A mosaic of myriad attractions and multicultural experiences, India is one of the most sought-after tourist places in the world. With its magnificent topography, there are many things to do in India, which will definitely enhance your travel experience. There are several amazing things to do in India right from the snowy Himalayan peaks in the north to the tropical rain forests in the south, India enjoys a distinct geographical entity and outshines other Asian countries.
A land of unity in diversity with great history, matchless legends, and rich biodiversity, India draws vacationers having varied travel interests. As there is no dearth of the places to visit in India, many travelers around the globe visit this amazing land to enhance their travel experience with the best in the country.
To witness the greatness of antiquity, culture, and diversity of India; the best way is to travel to this land of enigmas. Scroll through the list below if you are planning a trip to India and get ready to experience the best of India with a remarkable India tour.
26 Top Travel Experiences & Things to do in India
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Indian Festivals
- Temples of South India
- Delicious Indian Cuisines
- Underwater World of Andaman
- Be a Part of the Kumbh Mela
- Attend the Ganga Arti in Varanasi
- Thrilling River Rafting
- Take a Luxury Train Ride
- Walk over the Frozen River of Ladakh
- Houseboat Tour of Kerala Backwaters
- Embark on Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand to Pay Homage to the Divine
- Goa Beaches and Nightlife
- Manali-Leh Highway Motorcycle Tour
- Stunning View of the Taj Mahal in Moonlight
- Spot the Tigers at the National Parks
- Explore the Scenic Valley of Flowers
- Dine in the Middle of Lake Pichola
- Pamper Yourself at Ananda Spa
- Paragliding in Bir-Billing
- Joyride with Darjeeling Toy Train
- Heritage Hotel: Stay Like A King
- In the Lap of Himalayas
- Adventure Sports Activities
- Shopping in India
- Monuments in India
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Play with Clouds
Taking a hot air balloon ride, flying over the beautiful landscapes, and playing with clouds is one of the memorable experiences to have in India. The country has many things to explore and what can be a better way to enjoy its beauty with an aerial view? Hot air balloon rides in India have created much enthusiasm and interest among the adventure seekers.
One can enjoy the ride in some of the popular cities of India such as Jaipur, Manali, Agra, Goa, and Lonavala. Enjoy the beauty around and witness the exquisite sections including historical landmarks, valleys, deserts, seas, etc.
Indian Festivals: Be a Part of Celebrations
There is no dearth of experiences in India. It is a land of vibrant culture and vivid festivals are its backbone. The county celebrates an uncountable number of festivals for various occasions. Being a part of the famous Indian festivals is one of the best ways to experience Indian culture.
The famous festivals include Diwali, (festival of lights), Holi, (festival of color), Dussehra (festival of the victory of good over evil), Krishna Janmashtami ( birthday of Lord Krishna), and Ramadan (festival of spiritual reflection). All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm depicting India as one nation with different beliefs.
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Temples of South India: Admire the Architecture and Seek Blessings
One can easily find the temples at every corner in India. But there is something exquisite when we talk about the temples of South India. The southern part of India is celebrated for its large number of temples. One can witness the magnificent architectural beauty of the temple and experience the best of India.
Travelers from all over the world come to South India only to marvel at the beauty of the temple. Also, the richest temple (The Padmanabhaswamy Temple) in the world is located in South India. The temples to visit in south India hypnotize you with their history and deep culture.
[ View our exclusive South India tour packages. ]
Delicious Indian Cuisines: Pamper Your Taste Buds
India stands unbeatable when it comes to its delicious cuisines. One can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Indian food, which is famous all around the world. India produces a large number of herbs and spices that add an amazing taste to the table. From mouth-watering spicy food to irresistible desserts, one can find a wide variety of rich tastes.
One can relish good quality food at budget rates, which is one of the great ways to experience the best of India. Some famous Indian cuisines include Biryani, Idli – Sambar, Pav Bhaji, Dhokla, Dal-Baati-Churma, Rasgulla, Chole Bhature, Chaat, and Pitha.
Underwater World of Andaman: Explore the Magic
Andaman is an archipelago of 527 islands. With its sandy beaches, lush tropical landscape, mangroves, and plentiful corals make it an excellent tourist destination in India. Andaman is famous for its water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling among the best ones.
Dive into the ocean with experts and swim amongst bright tiny fishes and other creatures of the sea, and colorful coral colonies like never before! It is one of the best ways to experience the best of India. Underwater photography is also one of the popular activities done here.
