30 Things To Experience In India Before You Turn 30

India has no dearth of adventurous experiences, be it around the ocean, in the deserts and forests or amidst the hills. You just need to have the desire to explore such thrills and if needed, the guts! We bring to you some of the most amazing experiences that are true to this country and its unique heritage; perfect to give you an adrenaline rush and memories for a lifetime.

1. Rafting/Camping in Rishikesh

This is one of the most popular thrills that you can experience in Rishikesh, easily accessible for every part of the country. Indulge in white water rafting, adventure sports like bungee jumping and camping near the Ganges.

2. Drive/Ride from Manali to Leh

This is on every biker’s to-do list and is a unique experience of its own. The journey cover around 475 kms and you witness gradual changes in the topography from green landscape to barren terrains taking you through various water bodies.

3. Paraglide/Camp in Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh

It is a beautiful sight being high up in the sky gliding above the mountains like a free bird! A perfect and the most popular spot for paragliding in India, this place is a haven for adrenaline junkies.

4. Get ‘Sunburn’-t in Goa!

The most happening party festival of the country – Sunburn happens in Goa and is considered the biggest electronic dance music festival of Asia.

5. Visit the Vaishno Devi Temple

Whether you are religious or not, the trek to Vaishno Devi temple located in Jammu and Kashmir will give you memories and thrills alike, apart from peace of mind. The whole ambience of the ‘chadhai’/trek is such that you are filled with enthusiasm chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’ all the way. God sure knows how to test your patience and will power!

6. Travel in a Mumbai Local

I can imagine you readers going ‘what???’ but this trip is no less than an adventure! Your first challenge being to be able to get inside the train and then surviving to stay inside and the challenge ends with coming out alive and safe! Believe me, I have witnessed it!

7. Take a road trip from Mumbai to Goa

This road trip is one of the best in the country and perfect to enjoy with your friends. What lies on the way is scenic beauty and what awaits you the vibe of Goa!

8. Skiing in Auli

Located in Uttaranchal, this place amidst the snowclad Himalayas is home for best skiing options in the country. In case you don’t know the sport, you can undergo a course to learn skiing here.

9. Diving around the Andamans

Explore a different world under the sea by indulging in scuba diving in the pristine and clear beaches of Andamans. It’s a mind-blowing experience and will make you realise the multitude of grandness of nature. Swim along the most colourful and bright fish in the bluest of waters for a memory of a lifetime!

10. Trek on a sheet of snow

Participate in the Chadar Trek to experience an overwhelming sense of achievement of trekking over the frozen river Zanskar. This is one such thing that you have got to do while you are still hale, hearty and in the best of your health as the trek takes you through extremely cold conditions and dangerous terrains.

11. Get mesmerised by the Valley of Flowers

This should also be on your bucket list as reaching this place is best enjoyed by trekking your way up. Straight out of a Yashraj Film, the scenic beauty of this place will leave you spell bound. From snow clad mountains at a distance to lush green valley beaming with exotic flowers like Blue Poppy, Cobra Lily, Bramhakamal and the likes, the sight is one of the most spectacular ones found in this country.

12. Camping in deserts

You have not experience true India unless you have spent some time camping in the deserts of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Witness one of the most vibrant places of India with barren deserts as far as the eye can see. Get a royal feel complete with their impeccable hospitality, entertainment and delectable Rajasthani food.

13. Explore the South

Once for sure, before you turn 30, do explore the regions of Munnar, Periyar and Thekaddy for their wildlife trips and unmatched scenic beauty. These places would always retain their charm, but let’s face it, you won’t! So, head for these places and indulge in some mind-blowing treks.

14. Head to the north east

While most of north east is stocked with beauty, we are specifically talking about Sikkim. Experience the serenity at Lachung, beauty of the Chopta Valley and explore various monasteries and wildlife at the Himalayan Zoological Park. The beauty of Sikkim is simply mesmerising.

