Having said that, holiday destinations in India offer a la carte of thrills and experiences. From paragliding to scuba diving, we've put together a list of popular experiences in India that are worth being in your travel bucket list. Take a look!
1. Backwater Cruise In A Houseboat Of Alappuzha, Kerala
Travelers from all around the world flock to Kerala and your holiday bucket list for the New Year is so incomplete without cruising in the backwaters of Alleppey. Renowned to be one of the romantic places in India, Alleppey is also one of the most serene honeymoon destinations which is best explored in an enchanting houseboat.
Best Time To Visit: February
Other Things To Do: Vembanad Lake, Krishnapuram Palace and don’t miss out on the great Pariyanampetta Pooram Festival in Palakkad.
2. Paragliding In Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Those who are looking forward to celebrations full of high-on-adrenaline activities, paragliding in Bir Billing has to be a must-experience inclusion in your adventure travel bucket list.
Best Time To Visit: November
Other Things To Do: Sherab Ling Monastery, Bir Tea Factory, Tibetan Colony, Camping and trekking in Bir Billing Valley.
3. A Road Trip To Ladakh
This is going to be one of the most magical and mystical bucket list places to visit. Much famed as every biker's heaven, you cannot help but fall in love with the tranquil lakes, magnetic stretch of the roads and mighty mountains at its best.
Best Time To Visit: September
Other Things To Do: Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Spituk Gompa Monastery, Magnetic Hill Bike Ride and Chadar Trek in Leh.
4. Borra Caves In Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
Home to infinite stalactites (cave formations that hang from ceiling) and stalagmites (cave formations that rise from the ground), Borra Caves is one of the largest and deepest Indian caves located in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley. The phenomenal speleothems, i.e., the cave formations in all sizes and irregular shapes are believed to be 150 million years old.
Best Time To Visit: February
Other Things To Do: Ananthagiri Hills, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Aruku Tribal Museum and Katiki Waterfalls.
5. Snake Boat Races, Kerala
The history of snake boats is about 400 years old. Measuring about 100 feet long, snake boats are the traditional war boats once used by Kings of Alappuzha that can accommodate up to 100 rowers. To keep the history and tradition alive, snake boat races are held during monsoon season in Kerala every year.Witness the best of four main races that take place in Kumarakom, Alleppey and Aranmula districts.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Other Things To Do: Take part in 10 days long Onam celebrations in September and Theyyam Dance Festival in North Malabar that houses more than 350 dance forms.
6. Scuba Diving In Havelock, Andaman Islands
Havelock Island is the place to be for all the watersports enthusiasts as Andaman is filled with numerous scuba diving centres. The best past is that you don't even have to know swimming to get your PADI certificate.
Best Time To Visit: April
Other Things To Do: Enjoy parasailing, swim with elephants and the Beach Festival at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair.
7. Cliff Diving At Coconut Islands Near Mangalore, Karnataka
Famed for its basalt rock formations and also known as St. Mary's Islands, Coconut Islands serves as a great offbeat destination for cliff diving. Since staying is not allowed at the Coconut Islands, this place is worth spending an afternoon at. One can stay at Malpe beach from where you can reach the island in 20 minutes at a cost of Rs. 150 per person via ferry rides.
Best Time To Visit: January
Other Things To Do: Spot dolphins, Malpe Beach and Bird watching.
8. Bike Ride At Nathula Pass, Sikkim
Nathula Pass is one destination wherein incredible India tours can turn into an international one. This trade link between China and India is located at the height of 14,140 feet above sea level.
Best Time To Visit: June
Other Things To Do: Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake.
9. Revel in Luxury at Udaipur, Rajasthan
Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Vrindavan is home to a vibrant environment and many temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The numerous temples and the grand Holi celebrations make Vrindavan one of the most religious and cultural spots in India sought by the travelers.
Best Time To Visit: March
Other Things To Do: Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple and be a part of the Brahmotsava Festival.
11. Trekking In Triund, Himachal Pradesh
There is no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life other than feeling close to nature and adventurous in Triund. Home to scenic views, lush greens and awesome climate, Triund is the perfect place to enjoy trekking at its best and escape into the mighty Himalayas.
Best Time To Visit: April
Other Things To Do: Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and Camping at Dharamkot.
12. Explore Auroville, Puducherry
Goa is the default choice for travelers who seek happiness and beauty all around. Similarly, whether you want to ring in the New Year or wrap the old year, Goa is the place to be. Moreover, nothing beats the party vibes of the Sunburn Festival, especially when you get lucky and the venue is as stunning as Goa. Famous artists like David Guetta and Afrojack have been a part of this big event.
Best Time To Visit: December
Other Things To Do: Calangute Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Anjuna Beach and Fort Aguada.
