India is a country where contradictions run parallel with reality. On one hand, you can find nastiest places, crooked people, stinky narrow streets and filthy corners that can ruin your vacation. But on the other hand, there are breathtaking places that can spellbind you to the core. Not only places, India can also give you an unparalleled experience that you can ever have in life.
Missing these experiences is the most unfortunate thing that can happen to any wanderlust. While the internet is filled with all sorts of advice and guides on where to travel to India, things to do in India, how to make the best of India, places to visit in India, etc, we highlight the best parts of travelling to India. No matter if you’re staying in India or planning to visit soon, these pointers will help you plan your perfect holidays in India.
Bask in the colors of Holi at Vrindavan
It’s true when people say pictures speak a lot about a place. With people throwing organic colors on each other, the view of Vrindavan during Holi festival looks something straight out of a fairy tale. Witnessing the festival of colors in the holy land of Lord Krishna is a soul-fulfilling experience that everyone should take in this lifetime.
Dance your feet off with strangers during Navratri Festival
Navratri is one of the many festivals in India that unites people of all religions. Even though the 9 days of festival (dedicated to Goddess Durga) is celebrated in every nook and corner of the northern parts of India, but witnessing the grand festivity in Gujarat is fun of another level. During the festival, People gather in masses and dance to the tunes of Gujarati songs the whole night. Garba nights are the most happening time of the year where you get to make new friends introducing you to Gujju culture.
Eat your heart out in Chandni Chowk
If you haven’t gorged upon scrumptious and drool-worthy food at Chandni Chowk, then you haven’t really toured India that well. The narrow lanes of Chandni chowk are swarmed by plenty of vendors selling hot pakodas, dahi bhalla, chole bhature, jalebi and what not! One lane is specially named “Paranthey wali Gali” the shops in which have been making satiating paranthas from centuries. If you want to experience the buzz of the medieval era, then visiting Chandni chowk is one of the many things to do in India.
Lose yourself in the nightlife of Delhi-NCR
Witnessing the vibrant and electrifying nightlife of Delhi-NCR is a thing that should be a part of your itinerary when you are travelling India. With glitz and glamour, there are numerous pubs, bars and café’s to spend a good time. Revel in the live-music played by talented musicians and bands, explore the haunted places nearby, and party hard with booze and beer. Delhi-NCR won’t disappoint you with its energetic nightlife.
Tour north India for spiritual awakening
Talk about things to do in India, how can you miss travelling northern parts of this gargantuan country? Figure out the calling of your soul in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh where spiritual enlightenment prevails in every corner. Awe-inspiring landscapes and rustic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is going to captivate your heart and soul. Enjoy the rich culture of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab while devouring butter-dripping cuisines.
Gorge upon a variety of cuisines
India is a land with lip-smacking cuisines that can confuse even the hard-core foodies out there. With ample of dishes like Awadhi, South Indian, Parsi, Kashmiri, Hyderabadi, and Goan to devour, the country is a paradise for food connoisseurs. Mughlai food like tandoori kebabs, shahi phirni, keema golis and lazeez biryani is enough to keep one occupied for hours. No matter the place, you will always be surrounded by these food options in India.
Bring out your adventurous side
Show your true potential and unleash your wild side with adventure activities as you explore different parts of India. From heart-stopping adventure sports to soul-satisfying nature walks, there is nothing you will ever yearn for while holidaying in India. Adventure activities like bungee jumping, trekking, rafting, paragliding, zip lining, mountain biking etc can make you skip a heartbeat or two but it’s totally worth it.
Shop till money runs out
On your voyage to this land of diversity, you can liberate the shopaholic in you and pamper yourself with fashionable and trendy things. From luxury shopping to a street one, India provides the opportunity for all to buy what they desire be it- stunning outfits, accessories, shoes, and basically everything! For high-end shopping experience, visit the malls of metro cities – Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai etc. However, if you want to buy quality stuff at cheap prices, make sure to pay a visit to the local markets of these cities.
Experience top-class hospitality in South India
South India boasts of its picturesque beauty and untouched nature that pulls tourists to it like a magnet. Moreover, the hospitality of south Indians is unlike anything you will ever experience. When travelling southern regions of India, you will realize that south Indians are indeed very friendly and wonderful folks contrary to the angry-man image they are often portrayed as. Lush tea plantations, greenery, diverse wildlife, breathtaking views, and pristine beaches are what you get to capture in South India.
Capture sunset and sunrise in Varanasi
The sacred land of Varanasi a.k.a Banaras is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati where people from across the world come to gain insights on spirituality. Capturing sunset and sunrise from the famous ghats is a surreal moment that your eyes won’t ever be able to erase. One of the best things you can do when touring India is to catch the golden rays of the sun engulfing the land into its warmth.
Stroll through the Rann of Kutch
Walking in one of the largest salt deserts in the world is like unfolding another dimension of travelling. The Rann of Kutch is one of the many things in India that cast profound spell on you. Be sure to bask in the festivities organized in November to unravel unlimited fun.
Experience royal treatment at luxurious retreats
Do you wish to get treated like royalty? Have you ever desired for the luxurious life the royals led? The fact that India has witnessed the rise and fall of mightiest empires in the world speaks a lot about their heritages. Wherever you go, you will find one or more abode of Indian royals. Walking in their grand palaces is like walking in the past. Moreover, some of these royal palaces offer accommodation and modern amenities like luxurious spa, therapeutic massage, among others to make you feel like a king/queen that you already are. India will change your perspective on a myriad of things.
Explore splendid architectural marvels of India
India is a mystery land that is also home to a plethora of architectural marvels like Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Gateway of India, Konark temple, Meenakshi temple, Mysore palace, Ajanta-Ellora caves, Iron Pillar, Jama Masjid, Char minar etc. These stunning creations of mankind are what make the country intriguing to the tourists. Exploring these wonderful creations is sure to give you high unlike anything else. To catch the glimpse of Indian history, there couldn’t be a better way than seeing these gorgeous marvels from your eyes.
Heal yourself amidst nature
It’s true when people say that there is nothing that nature cannot heal. Whenever you seek motivation or solitude, you tend to break free and set your feet in the unknown to have ‘me’ time. Whether you are heartbroken, or need soul-searching or seeks inspiration or anything, nature has the solution for your problems. Thankfully, India is a nucleus of places where you can revel in the calmness of nature and revitalize yourself to become a better version.
Get closer to God
India always welcomes tourist with open
