Top 10 must-do activities when travelling to India for the first time

Top 10 must-do activities when travelling to India for the first time

India is a place that is difficult to describe without using superlatives. It is fascinating beyond your wildest imaginations. This is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. It is ancient, mysterious, awe-inspiring, and a little overpowering. The country has something for everyone, from the grandeur of the Taj Mahal to a succession of castles and fortresses, and even man-made temple caves cut out of solid mountains; the wonders of India will never cease to amaze and impress you. India is a sensory experience that might be overpowering. It is ancient, diversified, and lovely. The country provides something for every type of traveller, from its rich culture and delectable cuisine to its historic architecture and picturesque scenery. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do in India, check out our list of the finest things to do in India.

 

1. Go on a tiger safari in India

More than 3800 wild Royal Bengal Tigers can be spotted roaming freely in India’s national parks. India is one of the favourite destinations to witness these big cats in their natural habitat. Every year, millions of tourists flock to India just to catch a glimpse of these majestic cats roaming around. So, if you’re planning a trip to India, set aside some time for a tiger safari.

Recommended Parks:

Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Corbett National Park & Ranthambhore National Park

 

2. Explore the Temples

India is renowned for its temples, with one every 3 kilometres or so within the city limits. Temples are sacred places where people go to pay their respects and reverence to their gods daily. Many of these temples have a lengthy history of cultural significance and exquisite architecture, making them an important component of India’s cultural heritage.

Recommended Temples:

Temple of Love – Khajuraho, Kasi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi, Akshardham Temple – New Delhi & Golden Temple – Amritsar

 

3. Explore India Historic Sites

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Many kings, dynasties, and empires have come and gone, leaving immense legacies in their wake. As a result, it is a country rich in history and cultural significance, illustrating not only long-standing customs but also the country’s historic past. India has 40 UNESCO world heritage sites out of which 32 are cultural and historic sites. The Archeological Survey of India manages 116 ticketed monuments throughout 19 states in India. There are 17 monuments in Uttar Pradesh, 16 in Maharashtra, 12 in Karnataka, 10 in Delhi, eight in Madhya Pradesh, seven in Tamil Nadu, and six in Gujarat among the 116 monuments.

Recommended attractions:

• The Taj Mahal,

  a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of India’s most culturally significant structures. The Taj Mahal was erected in Agra by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his bride and is encased in white marble. The tomb is regarded as a gem of Muslim art as well as an architectural feat of Indian heritage.

 

• The Red Fort,

  named after its large red sandstone encircling walls, was created by the first Mughal Emperor as a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hind architecture. The Red Fort in Delhi took about a decade to build and served as the centre of the Mughal empire for over a thousand years before falling into British hands.

 

4. Experience the Festivals

In India, festivals highlight the core of their culture, religion, and spirit. Throughout the year, India hosts a variety of festivals that attract a large number of people. Many of the festivals honour the gods and goddesses, as well as saints and prophets, and the arrival of new seasons. You may see the actual energy of India’s heart and soul by participating in one of these festivities. Are you still puzzled as to why I recommend it as a thing to do in India? Participate in one to find out for yourself.

Recommended Festivals:

• Holi is one of India’s most colourful holidays. Holi is a celebration of colours that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People take to the streets to colour each other with bright coloured powders and wish each other luck for the new season. Holi is also a religious festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Holi can be best experienced in cities like Jaipur, Vrindavan or Varanasi.

 

 

• The festival of lights is known as Diwali. Once more, literally! People celebrate the famous five-day holiday by decorating their homes with oil lamps, fairy lights, flowers, and colourful rangolis, which symbolises the victory of good over evil in a Hindu narrative. The dates of the celebration aren’t exact because they are determined by the lunar calendar, however, they usually fall between October and November. Diwali is celebrated all over India with equal enthusiasm one can witness Diwali from any part of India.

 

5. Witness the mighty Himalayas

The best way to witness the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas up and close is by trekking. When it comes to trekking, India is often eclipsed by its neighbour Nepal, yet it is nevertheless a superb destination with fantastic Himalayan trekking chances. Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is a feast for the mind, body, and soul, with everything from easy day walks through valleys to challenging multiday treks with high passes, steep paths, and spectacular views. There are a bunch of treks that are still unpopular due to neglect among the tour agency who are rather occupied by selling India’s culture and history to the inbound tourist. But we also have a lot of beautiful mountains to trek.

Recommended treks:

• Hampta Pass trek

  Hampta Pass is located in Himachal Pradesh and is regarded as one of the region’s easiest and most popular treks. The journey is ideal for individuals who prefer views as well as a light excursion, with gorgeous snow-capped mountains, unpolluted environment, and breathtaking panoramas. The journey includes a variety of pathways, picturesque scenery, wide pastures, glacier valleys, and crossings, making it an ideal Himalayan adventure.

 

 

• The Markha Valley trip,

  also known as the “tea house trek,” takes place in a desert valley with the Ladakh and Zanskar peaks in the background. You’ll go through the stunning Hemis National Park, passing past rivers, Buddhist settlements, and rugged valleys that will leave you speechless.

 

6. Explore the Endless Beaches

Being a peninsula India is covered by the ocean on three sides which provides a geographical advantage of having plenty of beautiful beaches to explore when you visit India. India’s eastern and western coastal lines have some hidden gems. Beaches are a major tourist destination in India with many of the best beaches being popular all over the world.

Recommended Beaches:

• Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island),

  dubbed one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches, embodies India’s most stunning coastline with its turquoise blue sea and white sand, making it the ideal site to relax and unwind after a long day. Radhanagar, on Andaman Island, has some of the best sunset vistas, with unspoilt sand and rich green flora caressing the shoreline.

• Palolem Beach,

  also known as Paradise Beach, is a mile-long strip of sand nestled in South Goa that gives tranquilly and a true sense of paradise in India. The crescent-shaped bay provides spectacular vistas, with local fishermen frequently enjoying their early morning catch and several dolphins making surprise visits

 

7. A visit to Royal Rajasthan

From the Royal Palaces of Jaipur to the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort, the famous Ranthambhore National Park, and the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan has everything a traveller might want. For the same reason, it is one of the most well-known and popular destinations for inbound tourists. If you are visiting India, Rajasthan should always be on your bucket list.

 

 

8. Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala, located off India’s Malabar Coast, is known for its rivers, coconut trees, paddy fields, and gorgeous blue waters that spread for miles. Kerala’s 900 kilometres of backwaters offer visitors a glimpse of men transporting people in canoes, floating grocery stores, and interconnecting canals, as well as a unique look into India’s calmer way of life.

 

9. Immersing yourself in Yoga

Since the 6th century BCE, meditation and yoga have been profoundly ingrained in Indian culture. The country long history of yoga has created it a destination among seekers to visit India to find their inner self. Steve Jobs is a golden example hoe yoga has helped people who have visited India. Varanasi is India’s cultural capital.

 

 

It is a place of rites and ghats, yoga and mysticism, spiritualism and philosophy, and it is located on the banks of the River Ganges. It’s also known as Lord Shiva’s house, and it’s a great place to explore your mind, body, and spirit. Rishikesh is the Ganges’ entrance, and it is home to many shrines and yoga ashrams. Rishikesh, also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” offers guests a variety of yoga and meditation sessions.

 

10. Taste some foods of India

India is well-known as a spice-producing country. It may be found in their cuisine, which is known for its creative use of herbs and spices. Indian cuisine is noted for its diverse range of dishes and distinct regional flavours. Wheat, rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables are staples.

 

Also Read: List of all 106 National Parks in India.