34 Exciting Things to Do in India This Year

Anyone can certainly run out of words when they talk about India as India is one of the most diverse countries in the world that has some exceptional experiences to offer.  I am 25 and I consider that I have travelled much of this magnificent country but still, there is a long- long list of places I want to be at because in India you can never go out of crazy adventures. So I have listed down some of my favourite things to do in India that would surely help you to make your next India travel plan. 

Things to Do in India

The Sunrise and Sunset at Kanyakumari

Proud to mark this place as "been there, done that." I was in my teens when my Mom took me here and I was too lazy to be at the sunrise point just next to the sea at 5:30 AM. But the sunrise and the entire picturesque view at the Kanyakumari left me amazed. I again went there in the evening around 6:30 during the sunset and was praying to pause the time. I am now 25 years old and I want to go back there, every year just to feel and experience the beauty of sunrise and sunset at Kanyakumari. 

Relax in a House Boat in Kerala

Without any doubt, Kerala is a beautiful place and travellers feel amazing and complete when they get there. But your trip to Kerala is incomplete without a cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey. Waking up to the river and spending your entire time in a boat trying the local authentic food is all a true traveller needs. The boat life in Kerala is a must-have experience in India. If you are planning to go for it, you can contact MylocalDost to book your houseboat in Kerala.

Flow with the Water Flow at the Athirapally Waterfall

Athirapally falls is one of the most incredible falls I have been to in Kerala. Not just that, it is also the largest fall in the state. The beauty of this fall is that it looks glorious throughout the year and you can visit it anytime. Spending your afternoon at the falls is always a good idea. Therefore, relaxing at the Athirapally falls is one of the best things to do in India. 

Scuba Diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Island

Okay, so you cannot miss it. Known for the cleanest water this place has,  Andaman is one of the must-visit places in India. On Havelock itself, there are 25 dive sites. During scuba diving, you can witness both soft and hard coral, small 'macro' marine life and also manta rays and sharks. 

Go for the Bamboo Rafting in Wayanad

Wayanad occupies a small part of Kerala that has beautiful rivers and streams around. Though Wayanad is a place where a nature lover can spend much time appreciating its natural beauty without indulging himself in any outdoor activity, one of a must-do exercise is bamboo rafting. Quiet easy to understand you will be travelling through the water on a few joint bamboo sticks and explore the hidden caves of the river sites in Wayanad. 

Experience Mini Italy in Lavasa

Okay! So this is a place that covers 7 hills with a great infrastructure and turns out to be known as the little Italy of India. Strange. Isn't it? So, considered to be India's latest hill station, this town is built on the Italian town, Portofino. The houses are Pastel-color along the river that makes you feel like you are in Italy. When in India, experiencing Italy is the topmost things to do here. 

Bicycle Around the French colony in Pondicherry

Like Italy in Lavasa, experience France in Pondicherry. Take a bicycle on rent and experience the beauty of the French colony. Years back, Pondicherry was the last French colony in India and there still lives a few french citizens. It's not just the people but even the infrastructure, the houses, that makes you feel you are in France. And this is definitely the must-have experience in India. 

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Read More about My Experiences in Pondicherry, the Little France in India

Try Homemade Chocolates in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and has some amazing view to give you. But the variety of homemade chocolates sold here makes this place unique. I was eighteen when I went to this place and went totally mad over the handmade chocolates. For me, they were the tastiest thing I ever had in my life. Here the chocolates are not sold in packets. They are measured and sold using the weighted machine according to the customer's requirement.

Walk Over the Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji

There are many living root bridges in Meghalaya which is something great and unusual to experience. These bridges are man-made obtained out of the aerial roots of the rubber fig trees. Root bridges are open to many villagers around the area and also to tourists. 

Dudhsagar Waterfall Trekking in Goa Is All You Need

Beyond beaches, baes, beers and casinos Goa has something amazing for you to experience. Also known as the "Sea of Milk"  Dudhsagar is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River. Amongst India's tallest waterfalls, Dudhsagar is surrounded by thick forests that can be seen during the two-day trek. This absolute beauty cannot be missed when travelling to Goa and is surely one of the best things to do in India. 