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Andaman Honeymoon Guide: Escape to the Romantic Haven in India
15 Top Things to do in Andaman Nicobar Islands
[ Plan your trip to Andaman with Indian Holiday. ]
Be a Part of the Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela gains its name from the celebrating pot of nectar defined in India’s ancient scriptures. According to the Sanskrit language Kumbh means pot and Mela means festival. The source of this carnival lies in the early belief in the conflict between the Gods and Demons over the ownership of the Amrit Kumbh, a pitcher filled with nectar. Be a part of Kumbha Mela and indulge in the best cultural experiences in India.
With every 12 years of rotation the Kumbh Mela is held at one of the four holy pilgrimage destinations, Haridwar, Nashik, Allahabad, and Ujjain. The dates for a journey to the Kumbh Mela are decided according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. At the Kumbh Mela Haridwar, millions of devotee gather together to take a dip in the sacred River Ganges.
The next Kumbh Mela will be held in 2021 in Haridwar, a spiritual event which will be attended by millions of devotees around the world. The Uttarakhand government has announced the dates of the holy bath and other important baths of Haridwar Kumbh 2021 after discussions with all the major akharas. Most probably the Kumbh Mela 2021 will inaugurate on 14th January, on the promising event of Makar Sankranti.
The first holy bath also called Shahi Snan will take place on 11th March, and the second and third ones on 12 and 14th April respectively. The fourth Shahi Snan will be held on 27th April, and on the same day, the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 will come to an end.
Attend the Ganga Arti in Varanasi
The Ganga aarti is conducted daily in the evening by a group of priests at the Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi which is the sacred and oldest city of the world located at the banks of the holy river Ganga. Through the aarti, Agni Pooja is performed in which a commitment is made to Lord Shiva, Mata Ganga, Surya, Agni (Fire) as well as the whole universe made by Lord Shiva.
On some exceptional events, religious festivals and the second day of the week means Tuesdays, a particular type of aarti is held at this Ghat. Ganga Aarti is an important ritual held on a grand scale every morning and evening on the banks of the holy Ganga River.
The priests perform the Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The whole Ghat at Varanasi gets well-lit with a marvelous light that can be felt strongly. The glorious ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that echo in the entire location.
You can either enjoy this surreal scene from the Ghat or on the boat that is floating in the river during the Ganga Aarti so that people can enjoy the view from the front. The Ganga Aarti is one of the best travel experiences you can have in India for sure.
[ Plan your tour to Varanasi with Indian Holiday. ]
Thrilling River Rafting
One of the most thrilling and worth experiencing activities is the River Rafting. Several places provide you this experience and each place is admired for its natural beauty and therefore rafting in one of them would be an experience worth having.
Here’s are some of the list of the sites where you can indulge in the best river rafting in India:
- Indus River
- Kullu-Manali
- Yamuna River
- River Ganga, Rishikesh
- Tons River, Uttarakhand
- Kameng River
- Lohit River
- Spiti River
- Zanskar River
- Barapole, Coorg
- River Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand
- Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand
- Kundalika River, Maharashtra
- Teesta River, Sikkim, and Darjeeling
- Brahmaputra River Rafting, Arunachal Pradesh
[ Check out our Exclusive COVID- 19 safe Ladakh tour packages. ]
Take a Luxury Train Ride
One of the great ways to experience the best of India is to take a luxury train ride. Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot, The Deccan Odyssey, Royal Orient Train, Fairy Queen Express are some of the royal trains of India that allows tourists to explore the most prominent tourist destination of India.
With all modern comfort such as centrally air conditioning, interiors fusing the classical Indian royalty and modern sophistication, LCD television with satellite connection, high-speed Wi-Fi, writing desk, private bath, padded beds, spacious cabins, direct dial phones, electronic safe, restaurants, bars, and many more provide you an amazing experience.
A royal journey on these luxurious trains invites the new class of luxury and royalty for an unforgettable journey like no other to explain the essence of Incredible India.
Walk over the Frozen River of Ladakh
Ladakh is popularly called the land of high passes. A Mecca for bikers, Ladakh offers exceptional opportunities to explore the highest motorable road in the world. Ladakh is one of the best places in India to enjoy the amazing North India tour. Apart from its high passes, it is also famous for various blood-pumping activities, and nothing can thrill more than walking over the frozen river of Ladakh.
