Best 30 experiences to have in India!

• 2021-08-07 12:04:11

1. Celebrate Holi- Holi is a joyful ancient Hindu celebration that takes place in the month of Phalguna, which normally falls in March on the Gregorian calendar. Holi, also known as the festival of colour and love, is held to commemorate the arrival of spring. It's also a moment to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to have fun, laugh, and forgive. The festival is a big cultural event that is enjoyed by both locals and visitors. But watch out: along with the buckets of paint, water balloons are on the loose! Holi is so famous that it is celebrated in many countries around the world by Indian diaspora.
2. Evening Aarti Ceremony in Varanasi- When it comes to the most visited cities in India, Varanasi is at the top of the list. The city, which is located in Uttar Pradesh's northern state, is thought to be a crossroads of life and death. It is stated that everyone who visits this city is freed from the cycle of incarnation. When one thinks about Varanasi, images of temples, riverfront ghats, vibrant markets, and saffron-clad priests come to mind. The extravagant oil lamps with chants and prayers, glittering reflection of lights on ripples of water, overpowering aroma of incense and flowers with rhythmic sound of bells and priests raising the oil lamps as they sing the prayers for River Ganges, it is a sight to behold and cherish forever.
3. Witness Kathakali Performance- Kathakali is a South Indian dance form that has been established for over 300 years. Through dance, music, extravagant costumes, and heavy make-up, this kind of storytelling retells myths and legends. Dancers employ powerful facial emotions and stylized movements to portray the storey during a Kathakali performance. Kochi is one of the best sites to see this art form in action. Get over there before the performance starts, you may be able to catch the performers getting ready.
4. Go for Pandal Hopping in Durga Puja- Another celebration recognised for its grandeur is Durga Puja. Despite the fact that the event is celebrated all throughout the country, Kolkata remains the epicentre of the celebrations. The goddess Durga's divine feminine power is honoured throughout the celebration. The festival's planning begins roughly a year in advance of the actual day of the event. The skillful artists demonstrate exceptional artistry by making gorgeous pandals, which are ornamented stages with goddess Durga idols. On the festival's last day, a massive procession is paraded through the streets, followed by the immersion of the statues in the Ganges.
5. Visit the Land of Kamasutra Temples- Khajuraho- The temples of Khajuraho have numerous sculptures of cult symbols, demi-gods, and Apsaras that portray love, elegance, beauty, delicacy, sensuality, and eroticism. The city's culture and heritage are a perfect blend of Hinduism and Jainism, making it one of Madhya Pradesh's must-see tourist destinations. Tourists should see the Chandela dynasty's storey told through a sound and light show, as well as visit the Ajaigarh Fort and Archeological Museum. Kandariya Mahadev, Parsvanath, Visvanath, Devi Jagadamba, Vamana, Duladeo, Chitragupta, and Bijamandala temples have made the city one of India's seven wonders.
6. Be Mesmerised by the Beauty of Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal, India's pride, is located in this historic city in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and tourists from all over the world come to India to marvel at its awe-inspiring grandeur. It is not only a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, but it is also a symbol of love. Agra also has two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making the city worth a visit.
7. Enjoy a ride on Himalayan Queen Toy Train- The Himalayan Queen Toy Train, which runs daily between Kalka and the hill station of Shimla, is one of India's most picturesque trains. During the British rule, it was regarded as the "crown gem" of Indian National Railways, having been built in 1903. And taking a train ride along this ancient rail line is like taking a trip back in time. With 800 bridges, 103 tunnels, and a remarkable 900 twists, the 96-kilometer route weaves its way steeply through mountainous mountains and pine forests. For the greatest views of Shimla, sit on the right-hand side of the road.
8. Join an Indian Home Cooking Class- Participating in a cooking lesson is one of the best things to do on your vacation to India. Indian cuisine is an important aspect of the country's culture. Taking a cooking class is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with foreign flavours and learn how to prepare Indian cuisine. You'll not only learn how to create some popular Indian meals, but you'll also get to meet new people. What could be more satisfying than recreating the dish in your own kitchen to the delight of guests and family.
9. Explore the Heritage of Hampi- Hampi is a lovely world heritage site located in Karnataka's northern region. This location is well-known for housing the ruins of Vijaynagar's ancient monarchy. The Hampi ruins are part of a large collection of cultural monuments that showcase the Dravidian style of art and building. The Virupaksha temple, which is very important, is the most famous place in this city. Aside from it, there are a slew of other monuments that make up the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi.'
