30 Things You Must Do In India Before You Die

There is so much one can experience when in a country as big and diverse as India. From exquisite places to savouring a variety of sumptuous food and from the cacophony of the festivals to experiencing inner peace and spirituality, India offers a universe to the curious traveller.

Here are 30 experiences that should be part of your bucket list while you are in India.

1. Have Langar At Golden Temple

Golden Temple, also known as Harminder Sahib, is Sikhism’s holiest site. The langar (free community kitchen) in the Gurudwara feeds an average of 100,000 people every day! The kitchen serves rotis, dal, vegetable and sweets to the devotees. Having a meal at the langar is a mix of spiritual and culinary experience.

2. Experience the splendor of Taj Mahal

Visit the ivory white marble mausoleum in Agra. Taj Mahal is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The grandeur of this edifice can be experienced only by paying a visit.

3. Visit the Palaces and Forts of Rajasthan

Feel like a Maharaja while visiting the magnificent and opulent palaces and forts at various cities of Rajasthan. Get captivated by the cultural history and flamboyance of the state by exploring these historical sites.

4. Roam with the Tiger at Bandhavgarh

‘Land of the Tigers’, Bandhavgarh National Park is the place you need to visit if you want to roam with the big cat. With the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in the world, there is saying about the park “In any other park, you are lucky to spot a tiger, in Bandhavgarh you are unlucky if you don’t spot (at least) one”.

5. Enjoy the Back waters of Kerala

Parallel to the Arabian Sea are located the lagoons and canals which make the backwaters of Kerala. The tranquil backwater cruises, especially in a houseboat, are a once in a lifetime experience, where you can immerse yourself completely with nature.

6. Join the Beach party at Goa

Have a time of your life at the gorgeous beaches of Goa, with the best of music, booze and rejuvenating environment. Enjoy a romantic getaway or just take a break from the hectic pace of life. Goa and fun go hand in hand!

7. Be At The Surfing Festival In Orissa

Go ahead and take to sea on a surfboard on the crashing blue waters, balance yourself on high waves or simply paddle yourself on flat waters. The pristine beaches of Konark are a surfer’s delight. The incessant music and dance keeps the spirits high.

8. Appreciate the Temples of Khajuraho

Visit these one of a kind, ancient temples in the world, adorned with intricate erotic and sensuous carvings. The sculptures showcase the open, progressive and artistic heritage of the time.

9. Boost Your Patriotic Fervor At Wagah Border

Experience heightened nationalistic passions while watching the mesmerizing display of one-upmanship at the Wagah border. The Beating Retreat ceremony, followed since 1959, is characterized by elaborate and heart racing maneuvers between Indian and Pakistani soldiers.

10. Revel In A Shikara Ride On Dal Lake

Savor the Kashmiri grandeur on the Dal lake in a Shikara ride for an ultimate romantic twist. Escape from the regular humdrum of urban chaos and enjoy the splendid scenic beauty of the mountains in the placid waters of the Dal. Go Ahead…sing a Bollywood song of yesteryear to relive the bygone era!

11. Observe Full Moon At Rann Of Kutch

Travel to one of the world’s largest salt deserts and engross yourself in the natural beauty, culture and tradition, blended in the magnificence of the kaleidoscope. The pristine beauty of this white desert observed in the full moon nights, transcends to an unforgettable and surreal experience. The annual Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat is a festival of color and vibrancy, making it a must visit for all, once in their lifetime.

12. Take A Road Trip To Leh & Ladakh

Take a trip to the beautiful region of Leh and Ladakh in order to experience unparalleled thrill and excitement. An adventurous and spectacular journey to the ‘Land of High Passes’ is magnified manifold when you take a road trip via Manali.

13. Appreciate The Temple Ruins of Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi was considered to be the second largest medieval era city after Beijing. If you are a history buff, Hampi is worth visiting for its archaeological and architectural significance.

14. Stroll The Ghats Of Varanasi

Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges or a sunset stroll across the Ghats to soak in the exquisite atmosphere of faith and devotion. Mesmerizing evening aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a unique experience in its own. Not far is Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment.