From exceptionally romantic to incredibly adventurous, the above mentioned experiences are worth being etched in your hearts and minds. Also, we've listed these bucket list ideas in such a manner so that you can easily check them off your list without burning a hole in your pocket.
So which one are you picking first?
India is a marvelous holiday destination and we believe there are places that are untouched and yet unexplored by many. Whether remote or unknown, let us know of such places that deserve to be on the charts and share them with us in the comments below. Happy Traveling!
This post was originally published on My Heart On The Road.
Blessed with desert and sea on both the sides and divided into two parts, the Rann of Kutch is the largest salt desert in India as well as in the world. Rann Utsav is yet another massive festivals of Gujarat which celebrates love, life and culture at its best over a period of two months.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Other Things To Do: Hot Air Ballooning, Desert Safari, International Kite Festival in Jan.
20. Be A Part Of The Sunburn Festival, Goa
All the seasons are the best seasons and anytime is great to pay a visit to the Epitome of Love, the Taj Mahal. No matter how cliched it may sound, visiting Taj mahal in Agra continues to chart the priority list of many travelers all over the world. One of the best Seven Wonders of the World, relish stunning views of Taj Mahal.
Best Time To Visit: October
Other Things To Do: Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb and Jama Masjid.
19. Rann Utsav at Kutch, Gujarat
Those who are looking for a spot to refresh your senses and unwind in some fresh air away from the pollution, a shikara ride in Dal Lake of Srinagar would be an icing on the cake for them. Famed as the Jewel of Srinagar, Dal Lake is also one of the famous offbeat honeymoon destinations in India.
Best Time To Visit: August
Other Things To Do: Hari Parbat, Floating Garden and Kayaking.
18. The Ever-Beautiful Taj Mahal In Agra, Uttar Pradesh
If you want to feel what it’s like to be at the edge of India, then Dhanushkodi is the place to be. Just looking at its location will send chills down your spine. Getting here is only possible through the mighty Pamban Bridge that connects the mainland of India to the stunning Rameswaram Island. Ready for a ride to remember?
Best Time To Visit: September
Other Things To Do: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach and Ram Sethu Point.
17. Shikara Ride At Dal Lake In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
A proud home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the double-decker Living Root Bridge at Mawlynnong is an indescribable natural wonder in the heart of Meghalaya. Making one feel close to the lush wildlife in India and measuring over 100 feet in length, these root bridges grow over a period of 15 years and are strong enough to hold fifty to hundred people together. Doesn't it sound like a miracle?
Best Time To Visit: July
Other Things To Do: Waterfalls in Cherrapunji, Hot Springs in Jakrem, Angling in Ranigodam.
16. Drive on Pamban Bridge From Mandapam to Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
Nestled between Nilgiri Mountains, Ooty is renowned for holding the incredible flower show that displays national flowers of more than 200 countries. Every year the botanical garden as well as the rose garden is flocked by tourists to witness this unbelievable floral arrangement of over 15,000 types of flowers. You've got to see it to believe it!
Best Time To Visit: May
Other Things To Do: Train ride in Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Lake and Doddabetta Peak.
15. The Living Root Bridge, Meghalaya
An ironic flag ceremony that reflects the cut-throat rivalry but ends with a mild handshake between the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers, the Beating Retreat Ceremony takes place everyday with same stride and pride. Thousands of people gather together in the evening only to watch the ceremony that celebrates rivalry moulded in full patriotism on both the sides. Checking this off the list is a must!
Best Time To Visit: March
Other Things To Do: The Golden Temple.
14. The Incredible Flower Show In Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Created out of a wasteland, Auroville is an universal town which is a perfect amalgamation of nature and peace. Travelers from all over the world come to Auroville and live together peacefully. The main attraction here is the Matrimandir that is surrounded by four zones namely the cultural, industrial, residential and peace zone. Apart from this, Auroville is protected by a green belt that serves as a barrier against the urban interference.
Best Time To Visit: January
Other Things To Do: Paradise beach, French cuisine, Seaside promenade, bicycle tours and boat rides.
13. Watch The Retreat Parade at Wagah Border In Amritsar, Punjab
The Jewel of Mewar, the Venice of East and the Kashmir of Rajasthan, etc. are few tags that Udaipur is often associated to due to its awe-inspiring aura and environs. Home to infinite royal palaces, forts and luxury resorts, you are sure to feel spoilt. Udaipur is the perfect choice to indulge in a relaxed vacation amidst the natural grandeur.
Best Time To Visit: November
Other Things To Do: Fort and Palaces Tour, Helicopter Joyride, visit temples and lakes.
10. Celebrate Holi Like Never Before In Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