15. Be awestruck watching air acrobatics

A place called Yelahanka situated near Bangalore hosts an Aero Show that displays air acrobatics performed by highly trained professional pilots. Close to 25 countries participate in this show which is a real treat for the eyes!

16. Experience the grandness of Rann of Kutch

This salt marsh in the Thar Desert is believed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The best time to visit this enormous stretch of packed white salt is during the Kutch Rann Utsav which is held in November every year.

17. Get mesmerised by the beauty of Triund and Mc Leodganj

Trek enthusiast frequent this place for an amazing trek rewarded with spectacular views of the majestic Dhauladhar ranges. Not just that, Mc Leodganj is home many local attractions like Bhagsu Falls, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, HPCA Stadium and Kangra Fort.

18. Get a feel of coffee plantations in Coorg

Located in Karnataka, Coorg is a weekend getaway for people staying in and around Bangalore. This hill station lets you walk through coffee plantations and makes for an unforgettable experience.

19. Touch the Himalayas in Manali

Who hasn’t heard about Manali! One of the most popular hills stations in this country, Manali has so much to offer than just scenic beauty, which is loaded by the way! Indulge in adventure sports, drive along gigantic gorges, explore the culture and heritage and so much more; Manali is a must visit, in case you still haven’t.

20. Head to Kasol for a perfect trek

This little hamlet is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and takes you through an amazing trek in the Parvati Valley. It is growing in popularity as far as trekking is concerned.

21. Paraglide at Bir Billing

Bir Biling is fondly called the Paragliding capital of India ever since it hosted the first ever paragliding World Cup. Bir Biling has more than 10 paragliding spots and the beauty of this place cannot be described in words.

22. Hop on the toy train to Shimla

If you still haven’t done it, do not miss it any further. The experience of riding this Toy Train that covers the route from Kalka to Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) is like no other. The route is around 96 kms long and the train passes through 103 tunnels taking you back to those early times.

23. Spot tigers at Jim Corbett

A photographer’s delight, Jim Corbett satiates your desire to see wild animals up close. Indulge in a safari and spot wild animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Hog Deer, Sambar Deer, Asiatic Elephants, Black Bear, Sloth Bear and many others.

24. Enjoy the trek to Prashar Lake

Head for a challenging trek to the Prashar Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty from the top. The lake is located around 49 kms north of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh and is considered a sacred lake with a 13th century pagoda-styled temple built on its edge.

25. Witness the religious trends in Varanasi

If you really wish to explore the spiritual and religious practices of Hindus then head to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This city dating back to the 11th century BC is referred to as the spiritual capital of India. Here, witness the overwhelming aartis and prayers performed on the ghats and indulge in captivating boat rides.

26. Walk on root bridges in Cherrapunji

Yes, living roots are so dense and huge here that they have formed bridges that you can walk on. Firsts of its kind, right? This apart from bountiful waterfalls and greens all around.

27. Understand the historic culture in Hampi

This ancient village is located down south in the state of Karnataka and is home to numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagar Empire. This group of monuments, which also comprises of a 7th century Hindu temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

28. Watch the Dhuandhar Falls in Jabalpur

As the name suggests, Dhuandhar Falls cascade from a height of 30 meters with water gushing down with utmost agility and volume so much so, that you can hear the sound of the falls to a great distance.

29. Beach holiday in Lakshadweep

If you have already done Goa, head for the serenity at the beaches of Lakshadweep Islands. This group of 36 islands comprises of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Indulge in various water sports or simply relax at the serene beaches overlooking pristine clear waters.

30. Backpack to Tawang

This quaint little town located in Arunachal Pradesh lies at an elevation of 3,048 meters and the trek to it sure leaves you awestruck. Explore the Tibetan culture and visit various monasteries while here apart from enjoying splendid views all around.

Well they say, ‘Its never too late’ or ‘Age no bar’, however, there still are certain things which can be best enjoyed while you are still young and rocking and of course fit, in the prime of your life! Make sure you try to explore as many places as you can while you can!