The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in India: More Than a Destination, an Experience

India's history is written in the stones of its magnificent forts and palaces, especially in the state of Rajasthan.

• Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur: Towering over the "Blue City," this is one of India's most impressive forts. Its walls tell stories of battles, and its palaces showcase exquisite carvings and museums filled with royal palanquins and artifacts. The view of the blue-painted houses below is unforgettable.
• Amber Fort, Jaipur: A sprawling fort-palace complex set on a hilltop. You can walk up, take a jeep, or experience a traditional elephant ride to the entrance. The interior, with its Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), is a stunning example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. Check our Jaipur Tour Packages.
• City Palace, Udaipur: Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, this palace seems to float on the water. It's a series of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that offer a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Mewar royals. The view of the Lake Palace Hotel from here is iconic. Also find more about Udaipur Tour Packages.

Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, is an intense and profound experience. It's a place where life and death coexist openly on the banks of the sacred River Ganges.

• Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a powerful and mesmerizing fire ritual is performed by priests in a synchronized offering to the river. The sound of chanting, the smell of incense, and the sight of the flickering lamps create a hypnotic atmosphere.
• Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges: As the sun rises, take a boat ride along the ghats (stone steps). You'll see pilgrims performing their morning rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditating, and the city slowly waking up. It’s a peaceful and photogenic way to absorb the spiritual energy of the city.
• Wander the Ancient Alleys: Get lost in the narrow, winding lanes behind the ghats. It's a chaotic yet captivating world of tiny shops, hidden temples, and the constant buzz of life.

The diversity of India's temple architecture is astounding.

• The Towering Gopurams of the South: The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is a city within a city. Its towering gateways (gopurams) are covered in thousands of brightly painted statues of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. The energy inside is electric.
• The Rock-Cut Caves: The caves of Ellora and Ajanta in Maharashtra are UNESCO World Heritage sites and engineering marvels. Ellora features 34 monasteries and temples carved side-by-side into a vertical rock face, including the incredible Kailasa Temple, a massive structure chiseled from the top down. Ajanta's caves are older and famous for their exquisite and ancient Buddhist rock-cut paintings.

The Himalayas offer some of the world's best trekking routes, catering to all levels.

• Beginner: Triund Trek (Himachal Pradesh). A relatively easy and stunningly beautiful trek that offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges. It's a perfect 1-2 day introduction to Himalayan trekking. Book your Himachal Pradesh tour package today and explore snow peaks, pine valleys, and cozy hill towns with Travelfika!
• Intermediate: Valley of Flowers Trek (Uttarakhand). A UNESCO World Heritage site, this trek takes you through an alpine meadow that explodes into a carpet of hundreds of varieties of flowers during the monsoon (July-August). The sight is truly surreal.
• Advanced: Stok Kangri Trek (Ladakh). For experienced trekkers, this is a challenging high-altitude climb that reaches over 20,000 feet. It requires acclimatization and preparation but rewards with unbelievable views from the summit. Discover the best Ladakh tour packages and start your mountain escape now!

India's biodiversity is incredible, and a safari is the best way to experience it.

• Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan): One of the best places in the world to see the majestic Bengal tiger in the wild. The combination of seeing a tiger amidst the ruins of a ancient fort is a unique experience.
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam): A UNESCO site and the home to two-thirds of the world's population of the one-horned rhinoceros. You can also spot wild elephants, swamp deer, and tigers here. Safaris are conducted on elephants and in jeeps.
• Periyar National Park (Kerala): Located in the Western Ghats, the highlight here is the boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can often see herds of elephants, bison, and various birds coming to the water's edge. Find your perfect Kerala tour package with Travelfika
• Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh): A paradise for trekkers and nature lovers, this park is known for its alpine meadows and rich variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.

Experience the golden sands of the Thar Desert around Jaisalmer.

