10 Best Things to Do in India | Where Should Tourists Go

India is in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It is characterized by a rich diversity of landscapes, including vast plains, undulating highlands, vast deserts, and green hills. From the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, to the serene backwaters of Kerala, to the mysterious Thar Desert, colorful scenery and exciting activities await your exploration. If you want to experience its full diversity during your India holiday, don't miss this list of the best things to do.

Take a Walking Tour in Chaotic Old Delhi

Wander through Chandni Chowk, where various stalls sell brightly colored fabrics, gold jewelry, and handicrafts, immersing you in a busy and lively scene. As you pass the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, you can overlook the panoramic view of Old Delhi from its high tower. Don't forget the famous Red Fort, a fine piece of architecture that showcases the splendor of the Mughal dynasty.

When you are tired of walking, enjoy the classic street food such as crispy fried samosa, sweet jalebi, or the icy fruity drink. At dusk, you can enter a craft bazaar to admire local artwork, or chat with shopkeepers about their business stories to feel the warmth of Old Delhi.

Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra

When it comes to India, many people first think of the Taj Mahal. Standing in Agra for over 300 years, this white marble mausoleum is not only a symbol of the Mughal Empire, but also carries the deep love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its symmetrical appearance, glittering onyx, and vibrant vegetation around it provide unique beauty from every angle.

One of the most recommended experiences is to come across the Yamuna River at sunrise or sunset for a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal. As the orange afterglow surrounds the white mausoleum, the pristine white marble surfaces glow with golden light. Press the shutter to capture this sacred moment, and you'll be transported to a love story that has been passed down through the ages.

Taj Mahal in Agra

View the Pink City of Jaipur

Stroll through Jaipur, the Pink City, the breeze through the windows of Hawa Mahal is as if the entire building is breathing softly. Not far away, the imposing Amber Fort overlooks the vast desert and lakes. As you wander through the fort and past the exquisite courtyards, you can feel the majesty and glory of the dynasties.

Don't miss a trip to the bustling markets for a purely local experience. Johari Bazaar offers a wide selection of gems, silverware, and jewelry. Explore the rich tradition of handicrafts, including textiles, engravings, pottery, and blue porcelain, which you can not only admire up close, but also see how they are made and learn about India's traditional skills.

What's more, you can choose to take the e-rickshaws to gain something different. Attentive women drivers will take you to navigate freely bustling markets and ancient forts, offering a pure local experience for you.

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Immersed in a Romantic Night in Rajasthan Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is known as the Great Indian Desert. After exploring the golden sandstone buildings at Jaisalmer, you can come to Sam Sand Dunes, a desert campground. Ride camels under the morning or dusk sunshine, this golden world will take you back a thousand years. Sitting around the campfire at night, with the crackling sound of the flames burning, the soft sound of the wind blowing on the dunes, and the occasional bark of a fox, the world is so quiet that you can hear your heartbeat. Lying on the undulating dunes, with a clear river of stars in front of you, accompanied by the soft sounds around you, time seems to stand still at this moment.

This romantic and peaceful night will become your eternal memory, deeply engraved in the embrace of the desert.

Experience a Tiger Safari at a National Park

India is the only country in the world that is home to Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, snow leopards, and Indian leopards, and its major national parks offer a unique tiger safari experience.

In Kanha National Park, you will find yourself in a real-life scene from Kipling's "The Jungle Book". As the early morning mist rises, you can slowly journey through the park in a jeep, hoping for a glimpse of the majestic Bengal tiger. Bandhavgarh National Park is home to a relatively large population of tigers. The last white tiger, Mohan, was taxidermied and displayed in the palace of the Maharaja of Rewa, as a testament to his legendary life. Ranthambore National Park, surrounded by ancient forts, features vast lakes interspersed with wild forests, where tigers can often be seen lazily roaming near the water or around the ramparts.