Various tourists around the world visit this amazing spot to enjoy the trekking over the frozen river popularly known as Chadar trek. During winter the river Zanskar freezes completely and creates a kind of sheet of ice on it. It gives an ultimate feeling of extreme adventure in the form of walking on a thick sheet of ice.
Houseboat Tour of Kerala Backwaters
A state in South India, Kerala is a paradise tucked between the stretches of the lush Western Ghats. It presents a bunch of beautiful scenery, calm backwaters, golden sand shores, wonderful wildlife sanctuaries, colorful arts, dances, crafts, and many more. You can also experience the best of Kerala with several Kerala tour packages.
The emerald backwaters of Kerala and untouched natural beauty are the reason why the state is named God’s Own Country. The beauty of waters as far as the eye can see, a unique ecosystem of birds, fishes, and other species; defines ethereal natural bliss.
Starting from the main port city of Kochi which is also known as City of Canals’ and the ‘Venice of the East’, to coastal Kollam; you will find a great extension of the Kerala backwaters. However, Alleppey is the center of backwater houseboat tourism where you can start your houseboat tour and adore the beauty of the top canals, internal villages, and more remote waterways. For those who cannot afford to stay in them, there are home stays around the backwaters available at cheap rates.
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Embark on Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand to Pay Homage to the Divine
The annual Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage tours in India. Every year millions of devotees undertake the arduous pilgrimage to pay obeisance to Hidu gods and goddesses at four holy shrines located in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotari and Yamunotri. It is believed that undertaking Chardham Yatra frees the pilgrim from the cycle of life and death thus offering ‘moksha’ (salvation). Badrinath also happens to be the the part of another Chardham Yatra established by Adi Shankaracharaya.
As per Hindu scriptures Badrinath is considered the holiest of all Hindu religios places. There are two ways to undertake this pilgrimage tour – Chardham Yatra by Road or Chardham Yatra by Helicopter. Chardham Yatra opens on Akshaya Tritiya every year which falls in late April or May and it closes on Yama Dwitiya (Bhaiya Dooj). The Char Dham Yatra opening date in 2021 is 14th of May.
Goa Beaches and Nightlife
One of the major coastal cities in India, Goa – the smallest state of the country is renowned for its amazing beaches, nightlife, and never-ending beach parties. To experience the best of India, Goa is an ideal stop.
Apart from beach fun, you can also opt for cruises in Goa on the river Mandovi and enjoy DJ music, folk dances, and sightseeing with lip-smacking cuisines. Then there are casinos in Goa where you might try your luck.
Experience India’s Best beach parties and nightlife in Goa. Party hard with your friends at some of the exclusive clubs of Goa.
During a Goa trip, you will also enjoy several water sports, witness amazing waterfalls, and taste the savory cuisines of this region. Some of the famous beaches to enjoy perfect nightlife are Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Arambol Beach, and Colva Beach.
Also Read:
- 8 Beaches in India Gets Coveted Blue Flag Certification
- 10 Best Beaches in Goa for a Vibrant Nightlife
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- Enjoy Watersports in Goa
Manali-Leh Highway Motorcycle Tour
Hitting the Manali-Leh highway is one of the best ways to experience the off-beat things to do in India. Manali-Leh highway motorcycle tour is an absolute adventure where you can discover the barren roads snaking through the undulating mountains. The tour offers some of the most amazing roads to experience a new way of riding a bike. Biking to such a road is one of the crazy experiences to have in India. You will get an opportunity to embrace every moment with the striking scenic beauty during the bike trip as you ride through this highway.
The scenes of the stunning mountains covered with snow, high altitude passes, lush valleys, monasteries, and stupas will offer you a delicious visual treat as well as peace of mind.
You will also get to know about the lifestyle and culture of people living in various regions. Apart from that, you can also enjoy some mouthwatering local delicacies.
- Most Interesting Things to Do in Leh Ladakh
- India Gets Longest Steel Bridge on Leh – Manali Highway
- Explore Packages to Plan your Trip to Ladakh by Motorcycle
Stunning View of the Taj Mahal in Moonlight
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most romantic monuments in the world. This white marble memorial, a monument to eternal love is a major tourist attraction of the Golden Triangle Tour. No doubt the beauty of the Taj Mahal is appealing but its beauty turns magical post-sunset. The sparkling, dreamlike and glowing white marble under the moonlight presents a remarkable view. Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is available on five days in a month on full moon nights as well as two nights before and two nights after the full moon.