• Camel Safari: A classic Indian adventure. Ride a camel into the rolling sand dunes, visit remote villages, and end the day by camping under a blanket of stars. The Sam Sand Dunes are the most popular spot for an authentic desert experience, complete with traditional folk music and dance around a campfire.

Indian street food is a culinary adventure for the brave and curious.

• Old Delhi: Dive into the chaotic lanes of Chandni Chowk for a flavor explosion. Try the stuffed parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, the spicy and tangy chaat (like golgappas and aloo tikki), and the rich, creamy kulfi (traditional ice cream).
• Mumbai: The city's fast-paced life is reflected in its food. Don't miss the vada pav (a spicy potato fritter in a bun, often called the "Indian burger"), the delicious pav bhaji (a vegetable curry served with buttered buns), and the fresh seafood at coastal stalls.
• Kolkata: Famous for its kathi rolls (spiced meat or veggies wrapped in a paratha) and its sweets, especially the syrupy, cheeselike rasgulla.

A thali is a complete platter that offers a taste of a region's culinary identity in one go. It typically includes a grain (rice or roti), lentils (dal), vegetables, curd, chutney, pickles, and a sweet.

• Gujarati Thali: Often vegetarian and slightly sweet, with dishes like dhokla, kadhi, and shaak.
• Rajasthani Thali: Hearty and robust, featuring dishes like dal baati churma (lentils with hard wheat rolls) and ker sangri (a desert bean and berry dish).
• South Indian Thali: Served on a banana leaf, it includes a variety of vegetable curries, sambar, rasam, and different types of rice.

The experience of visiting a tea plantation is serene and sensory.

• Darjeeling (West Bengal): Known as the "Champagne of Teas," Darjeeling tea has a unique musky-sweet flavor. Visit a plantation, learn about the processing, and enjoy a tasting session with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
• Munnar (Kerala): The rolling hills of Munnar are covered in a carpet of emerald green tea bushes. Stay at a plantation bungalow, take a guided walk through the estates, and breathe in the fresh, fragrant air.

Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Ganges, is the undisputed world capital of yoga. The town is filled with ashrams (spiritual hermitages) and yoga schools.

• What to do: Attend daily yoga and meditation classes, many of which are held in open-air halls overlooking the river. You can enroll in a multi-day retreat or even a full teacher training course. The evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a deeply spiritual event.

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing. Kerala is the heartland for authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

• What to expect: It's not a typical spa vacation. Treatments are personalized after a consultation with a doctor. They can include herbal massages, oil treatments (like Shirodhara), detoxifying diets, and yoga. The goal is to balance the body, mind, and spirit. A typical Ayurvedic retreat lasts for at least 7-14 days for meaningful results.

For those seeking silence and inner peace, India offers numerous meditation retreats.

• Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): The home of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama, this town is a center for Tibetan Buddhism. You can find courses and retreats teaching various forms of Buddhist meditation.
• Vipassana Centers: For a truly rigorous experience, a 10-day Vipassana course is offered at centers across India. It is a silent meditation retreat that teaches one of India's most ancient techniques. It is free of charge (run on donation) and requires significant discipline.

Live like royalty by staying in a palace or haveli (traditional mansion) that has been converted into a hotel.

• Examples: The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, which appears to float on Lake Pichola, or any of the stunning heritage havelis in Jaisalmer and Jaipur. This isn't just accommodation; it's a historical experience in itself.

India's railways offer some of the world's most unique train journeys.

• Luxury Trains: The Palace on Wheels and the Maharajas' Express are like moving five-star hotels. They take you on a curated tour of Rajasthan's highlights with unparalleled luxury and service.
• Scenic Routes: The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This narrow-gauge train slowly chugs through 102 tunnels and over 864 bridges, offering stunning views of the Himalayan foothills.

For genuine cultural exchange, opt for a homestay in a rural village. This could be in the organic villages of Khajuraho, the tribal areas of Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival, or in the peaceful state of Sikkim. You'll enjoy home-cooked meals, learn about local crafts and agriculture, and contribute directly to the local economy.