15 Times India Proved to Be a Rare Gem

India is a very diverse country: we all can find something enchanting about it that will make us want to visit it at least once in our lives. Because of the marvelous landscapes, delicious cuisine, rich traditions, and culture, India is guaranteed to never stop surprising us.

We at Bright Side collected 15 astonishing facts about India that truly make it a unique place in the world.

1. Free Internet for a pack of chips

’’You get 2 GB of FREE Internet data with a $0.27 pack of chips!’’

2. There’s a hill in Ladakh that defies gravity.

The Magnetic Hill is actually a downhill road that gives the impression of a hill because of the surrounding slopes. Due to this optical illusion, objects and cars appear to roll uphill.

3. Varanasi, India is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

The city even became an independent kingdom in the 18th century. The older inner streets are narrow and impassable for motor traffic, while its newer outskirts are more spacious.

4. The first rocket in India was transported on a bicycle.

The NASA-made Nike-Apache sounding rocket was so light that it could be transported on a bicycle. It was launched on the 21st of November, 1963 from the garden of a church that later became the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.

5. In West Bengal, Indian cows must have photo ID cards.

This measure was adopted in order to prevent cattle smuggling and protect the animals. The Indian government is aiming to extend it and assign a unique identification number to every cow in the country.

6. Mawsynram is the wettest place on Earth.

The town of Mawsynram in Northeastern India holds the record of being the wettest place in the world. Locals need to prepare in advance for the monsoon season. They stock up on food and necessities and often use thick grass to soundproof their roofs.

7. Lonar Lake was formed by a meteor.

Not only was it formed over 50,000 years ago (although newer studies suggest that it’s even much older), the lake also has 2 distinct regions that never mix. A 2019 study conducted by IIT-Bombay found that the mineral contents of the lake are similar to samples obtained from the moon.

8. The world’s only floating post office is in India.

The boat-shaped construction is located on the waters of Dal Lake. It was inaugurated in 2011 and is often visited by both locals posting letters and tourists checking out the postal museum that’s also onsite.

9. The tallest statue in the world is located in India.

The Statue of Unity features Indian independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel. The colossal sculpture is 182 meters tall and was inaugurated on the 31st of October, 2018. It is located in the state of Gujarat.

10. The Golden Temple of Amritsar feeds 100,000 people each day.

The temple is open 24 hours a day every day of the year feeding everyone who’s hungry regardless of religion, gender, or ethnicity. It is considered the largest community kitchen in the world.

11. Freddie Mercury is of Indian origin.

He was born on September 5, 1946, as Farrokh Bulsara to a family of Parsi descent. He would later become the lead singer of the famous rock band, Queen, and is considered one of the most important musicians to have ever lived.

12. Snakes and Ladders was invented in India.

The game was originally known as Moksha Patam in ancient times and today is regarded as a worldwide classic. The players have to navigate their game pieces according to dice rolls while they are helped by ladders and hindered by snakes.

13. India was the main source of diamonds from 7 BCE to 18 CE.

From ancient times until the 18th century, India was the main source of diamonds in the world. Most of the mining took place in the drainages of the Penner and Ganges Rivers. Many of the world’s famous gems like the Hope and the Orloff diamonds come from India.

14. There are no doors or locks in Shani Shingnapur.

Inhabitants claim that there has been no theft in the village for centuries. It’s required that the tradition be respected by everyone and not even newer buildings can have doors or locks installed.

15. There’s a spa just for elephants in Kerala, India.

Up to 59 animals at a time are pampered at the Punnathoor Cotta Elephant Yard. They receive soothing massages, reinvigorating baths, have a carefully selected diet, and are treated with ayurvedic therapies.

Have you ever visited India? What impressed you the most about the country? Please share with us in the comment section below!

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