30 Uniquely Indian Travel Experiences
A guide for exploring and experiencing India like never before.
6 chapters. 30 experiences. Take your pick!
Chapter 1: Once-in-a-lifetime
WOW moments, like a tête-à-tête with the Dalai Lama.
Chapter 2: Thrilling Adventures
Rocky road trips and haunted forts—get your adrenaline fix.
Chapter 3: Exotic Indian Culture
Charming rural tours to feel the real pulse of India.
Chapter 4: Soaked in Luxury
Royal trains and red carpet dinners to sweep you off your feet.
Chapter 5: A Date with Wildlife
Exciting encounters with native species in their natural habitat!
Chapter 6: The Lure of Food
Rare and exotic culinary experiences curated especially for you.
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Chapter 1: Once-in-a-Lifetime
“Don’t listen to what they say. GO SEE. To experience wonder, you must travel.”
Visit the Taj Mahal on a full-moon night
Where: In Agra
If you thought the Taj Mahal was the most romantic sight in the world, wait till you see it bathed in the light of a full moon. For five days every month, the Archaeological Survey of India opens up the gates to this 17th-century monument after dusk. Tickets come at a premium and the number of entries are limited too. Oh, but what you wouldn’t do for that perfect shot of the gorgeous Taj? The white marble glowing in silvery hues against the midnight blue of the sky is a sight you’ll never forget.
Make it happen:
Secret Tips to Make the Most of Your Taj Mahal Visit
Must-do:
Stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas: Your Luxurious Window to the Taj
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Stay in a room overlooking the Kanchenjunga
Where: In Darjeeling
There are windows with views and then there are windows with the view of the magnificent Kanchenjunga. Imagine waking up to the hypnotizing sights of the third-highest mountain in the world. Ah bliss! The trick lies in picking a hotel that not just functions as a gateway to these Eastern Himalayan snow peaks, but offers spacious rooms, preferably with terraces, facing the rugged mountains. Choose wisely, for few things can top the high of raising a toast to the snow-capped peaks!
Make it happen:
8 Hotels with Amazing Views of the Kanchenjunga
Must-do:
Top 5 Places to Visit in Darjeeling
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Meet the Dalai Lama
Where: In McLeod Ganj
If Buddhist teachings inspire you, meeting his holiness—Tenzin Gyatso, or the 14th Dalai Lama, will be high up on your bucket list. Far from an impulsive fan moment like meeting a Bollywood celebrity, meeting the larger-than-life spiritual head makes for an enlightening experience. Bagging a private engagement with the Dalai Lama, though, is not easy. If you do manage to bag an appointment, be prepared for the monk’s rather quirky sense of humour!
Make it happen:
Meeting the Dalai Lama: Everything You Need to Know
Must-do:
4 Reasons Why You Should Visit McLeodganj
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Take a Bollywood tour
Where: In Mumbai
Are you a film buff? Well, then you’ve got to visit the home of Bollywood, Mumbai City. Go studio hopping, watch a live film shooting, have a tête-à-tête with a film star, click some selfies with your favourite celebrities, and more! Get up close to the glamorous life of Bollywood, as you make your way through the behind-the-scenes excitement of this multi-million dollar industry. Who knows who you might bump into along the way!
Make it happen:
Get Behind the Scenes –Take a Bollywood Tour
Must-do:
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Send a postcard from a floating post office
Where: At Dal Lake in Srinagar
Tucked away on the edge of the beautiful Dal Lake in Srinagar is a floating post office—perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Built on an intricately carved wooden houseboat, this government office is so fascinating that tourists take a boat ride all the way up to it, just to send a post card to their loved ones back home.The postal seal here is unique too, depicting a man rowing a shikara! Now here’s a souvenir with a difference, and one that perfectly captures the essence of Kashmir.
Make it happen:
Set a Record: Mail a Postcard from India’s Only Floating Post Office
Must-do:
Offbeat Things to Do in Kashmir
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Chapter 2: Thrilling Adventures
“On an adventure, no one ever asks, are we there yet?”