Read About My the Budget Travel Guide to Goa

Rent a Scooter and Explore the Roads of Goa

Okay! So this one's my favourite. Goa is one of the most visited states of India known as the youngster's paradise. It is truly a perfect place to celebrate, party and live the best time of your life. But I love Goa for the calm and peaceful environment it has especially in the southern part of the state.  Here the beaches are quiet, the weather is pleasant, and the bumpy roads are fun to travel extensively on a scooter while exploring this gorgeous region and its people. So, exploring Goa on a scooter is a must-have experience in India. 

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Try the Goan Thali in Goa with Authentic Local Seafood

FOOD! It's again my favourite thing to highlight because I love goa and I love seafood. Since goa is all about beaches and seafood, I was wandering all over the city just to find my perfect meal and I found a Goan Thali. The thali had, prawns, variety of fishes, squid, mussel some rice, some sweet and it was not that expensive too. So, when you are in Goa, why not try the authentic local cuisine? 

Read About How I Planned the Cheapest Trip to Goa

Explore the Old Cathedrals of Goa

Beyond beaches, Goa has some magnificent cathedrals. The fine architecture will mesmerize you. And the peace you will get in there will make you just way too happy. Roaming around the city on a scooter while exploring the cathedrals is one of the must-have experiences in India. 

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Stay in a Tree House in Tirthan Valley

I went to this marvellous place Tirthan, in search of a non-touristy spot in India. I lived in a riverside homestay that has a treehouse. And it was a wonderful experience to live away from the crowd in the lap of nature. You will live on a tree just next to the river. You will witness the birds waking you up in a sweet voice every morning. Ah! You cannot miss it.

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Fishing in Tirthan Valley and Then Try the Trouts

If you are mad over seafood, especially fish, you cannot miss out Tirthan. This remote place in Himachal derives its name from the Tirthan river. Amazingly, you will find the brown and the rainbow trouts in the river and the clear water makes fishing easier. Not just the fishing will make you go crazy but the special dish made out of it is on a completely different level. Trust me! it will surely satisfy your taste buds. 

Experience Holi with Butter at Dayara Bugyal

In India, you can always see people playing Holi with colours. But have you ever seen Holi with butter? Well! I will keep it brief. Dayara Bugyal is one of the largest meadows. The local villagers leave their cattle at these bugyals during the monsoon so that the cattle can eat fresh grass and keep themselves healthy. The butter festival is played when the villagers bring back their cattle as a gesture to celebrate for their good health.  So, this festival is all about smearing butter or milk on one another, dance to the beats of Pahari music. And just celebrate the return of cattle. And I believe it's one of the best things to do in India. You can book your trip to the Butter Festival with MylocalDost.

Spend a Day in a Shikara at the Dal lake

Who hasn't heard of the beauty of Kashmir? I was a small kid when I went to Kashmir but it wasn't difficult for me to understand that the greatest thing to do here is to stay in a (Shikara) houseboat. It is just perfect to wake up to a lake and unwind with the excellence of water and stars. 

Visit the Mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar

Khajjiar is a small town in Himachal Pradesh. Up there in the hills, you will feel the charm and the grace of Switzerland. And that's why Indians call it mini Switzerland. Also the dense Cedar forest surrounds the famous Khajjiar Lake and it's one of the must-visit places in Himachal. 

Take a Bike Trip to Ladakh

There is no way that you can overlook this experience of taking a bike trip to Ladakh. Bike trip to Ladakh is one of the best things to do in India. Most people start their trip from the capital city, Delhi and it takes almost two days to reach Ladakh. While many of the bikers take a return trip from Manali. 

Spend Some Peaceful Time at the Pangong Lake

That's a perfect scenic attraction. Take a long drive through the mountains, and reach a height of about 4,350 m. You will see Pangong Tso. The lake can change its colour from the range of blue to green to red. Even though it is saline, the lake freezes completely in winters. It is a 134km long lake that stretches from India to China. 

Enjoy the Snow at Gulmarg

People those who consider India as a hot country, I am sure they haven't toured Gulmarg yet. The popular skiing destination, Gulmarg witness heavy snowfall from December-end to mid-February. And the temperature goes down till -4 degree Celsius. The best time would be November when the temperature is around 0 degrees and snow activities are open. And so, the snow at Gulmarg is one of the must-have experiences in India. 

Paragliding at Bir Billing

Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh known as the centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation. Among many other paragliding spots in India, Bir billing is the most popular as every year a pre- World Cup event is organized here. Moreover, if you are in India and are looking for some adventure, Bir is your place. 

