1 January 2015

20 activities to experience while you travel to India in 2015

Discover India through twenty unforgettable experiences that reveal the country’s extraordinary diversity and vibrant culture. Each adventure offers a unique opportunity for immersion and exploration on your journey across the subcontinent.

20-activities-to-do-while-you-travel-to-india-2015.htm

1. Luxury Desert Camping & Safari in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, known as the Golden City for its striking sandstone architecture and sweeping dunes, offers a memorable introduction to desert adventure. Immerse yourself in local culture by staying at a luxury desert camp, enjoying camel safaris, and watching tribal dancers perform by a bonfire. For an even deeper experience, spend a night in luxury tents right in the heart of the Thar, savoring modern comforts amid ancient beauty. Take the opportunity to discover more about the desert oasis near Jaisalmer.

2. Explore the World’s Largest River Island and Rhinoceros in Assam

Northeast India’s lush Assam offers rare wildlife encounters, including one-horned rhinoceros sightings at Kaziranga National Park. Don’t miss a boat trip to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, where you can embrace local tribal culture and admire the grandeur of the Brahmaputra River.

3. Off the Beaten Track: Dudhsagar Trek and Nightlife in Goa

Embark on a unique trek along railway tracks to Dudhsagar Falls at the Goa-Karnataka border, especially stunning during the monsoon. Afterwards, indulge in Goa’s celebrated nightlife with lively beach parties, casinos, and vibrant pubs along the coast.

4. Take a Bollywood Tour in Mumbai

Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra and home of Bollywood, offers organized excursions into the Film City complex, the hub of India’s film industry. On these tours, you’ll explore movie sets in action and even see film stars’ mansions – perhaps spotting a celebrity yourself!

5. Adventure Trekking in Zanskar Valley

The remote Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, is celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and alpine beauty. By summer, you can access the valley by road; in winter, experienced trekkers journey over the frozen Zanskar River, known as the ‘Chadar Trek’. For details on this extraordinary adventure, see the Chadar trek experience.

6. Yoga & Rafting in Rishikesh

At the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is renowned as the yoga capital of the world. Spend tranquil days practicing yoga and meditation, or seek thrills white-water rafting down the Ganges. This spiritual city will renew your mind and energize your body.

7. Wildlife and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

Steeped in history, Madhya Pradesh is dotted with majestic forts, palaces like Gwalior Fort and Jahaz Mahal, and unique towns such as Mandu and Orchha. The state is also home to 11 national parks, including Bandhavgarh and Kanha, offering some of India’s finest wildlife experiences.

8. Horseback Riding in Shekhawati

Shekhawati, in Rajasthan, boasts an incomparable collection of painted havelis and wall art. Discover the region’s heritage by horseback, traversing sand dunes and stopping to explore impressive Rajput forts and vivid frescoed mansions.

9. Visit Temples & Boulders at Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is renowned for its temple ruins and surreal boulder-strewn landscape. The best time to visit is from October to March, when you can walk or bike among the remains of the Vijaynagara Empire. Explore the history of Hampi in detail with a dedicated guide on your trip to Hampi.

10. Visit the Oldest City by Boat – From Chunar to Varanasi

Begin at the 16th-century Chunar Fort at dawn and glide by boat on the Ganges to Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. Witness dawn rituals and vibrant life along the ghats before wandering through the city’s narrow ancient lanes.

11. Dasara in Mysore

Experience Mysore’s legendary Dasara festival, when the Maharaja’s Palace glows with thousands of lights and the city hosts music, dance, and the grand Jumbo Savari procession. Visit in October for this vibrant celebration of tradition.

12. Ride the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railway

Relive the colonial era by boarding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, or the Kalka-Shimla Railway. These scenic train journeys through forested hills and picturesque villages remain an iconic way to see India. Explore a classic route aboard the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor.

14. Heritage & Food Walk in Old Delhi

Stroll through Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), exploring landmarks like Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Enjoy the culinary delights of the city’s food capital, from bold street snacks to luscious traditional desserts, as you delve into centuries of history.

15. Discover Ancient Temples and Culture of Tamil Nadu

The southern state of Tamil Nadu is famed for its masterful Dravidian temples, particularly the World Heritage sites at Mahabalipuram. Witness thrilling dance and music performances or enjoy the vibrant local cinema for a taste of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

16. Beauty of Backwaters and Houseboats in Kerala

Kerala’s intricate waterways are best savored aboard a traditional houseboat, a tranquil way to immerse yourself in the lush landscape. Visit a boat-building yard or simply unwind as you drift along these peaceful backwaters.

17. Meet Indigenous Tribes of Nagaland at Hornbill Festival

Held in December, the Hornbill Festival is a vibrant celebration of Nagaland’s 17 warrior tribes. Immerse yourself in traditional games, dances, cuisine, and art as you experience the region’s unique culture firsthand.

18. Discover the French Touch of Pondicherry

Pondicherry along the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu reveals elegant colonial-era buildings, serene churches, and an unmistakably French lifestyle. Stroll the Promenade and enjoy the laidback blend of cultures.

19. Follow the Coffee Trails of Chikmagalur

Nestled in Karnataka’s rain-rich hills, Chikmagalur is the birthplace of Indian coffee. Enjoy estate tours, coffee tastings, and homestays that immerse you in scenic green valleys and the fragrant aroma of fresh coffee.

20. Visiting Spice Plantations in Kerala

With a legacy stretching deep into antiquity, Kerala’s hills flourish with spice plantations cultivating everything from nutmeg and cardamom to turmeric and ginger. Learn from traditional growers and shop for authentic Indian spices during your visit.

Planning each of these activities is simple with Shanti Travel. Embark on a trip to India and uncover a multitude of extraordinary adventures.