Our 10 Favourite Things To Do in India

We believe India should be on everyone’s travel bucket list – all the way to the top. Not just because of our exotic culture and diverse landscapes but also because there are so many things to do in India that you cannot do anywhere else in the world. From staying at old, elaborately crafted palaces to enjoying the views over snow-peaked mountains. We made a list of our Team and guest’s top favourite things to do in India.

Plan your next trip to India with help from this list of our favourite places

1. The Taj Mahal in Agra

We know it’s quite an obvious choice and some might say it’s overrated. Due to an extensive renovation process taking place, and parts of it being covered in scaffolding, you might also say it lost its magical touch. No it did not! The Taj Mahal is one of the most fascinating and most stunning monuments in the world. It doesn’t have world status for being one of the wonders of the world for no reason! See for yourself and then judge. Check out our practical guide on getting around Agra for more information on the fascination that is the Taj Mahal.

One of the great wonders of the world and the monument of love: the Taj Mahal

2.Tiger Safari at a National Park

India has some magnificent national parks with great flora and fauna to experience. But the main purpose travellers visit these parks is to see the stunning Bengal tiger. And the good news is that its population is slowly rising in the subcontinent’s protected areas. One of the most popular parks is the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Other good parks to spot the royal cat are Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba or Jim Corbett National Park.

So to feel like Mowgli in ‘The Jungle Book’ (supposedly set at Pench National Park), head to these remote natural spots. But, be prepared that accommodations in the protected areas are expensive. To get there you will mostly have to book private transport as public transport options will not exist. Jeep Safaris are often fully booked three months in advance so make sure that you are prepared.

Amongst the best things to do in India: a tiger safari at a National Park

3. Outdoor activities in the mountains

Oh the Himalayas! This is one of the largest mountainous ranges in the world, home to the highest peaks. Here you experience views like you have never imagined, so extraordinary that you feel small in comparison. There are so many things to do: day and multi-day hikes, paragliding, bungee jumping, zip lining, rafting, skiing and so on. Check out Coralie’s trip to Leh and Ladakh in the Himalayas and Joanna’s and Alejandro’s trip to the north-eastern mountains for first-hand accounts on visiting these areas.

If you arrive in winter then check out the Western Ghats along the western coast of India from Maharashtra to Kerala. Here you can hike in between tea and coffee plantations, explore hidden waterfalls and enjoy the subtropical rainforests, which are older than any other monument you can find in India. And it is still pleasantly warm in winter. Check out what Daphne did on her 14-days-trip across South India. If you thought India is just ruins and urban chaos, think again!

Escape to the mountains, like the Nubra Valley near Ladakh, and enjoy the paradisiacal landscape

4. Houseboat in the Backwaters of Kerala

The Backwaters in the centre of Kerala, in South-West-India, are a paradise of waterlily-covered lakes, small winding canals overgrown by palm and fruit trees, and surrounding little villages far away from the urban chaos. A labyrinth of waterways parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea, this place offers serenity and peace for the nature loving traveller. There is no better way to explore this piece of a natural wonder than by renting a private houseboat for one night. You can cruise through the river while eating fresh fish, fruits and other delicacies cooked by your very own chef. Then relax in your own private lounge, which makes for the best treat of your India trip! Read about the best time to travel to Kerala and see Tom and Amy’s trip to South India for some inspiration.

Venture into the mysterious backwaters of Kerala

5. Beaches of Goa

If you are looking for a little bit of beach vacation at the end of your trip then there is no better place than Goa. Wide sand beaches with palm groves lead you to small village huts ready to serve delicious fish and other culinary treats. Most resorts have beach huts where you can hear the waves break and watch the sunset over the Arabic Sea.

There are many things to do for everyone: a crazy nightlife for party animals and, in contrast, quiet beaches for sun worshippers. Goa has fun, small budget hostels for long-term travellers but also luxury resorts for guests who prefer more comfort. There are many restaurants and cafes with international cuisines to try. Be aware that most resorts are booked out for December and January months as this is prime season! If you are interested in more than sunbathing at the beach, read this article by one of our travellers about things to do in Goa.

Relaxing beaches you must visit in Goa

 6. Homestays with local families

What are travellers hoping to experience when they decide to come to India? A culture that is so substantially different from their own. How can they achieve this? By meeting locals and getting to know their mentality, traditions, spiritual beliefs and daily routines. There is no better way to make this experience part of your trip to India than by staying at a homestay.

These are basically homes of local families who rent out rooms in their own houses. They cook for you, chat with you, tell you stories and show you how they live their life. The owners can give you a great perspective of the city from the eyes of a local rather than a chain hotel. They suggest the best things to do that you may have otherwise not known about. Read about Henning from Germany who decided to stay entirely in Homestays during his trip though Rajasthan.

Reside in homestays with locals to get a genuine experience of this great country

7. Stay at a 500-year-old palace

All over Rajasthan, Central and North India you can find historical sights of long gone glory days of the Moguls and Maharajas. Many bigger cities and even small rural villages were once the homes of different ruling families. They protected their own from neighbouring enemies by building large forts with amazingly crafted palaces inside. Many of these strongholds were transformed into luxury hotels when India became a democracy and the royal families had lost their powers. So you can stay in hotel rooms with very detailed traditional wall murals and antique furniture, looking over royal land like the kings and queens did already many centuries ago. This is not always as expensive as you might think! Plan with us and we can tell you where you can stay like a royal guest but on a smaller budget.

Deogarh Mahal is a former royal palace transformed into a hotel.

8. Festivals

India has incredible spiritual festivals. There is Holi, the festival of colours, where everyone plays with dry colours feel like a child again. Or the festival of light, called Diwali, the most important festival for Hindus considered as a new years’ celebration. Ramadan is the Muslim festival where they fast for one month long. Afterwards comes a delicious feast when the moon rises on the thirtieth day and they finish up with the big Eid celebration. In Mumbai people celebrate Ganesh Charturthi – a holiday that marks the birthday of the beloved god with the elephant head, extensively.

There are so many festivals and they are all so different to what is celebrated at home. Learn more about the most important festivals here.

Children experiencing the Holi festival of colours

9. Spiritual and rejuvenating experience

Yoga and Ayurveda originated in India and are practised all over the country. Traditional Indian medicine and treatments are all about using the healing powers of nature and focuses on the relationship between body and mind. For those who can stay a little longer in India there are many ashrams and Ayurveda institutes that offer spiritual and physical healing. Mostly, as a travel agency, we cannot book most places for you but we can advise what places fit your needs and how to get in touch with them. If you want to explore and be adventurous alongside practising yoga then you can stay at certain hotels and resorts where they offer classes as a one-time activity. In most cities private teachers also offer yoga classes on regular basis.

Take yoga classes while you are here in India

10. Responsible Tourism Activities

India has many Responsible Tourism activities that make you understand the culture in a sensible way. Reality Tours & Travel run slum tours in Mumbai and Delhi that aim to break down the negative stereotypes people might have of these communities. They invest 80% of their profits into social activities in the slums.

While you are in Agra check out the wonderful Sheroes Hangout Café run by survivors of acid attacks. The proceeds go fully to their medical and legal aid. Kabani runs responsible tours in Kerala which educate the visitors about the traditions of local ethnic groups. You can combine those tours with an individual trip across South India.

Take a tour through Mumbai slums and the proceeds will go to creating social activities for the inhabitants (Photo Credits to Adam Cohn, Flickr)

Of course there are many more things to do in India and they are all so different from one another. We can suggest many more activities that fit your expectations of a perfect trip to India. Plan your India trip with us now and we can find together the best route and itinerary for you