India is a land of diversity and beauty, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered in every corner. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters in the south, there’s something for every traveler to experience. And who better than Sharanya Iyer, an avid traveler and adventurer, to take us on a journey through some of India’s most underrated destinations? Join us as we explore the hidden gems of India through her eyes and discover what makes this country truly unique.
What is Sharanya Iyer’s Blog?
Sharanya Iyer is a travel writer and photographer who has been living in India for over four years. She blogs about her experiences exploring the country’s hidden gems, with a focus on its ancient and cultural history. Her blog has won accolades from publications like National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveller, and Wall Street Journal, among others.
Iyer divides her blog posts into three categories: wanderlust destinations, off-the-beaten-path spots, and insider tips for travelers. Her wanderlust destinations include places like Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park and Kerala’s Backwaters; off-the-beaten-path spots include the villages of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas and Tamil Nadu’s Aravalli Range; and insider tips include advice on how to get around India cheaply and where to find the best food.
Iyer also shares photos from her travels, both candid snapshots of everyday life in India (like this photo of her breakfast at an atmospheric guest house in Jaipur) as well as more dramatic shots of historical sites or breathtakingly beautiful landscapes (like this shot of the Taj Mahal at night).
Blog History
India is a vast country with so much to offer travelers. With centuries of history and culture, it’s easy to get lost in the enormity of the country. One way to explore India’s hidden gems is by visiting lesser known tourist destinations.
One such destination is Pushkar, located in Rajasthan. Known for its camel rides, Pushkar is a relaxing oasis on the edge of the Thar Desert. The town also has a number Hindu temples including the spectacular Mandir Mahal.
Another great spot for travelers interested in Indian culture and history is Jaipur. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1731 and quickly became known as one of the most beautiful cities in India. Today, Jaipur is home to numerous palaces including the iconic Amber Fort.
Varanasi is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Hinduism or Vedic culture. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is said to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s also home to some of India’s most sacred sites, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Benares Hindu University campus.
What’s Been Happening on Sharanya Iyer’s Blog Recently?
Sharanya Iyer’s blog, Hidden Gems of India, has been popular for its travelogue and photography posts. Recently, she wrote about her visit to the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The city is known for its sacred river Ganges and is a popular tourist destination.
Iyer writes about her experience visiting the ghats (steps) near the river where people bathe and pray. She also shares photos of the cityscape, including religious monuments and vibrant markets. She concludes the post with a description of how Varanasi differs from other Indian cities she has visited.
Hidden Gems of India is an interesting blog that provides a glimpse into Indian culture through travelogue and photography posts.
What are Sharanya Iyer’s Favorite Posts?
India is a country teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty. The country is also home to some of the world’s most extraordinary people and landscapes. Sharanya Iyer has spent the past two years exploring India in its entirety, from the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the serene beaches of Kerala. In this blog post, she shares her favorite posts from her journey so far.
In her first post from India, Iyer shared a photo of herself at a monastery in Ladakh. “It was one of those moments where you feel tiny standing next to these ancient walls,” she wrote. “The monks had just finished their morning prayers and were bustling around getting things ready for the day.”
In another post, Iyer described hiking through the beautiful Dooars region in Assam. “Everywhere you look there are lush green fields sprinkled with cattle and goats,” she wrote. “The views are simply stunning – you can see both the mighty Brahmaputra River and the distant mountains.”
Iyer also enjoyed traveling to religious sites throughout India – such as Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha and Varanasi’s ghats (watersteps). She writes: “What is amazing about these temples is that they have been visited by every king, queen and emperor since time immemorial – but it still feels like a private affair.”
Traveling to India has opened up new worlds for Iyer –
How Can You Follow Sharanya Iyer on Social Media?
Sharanya Iyer is an Indian-American travel writer and journalist. She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the online magazine, The Vagabond Post. She writes about culture, food, travel, and women’s issues.
Iyer has written for publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveller, Forbes India, GQ India, and many others. She has also appeared on networks such as MSNBC, BBC World News America, Al Jazeera English, and more.
Iyer was born in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), India to a Tamil Brahmin family. After moving to the United States at the age of four with her family, she grew up in Berkeley Heights Township in New Jersey. Iyer graduated from Brown University in 2008 with a degree in political science and international relations.
After graduating from Brown University in 2008 with a degree in political science and international relations Sharanya Iyer worked for various media outlets including Bloomberg Television India Bureau Chief before starting her own website The Vagabond Post which focuses on culture women’s issues travel writing
Where to Find Sharanya Iyer Online?
If you’re looking for a little bit of culture and spice in your travels, India is the place to be. Sharanya Iyer takes us on her journey from the bustling cities of Mumbai and Delhi to lesser-known destinations such as Jaipur and Udaipur, revealing hidden gems along the way. With all its diverse cultures, landscapes, and foodie hotspots, India is an unforgettable travel destination.
Sharanya Iyer’s website offers a wealth of information about her experiences in India. Highlights include traveler tips, blog posts about her adventures, photos, videos, and more. She also has a Facebook page where she shares additional photos and videos from her travels.
If you’re planning a trip to India soon, be sure to check out Sharanya Iyer’s website for inspiration and advice on where to go and what to see.
