We are on the move again this time we are traveling around northern India. Why India?
From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of the Indian Ocean, India is a breathtaking mosaic of ancient tradition and futuristic ambition. As of 2026, it stands proud, as the world’s most populous nation and the fastest-growing major economy, it acts as a vital bridge between the global North and South.
A Tapestry of Culture, History and varied landscapes India’s identity is rooted in a human history spanning five millennia. It is the cradle of four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—and remains a vibrant, secular democracy. We hear visitors are often captivated by its sensory richness, from the intricate architecture of the Taj Mahal to the rhythmic energy of its city street markets. With 22 official languages and a calendar brimming with festivals like Diwali and Holi, the country celebrates "Unity in Diversity" as its national heartbeat.
Today, India is a global powerhouse of innovation. Known as the "world’s pharmacy" and an IT services giant, it has recently made historic strides in space exploration, including landing on the lunar south pole. Its digital landscape is equally impressive; the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized how millions of citizens—from street vendors to tech moguls—handle money, making India a global leader in real-time digital transactions.
While navigating challenges like urban air quality and infrastructure demands, India is pivoting rapidly toward a sustainable future. It is currently among the top nations in renewable energy capacity, investing heavily in solar power and green hydrogen to fuel its "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision by 2047.
On this trip we are exploring Indias’ spiritual retreats, landscapes, wildlife hotspots, historical sites and some of its booming startup hubs. India offers a unique blend of warmth, resilience, and relentless energy. It is a nation that doesn’t just inhabit the world; it actively helps shape its future.
We are keen to explore and learn during our month stay away in India.
Just for interest the entire country follows a single time zone known as Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. Brisbane is UTC +10. While stretching over 3,000 km from east to west, India does not observe daylight saving time or maintain separate time zones for different regions. Interesting to note prior to 1947, India had multiple time zones, but a single time zone was adopted after independence to maintain national unity.