Should India be your next celebrity inspired travel destination?

As everyone gushes over the elegance and beauty of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ extravagant wedding in India, should this destination move to the top of your travel list?

India, thanks to the wedding of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, has been all over the news. While details of this celebrity wedding are the primary focus, the fascinating location is stirring an increased interest in travel to the Asian country. For the more adventurous traveler, should India jump to the top of their travel itinerary?

Beyond all the glamour and sophistication of the season’s most talked about celebrity wedding, the location could spark a travel boom for the country. Since celebrities often drive travel trends, it will be interesting to see if travelers start to discover this beautiful country.

Considered the world’s oldest and largest continuous civilization, India offers a wealth of historical sites and cultural significance. As the second largest English speaking country in the world, travelers can find it easy to navigate and communicate. But, the hectic pace and dense population can make this country a little overwhelming for the casual traveler. Still, the beauty of this majestic land deserves consideration.

The Chopra-Jonas wedding was held in the Jodphur, a city in between Mumbai and New Dehli. Sometimes referred to as the Sun City, this location within the Thar Desert has stunning weather all year. Still, the weather is just the backdrop to the vibrant colors around the city. From the bright blue colored buildings to the bold hues of people’s clothes, this city is a feast for the eyes.

The Chopra-Jonas wedding was held at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This opulent property was once home to the royal family of Jodhpur. Given the historical location, the cost of a night in a standard room might be a budgetary block for most people. Still, the area has so many places to explore. From the Mehrangarh Fort to the winding streets of the city below, Jodhpur should be added to the travel itinerary.

For many people traveling to India, the Taj Mahal is the most recognizable destination. Built as a homage to Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, this architectural marvel has become a symbol of the country. While this iconic wonder of the world is extremely famous, it isn’t the only historically relevant site in the country.

India has 32 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Throughout the country, the intricate and majestic buildings are breathtaking. Although many people think about Europe as an artistic treasure trove, the buildings throughout this vast country are equally as stunning and relevant.

Since the country has had so many influences, the architecture embodies that history. From the religious buildings to forts and modern bridges, the breadth and depth in this artistic field are immense. More importantly, it is curious to see how this culture is starting to impact current trends.

Beyond the historical and artistic influences, India’s cuisine offers a flavorful exploration of spices. The markets emit a pungent cacophony of aromas that could entice even the pickiest eater. Exploring flavor in this country is important. Real curries, peppers and other ingredients offer an exploration of food that could impact how a traveler cooks in the future.

Additionally, India has a huge vegetarian population. The cuisine explores flavors beyond a meat-focused plate. It is the largest producer of milk in the world and was the first country to consume sugar. Although not often considered a foodie haven, many should look to India for its delightfully flavorful dishes.

Also, many people travel to this part of the world looking for spiritual guidance. Anyone who has read Eat, Pray, Love might have wondered at the soul healing powers of an Ashram. The Ganges River, a religious site, is said to hold spiritual enlightenment and clarity. Even for the non-religious, these sites can be a way to reflect, meditate on and reevaluate your life.

Whether it’s the photos from the Chopra-Jones wedding, the historical significance, spiritual enlightenment or just a sense of wanderlust, India should be on your must travel destination list.