India has always been the land of traditions, culture, festivals, and spirituality, but what truly makes it special as a travel destination is the fact that there is always more than what meets the eye. Every time you think you’ve seen enough, you get introduced to a new facet of this majestic land, and this article is another of those new perspectives.

Watching my father travel the country for work and business inspired me from a young age and sparked my interests in traveling and exploring. Perhaps it was the local garments he brought back as souvenirs from each city he visited, that might even have influenced this artist to explore the field of fashion. His stories of business trips often unfolded like travel diaries, rich with unique insights into the lesser-known corners of India.

The life of the story lies in the fact that there is a certain curiosity to his travel diaries, which is the fresh perspective this piece aims to reflect. The stories and experiences are not those of someone who was actively seeking such experiences, but those of someone who happened to just stumble upon them. These are a collection of tips gathered from a random conversation with a native, a taxi driver, or a shop vendor while on a business trip, which led my father to uncover some hidden gems and underrated destinations. This interview is a collection of my father’s adventures through India, offering a glimpse into some undiscovered destinations, which probably should be on your bingo card for your next trip to India.

Could you give us a brief introduction and tell us which cities you have traveled to in India?

My name is Manish Kotwal, and I work in the field of marketing, which requires me to travel extensively around the country. One of the aspects of my job which I enjoy the most, is meeting with clients and vendors. Now when you ask me about the cities and places I’ve visited in this vast country, the list, for sure, is going to be long, because I’ve been on the road since two decades now, but here’s a quick overview: Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Varanasi, Sravasti (which is known for Lord Buddha), Agra, Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Tibrugarh (Assam), Chennai, Gwalior, Palampur, Mumbai, Pune, Manali, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang, Kullu, Goa, Rajasthan, Jaipur, Udaipur, and still counting!

Which city would you say is your most favorite and why?

Well, it’s certainly not an option to pick out a favorite because each place offers something unique, but we can always categorize a favorite aspect to them. For instance, if you crave some nice and tasty non-veg cuisine, Lucknow is where you want to be, but, if you want to take the spiciness up a notch along with some veggie options, then you must visit Amritsar and try the famous Punjabi cuisine. On the other hand, if witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the land is on your bucket list, then you wouldn't want to miss the scenic hills of Manali, and pro tip, Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem really close to Manali that many usually miss. Also, Kullu Manali would be the ideal place for adrenaline junkies, since it offers a variety of adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, paragliding, or trekking.

An underrated place to experience thrilling adventure sports is Palampur, where you can visit Bir, the “Paragliding Capital of India." Every year, Bir Billing hosts the Paragliding World Cup, where a number of pilots from across the world showcase their paragliding skills. Although, paragliding is the crown jewel, this Himachali city is also known for ecotourism and spirituality, with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa.

Talking about spirituality, I cannot miss the beautiful city of Varanasi, which is known for its ancient charm and architectural marvels of temples. You can also learn more about our ancient history through the well known temples in southern India.

Moving on, let’s also not forget about the North East, where you can enjoy scenic walks, spicy street food, and warm tea. Also, Assam is famous for its Muga silk, which is a wild silk famous for its extreme durability and natural yellowish-golden tint with a glossy texture. Last but not least, the historical forts of Gwalior and Rajasthan are perfect for witnessing our culture, heritage, and royalty.

What is the most striking difference in other cities as compared to your home town (Jalandhar, Punjab)?

The differences in culture stand out the most. Every place is unique, Delhi, for me, is a melting pot of various cultures, while places like Himachal are deeply rooted in traditions, especially during festivals like Kullu-Dassehra, which is a religious festival that has been celebrated since the 17th century and happens during the months of September and October. Since Punjab is also known for its colorful heritage, it's always interesting to see how different factors like traditions, culture, and beliefs are reflected in different aspects of our day-to-day lives, such as the way we dress and even the types of food we eat.

What is one thing about your hometown (Jalandhar, Punjab) that you miss when you travel?

Although each city I visit introduces its own indulging cuisine, food still remains something that’s hard to replace when I’m away. Perhaps, the homemade aspect of it, is what makes Punjabi dishes the best of the best for me.

Talking about food, do you have any certain favorites or recommendations?

From flavors to ingredients, you’ll find a new dish at every table. In Rajasthan, you have dal bati churma, while in Amritsar, it’s all about the naan and kulcha. Lucknow is famous for its kali mirch chicken, and of course, Goa offers incredible seafood. Also, Mumbai’s street food like vada pav and misal pav is definitely worth a try.