Bike the rugged Manali-Leh Highway
Where: The journey begins from Manali
A rite of passage for bikers, this road trip of a lifetime has EPIC written all over it. The 476-km Manali-Leh highway that stays open for just about four and a half months each year, surprises and challenges you, and makes you fall in love with the terrain—all at once. Taking you through five high-altitude passes, the route treats you with some ravishing views. The fickle weather both pleases and disorients you and at its highest, the Manali-Leh highway has you greet an altitude of 16,000ft.
Make it happen:
A Road Trip to Leh the Luxury Way: 10 Essentials
Must-do:
Top 5 Ladakh Adventures for Adrenaline Junkies
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Cross a forest via living root bridges
Where: Meghalaya
The forests of Meghalaya receive such copious amounts of rainfall, that wooden bridges don’t stand a chance at survival. Not ones to be held down by the vagaries of nature, the local tribes devised a method that is now known to be one of the most stellar examples of bioengineering—the living root bridges! These bridges will be your only saviours when you set out to cross the dense forests of Meghalaya on foot—but don’t you worry, they are the sturdiest you’ll ever come across.
Make it happen:
Yes, They Do Exist: The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Must-do:
10 Awesome Places to See in and around Shillong
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Step into India’s most haunted fort
Where: In Alwar, Rajasthan
Mysterious tragedies, magical potions, ominous prophecies, tales of doom and an ancient curse—the foreboding Bhangarh fort near Alwar, Rajasthan has umpteen stories, superstitions and legends hidden behind its walls. Touted as the ‘most haunted place in India’, and for good reason, this ghostly structure is out of bounds for visitors after dusk. Should you feel tempted to sneak your way in, have a chat with a few local villagers; they’ll have enough anecdotes to send chills down your spine.
Make it happen:
Get Scared out of Your Wits at India’s Most Haunted: Bhangarh Fort
Must-do:
8 Fascinating Things to Do in Alwar – Rajasthan’s Hidden Gem
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Meet the fierce Konyaks
Where: At Mon district in Nagaland
Ever thought of meeting the shrouded-in-mystery tribes of Nagaland, 16 in all, each of which have preserved their unique rituals, attires and culture even today? One among these are the Konyaks—the headhunters, who were known until recently to severe off the heads of enemies and proudly display them outside their houses. Meeting this surviving tribe and peeping into their life would be anyone’s dream come true. Isn’t it?
Make it happen:
Meet the Konyaks—Nagaland’s Fiercest Headhunters
Must-do:
10 Experiences in Nagaland You Simply Must Not Miss
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Trek on a high-altitude, frozen river
Where: Ladakh
If you are done scaling mountains, take on a river—and a frozen one at that. The Zanskar Frozen River Trail is one of the most challenging in the Himalayan region, and the most dangerous too. The warmest temperatures here hover below -15 degrees Celsius and the altitude is a mind-numbing 3850 meters. This one will take months to prepare for and a few days to complete, but nothing will be more rewarding than the moment of triumph when you reach the finish point—alive!
Make it happen:
Trekking the Frozen Zanskar River in Rugged Ladakh
Must-do:
Thrilling Treks from Leh: Are You Up for the Challenge?
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Chapter 3: Exotic Indian Culture
“So much of what you are is where you have been and the cultures you have seen!”
Listen to the Manganiyars on the sand dunes
Where: In Jaisalmer
The Manganiyars are a Rajasthani village community that has passed on their melodious talent from generation to generation, seamlessly amalgamating Hindustani classical music with traditional folk beats. Sarangi, kamaicha and khartaal—the instruments are simple and rustic, but used with a incredible deftness borne of inherent talent and years of practice. Once gracing the courtrooms of Rajasthani royalty, the Manganiyars nowadays are rocking the Coke Studio.
Make it happen:
On a Musical Trail: Where to Catch the Manganiyars
Must-do:
Top 7 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer on Your Holiday
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Learn to make handicrafts at a craft village
Where: In Kutch
The stark nakedness of the Rann of Kutch is beautifully offset by the vibrant colours of traditional embroidery, tie-and-dye, block printing, jewellery and crafts made by local artisans here. Take a tour through the craft villages of Bhuj, Hodka, Bhujodi, Dhorodo, Nakhtarana, Nirona and Sumrasar—each specializing in a different method and style. Visit an artisan’s house and see for yourself how your favourite handicraft products are made.
