When most Indians think of international getaways, Singapore, Dubai, and London often top the list. But nestled in the heart of Indonesia lies an island that feels uncannily familiar — not because it mimics India, but because it shares its soul. Bali, the Island of the Gods, is more than just an Instagram dream. For Indian travellers, it’s a heartwarming blend of culture, spirituality, and chaos that feels like home, just with a tropical twist.
1. A Shared Spiritual DNA: Hinduism in Bali
India may be the birthplace of Hinduism, but Bali has kept an ancient, uniquely preserved version alive. Around 87% of Balinese people practice a form of Hinduism that’s beautifully intertwined with local traditions and animistic beliefs. It’s called Agama Hindu Dharma, and while it looks different from Indian temple worship, the essence is surprisingly familiar.
- Temples at every corner: Just like India, Bali has temples on streets, in homes, near rivers, and even inside hotels.
- Daily offerings (Canang Sari): These flower-filled leaf baskets offered to the gods every morning remind many Indian travellers of puja rituals back home.
- Festivals: Nyepi (Balinese New Year), Galungan, and Kuningan are vibrant celebrations filled with dance, prayers, and symbolism, echoing the spirit of Diwali and Navratri.
The sound of gamelan instruments, the scent of incense, and the sight of women in kebaya performing rituals transport Indians not to somewhere new, but to somewhere oddly nostalgic.
2. The Architecture Feels Familiar
There’s something beautifully Indian about Balinese design. Think:
- Intricately carved wooden doors
- Courtyards with lotus ponds
- Statues of Hindu gods like Ganesha, Vishnu, and Saraswati
Walking through temples like Pura Ulun Danu Bratan or Tirta Empul feels like discovering a temple from Tamil Nadu with a Javanese twist. Even the Balinese belief in Vastu-like energy flows in homes and temples reminds many Indian travellers of their own architectural traditions.
3. The Cuisine: A Spicy Affair
Indian food lovers won’t go hungry in Bali. While the island boasts its own traditional cuisine, many of its staple flavors feel familiar:
- Sambal: A spicy chili paste that will remind you of Indian chutneys.
- Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng: Though uniquely Indonesian, these rice and noodle dishes carry spice profiles that resonate with Indian palates.
- Tempeh and tofu curries: Rich, coconut-based gravies taste like something out of a Kerala kitchen.
Plus, thanks to the popularity of Indian tourism, you’ll easily find Indian restaurants in Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta offering everything from butter chicken to dosa.
Thinking About Having a Baby? Consider This First!
Becoming a parent is a life-changing decision that brings immense joy and responsibility. However, before leaping into parenthood, it's important...
Read more
4. Tuk-Tuks, Traffic & Temple Bells: The Chaos is Comforting
Let’s face it — Indian cities are known for their organized chaos. Bali, while more laid-back, still carries that vibrant energy.
- Scooters weaving through traffic
- Street-side vendors selling fruits, sarongs, and souvenirs
- Sounds of gongs and bells from morning rituals
For Indian travellers, this is the kind of beautiful madness that doesn’t feel foreign. It feels like home, just with palm trees and beaches.
5. Clothing, Colors & Ceremonial Vibes
The Balinese dress for rituals the way Indians do — with elegance and purpose. Women in colorful kebaya and men in traditional sarong and headgear remind us of our own kurta-pajama or saree-clad gatherings during poojas and weddings.
The use of flowers, incense, and sacred threads during ceremonies is another point of deep cultural resonance.
6. Ubud: Bali’s Spiritual Soul (That Feels Like Rishikesh + Kerala)
If Goa is Bali’s beach twin, Ubud is its spiritual cousin. Surrounded by rice fields and jungle, Ubud is where yoga, Ayurveda, art, and introspection take center stage.
- Ashrams and retreats: Just like Rishikesh or Auroville, Ubud has spiritual centers where meditation and wellness retreats attract seekers from around the world.
- Ayurvedic spas and healing: Many spas use Ayurvedic principles or offer traditional Boreh treatments similar to India’s age-old wellness therapies.
- Art & Craft: Ubud’s artisan culture is akin to Indian towns like Jaipur or Mysore — rich in textile, sculpture, and painting traditions.
7. The Indian Wedding Destination You Didn’t Know You Needed
Bali has become an increasingly popular spot for Indian destination weddings, and it’s easy to see why:
- Stunning beach resorts with open-air mandap options
- Temple backdrops for pre-wedding shoots
- Customizable menus with Indian caterers
From mehendi under palm trees to sangeet by the sea, Bali offers the kind of scenic elegance that many Indian couples dream of.
8. The Warmth of the People
Balinese locals are known for their hospitality and gentleness, much like the Indian concept of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God).
They’re deeply spiritual, family-oriented, and value traditions — all traits that Indian travellers relate to. Conversations with them often transcend language barriers, as mutual respect for culture, gods, and customs fills the gaps.
9. Festival Parallels: Navratri Meets Galungan
During Galungan, the streets of Bali come alive with tall, decorative bamboo poles called penjor. It’s a time of celebration, ancestor worship, and community feasts.
To an Indian, it feels like a fusion of Navratri, Onam, and Durga Puja — with everyone dressed in traditional wear, homes decorated, and the air filled with music, prayers, and the scent of sandalwood.
10. Flights, Visa & Affordability: India to Bali is Easier Than Ever
- Visa on Arrival: Indian passport holders can easily get a visa on arrival for Indonesia.
- Direct Flights: With increasing flight options from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, Bali is more accessible than ever.
- Cost: Compared to Europe or Australia, Bali is far more affordable, especially for luxury stays and spa experiences.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Holiday. It’s a Cultural Reunion.
Bali may be an island in Southeast Asia, but for Indians, it feels like a spiritual cousin. It reminds us of our roots, even as we explore new ones. The temples, the traditions, the tuk-tuks — they all create an experience that’s exotic and familiar at once.
Whether you’re heading there for a honeymoon, a yoga retreat, a wedding, or just some soul-searching, Bali welcomes Indians not as tourists, but as long-lost relatives coming home.
So pack your bags, carry your dupattas and dhotis, and say “Om Swastiastu” to Bali — your island cousin who’s been waiting.
