There are very few destinations in the world that are as vast, versatile and secular as India. With 28 States and 9 Union Territories, India boasts of an art and cultural scene like nowhere else in the world. Not to mention about its high-end cities, and of course the diverse ecosystems with the rarest flora and fauna!
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Yes, India is so unique and exceptional that it excites nature lovers, history buffs, adventurists, beachcombers, shopping enthusiasts, and everyone in between, alike and in equal measure. So if you’re getting ready for a trip to India, we can assure that this trip would fill you with a sense of unrivaled awe and magic.
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To make things easier, we’ve picked for you some unmissable things to do in India. So come take a look at them!
- GO WILDLIFE WATCHING
The massive size, along with its vast assortment of terrains, makes India one of the world’s mandatory must-see destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Reasonably, they together shelter some of the most astounding plant and animal species including big five cats such as Asiatic Lions, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, Snow Leopards and Clouded Leopards. Be it a trip to North / Central India or South India, you’ll get to visit a national park (no matter you’re in whichever part of India). Our top recommendations include:
- Ranthambhore National Park:Placed in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur, this park has some 30 plus tigers. But that’s not all; its vast grounds cover the age-old Ranthambhore Fort, apart from several ancient shrines, mosques etc.
- Corbett National Park: This holds the title of the first national park in the country. With Bengal tigers plus several unique reptile and mammal species as its main highlights, it’s located in Uttarakhand, almost 2.5 to 3 hours drive away from Nainital.
- Kanha National Park:This national park in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest of its kind in the Central India. Apart from tigers and leopards, it has over 1000 species of plants and flowers.
- Kaziranga National Park:Situated in the Indian state of Assam, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the largest concentrations of one-horned rhinoceros in the world.
- Sundarbans National Park:Lying along the Ganges Delta in the Sundarbans in West Bengal, it’s one of the greatest reserves in India for Bengal tigers.
- Bandipur National Park: Nestled on the Ooty – Mysore route in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, it’s a segment of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It used to be the private hunting reserve of Mysore’s Maharaja, but now it serves as a safe sanctuary for a variety of endangered animal species.
- Mudumalai National Park: From Bengal tigers, Indian elephants and gaurs to the rarest species like long-billed vulture, this protected national park is placed in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district.
- Periyar National Park: Situated in Kerala, this is one of the country’s best national parks ideal for eco-tourism activities such as boat cruises, camping, and exploring tiger trails. Must Read: Experience Golden Triangle Tour India with Professional Guides
- TAKE TO HIMALAYAS
The mountain ranges of Himalayas may be spread over five nations, but it’s touted as the symbol of India, as it has largely been instrumental in shaping the region’s culture and traditional heritage. But if you think that it’s all about its age-old temples and highly venerated pilgrim sites, then it’s beyond that. Featuring some of the planet’s most stunning landscape, it’s a haven for nature lovers and adrenaline-junkies. Consider a motorbike tour or a hiking trip across the Himalayas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. You can also go wild or extreme with a rafting adventure along a Himalayan river or a parasailing adventure over the snow-blanketed Himalayan Mountains.
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- ENJOY A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AT THE HISTORICAL SITES
For those who wish to get down on the country’s historical past (tracing back to thousands of year old civilizations), India is definite to leave you in absolute awe. From the remnants of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the attractions representing the Marathas and Mughal era to the mindblowing colonial landmarks, you’ll find a wide array of well-preserved historical sights all over the country. Depending on where you’re planning to visit in India, you can visit some amazing shrines, monuments and palaces; the following are just a few to mention:
- Taj Mahal: Built in the 17thcentury, this all-white marble monument along the banks of River Yamuna (in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra) still stands as an epitome of the eternal love. Have you read these – Taj Mahal Facts – 12 Amazing Facts That Will Astonish You
- Hawa Mahal: Righly called the Palace of Winds, this iconic red structure with 900 plus windows will blow you away its brilliant architectural style and of course the best views over the Pink City of Jaipur (in Rajasthan).
- Golden Temple: This holy shrine of Sikhs in Punjab’s Amritsar is one of the most beautiful shrines in the country.