15. Travel to the Sundar Bans

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park is a place of natural beauty and the world’s largest mangrove forest. Come close to nature while taking a boat ride in the kingdom of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

16. Ride the Pambam Bridge

Witness the exquisiteness of Rameswaram island from the Pambam bridge, India’s first sea bridge. Spectacular view of the sea and nearby islands would leave you spellbound. A train journey you would never forget.

17. Practice Yoga and Spirituality In Rishikesh

Balance your ‘chakras’ and get in touch with your inner peace by visiting the ‘Yoga Capital of the World – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The mystic settings of the flowing Ganges, forested hills, temple bells and the cool breeze, is perfect for meditation. Even ‘The Beatles’ came here as spiritual seekers in the 60’s.

18. Admire The Ancient Ajanta & Ellora Caves

There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back between 2nd century BC to 11th century AD. These caves are piece of human marvel as they were crafted by hand with only hammers and chisels. These cave complexes are definitely the most spectacular compared to other cave systems in India.

19. Cheer Snake Boat Race At Alleppey

Be a part of the annual snake boat frenzy on the waters of Punnamada lake at Alleppey, Kerala. With boats of 120 feet of length and up to 100 rowers on a single boat, have your adrenalin pumping while cheering and shouting in the competition.

20. Visit The One Of A Kind Keibul Lamjao National Park

A visit to Keibul Lamjao National Park is worth every penny since it’s the only floating park in the world. Almost 75% of the park area is formed by a floating mass called ‘Phumids’, which are heterogenous masses of vegetation, soil and organic matter. One feels at peace with nature among the abundant flora and fauna.

21. Sight The Rhinos In Kaziranga National Park

Home to two thirds population of the world’s Great One Horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vibrant, well-preserved bio diversity. A must visit destination for forest buffs and nature lovers.

22. Admire Sunrise And Sunset At Kanyakumari

Get the thrill to see the setting sun and the moon rise simultaneously on full moon nights at the Sunset point. The breathtaking scene of the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian sea is magnificent and picturesquely unique.

23. Participate In Durga Puja In Kolkata

Experience the energy and enormity of the celebrations during the entire 10 days of the Durga Puja. The grandeur of the ceremonies is something unparalleled as are the preparations for the festivities. Relish the sumptuous and delicious authentic Bengali cuisines too in City of Joy.

24. Go Scuba Diving In Andamans

Get in your scuba gear, kneel down on the bottom of the sea and explore the underwater world. The unblemished seas of the Andamans are home to exquisite and colorful aquatic life and unique corals, which can be seen up close by diving into the ocean.

25. Trek The Himalayan Range

The Indian Himalayas boast of incredible vistas. From the Western ranges to the North East, the mountains provide countless opportunities for spectacular trekking and other adventurous activities. The Markha Valley and Hemis Festival trek is perhaps the most popular in the Indian Himalayas.

26. Stay At A Cool Tree House

A perfect getaway from the regular hustle bustle of urban life, animate your fantasy of living like Tarzan in one the tree house resorts across India. Forget about snoozing your mobile alarm; instead wake up to the chirping of the birds. Experience a perfect blend of serenity, excitement and stunning nature.

27. Camp Under The Starlit Sky At Sambhar Lake

The Sambhar salt lake is a traveler’s paradise; a perfect weekend getaway. A splendid view of the star shimmering night sky will leave you spellbound, while the serenity of the place provides a soothing experience.

28. Attend The Hornbill Festival In Nagaland

Experience the vibrant and colorful mélange of cultural display at the Hornbill Festival, locally known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’. Revel in the evenings with bands from all over the country followed by the amazing Night Market. This colorful festival is also a foodie’s paradise, especially if you are a non-vegetarian.

29. Foods Galore at Old Delhi

Meander the streets and lanes of Old Delhi and be a part of the pleasant chaos. Enjoy the lip-smacking authentic Mughlai cuisines in the by-lanes, with some recipes being centuries old. Go ahead and embark on a gastronomic adventure and delight your taste buds!

30. Go Caving In Meghalaya

Unlock the unknown world of the limestone caves in Meghalaya – ‘The Abode of Clouds’. These are some of the deepest caves in India. Undertake an adventurous trip to explore the cave systems by squeezing through dark narrow passages and wading through waist deep waters.

Go ahead, experience India in its entirety and make an album of everlasting memories in your heart!