Planning a trip? Here's why the Netherlands should definitely be on your map

A distinguished lot
Region: The Netherlands

While being well integrated into the Dutch society, the Indian diaspora has gained a position of repute in the Netherlands. Notably, the Netherlands has the second-highest population of people of Indian-origin in Europe. While the largest community of Indian-origin resides in the Hague, a significant number also lives primarily in Rotterdam, Zoetermeer and Almere. All major cities and towns have Indian shops selling Basmati rice, vegetables, fruits, Indian spices, flour and home products.

In fact, if there is one place in the Netherlands where romantic Hindi songs, glittering salwars, Ganesha idols and the strong whiff of garam masala in the air are not out of place, it’s in Transvaal, the multicultural district in the Hague. A visitor can find a mélange of shops selling Indian film DVDs, saris, gold jewellery, dozens of assorted businesses, which bring all the colour of the subcontinent to the otherwise grey-and-brown streets. The city of Amsterdam has about 40 Indian restaurants. Interestingly, Indian cooking lessons are also given at several places.