If you’re passionate about authentic travel in India and want to go beyond the usual tourist tips, exploring specialized expert sources is indispensable. Planning a trip to India benefits enormously from in-depth blogs, creative photography platforms, and social media channels run by pioneers and locals who know the country intimately. Here’s an enriched collection of must-visit sites and blogs, along with what makes each platform unique for immersive travel, road trips, Indian cuisine, and creative inspiration:
India Travel and Inspiration – Expert Blogs, Travelogues & Visual Journeys
- The local blog of Shanti Travel – Original articles and practical travelogues written by our in-house Asia experts. Dive into local encounters, handling of logistics, and honest advice based on 20 years’ field experience: http://blog.shantitravel.com/en
- Breathedreamgo – An award-winning blog by Mariellen Ward, documenting immersive journeys throughout India with a focus on transformative travel and meaningful cultural insights: http://breathedreamgo.com
- Kunzum – Started by the prolific writer and photographer Ajay Jain, this platform specializes in road trip stories and unconventional Indian travel, motivating readers to explore by road: http://kunzum.com
- IndiTales – A widely recognized Indian travel blog, known for deep dives into culture, walking tours, art history, and heritage sites, perfect for travelers looking to enrich their itineraries with stories and stunning travel photography.
- Lemonicks – Hosted by an Indian couple, Lemonicks features train journeys, food trails, local cultural gems, and experiential stories – excellent for immersing in everyday India (with a special touch for culinary adventurers).
- Tales Of A Nomad (R. Niranjan) – Experience authentic Indian travel through offbeat journeys, treks, and local festivals. Perfect for those seeking inspiration beyond popular circuits with hands-on advice from the road.
- Global Gallivanting – From solo routes to India’s less-traveled states, this blog offers in-depth destination guides and expert local context, focusing especially on the country’s tribal cultures and Northeast regions.
- Blog of a Parisian based in Mumbai – Quirky, candid impressions and stories about adapting to India as a foreigner: http://www.indiandacoit.com
- Lakshmi Sharath – One of India’s top travel bloggers; bookmark her platform for her personal stories and deep explorations: http://www.lakshmisharath.com
- Pascal Mannaerts – A Belgian photographer capturing powerful visual stories across Asia, including India’s vibrant street life and cultural festivals through her lens: http://www.parcheminsdailleurs.com/SITE_ANGLAIS/home.html
Travel Photography & Visual Storytelling
- Expert Vagabond – Internationally recognized photography and adventure travel blog offering inspiration for both travelers and budding travel photographers through captivating imagery.
- Steve McCurry – Legendary for iconic images from India, including the world-famous "Afghan Girl." His site is a haven for those who cherish storytelling through photography: http://stevemccurry.com/
- Roadbook – For lovers of photography, aesthetic travel narratives, and boutique experiences, Roadbook delivers visually rich stories and expert hotel recommendations, including select Indian cities.
Indian Food & Culinary Stories
- Bombay Bhukkad (Instagram) – Vibrant, mouth-watering photography celebrating Mumbai’s street food and contemporary Indian recipes. A daily dose of color, crunch, and culinary creativity: https://instagram.com/bombaybhukkad/
- Lemonicks (also listed above) – Not just a travel blog, but a treasure trove for food-lovers seeking local tastes, weird and wonderful street eats, and culture-driven food stories while exploring India by train or street.
Practical Planning & Cultural Immersion
- Travel Freak – While globally oriented, this blog covers practical trip planning, gear, insurance tips, and essentials that benefit anyone preparing for a long Indian adventure.
Expert Tip: When using these resources, focus on platforms known for independent, experiential content rather than curated mass-market advice. At Shanti Travel, we constantly benchmark our expertise against these leading voices, curating meaningful routes and authentic encounters for our travelers—both on the road and in the heart of India’s daily life. Explore, get inspired, and let your curiosity guide your next Indian adventure!