- Konark Sun Temple: This mammoth, chariot-shaped shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to 13thcentury, it’s located in Odisha’s Konark.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort: You’ll find this in Rajasthan and the specialty is that it’s called the Great Wall of India.
- GET SOAKED IN KERALA’S RESPLENDENT NATURAL BEAUTY ON A BACKWATER CRUISE
There is nothing quite like enjoying a relaxed cruise in a classic wooden house boat as it sails you along Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, stretching for over 900 kilometers. With food and all amenities imaginable onboard (depending on the cruise option you choose), it’s a more authentic way to taken in the region’s slower pace of life. See the quaint villages, unique wildlife, lush paddy fields, and palm-framed canals, rivers, lakes etc all from a glorious standpoint. Alleppey (renowned as the Venice of the East), Kumarakom, Ashtamudi and Kollam are some of the most recommended places for backwater cruise in Kerala.
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- DELIGHT IN DIVERSE CULINARY SPECIALTIES
India’s gastronomic scene is so diverse that you’ll find influences of colonial, Mughal, and Arabian flavors, among others, in its cuisines. In fact, for many, food itself is one of the tempting reasons to visit India. You’ll get to sample different sorts of snacks, seafoods, potato-based dishes, wheat rotis, and biryanis – all loaded with aromatic spices and herbs. And be sure not to miss out its many heavenly, melt in the mouth desserts. Among the must-taste in India are Chicken Makhani, Rogan Josh, Hyderabadi Biryani, deep-fried Samosas, Malai Kofta, Masala Chai (Tea), Gajar ka Halwa, Kaju ki Barfi, and Shahi Tukda.
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- ESCAPE TO AN OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPE
The abundance of striking natural splendors spread all over the country makes India high on any adventurists’ or naturalists’ bucketlist. Be it Karnataka’s sky-high Nandi Hills, the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Valleys of Flowers in Uttarakhand, the endless desert sands of Rajasthan or the living root bridges found in India’s north eastern part, an eco-tourism in India will introduce you to an ethereal world that is exceptionally untouched, enigmatic and tranquil all at the same time. That’s not all; the lovers of sea and sand are spoilt for choices, thanks to its spellbinding coastline extending for over 4500 miles. You’ll be able to visit some of the world-class beaches including Kovalam (Kerala), Bangaram Beach (Lakshadweep), Sinquerim Beach (Goa), and Auroville Beach (Pondicherry).
- WANDER THE VIBRANT STREETS OF DELHI
India is a melting pot of cultures – experience this while in the capital city of India. Visit the Old Delhi which is a true sensory overload. Ancient religious sites (including mosques), interesting monuments (Red Fort), and lively bazaars with tons of shopping options are certain to bowl you over the moment you drop in here! And foodies, this is your ultimate chance to try some of India’s quintessential street food delicacies including different types of chaats, golgappe, kebabs, pakodas, kulfis etc on offer here.
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- CELEBRATE COLORFUL FESTIVALS
As mentioned above, it’s the blend of several amazing cultures and religious beliefs that make India an ever effervescent destination, full of inspiring contrasts. So come here prepared to be part of a wide array of unique festivals and colorful events all through the year. This ranges from the vibrant ever Holi and the stunning festival of lights (known as Diwali) to the nine-day Navratri festivities and Raksha Bandhan which celebrates the brother – sister bond.
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- ATTEND YOGA CLASS
Yoga is practiced by people from all over the world for its endless psychological and physical benefits. But did you know that India is the birth land of this therapeutic mind and body practice? So why not sign up for a Yoga session while in India. This gives you a genuine insight of this more than 5000-year-old Indian philosophy. Now if your Indian visit happens to be in March, you’ll be able to part of the International Yoga Festival, which is conducted by Parmath Niketan in Uttarakhand.
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Conclusion
With the right India visa and all travel arrangements, the real challenge of your India vacation isn’t really where to visit or what to do but it’s systematically narrowing your top preferences in India. So feel free to use the above list to create a perfect Indian travel program which incorporates all your unique likes and interests.
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