What is one underrated/not so popular travel destination in India for you?

Without a doubt, Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh. While its beauty is unmatched, I believe the infrastructure and development are the one factor which has been keeping it away from the limelight.

What is the best way to get around when you are traveling in India?

For the full experience, nothing beats traveling by train when you’re traveling in-between cities—it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. For getting around within cities, I usually rely on local transport like autos and taxis. In some places, like Goa, renting a two-wheeler or a car is also a good option. Public transport is the best way to mingle in the city culture and get a glimpse of a real “day in the life.”

How are art, fashion, and clothing different in different cities?

Well, to be fair, fashion throughout the country has been quite westernized among the younger generations, so it’s quite common to see western garments everywhere, yet surprisingly still, traditional outfits do continue to remain strong and are not a thing of the past. More so, the diversity is striking. In Rajasthan, women often wear choli ghagra, while in Lucknow, chikankari embroidery is really popular. Assam, as I said, is known for its silk, especially the famous mekhela chador. Southern India has its own take on the sari, often using fabrics unique to the region, and of course, Punjab has the Punjabi Salwar suit and Kurta Pyjama.

What about certain values and beliefs? Do you see some values, like typical Indian values, that remain the same throughout, or do they differ from place to place?

Certainly, I believe our values are as diverse as our country. Places like Rajasthan and the Kashmir Valley hold on to their traditions as compared to the other cities, which are quite modern. In the Northeast, there’s a unique dynamic where women are actively part of the workforce, even in agricultural roles. While values can differ, there is a common thread of warmth and hospitality that binds us together.

Do you ever feel like a foreigner when traveling within your own country, based on these differences between traditions, languages, and values?

Not really; India is quite diversified. Although every 100 km language changes, there is a shared sense of culture which binds us together and diminishes any barriers when it comes to connecting with people, regardless of where you go.

Would you say that even for Indians, there is a certain language barrier in India?

As a matter of fact, Hindi is spoken by around 60% of the country, partly because UP and Bihar are the strongest contributors to India’s labor force and the main language they speak is Hindi.

What about costs and expenses? Are there certain cities which are rather cheaper/more expensive?

Yes, places like Delhi and Srinagar can be more expensive, especially due to tourism. Cities like Lucknow are relatively affordable, but major metropolitan areas are generally more expensive.

Since you have been traveling from a young age, how has it affected you, your lifestyle and your outlook on life through the years?

Traveling has made me more integrated with the different cultures of my own country. I’ve met different people who showed me new perspectives on things. It has also made me prepared for the unexpected. When you travel in India, there usually are delays, so, over time I’ve learned to use my time better during those delays, rather than complaining, so that I can get more out of that extra time. Just like in life, you may plan certain things and aspects, but in the end, life doesn't always go your way, so, be quick to accept the situation and make the best out of it.

What’s really wholesome for me, is not only that I grew up traveling through my country, but also that I was able to watch my country grow through all these years. Over these two decades, I’ve noticed major improvements in infrastructure. For example, what used to be a 10–12-hour journey from Jalandhar to Lucknow by train can now be covered much faster by car, thanks to the new expressways. Apart from that, I’ve also been able to see how people’s mindsets have changed through all these years.

Talking about people, did you notice any changes in the way people treat you across the cities?

Generally, people are very welcoming. However, in certain challenging situations, like a minor accident I had near Ayodhya, I’d say that people can be hesitant to help, as they don’t want to get entangled in legal issues. In instances like these, the laws are rather imbalanced towards other people, and their help would not just be limited to the moment you needed it, but further extended to police stations and court visits, which of course, is not ideal for anyone.

Which city in India do you plan to explore next?

I’d love to visit Kerala in the South, especially for its backwaters. I’m also interested in exploring the hill stations of Ooty.

What is your top tip for someone traveling to India?

Be prepared for a bit of a cultural shock! India is an organized chaos—there are animals on the road, unorganized traffic—but somehow, everything works. It’s like your college roommate who claims they have a system, even though the kitchen looks like a mess.

How can travelers best immerse themselves in Indian culture?

The best way to experience India is to dive right in and engage with its people. My tip would be to use public transport and talk to locals. But still, be vigilant and avoid night travel for safety reasons, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

India is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a mosaic of cultures, flavors, and traditions that continuously surprise and inspire. Whether you’re here for the first time or a native, you’ll always be met with beautiful surprises. This interview is an amalgamation of views and experiences through the lens of a business traveler and I hope it uncovered some new aspects of the country for the readers.