In this article, you will discover the top 10 things every traveler should do in India.
See the Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a magnificent marble mausoleum erected in honor of great love. It stands on the banks of the Jamuna River in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Admission is paid, but every year on April 18, on the International Day of Monuments and Historic Sites, the doors to the Taj Mahal are open to everyone completely free of charge.
Swim in the Ganges
In the tradition of Hinduism, the waters of the sacred river Ganges can wash away all the sins accumulated by a person during this and past earthly incarnations. The Ganges flows through the entire universe because the material river is the embodiment of the goddess. Swimming in its waters is a great event in the life of every Hindu.
Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country come to its shores in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that the deceased here is forever freed from a series of rebirths and sent straight to the spirit world.
See the sun in Hampi
Hampi is not even a city, but rather a village. It is notable for the fact that several hundred years ago, one of the most successful and wealthy empires of Hindustan, called Vijayanagar, flourished on this territory. Ancient architectural monuments stand here amidst an incredible landscape. Giant boulders are scattered throughout the valley as if by a playful hand. It is hard to believe that nature could create such a magnificent thing.
Hampi has beautiful sunsets. You can spend the sun on one of the rocky hills to the sound of drums and the smell of hemp, or at the temple to Hanuman, on the top of the mountain. You can also stay overnight here. Local Brahmanas will give you a blanket, and the stones heated by the sun will become a cozy bed until dawn.
Visit the Arambol Freak Festival
Arambol is a resort village and the northernmost refuge of the last hippies in the Indian state of Goa. Every year hundreds and hundreds of troubadours, circus performers, artists, and fakirs from Europe and all over the world flock here. Arambol is full of many cozy restaurants or shacks, inexpensive oceanfront accommodation, and a relaxed atmosphere.
In late February – early March, for several years in a row, visiting artists have organized a real carnival here, in which everyone can take part. The most interesting thing is to be in a costume, so you can fully become a part of the holiday and enjoy this fun.
Doing a Bollywood movie or commercial
The legendary stellar Bollywood is located near Goa in the neighboring state of Maharashtra. Indian filmmakers are constantly looking for textures for extras in their films or advertisements in Goa. Pale-faced tourists get from 1,000 to 3,000 rupees per day of filming, regular meals, and an unforgettable experience.
They pay more for night shots. You can also be recruited into actors on the streets of Mumbai. The Colaba area is one of those places where the fair-skinned tourists are hunted by those in charge of casting.
Take a boat ride on the rivers of Kerala
Kerala is one of the greenest and most beautiful states in India. Tropical thickets are dotted with small rivers, along which whole houses and hotels float. In a boat called a houseboat, you can travel from a few hours to several days with complete comfort and service. For your money, you will be fed and courted like a raja.
Eat with your hands
Eating with your hands In India, you can often find locals who eat with their hands. It may seem wild to visitors, but for Indians, it is an important part of the culture. According to their beliefs, the points of exit of prana of the five elements are located at the fingertips, and each finger has its power. Therefore, by eating food with hands, a person enriches it with his/her energy, which is not capable of harming him/her.
Visit the Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh
More than sixty years ago, the Tibetan government in exile settled in the Indian Himalayas. Since then, everyone can visit the Dalai Lama’s residence in the town of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The head of Tibet is still alive and well in his memory.
On his website, you can see the timetable for the year ahead to guess the day when the Dalai Lama will give a public lecture. They are usually open to all visitors, some require an appointment. On any other day, you can visit the museum dedicated to the exodus of Buddhists from the territories of modern China to be convinced of the cruelty of the next totalitarian regime.
Take a train ride
Trains in India are time machines. In the measured life of this country, it seems that only they are really in a hurry somewhere. The railway connects all parts of the country. It is a convenient way to travel, allowing you to get to know the local flavor.
Climb to distant tribes in the northeast of the country
Some of the northeastern states of India are specially protected areas. To get there, you need a special permit, less often an individual, more often a group. Many ethnic groups live in this territory, maintaining their identity. Have time to get to know them before globalization eats up their culture.