What to do in India? 14 activity ideas
You've made up your mind! Next stop: India! Here is our list of the unmissable things to do and see during your trip to India. Watch a colourful Bollywood film that reflects Indian society and the search of dreams and beauty. Celebrate Holi or Diwali, the country's most important festivals. Spend at least one night in a Maharajas palace in Rajasthan. Stroll through the street markets, taste the Indian cuisine or discover local craftsmanship. Take a ride in a tuk-tuk or visit one of the many temples to learn all about religion and spirituality in India. Looking for adventure? Take a trip to the Himalayas and go on a trek or go white water rafting. If you're looking for a family activity, then head to the national parks for a safari and discover the wildlife. South India is where you'll find the sun and the beautiful beaches of Goa. You'll also enjoy discovering Ayurvedic massages and yoga or taking a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. And for a truly unforgettable experience in India, hop on board a train!
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CultureSet of a bollywood movieWatch a Bollywood movie
Bollywood gets its name from the studios of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Bollywood movies focus on religion, patriarchal society and male-female relationships. There are no erotic scenes or passionate kisses but mostly dancing and music. Play a minor role in a Bollywood film for a day or catch a movie at the famous “Raj Mandir Cinema” in Jaipur.
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CultureMeenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in MaduraiVisit temples
Traditions in India interfere in all aspects of daily life and religion plays a key role. The country's temples pay tribute to Hinduism and some of the most famous temples are located in Madurai. Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque of Old Delhi, is a place of worship for the Muslim community and the Golden Temple of Amritsar is the Sikh community's most sacred sanctuary. The magnificent monasteries in Ladakh celebrate Tibetan Buddhism. And don't forget to visit the old churches in Goa and Fort Kochi.
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CultureTuk-tuk in the streets of KochiExplore the city by tuk-tuk
The frenzy of large Indian cities, traffic, noise and people everywhere, is enough to put some travellers off. But in fact, it's a great way to experience the country's urban culture and discover Indian history. Discover the remnants of the Mughal Empire in the capital Delhi or head to Bombay and Calcutta to learn about the fascinating British colonial heritage. Hop on a tuk-tuk and have a great day out. A little humour and a few words of Hindi will definitely be helpful when it comes to negotiating prices!
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RelaxationHoli in MathuraTake part in a festival
Many festivities take place throughout the year in India. In March, the festival of Holi celebrates the beginning of Spring and locals as well as tourists participate in throwing coloured powder at one another. In autumn, the Festival of Lights, otherwise known as Diwali, celebrates the Hindu New Year. Houses and buildings are lit up with candles and fireworks burst into the sky. In Ladakh you can also attend several Buddhist festivals that are held in various monasteries.
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RelaxationMarket in BangaloreExplore the markets
Wander through the bustling bazaars and discover the nifty work of Indian craftsmanship. Rajasthan is renowned for its precious stones, miniature paintings, ceramic pottery and of course, beautiful fabrics. You will find the prettiest Indian saris and silk shawls in Benares. Purchase Tibetan and Kashmiri crafts in the Himalayas including prayer flags, windmills and pashmina wool that's softer than silk. You can also find crafts and trinkets from all different regions in Dilli Haat's market in Delhi.
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RelaxationBeach in GoaRelax at the beach
Head to South India to enjoy the seaside and laze on the beach. Fall in love with Palolem and Agonda beach in the extreme south of Goa. In Karnataka, the charming Gokarna Beach is known for its relaxed hippie vibe. Varkala beach is one of the most famous in Kerala but you will also enjoy Cherai or Marari, closer to Fort Kochi.
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RelaxationYoga workshopLearn about yoga
India is known for its ancestral traditions and attracts tourists looking for spiritual connections. Yoga, ayurveda and meditation are all sacred practices that help heal the body, mind and soul and focus on wellbeing. Yoga is a discipline that combines breathing exercises, pranayamas and physical postures, asanas. You can learn more about this spiritual discipline in various yoga centres and ashrams either in Goa or Rishikesh.
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RelaxationGanges River cruiseTreat yourself to a cruise
India is crossed by many great rivers: the Ganges, the Yamuna, the Indus, the Brahmaputra. Take a cruise down the Ganges and discover the holy city of Varanasi. Or travel down south to Kerala and discover the backwaters, an extraordinary network of canals, lakes and rivers. A great opportunity to visit the country's popular destinations and wake up on a houseboat, surrounded by these sacred waters.
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RelaxationInterior of an Haveli houseSpend a night in a palace
Over the centuries, various dynasties have contributed to the country's magnificent architectural heritage, particularly in the region of Rajasthan. Once a playground for Maharajas and monarchs, these ancient forts and palaces have now been transformed into hotels. You can also stay in one of the many havelis, the traditional townhouses that once belonged to rich merchants.
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AdventureTrainTravel by train
Hop on a train and discover the excitement and liveliness of local life. With open train carriages and tea vendors selling chai, a train ride is the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with an Indian family. An unmissable experience that also allows you to save time if you travel on an overnight train.
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AdventureRafting the Ganges RiverGo rafting
Have you ever been rafting on a sacred river? Rishikesh, in Northern India, is a well-known tourist destination for adventurers. Explore the source of the Ganges river which is also a great spot to practise yoga. Spring and autumn are perfect seasons for rafting, and you'll find there are many camps along the riverbanks that offer day trips and excursions down the rapids.
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AdventureTiger in Ranthambore National ParkObserve the wildlife
India is the setting to Rudyard Kipling's famous "The Jungle Book". It's a great opportunity to go on a safari in one of the many national parks and natural reserves: Ranthambore in Rajasthan, Sunderbans in West Bengal, Corbett in Uttarkhand, Karizanga in Assam... Try and spot a tiger in one of the many parks in Madhya Pradesh including Bandhavgarh, Pench or Kanha. The Periyar Reserve in the south of India is also a natural habitat to tigers and wild elephants.
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SportsTrekGo on a trek
From the foot of the mountains to the desert highlands at the gates of Tibet, Himalayan India is the perfect playground for hikers and adventurers. Discover the diversity of Buddhist and Hindu cultures and admire the impressive landscapes. Head to Ladakh-Zanskar between June and October to discover the legendary hiking trails and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
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GastronomyVarious Indian dishesTaste Indian cuisine
Welcome to veggie heaven! Just like the country itself, Indian cuisine is rich and varied. If you're not sure what to order then try a tali, an assortment of different Indian dishes. If you're worried about the food being too spicy then don't hesitate to ask for something mild, you'll find there is a dish for everyone. Don't forget to try the typical chai, black tea and milk, infused with spices and sugar.