Make it happen:
Explore the Unique Craft Villages of Kutch
Must-do:
Live up the 10 Secrets of Kutch
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Cheer for the athletes at the Rural Olympics
Where: In Ludhiana, Punjab
The Kila Raipur Sports Festival is as desi as it gets, complete with loud Punjabi music and zealous crowds. With hundreds of villagers flocking to the Grewal Stadium in Ludhiana to compete in bullock cart races, kabaddi, kite flying, guli danda, tug-of-wars, wresting and what have you, the fervour is no less than what you’d see at the actual Olympics. One dusty and adrenaline-charged event, the Rural Olympics is your crash-course in the indigenous sports of India.
Make it happen:
All you Need to Know about the Rural Olympics in Punjab
Must-do:
Back to the Roots: Rural Experiences in India Worth Savouring
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Introduce your kids to Indian Rail history
Where: At the National Rail Museum in Delhi
A trip to this fascinating museum will surely help you win brownie points for life! Watch the sheer delight on your kids’ faces as they hop on and off railway bogeys at the National Rail Museum in Delhi. Located in Central Delhi’s poshest locality, Chanakayapuri, this unique museum takes you back in time and lets you follow the journey of Indian Railways and their intriguing beginnings. The piece de resistance is an adorably cute toy train that takes you around the museum at a nominal price.
Make it happen:
Kids’ Delight: Your Guide to the National Rail Museum in Delhi
Must-do:
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Hang out with the monks at a monastery
Where: At Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh
A thrillingly elevated town at a height of 8,500 feet above sea level, lying amidst the graceful Himalayan ranges, Bomdila is home to less than 10,000 people. Take a halt here to visit the nirvana-inducing Bomdila Monastery, a follower of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. The monks here are super friendly; they may just show you around their residence quarters and share some personal stories as well. And if you’re lucky, you will get to meet the fortune telling monk too.
Make it happen:
Bomdila: A Quick and Easy Travel Guide to Monk Heaven
Must-do:
Things to Do in Arunachal Pradesh
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Chapter 4: Soaked in Luxury
“Travel is an indulgence. A healthy indulgence.”
Stay in a Mansion older than the Taj Mahal
Where: In South Goa
The Figueiredo House dates back to 1590, built just 80 years after the Portuguese arrived in Goa. At that time, even Shah Jehan had not been conceived, let alone the Taj Mahal. Imagine staying at such a historically charged property, that too in the spectacular land of sun, sand and surf. Revel in the vibe that the antique carved furniture, chandeliers of Belgian crystal, and hordes of fine porcelain unleash into the space.
Make it happen:
Figueiredo House: Stay at This Portuguese Mansion Older than the Taj Mahal
Must-do:
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Take a luxury cruise down the mighty Ganges
Where: Kolkata
How about sailing down the heart of Indian civilization—in style? Hop aboard a luxury cruise liner that will take you through the region’s rich heritage, with glimpses of its colonial past. En route the 8-day cruise, stop to admire Bengal’s beautiful terracotta temples, the Hazaduari Palace, rustic river-side villages, and the pulsating city life of Kolkata. The liners come lavishly equipped, complete with restaurants, spas, sun decks and plush suites. If you’re lucky, you might even spot pink river dolphins!
Make it happen:
A Luxury Cruise on the Ganges Should Be on Every Indian’s Bucket List
Must-do:
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Book yourself on the Deccan Odyssey
Where: The journey begins at the Delhi Railway Station
You may not be a Maharaja, but you sure can travel like one! The incredibly luxurious Deccan Odyssey that covers all of India, takes you from those lush corners of Ranthambore to the arty alleys of Ellora. You can choose from a range of itineraries spanning 3 to 8 days. The train features 21 cabins and four Presidential Suites exuding unbelievable richness, reminiscent of bygone days when royal caravanserais awed one and all with their splendour.