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Admire the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad

Carved into the hard basalt cliffs, Ellora Caves features 34 grottoes open to the public, and you can spend about two hours exploring the main caves. Its reverent offerings, winding passages, and spacious auditoriums seem like pilgrimage routes for devotees, and the stately entrance gates guide you into the sacred space. The striking Kailasa Temple, which looks like a giant stone carved out of a cliff, will take your breath away with its beautifully decorated colonnades and intricate carving details.

To enjoy the serenity and savor the details of these artistic masterpieces, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. At these times, the grottoes exude an aura of antiquity in the soft sunlight, and you can stroll through this ancient world of carvings to feel the profound charm of the Ellora Caves.

10 Best Things to Do in India

Sunbathing at the Beaches of GOA

With the air filled with the faint scent of coconut and the sound of the waves gently lapping on the sand, you can enjoy sunbathing on the beaches of Goa, feeling the tenderness of the sunlight on your skin. In addition, drinking a glass of cold juice, the refreshing taste and the sweetness of the tropical fruits make you pleasant and peaceful.

If you're craving energy and excitement, Baga Beach offers strong waves for surfing, or experiencing the speed and excitement of jet skiing. The sea breeze in your face and the water splashing beneath your feet bring you a sense of freedom. If you prefer a quiet and secluded beach, take a boat ride to Butterfly Beach, where you can take a walk on the tranquil sand as flocks of colorful butterflies dance in the sun.

Occasionally, a pod of dolphins leaps out of the sea, adding a sense of life and spirit to this silent beach.

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Have a Houseboat Night in the Backwaters of Kerala

The waterways of Kerala Backwaters pass through villages, rice paddies, coconut groves, and swamps, where abundant birdlife, fishermen, farmers, and traditional buildings appear before your eyes. Boats paddle slowly across the water, reflecting sunlight and reflections.

Take a ride on a Kettuvallam (a traditional Indian wooden boat) and enjoy the scenery around you in the calm waters. If you like to get close to nature, you can observe flocks of waterfowl and tropical birds around the lakes and wetlands, flying over the water or perched in the trees, their colorful plumage shimmering in the sunlight. Additionally, you might have the opportunity to delve into the surrounding villages and utilize hand-woven nets to catch fresh fish.

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Enjoy a Local Cooking Class With Local Families

Experiencing a cooking class in India with a local family is an intimate encounter with flavors, spices, and human touch. Local families warmly welcome you into their daily lives, and you will learn about Indian cuisine from preparation to cooking in the shortest possible time under their guidance.

You can learn about North Indian cuisine in Delhi with hands-on experience in grinding spices, such as hot butter chicken (Murgh Makhani), richly flavored black lentils (Dal Makhani), and intensely spiced naan.

Jaipur's cuisine often has a distinctive desert flavor, and you'll learn how locals create hearty dishes with drought-tolerant pulses and spices, like spicy bean curry (Dal Baati Churma) and marinated yogurt curry (Gatte Ki Sabzi).

In Mumbai, you'll experience the coastal flavors of Maharashtra cuisine, including the signature thick kokum soup and coconut rice. You'll also learn how to traditionally plate rice, served on a banana leaf spread.

India Local Cooking Class

Watch a Traditional Indian Dance Show

India is home to six classical dance forms that highlight its rich artistic traditions, including the graceful Kathak, the expressive Bharatanatyam, the dramatic Kathakali, the fluid Odissi, the passionate Kuchipudi, and the elegant Mohiniyattam.

The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai regularly hosts all kinds of traditional dance performances, where you can watch the world's top artists tell history and mythology with their bodies, and experience the subtlety and passion of Indian dance.

Another highlight not to be missed is Kingdom of Dreams, a large-scale performing arts venue that blends modern technology with traditional culture. Stage plays and performances showcase traditional Indian arts through highly creative dances, while also incorporating elements of contemporary music and dance, giving you a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Contact Odynovo to Experience Your India Tour

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