This summer, I visited India for the first time in about five, maybe six years. I didn’t remember much about my trip from long ago, but as I stepped out of the airport and felt the warm Mumbai air, I realized not much had changed (and that’s not a bad thing).

India is known by many around the world as a country comprised of a range of spicy and mouthwatering food, finger-lickin’ sweets, religious festivals, beautiful scenery, home to one of the Seven Wonders, and so much more. It’s a one thing to know bits and pieces of a country, but it’s a whole other thing to experience a country. And here are just a few of the plethora of reasons why you must experience India at least once in your life time.

1. Butter chicken and naan are NOT the only heavenly food items.

I cannot begin to explain how many times people of other ethnicities rave about butter chicken and naan. I don’t blame them; these food items are amazing. Absolutely amazing. But, seriously, though, there are a ton of other delicacies to choose from. Have you tried chicken biryani? Because wow, it is the perfect blend of rice, chicken, and spices - literally only three key ingredients make up an ever-lasting tasteful dish. There’s also malai kofta curry, a yummy vegetable “meatball” made with potatoes and/or paneer. If you’re not a fan of spinach, then sarso saag will definitely change your mind. Eating these with jasmine rice is sure to change your mind about those leafy greens. These are perfect for vegetarians who are looking for a burst of flavor to soak their taste buds with. Don’t even get me started on South Indian dishes (in my opinion, the best dishes). There’s idli, steamed rice cakes that when paired with a coconut chutney will make you go “mmm.” There are so many other plates of food that you can try; just go to your nearest Indian restaurant and order everything on the menu!!

Pro tip: Eating with your hands definitely intensifies the flavors.

PS: YOU NEED TO GO TO MCDONALD’S IN INDIA!

2. The Taj Mahal is seriously so underrated.

During this summer’s trip to India, I had the most memorable opportunity to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. It is seriously one of the most jaw-dropping pieces architectures I have ever seen. Built by Shah Jahan for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the entire structure is comprised of white marble. Just looking at the monument makes you understand the amount of love the emperor had for his wife. I mean, why else would anyone enlist 22,000 workers to build the sight, right?

3. Go to India during one of the countless festivals (for example, Holi or Diwali).

I am definitely guilty because I have never experienced a huge festival in India. But trust me, from all the pictures, videos, and stories that my parents have told me, I can assure you that you’ll be shocked by how good of a time you’ll have. Take Holi for example, the festival of colors. You’ve probably played this festival with colored powder on your college campus or at a temple, and it’s fun. But I’m sure it’s not as exciting as celebrating in India. You start off in clean white clothes and within two minutes, you’re covered from head to toe in colors. There are musicians on the streets, playing the classic and new songs. The festival not only brings together relatives, but also strangers throughout cities. It’s a perfect gathering to have authentic food, meet new people, and dance like nobody is watching.

4. The beauty of India is unreal.

The city is always full of crowds of people, and when I say crowds, I mean crowds. With all of these people around you, you sometimes forget to just stop and really appreciate your surroundings. My favorite part of my trip was going on long drives outside of the city and looking at the endless amount of greenery outside my car window. There are an infinite amount of trees that kind of just make you gasp because you never really realized that so much green could make you feel so happy inside. Visiting my grandpa’s farmhouse was the highlight of my trip. As soon as my siblings and I stepped out of the car, we ran up four floors to the roof. We just looked out into the vast horizon in silence for five minutes. The next few days, we made sure to sit down on the chairs to look at the unforgettable sunset painting the sky: pink, yellow, and blue. When you go to India, not if, but when you do, take a day to leave the city to take in all of the nature that the country has to offer.

5. Indian hospitality is quite possibly the best out there.

I cannot begin to stress how well Indians take care of others, whether you’re visiting a family friend’s house or out shopping. When we visited our extended family and my parents’ friends, we were treated with such kindness. Before we even stepped into the house, the coffee table was overflowing with appetizers and drinks. Simultaneously, the dining table was being set with the best utensils and even more food. Every so often, they would ask if we were comfortable or needed anything. Even when you’re out shopping, the shopkeepers show you so much respect and hospitality. They listen to what you’re looking for and always inquire about your comfort. No matter where you go, you’ll experience an abundance of generosity.

These five reasons are just a fraction of all the things India has to offer. So go. Go to India. It doesn’t matter when, but just do it. You won’t regret it. Experience a loving and progressing country and make a lifetime of memories there.