10. Take a Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi- Chandni Chowk Bazaar is not just one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets, but also one of Asia's largest wholesale markets. It is thought to have been founded by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and is separated into numerous smaller marketplaces that offer a variety of goods such as textiles, jewellery, and shoes. Many shops specialise in bridal apparel and traditional Indian attire, making it a must-see cultural destination for anybody visiting the city. Take a rickshaw ride around the neighbourhood to get a sense of the bustle.
11. Have the blessed meal (langar) at Golden Temple- Guru Ram Das established Amritsar as a sacred town in 1574, and it is the centre of Sikh culture in India. Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, excavated a tank and turned it into the holy water or Amrit lake (sarovar). Aside from its numerous temples, gurudwaras, and museums, the city has katras (narrow alleyways), which are basically self-contained residential units that provide unique security during the wars. Sri Harmindar Sahib or Golden Temple is the major attraction here and is frequently visited not only by Sikhs but anyone and everyone no matter the religion. The temple is not only a holy place of worship but also has a vast community kitchen and serves meals everyday to whoever walks in. It is an emotional experience to counter when you are visiting India.
12. Explore the ancient temples of South India- Temples represent a city's history, and Tamil Nadu is undoubtedly one of India's top cultural destinations. In Thanjavur, see the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Invest in Tanjore artwork, which is becoming increasingly rare. Visit the 17th century Rock Fort at Tiruchirappalli, which stands majestically on the city's horizon and houses two rock-cut temples. Finally, at Madurai, marvel at the Meenakshi Amman Temple complex's magnificent gopurams (gateway towers).
13. Experience the Nawabi culture of Lucknow- Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is high on the list of locations to visit in India to learn about its culture and legacy. The Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, the Nawabs of Awadh, and even the British influenced the city's rich architecture. Many literary and performing arts thrived here, and the city has a distinct culture as a result of the blending of Hindu and Muslim civilizations. The food such as ‘kebabs, biryani and tokri chaat’  and embroidery ‘chikankari’ are exceptionally famous here.
14. Be a part of World’s largest Cattle Fair- Pushkar is known for hosting the world's largest cattle fair and is regarded as Rajasthan's sacred town. It has also been mentioned in Hindu myths. The town provides fascinating details about the state's history and culture. The town is significant in Hindu culture since it is home to the sole temple devoted to Lord Brahma.
15. Attempt a summit to one of the highest peaks of the world- India encompasses a massive portion of the Himalayan range, which includes some of the world's highest peaks. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, is located in Sikkim and sits at an elevation of 8586 metres. Nanda Devi (7816 m.) and Kamet are the next two (7756 m). Whether you're planning on climbing these peaks or taking in the sights of the spectacular Himalayan range, either way, you'll be in for a treat.
16. Be a part of Indian Traditional Wedding- Weddings in India are celebrated in the same way as festivals, with vibrant colours, food, music, and dancing. And, unlike Western weddings, Indian weddings can take up to five days and involve activities, traditional rites, lavish décor, and an extraordinary amount of sweets! The 'Big-Fat-Indian-Wedding' is a must-see event in India, and no vacation to the country is complete without seeing one.
17. Witness Theyyam Performance- Theyyam is a form of ritual worship prominent in Kerala's Kolathunadu region, which includes the Kasargod and Kannur districts, Wayanad's Mananthavady Taluk, and Kozhikode's Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks. This elaborate, 8,000-year-old ritual consists of a dance or invocation performed in front of the community temple or shrine, or within homes as ancestor worship. The performers wear extravagant headdresses and move to the beat of drums and incantations, which are accompanied by the recitation of myths and legends about the deity.
18. Experience the thrill of a Tiger Safari- Over two-thirds of the world's wild tiger population is found in India. While you may have seen Bengal tigers in captivity in zoos throughout the world, seeing one wandering free in its natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and the Pench Tiger Reserve are among the top reserves and national parks in India for a tiger safari.
19. Go for a food tour in Delhi- Delhi is a melting pot of cultures. Being the capital city of India, Delhi hosts anyone and everyone with such diversity to experience that sometimes it's overwhelming to absorb. From richly stuffed parathas of Paranthe wali gali to fruit cream, samosas and jalebis and even momos, amritsari kulchas, pakoras and kachoris, kebabs and biryani, varieties of tea and masala lemonade to mohabbat ka sharbat, there is no end to what you can explore and taste when in Delhi.
