Things to do in India

India being a multi-cultural society, the list of things to do in India is bound to be pretty exhaustive as the country offers something for everyone! So just go with the flow and choose what interests you and be assured that you will definitely enjoy your journey through this gorgeous country called India! 

Explore the numerous wildlife parks where animals roam freely or embark on an unparalleled spiritual journey as you follow the temple trails of this religiously inclined country, which runs from up north to down south. Indulge in some water sports at its beaches and rivers and feel the adrenaline rush as you go rafting on the gushing waters of the River Ganges! Snorkelling, scuba diving, angling, waterskiing, and surfing are some of the water sports that you can enjoy in India. Not interested in water sports? Don’t worry you can indulge in some mountaineering fun at its various hills and mountains. Rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, trekking and hiking are some of the things to do on the hills of India. 

Relive the days of the Raj as you travel around the ancient ruins of forts, palaces and havelis (large private houses) that reflect the grandeur and luxuries of the bygone era. Marvel at the numerous monuments that speak of the architectural splendours of the different empires who had ruled over the country. Participate in the Heritage Walk and get apprised with all the ancient forts, palaces and havelis as the knowledgeable guide narrates interesting stories and fables around each of them. 

Shoppers’ paradise, India offers a diverse shopping experience ranging from makeshift markets to swanky malls that vie for visitors’ attention with their special discounts and schemes. If you want to enjoy a typical Indian shopping experience then the best place to shop from are the various street markets and the makeshift weekly markets that sell everything from ceramics to clothes to little knick-knacks that you can take back home as souvenirs from India. Some of the must-buys include Kashmiri carpets, rugged durries of natural fibre in natural colours and rural motifs, the colourful handloom from the ‘seven sisters’ in the northeast, pearls from Hyderabad, and bidriware from Karnataka among numerous other things, which will make for some excellent souvenirs from India. 

Tired after your shopping expedition? Just sit back and relish the culinary journey you are going to embark on with the variety of cuisines available in the country. Tickle your taste buds with the local junk food like chaat-paapdi, dahi-bhalle (doughnuts immersed in creamy yoghurt and sprinkled with numerous chutneys and spices), or enjoy the delicious Mughal cuisine in a fine dining restaurant, savour some scrumptious paper thin crisp dosas (pancakes made with rice dough) with hot sambhar and coconut chutney. Crave for some international cuisines then choose from European, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Continental among others. Dig into succulent meats and chicken that are either curried or roasted to perfection and sprinkled with various spices to give that distinct flavour that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Partake in the local festivals that not only add colour to this beautiful country but also celebrate the spirit of unity in diversity as the entire country comes together and take part in the festivities. Some of the most important festivals that you must attend on your trip to India include the festival of lights – Diwali, the festival of colours – Holi, the harvest festival – Pongal in the South, Bihu in the east, and Baisakhi in the north. Christmas, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, the Prophets Birthday and Good Friday are other prominent events that are celebratala.