Make it happen:
The Deccan Odyssey – a Train Ride of a Lifetime
Must-do:
The Best Luxury Train Experiences You Should Grab in India
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Indulge in a red carpet dinner
Where: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
There’s expensive fine-dining, and then there’s the very elite, by-appointment-only Chef’s Studio, at Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Secretively sitting on the first floor of the heritage wing, the studio offers an exclusive table for six along with live streaming of your 12-course meal’s preparation by ace chefs on a plasma TV. All this at Rs 1.5 lakh per meal. Well, exclusivity does come at a price indeed!
Make it happen:
A red carpet dinner for Rs.150,000 – the ultimate indulgence
Must-do:
5 Food Experiences You Can Have Only in Mumbai
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Design your own bespoke Kanjeevaram sari
Where: Chennai
Want a Kanjeevaram silk sari but would rather give it a modern twist? Yes, it’s possible! Take a pick from an array of shops selling pure, soft Kanjeevaram silks and have them custom design your drape with exactly the motifs and the colours you want. If it’s a sari you are picking out of love for silks and not for your wedding, you can have them design a simpler weave in rich hues with a quirky element thrown in for effect. Go on, explore the glossy magic of bespoke Kanjeevarams.
Make it happen:
Kanjeevarams and More: Timeless Souvenirs to Score in Tamil Nadu
Must-do:
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Chapter 5: A Date with Wildlife
“Witnessing wildlife is like spotting celebrities. Actually, it’s only better.”
Chase and photograph a Snow Leopard
Where: At Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Head to the Hemis National Park in Ladakh between October to March to meet the elusive snow leopard. With a population of over 200 snow leopards, the park also has Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), Bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan wolf, red fox, and Lynx, as well as a plethora of rare birds for you to train your lenses on. Explore Hemis National Park with a local guide, who can help you spot snow leopards in the Sham area, west of Leh and the Ney Phu, Ule Phu, Matho and the hills around the Skindyang village.
Make it happen:
Make Hemis National Park Your Next Vacation Destination!
Must-do:
A Drive through the Magical Ladakh
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Swim with crabs and schools of fish
Where: At the uninhabited island of Thinnkara in Lakshadweep
With stunning azure waters, glimmering white beaches peppered with palm trees, and no sign of civilisation for miles, Lakshadweep inspires the wandering mind with its sheer beauty. The tiny tear-drop shaped island of Thinnkara is uninhabited and boasts of spectacular marine life. Swim with the colourful crabs, watch schools of fish playfully swim by, stay right on the beach in a luxurious tent, and fall asleep looking at millions of glittering stars adorning the clear night sky.
Make it happen:
Thinnkara: An Island Paradise You Didn’t Know About
Must-do:
7 Thrilling Water Adventures to Try in Lakshadweep
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Meet the Asiatic Lion in its natural habitat
Where: The Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat
The only dwelling ground of over 350 rare Asiatic Lions in the world, The Gir Forest National Park spans approximately 1400 square kilometres. Also home to leopards, hyenas, blackbucks and antelopes, the dry deciduous forest here also shelters more than 300 species of birds. Owing to such a large population of fauna, the arid landscape of Sasan Gir is an ideal terrain for wildlife mavens. Traveller tip: book your safari tours and accommodation well in advance. Best time to visit: December to May.
Make it happen:
Gir National Park: Home to the Asiatic Lion
Must-do:
10 Must-Visit Places in Gujarat
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Get woken up by a Hornbill
Where: At Dandeli, Karnataka
If staying in a riverside treehouse and being woken up by a loud call of an exotic bird is your kind of cool, head to the Hornbill River Resort in Dandeli. Nestled in midst of a thick forest overlooking River Kali in Ganeshgudi area of Dandeli, the resort offers cottages and tents, but the treehouses offer the best Hornbill experience. The punctual birds visit the treehouses and perch themselves on the wooden railing to personally wake you up.