Plan your trip in such a way so that you can attend the famous Taj Mahotsav – a festival celebrated from 18th to 27th February every year at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.
Spot the Tigers at the National Parks
Spotting tigers at various national parks of India is one of the must-have experiences, especially for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The stately gait, black stripes, giant paws, and hypnotizing eyes are enough to call a tiger the national animal of India. Spotting tigers at famous national parks is a great way to experience the best of India. Although there are more than 50 tiger reserves in India, the real pleasure to spot tigers is at 5 famous national parks in India, which are:
- Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh
- Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan
- Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
- Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra
- Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
These famous national parks of India are not only meant to spot tigers but also to spot other wild animals and migratory birds. Apart from that, you can also enjoy camping, jeep safari, and other adventure activities to enhance your travel experience.
Explore the Scenic Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The endless spots of glowing shades following the keen eyes of the towering snow-capped Himalayas, Valley of Flowers is an Indian national park in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters above the sea level, the Valley of Flowers has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to more than 300 species of flora and diverse varieties of endangered flowers and medicinal shrubs, the beautiful valley is hypnotizing and is one of the best things about India. Here, one can experience a new way of trekking along with flowers for a remarkable trip.
The valley stays frozen during winters and blossoms into a fresh beauty when the snow melts with the encounter of summertime. It is one of the must-visit tourist destinations and a great way to experience the best of India.
[ Check out our exclusive Valley of Flowers tour packages. ]
Dine in the Middle of Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Popularly known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one of the vibrant and the best places to visit in India. The city boasts about several man-made wonderful lakes, stunning palaces, royal Havelis, and unique museums to explore.
Apart from its historical significance and cultural heritage, the city offers you delightful dining in the middle of Lake Pichola, for a unique experience.
Enjoy an array of delectable dishes in the classy ambiance with stunning views of the City Palace and lakes. Nothing can beat savoring delicious meals in a fresh environment. Jharokha is one of two restaurants in the Taj Lake Palace, located in the center of Lake Pichola.
Pamper Yourself at Ananda Spa, Narendra Nagar
Get unique travel experiences in India, and leave the spa with a renewed sense of energy and rejuvenation. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday, and want to experience something unique then you should visit the Ananda in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is a beautiful award-winning destination spa resort that focuses on holistic wellness and offers must-have experiences in India.
Enjoy a wide variety of well-being services with more than 80 wellness and beauty treatments here. This world-class spa spreads across an area of 24000 square feet. Get pampered head to toe with choices from facials to body wraps. The treatments here leave you refreshed. This resort is a perfect choice if you want to release muscle knots and promote relaxation.
Ranked No. 1 destination spa in the world in 2019; Ananda in the Himalayas offers comprehensive wellness programs with complete safety.
Additionally, the resort boasts of a 6-hole golf course and provides amazing adventure activities such as river rafting in the holy river Ganga.
Also Read:
15 Best Spa and Ayurveda Resorts in India
Paragliding in Bir-Billing
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Bir-Billing is one of the best places in the world to enjoy several blood-pumping activities. It is a quaint hill station, enveloped in tranquility, and offers memorable adventures.
Bir Billing is famous for paragliding and tourists include it in their bucket list while planning a trip to India. Vacationers visit here from around the world to enjoy the amazing view of nature while gliding high in the air with the experts. Apart from that you can also enjoy various sports such as trekking, zorbing, hang gliding, camping, and rock climbing.
Bir is also known for being home to many Tibetan refugees. They have brought their culture and art to Bir and it can be seen in the form of large stupa and monasteries in the area.
[ Choose from our Customized Himachal tour packages. ]
Joyride with Darjeeling Toy Train
Located in the lesser Himalayas and placed at an elevation of about 2000 meters above sea level, Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station. It is famous for its great view of Kanchenjunga, tea estates, and natural heritage. Apart from that, it is renowned for the toy train that has been listed as a UNESCO World heritage site.
Experience the best train ride of your life once you visit Darjeeling. It is one of the great ways for having the best travel experiences in India. The toy train runs between Siliguri and Darjeeling, which is about 83 km long. The trip between the two ends is counted amongst the most incredible rides in the world.
While riding the train, you will get an opportunity to adore the beauty of flourishing tea gardens, the crawling Teesta River, and lovely native people in their vivid traditional apparel. The enchanting beauty en route is something that offers mind-blowing experiences that one can cherish for life.
