that the presiding deity of the temple protects the village against thieves and dacoits. Ironically, even the banks have no front door – just the frame.

Sacred Mother Cow in India

5. Bill of Rights for Cows – How Interesting

A cow is sacred among Hindus and is referred to as ‘Gau Mata’ – the sacred mother cow. Special bill has been passed that prevents sale and killing of cows. This is very interesting.

6. Magnetic Hills and Its Magnetic Mystery

Located close to Leh, on the Leh-Kargil Highway, the Magnetic Hills are very mysterious – the area supposedly defies gravity. While moving through the hill, you might feel moving against the gravitational pull of the earth.

Locals believe that the hills road passing through the Magnetic Hills takes the passenger to heaven. However, science believes that the layout of the hill creates an optical illusion that makes travelers believe that they are going uphill, while in reality, they are going down. That’s one of the interesting facts about India.

7. Mawsynram and Rain

The small village situated on the East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram, is World’s Wettest Place. The village receives close to 11,873 millimeters of rains due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. One of the popular tourist attractions of Meghalaya – most tourists come here to enjoy the rain and pleasant weather.

The village, at 1400 m above sea level, is close to huge stalagmite formation another popular tourist attraction of the East Khasi Hills.

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8. The Largest Democracy in the World – India

India is the largest democracy in the world. Every five years, close to 1.30 billion (and growing) people elect their representatives to sit in the parliament house and make decisions on their behalf. It is one of the most interesting facts about India and its people. But that’s not all.

The country has the second-longest active constitution in the world, written by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

9. Yoga Was Born in India

Yoga – the exercise routine and spiritual practices originated in India. According to ancient scriptures, the exercise routine can help in the holistic healing of the body. The exercise routine has close to 84 classic Yoga Asanas, which helps in relieving pain and detoxing the body.

Some of the illustrious Yoga practitioners include B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi.

10. Interesting Temple of Rats

The following facts about India would surely surprise you. The country is home to varied temples – some intricate while others being bizarre. You would be surprised to know that in India there is a temple dedicated to rats! Yes, you read it right.

The Karni Mata Temple, 30km (20mi) off Bikaner, is home to thousands of rats (or kabbas) and is revered by visitors who come here.

11. Lake of Skeletons – Roopkund

The Skeletons Lake of Roopkund, a glacial lake, came into limelight after several ancient skeletons were discovered at the edge of the lake. Located at the altitude of 16,470 feet – it is believed that a huge party of travelers was killed in a sudden hailstorm close to the 9th century.

Due to its picturesque location and mysterious skeletons, the area has been a popular trekking destination. The lake has been featured in a National Geographic Documentary.

India is an interesting country and filled with mesmerizing and interesting facts. These 11 mesmerizing and interesting facts about India – display the beauty of the country.