Asutosh

I am a 31 year young PhD graduate who has decided to travel the length and breadth of India on my cycle, to document the journey of meeting a vast array of people. In my journey, I intend to understand the characteristic features of the people of this nation and categorize them based on their demographics, age, profession, gender, traditions, and cultural differences.

Travel Andhra Pradesh

Read this before travelling to Andhra Pradesh

Leave a Comment / Andhra Pradesh, State summary /

After exploring Telangana previously, I was struck by the similarities Andhra Pradesh shared with its neighboring state. However, as I traveled through Andhra Pradesh, I noticed distinct differences. One of the most notable contrasts was the state’s advanced development, particularly its impressive road network. The regions surrounding the Godavari and Krishna rivers were remarkably well-developed, with thriving agriculture.
I also observed a difference in the way people communicated. In northern Andhra Pradesh, locals spoke in a more respectful tone, often using plural notation to address each other. This was a departure from my experience in Telangana.

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North East India

Read this before travelling North East India

North East India, State summary /

Read this before travelling North East India The Northeast of India remains one of the least explored yet most diverse regions of the country. Despite covering just 8% of India’s land area, its cultural, geographical, and ethnic diversity rivals—or even surpasses—the rest of the nation. From towering Himalayan landscapes to lush valleys and vast plains,

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Travel Haryana

Things I got to learn travelling Haryana on a cycle

Haryana, People, State summary /

Haryana, separated from Punjab in 1966, shares more cultural similarities with its neighboring state Rajasthan than with Punjab. As a predominantly Hindu state, Haryana takes pride in preserving its traditions and is considered one of the most developed northern states. Situated next to rapidly growing cities like Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Delhi, and Ghaziabad, Haryana benefits from greater opportunities in education and employment along with better infrastructure compared to some of its neighboring regions. The state is also famous for its rich culinary tradition, marked by the heavy use of dairy, and for producing some of India’s finest athletes who have excelled on the global stage.

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Travel Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and the KASHMIR truth: What I learnt travelling the UT on a cycle

Jammu and Kashmir, State summary /

Jammu and Kashmir stands as a unique and complex Union Territory in India, characterized by its distinct regions—Jammu and Kashmir—each with vastly different cultures, demographics, terrains, traditions, and ways of life. This division under a single administration reflects a broader conflict that has strained India’s relationships with both Pakistan and China. The region’s intricate and often turbulent history is mirrored in its present, where the lack of widespread tourism in Kashmir, aside from a few pilgrimage sites, has led much of the public’s understanding to be shaped by media and news outlets, which often have their own biases and agendas.

The true nature of Jammu and Kashmir remains elusive, even to those who attempt to understand it. The region exemplifies the broader political complexities of India, with varying perspectives from the military, civilians, businesspeople, police, government employees, and local residents all contributing to a fragmented view of reality. This diversity of opinion and experience makes it exceedingly difficult to form a cohesive understanding of the situation. Corruption and administrative challenges are prevalent, exacerbated by the region’s immense diversity, which complicates the implementation of uniform policies. Additionally, unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir is notably high compared to other parts of India.

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Ladakh culture

Things I got to learn travelling Ladakh on a cycle

Ladakh, People, State summary /

When people think of Ladakh, the first thing that often comes to mind is tourism. Known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, including the Nubra and Zanskar valleys and the breathtaking Pangong Lake, Ladakh is a popular holiday destination. However, there is much more to this region than tourism, aspects of which are often overlooked.
Ladakh is divided into two districts, Leh and Kargil, and only achieved Union Territory status in 2019. These districts are culturally distinct, with Leh being predominantly Buddhist and Kargil largely Muslim. Life in Ladakh is harsh and challenging, far more than one might expect. Situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level, the region experiences reduced oxygen levels due to the sparse vegetation and dry mountain landscape. Wind speeds can exceed 100 km/h in many areas, and for about four months each year, heavy snowfall effectively halts daily life, confining locals to their homes.

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Travel Himachal Pradesh

Things I got to learn travelling Himachal Pradesh on cycle

Himachal Pradesh, People, State summary /

Before starting this article, I must explicitly state that “All the states in India are one, but Himachal Pradesh is different.” Touring Himachal on a bicycle exposed me to a variety of life experiences I hadn’t encountered in the previous 12 states combined. The constant diversity from the north to the south of Himachal is mind-blowing. The southern region, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul each have their own unique flavors and essence, making it feel like you’ve crossed several different states within the nation.

From the exotic fruits grown in various parts of Himachal to the alarming rise of drug use, the state offers a stark contrast to travelers. Tourism is booming at an exponential rate, altering the demographics and cultures of many places. Just as Uttarakhand is considered Devbhoomi (land of the Gods), so is Himachal Pradesh. There are places in Himachal where land is owned by Gods rather than the government, and the word of the God, spoken by a human, is considered final.

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Travel Uttrakhand

Things I got to learn travelling Uttrakhand on cycle

People, State summary, Uttrakhand /

Crossed by the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is known as the “Land of Gods” (Deva Bhumi). This holy land is dotted with temples located in some of the highest places in the world, and both locals and visitors come to pray, feeling a deep sense of spirituality and devotion. Unlike its predecessor state, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand has distinct demographic and geographical characteristics. The state’s hilly terrain makes it a prime tourist destination for people from northern India, contributing significantly to its economy.

Despite the thriving agricultural sector, farming in Uttarakhand faces numerous challenges. The lack of job opportunities, coupled with threats from wild animals and issues like heavy rains and landslides, makes life difficult for the locals. The state is divided into two main regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, where residents speak Kumaoni and Garhwali, respectively. Despite the linguistic differences, the cultural similarities between these regions are striking.

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