20. Wander through the Forts of Rajasthan- The entire city of Jaipur, the state capital, is painted in a stunning hue of terracotta pink. It's known for its hospitality, landmark sights, and dal bati churma. The beauty, architecture, forts, palaces, and Rajasthani cuisine are just a few of the components that combine to create the ideal recipe for a memorable cultural experience. Explore Jaipur's architectural marvels, such as Amer Fort, and take in the remnants of a bygone period. Udaipur, located further to the south-west, is a lovely, majestic, and historically significant city. The most well-known activities include taking a boat trip on Lake Pichola, seeing the stately Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, and enjoying the exquisite architecture of Kumbhalgarh Fort. Needless to say that sitting on hilltop, Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur and Chittorgarh Fort steal the show and leave one awestruck with their beauty and massiveness.
21. Dress up in Indian Traditional wear- The creative way in which a basic stretch of unstitched cloth is handled is one of the most striking elements of Indian clothing. Long lengths of cloth are typically delicately draped as a sari, which is a long dress with pleats tucked into an underskirt that covers the right shoulder and is fastened around the waist. A cloth can also be wrapped around a man's waist as a dhoti or around his head as a turban.
22. Stay in a Palace- Staying in an Indian palace is the ideal way to achieve a broader understanding of India's history and heritage. Feel like a member of the royal family without being born into one! For a change of pace on your Rajasthan tour, book a luxurious accommodation and enjoy the grand lifestyle in Rajasthan's meticulously constructed palaces. Palaces may be seen in towns such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. Enjoy luxurious to ultra-luxurious facilities, magnificent rooms, a fantastic gastronomic experience, and, of course, royal care during your stay.
23. Watch a Bollywood Movie- Almost everyone has seen or heard of Bollywood, the common name for the Mumbai-based film business. Catchy music, passionate stories, and energetic performances are all hallmarks of Bollywood films. These films rely heavily on song and dancing, and in many cases, entire films are built around the music. Grab a bucket of popcorn at one of the many multiplexes or movie theatres and enjoy the cinematic treat for a couple of hours.
24. Explore the Heritage of Fort Kochi- Kochi was once a small fishing hamlet and later went through a transformation to what it is today with rich colonial history. At Kochi's tourist attractions such as Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace, walk through the streets to see Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. One of the best things to do in Kochi is to see the famed Chinese Fishing Nets that line the coastline as you tour Fort Kochi. Finish your Kochi sightseeing with a Kathakali dance performance.
25. Witness the Buddhist Heritage in Ladakh- Buddhist chanting, which is listed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is practised every day in Ladakh's monasteries. The lamas (Buddhist priests) sing and recite Lord Buddha's teachings to help all believers achieve spiritual and moral well-being.
26. Experience royalty on wheels- One of the best ways to experience the rich heritage of India is to travel through the luxurious heritage trains as they take you through famous destinations for exploration. The Deccan Odyssey, Maharajas' Express, The Golden Chariot, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and Palace on Wheels are the best ones for an unforgettable experience.
27. Practice Yoga and Meditation- Ancient India gave birth to Yoga & meditation to the world which has been practised now across the world. Be a part of this practice and connect with yourself to achieve mental peace and utter relaxation. Discover the calmness and flexibility with immense concentration and physical glow that Yoga and Meditation brings with daily discipline. There are several forms of Yoga taught across several certified centres in the country.
28. Take a cruise in the Backwaters- For ardent visitors like you and us, nature is the ultimate heritage, and Alleppey, India's finest companion, represents this. Alleppey is jeweled with the charms of culture and customs in addition to the backwaters and swinging palms. A vacation in Alleppey will remind you that culture is incomplete without the aurora of nature, whether it's the boat races or the traditional practices of healing. A houseboat cruise with or without stay is worth every penny, to navigate through these backwaters and breathe in the utter serenity.
29. Be a part of Rann Utsav- The Rann Utsav, which takes place every year from November to February, is the Rann of Kutch's highlight. This festival has earned Kutch a name among local and international tourists. The carnival, which lasts roughly 100 days, is an important aspect of India's cultural tourism. But that isn't the only reason why the region has been included in the list of Indian cultural heritage sites. Tourists can visit the Rann of Kutch, the Aina Mahal or Madan Singhji Museum, the Kutch Museum, the Dholavira excavation site, the Siyot Caves, and other Kutch attractions. Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, which is of significant religious significance, is also located in the area.
30. Explore the magnificence of North East India with Hornbill Festival- The bright and big forest bird known as the "Indian hornbill" inspired the "Hornbill Festival." Residents of Nagaland regard the bird as a symbol of "respect" and "folklore." The Hornbill Festival was started by the State Tourism of Arts and Cultural Department to promote their cultural history and highlight their tribal culture. Nagaland is also known as the "Land of Festivals." Explore the distinct tribes and their attractives attires including the head gears, several sports, learn a few tribal dance steps and taste the local alcohol and be merry.