Make it happen:
Hornbill River Resort, Dandeli: A Unique Confluence of Adventure and Tranquillity
Must-do:
Top 8 Adventures to Live in Dandeli
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Explore Himalayan wilderness on a Yak safari
Where: At Tsogomo in Sikkim
You would have ridden horses, camels and even elephants, but it’s not very often that you get to ride a Yak. With embellishments around their horns, and bells around their necks, these gigantic but gentle animals come well-dressed too! Take a leisurely ride around the Tsogomo Lake and Dzongri, while feasting your eyes on the mountainous beauty of the Himalayas. While there, ask the locals for dried Yak milk—it is a thing of acquired taste, but worth trying out nevertheless!
Make it happen:
A Yak Safari in Sikkim – Best Places to Explore
Must-do:
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Chapter 6: The Lure of Food
“A taste of culture completes your experience of it.”
Have a meal cooked by Tihar Jail inmates
Where: In Delhi
Imagine a restaurant where every staff member is a convict serving time at India’s largest prison complex—the Tihar Jail. Quite naturally, the Tihar Food Court draws a lot of curiosity. If the idea of being around convicted murderers seems daunting to you, it would help to know that these prisoners are hired in the restaurant as a reward for consistent good behaviour for 12 years or more! The food is simple and homely, but the warmth of the staff is what draws the most accolades for this restaurant.
Make it happen:
The Highlights of the Famous Meal at the Infamous Tihar Jail
Must-do:
The Quirkiest Restaurants from Across India
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Fish with the Chinese Fishing Nets
Where: In Kochi
Remember seeing little models of the sophisticated Chinese fishing nets? In Cochin, these fascinating nets still exist and make for a unique fishing experience! These land installations need 10-12 people to operate, but it is just so satisfying to catch that pile of fish! Once done with the fishing, take the freshly caught tiny fish to the nearby shops, who will cook and serve them to you, in typical Malayali style.
Make it happen:
Chinese Fishing Nets and other Unique Sea Experiences to Net in Kochi
Must-do:
5 Delightful Things to Do in Kochi
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Take the Asli Paratha challenge
Where: On Delhi-Rohtak bypass
Can you ever have too much of a good thing? Certainly not when it comes to parathas. A highway dhaba outside of Delhi makes what they claim to be “Hindustan ka sabse bada paratha”—a monstrosity that measures 18 inches across and weighs over 1 kg. The parathas come in 30 varieties, and if you manage to gobble up one in an hour, you get prize money of INR 5100 and a lifetime supply of parathas at the dhaba free! This food challenge will leave you guilty at best, and queasy at worst.
Make it happen:
This Dhaba in Rohtak Serves ‘Hindustan ka Sabse Bada Paratha’
Must-do:
The Craziest Food Challenges in India
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Dig into a 24-karat gold-plated dosa
Where: Bengaluru
Well, we’ve all heard of the South Indian obsession with gold, haven’t we? So when a restaurant owner in Bengaluru decided to give the humble dosa a luxe makeover, dressing it up with a thin layer of edible gold foil must have come naturally to him. And oh boy! It indeed became a raging hit. This golden delicacy is essentially your regular dosa with an edible gold foil—an embellishment that sends its price soaring to a whopping Rs.1011. Although a little steep on the pocket, it will make for, quite literally, the golden picture for all your Insta and Facebook updates.
Make it happen:
Why People are going Ga-Ga over Bangalore’s Famous Gold-Plated Dosa
Must-do:
Top 8 Restaurants and Pubs in Bengaluru
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Gorge on authentic Kashmiri wazwan
Where: Srinagar
Almost ceremonial, wazwan—a traditional 36-course Kashmiri meal, is a perfect introduction to Kashmiri cuisine and culture. More than a dozen lamb, vegetable and cheese-based delicacies are served in a carved platter called Tirami, with some dishes having been cooked overnight to attain that lingering flavour. Dating back to the 15th century when Taimur’s invasion brought many cooks into the Kashmir valley, ‘wazwan’ even today is cooked by the ‘wazas’—the descendants of these cooks.
Make it happen:
Following the Wazwan Trail – A Reason to Visit Kashmir in the Summer
Must-do:
Best Places to Visit in Kashmir: Truly Heaven on Earth
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