The Best Way to See India(a)|走访印度的最佳方式

The Best Way to See India

by Owain Mckimm

Traveling in India can be troublesome, but not if you take the Palace on Wheels.

India is a mystical country which attracts photo-snapping tourists, adventure-seeking backpackers, and travelers in search of spiritual secrets from all over the world. It has a population of over 1.2 billion, which is second only to China, and its economy is estimated to be one of the world's fastest growing. India gained independence in 1947 after almost two centuries of British rule. As a result, its culture, languages, and governmental structure retain many British influences.

Visitors go to India for all sorts of reasons. With a culture rich in history, religious and spiritual diversity, and stunning landscapes containing rainforests, deserts, and soaring mountain ranges, India has something for everyone. Popular attractions include the majestic Taj Mahal, the holy Ganges River, and the Hindu festival of Holi, where people throw colored powder or water all over each other, dance, and celebrate the new spring. India is also a paradise for lovers of meditation and those searching for enlightenment. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years and attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims. Devotees come to wash in the Ganges and gain wisdom and blessings from mystical teachers called sadhus.

Food in India is an adventure in itself, with thousands of regional specialties and recipes dating back hundreds of years. Rich in exotic herbs, fragrant and colorful spices, and countless curries, Indian cuisine can be a shock to many Westerners' more delicate digestions. Travelers have nicknamed the inevitable unsettled stomach following one's first few meals in the country Delhi belly after the country's capital. With such a vast area of land, traveling across the country is an inevitable part of visiting India. Many visitors believe that there is no better way of seeing the wonders of India than by train.

走访印度的最佳方式

在印度旅行可能很麻烦，但如果你搭的是皇宫列车，那就另当别论了。

　　印度是个神秘的国度，吸引来自全球各地喜爱拍照的观光客、寻求冒险的背包客，以及找寻心灵奥秘的旅行者。印度的人口超过 12 亿，仅次于中国，而且据估计，印度是全球经济成长最快的国家之一。印度在接受英国长达近 2 个世纪的统治之后，于 1947 年获得独立。因此，该国的文化、语言、以及政府组织都保留许多英国的影响。

　　人们造访印度的原因林林总总。印度的文化富含历史、宗教及精神上的多样性，它还拥有雨林、沙漠、高耸的山脉等惊人的地理景观，可以满足所有人的喜好。其中受欢迎的景点包括泰姬玛哈陵、恒河、以及印度教庆典『色彩节』，人们当天会在彼此身上洒满彩色粉末或水，以及跳舞，庆祝新春的到来。印度也是喜好冥想和寻求开悟者的天堂。每 3 年举行一次的『大壶节』，每次都会吸引数百万印度朝圣者前往。虔诚的信徒在恒河中洗涤，从神秘的导师『萨图』那里得到智慧和祝福。

　　印度的食物本身就是一种冒险，它有数千种来自不同地区的特色菜肴及具有数百年历史的食谱。印度菜有许多具有异国风味的香草、芬芳及五颜六色的香料，还有种类多到不可胜数的咖哩，对西方人较弱的肠胃来说，很可能是一场震憾教育。在印度吃过头几餐之后，胃一定会翻天覆地，游客还以这个国家的首都名称把这种经验昵称为『德里肚』。由于印度幅员广阔，去玩总免不了要横越它的国土。许多到访印度的人认为，搭火车是欣赏印度美景的最佳方式。