Heritage Hotel: Stay Like A King
India has been a land of great emperors and kings. There are many historical buildings, forts, and complexes that represent the rich history of India. Every city in the state of India has some historical sites, speaking highly of its grandeur. Apart from that, India’s heritage site is not only famous for its grandeur but also for their rich historical past and architecture.
The best part is that some of the historical buildings, palaces, and forts, are now converted into luxurious hotels. One can feel the royal prosperity by enjoying a stay there. Staying at the heritage hotel is one of the great ways to experience the best of India. These hotels have not only survived the history so far but they are also full of modern facilities.
Some of the top heritage hotels of India include Ananda in the Himalayas near Rishikesh, Hotel Savoy in Ooty, Samode Palace in Jaipur, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad and Nadesar Palace in Varanasi.
Also Read:
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- 23 Best Hotels for Destination Weddings in India
In the Lap of Himalayas: Reclaim Yourself
The Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, isolated valleys, winding roads, and lush green forests offer the perfect backdrop for Yoga and meditation. One can experience the best of India by taking part in the yoga session offered in the lap of nature. The weather of the region, especially in the foothills of the Himalayas, is perfect for practicing Yoga.
The tranquil suburbs of the Himalayas provide the absolute setting to indulge in meditation. The calm atmospheres offer the people to unwind in a peaceful atmosphere to revive the senses away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
One can find several yoga institutes where they can learn and practice yoga, meditation, and pranayama. Visitors around the world visit Himalayan sojourns, especially to experience the spiritual richness.
Also Read:
- Top Things to Do in Himalayas
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- 12 Treks in Himalayas from Delhi
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- Best Trails for Mountain Biking in Himalayas
- Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Himalayas
Adventure Sports Activities: The Adrenaline Rush
India is rapidly turning into an adventure tourism hot spot due to its unique geography, distinct culture, and many adventure sports. In view of this, states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Andaman, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir are introducing new trials every day in their adventure tourism. However, wildlife safari in Rajasthan also deserves a special mention. thanks to its Ranthambore national Park and Keoladfeo National Park.
Enjoying the blood-pumping activities is one of the great experiences of India. There are several types of activities offered in India some of the famous are wildlife safari, trekking, camping, hot air ballooning, skiing, river rafting, paragliding, biking, surfing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, snorkeling, flying fox, and mountaineering.
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- Best Destinations in India for Adventure Sports Activities
- Adventure Sports in Sikkim
- Adventure Sports in Himachal Pradesh
- Adventure Sports in Rajasthan
- Adventure Sports in Rishikesh
- Top 10 Adventure Sport Activities in Uttarakhand
Shopping in India: Shop Until You Drop
India has many things to explore and when it comes to shopping nothing can beat the famous markets of India. The bustling street markets hold real treasures, buy ultimate souvenirs, colorful attires, gifts, and anything that you desire.
India is a paradise for shopaholics. The markets in India offer a great deal to attract customers and visitors. Tourists who come to India around the globe had a fascinating experience. India is a great place to enjoy shopping at an affordable price.
Not only clothes one can also buy spices, tea, coffee, handicraft, jewelry, pooja souvenirs, carpets, decorative items, fruits, vegetables, showpieces, electronic items, and many more. Exploring the local markets in India is one of the most amazing experiences. India uninterruptedly for the past several years is merely the place to find something unique.
Monuments in India: Take a walk down the history lane
An array of monuments in India built by wealthy kings, nobles, and emperors over the course of a thousand years have withstood the tests of time. These monuments include forts, palaces, temples, and other landmarks that stand testimony to the rich heritage, culture, and arts of the times.
People from all corners of the world travel to India to admire the intricate beauty and majesty of these monuments sprinkled across the length and breadth of the country several of which have been inscribed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Recommended Reads:
- 12 Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India for Their Cultural Importance
- 25 Lesser Known UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- UNESCO World Heritage National Parks & Sanctuaries in India
Some of the most renowned and not to be missed UNESCO World Heritage Sites if you are planning a trip to India includes Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra, Qutub Minar Group of Monuments, Charminar in Hyderabad, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, almost all fort & palaces in Rajasthan, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, Churches, and Convents in Goa, Group of Monuments in Khajuraho, Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra and Group of Monuments in Hampi.
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Anand, the article has explained beautifully the various things to do in India. It tells about adventure travel like river rafting and paragliding, yoga sessions in the Himalayas, famous national parks, beaches in Goa, historical moments to visit and more. It also tells about the many festivals celebrated in India.