Enjoy the Meals at Dharamkot

Dharamkot is a tiny village in Himachal Pradesh on the crest of a hill above Mcleodganj. The village has a long road with several cafes that has a lot of varieties of food choices. If you find yourself bored by walking through a momo stall on every 50 metres in Mcleod so Dharamkot is your place. Full of delightful Israeli, European, Tibetan and Italian cuisines you'll experience different taste here. Along with the good food you can also enjoy the wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. 

Climb up to the Bhagsu waterfalls

Out of all the great memories from Mcleodganj, my highlight is trekking up till the top of the BhagsuNag waterfall. Though there is a path on the side of the fall that will help you to reach directly at the top, we (I and my friends) chose something different and started to trek. And enjoying the waterfall trek in Himachal is totally one of the best things to do in India. 

Take a Dip in the Ganges River at Rishikesh

In the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand alongside the Holy Ganges river. The city is known as a centre for studying yoga and meditation. Travellers mostly come here to meditate and take a dip in the river Ganga. According to many, every person should do it once in a lifetime to wash away his/her sins. 

Go for the Valley of Flowers Trek

The valley of flowers trek sounds quite obvious. The best time to take the trek is from mid-July to mid-August when the valley is in full bloom. This trek will make you feel great and is one of the best things to do in India. 

Play Holi in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna (Supreme God in Hinduism) spent his childhood. This town is home to many temples and each temple has its own way to celebrate Holi (a popular ancient Hindu festival). Though you can see people playing Holi in every Indian street there is something different about playing Holi in Vrindavan. The festival is played in the remembrance and style of Lord Krishna and Radha that will take you back to their era. 

Enjoy the Mughlai Street Food in Agra

Agra is famous for Taj Mahal and the Red fort but have you ever been to Agra and tried the authentic Mughal food. Damn! You are missing out something. Since I am from Delhi; Agra is just a 3 hours drive from my town. And I keep rolling over this Taj Mahal city just to have some authentic Mughal food. And since I am a big-time mutton fan, I make sure I try every mutton item in the Mughal style. It's one of the best things to do in India.

Cycling in the Taj Mahal city, Agra

Agra, the Taj Mahal city is the second most visited city of India. No wonder travellers come here to experience the Taj Mahal closely. But one experience that blew my mind was cycling around the Taj. Since the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays it's the perfect day to take the cycle tour due to the less crowd around Taj. The tour takes you to multiple places to spot the Taj Mahal. The tour guide will also take you to the Kinari bazaar (Agra's famous market) and other prominent places of this Mughal city.

Read More About of Cycle Tour Experience in Agra.

Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar

Golden temple is a preeminent pilgrimage site of Sikhism. The temple is known as the golden temple because it's gold plated. Not just the followers but also every traveler who visit Amritsar, take a stop at the Golden Temple.  The ceremonies here will amaze you and you can spend a peaceful time learning more about the religion. 

Eat at the Streets of Old Delhi

This one is my favourite. Old Delhi is an incredible place for trying authentic local food. The narrow streets depict many stories through a fascinating variety of street foods. These stories will inspire you to pull out your cameras, discover the interesting ways of preparing food, and sometimes even get into the kitchen and recreate. Every recipe that you find in the streets of Old Delhi are tempting and you will soon find yourself getting attracted to it. That's the charm of the Capital City of India. 

Take a Walk Around the Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi is a beautiful place that has nearly 100 ghats in the city. Ghats are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges where sacred ceremonies take place. The locals also bath in few ghats as they consider the river holy. You can spend a peaceful time here at the ghats witnessing the sunrise and sunset. 

Enjoy the Pink City View from Nahargarh

I always desired to get to this place since I read about it once when I was a kid. Nahargarh Fort is in Jaipur, the pink city. Well! why people call it pink is not really a mystery. And it is a complete pleasure to enjoy the entire city view from the top of the city. Unfortunately, you cannot view the city at night from Nahargarh as the fort closes in the evening by 6 pm. But the day view will mesmerize you and it is completely the best things to do in India. 

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Attend the Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga Puja is one of the prominent festivals of India. As many of you know it is a Bengali celebration, the state West Bengal celebrates this festival at its best. To enjoy the authentic pandals and the Bengali tradition, Kolkata is the best place to celebrate Durga Puja in India. 

So, these were some must-have experiences in India but I know that India is a place where you will run out of time but there will be no end. And that's why I will update the list every year just to make sure that I cover as many experiences as I can so that you can start your journey. Till then travel cheaper, easier and happier.