- The Food
India offers the widest range of cuisine of any country in the world. Don’t bother looking for typical Indian food because you won’t find it. Instead, you will be treated to a fabulous choice of regional dishes, no matter where you go. And, believe it or not, all your favorites from the Indian restaurant around the corner – Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala and so on – are often very hard to find in India. Check out our Indian Food Blog for more.
- The Taj Mahal
If you go for no other reason, go to India to see the Taj Mahal, the most famous building in the world and definitely one of the most striking. It isn’t just the architecture that will take your breath away; the story behind it will capture your attention, just like it does 7 million people every single year.
- Delhi Madness
Delhi is the capital of India and it is a heaving metropolis. But stick with it and you will see that there is so much to it. You’ll find wonderfully green parks where early morning Yoga sessions take place, Hindu temples that sparkle, mosques where you can hear the call to prayer, Bollywood shows, bookshops and so much more. It is a real mixture of modern meeting ancient in a heady atmosphere.
- The Wagah Border Ceremony
Ever since 1959, the border guards form both India and Pakistan, at the frontier between the two countries, have taken part in a strange ceremony, a march-off between the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers. Every evening, crowds of people turn up to watch the two sides compete in an odd but highly choreographed performance of high kicks and goose steps, accompanied by shouts from the crowd.
- Stay in a Palace
Many of the former palaces in India have now been converted into high-class hotels, giving you the opportunity to live like a king during your visit.
- Fantastic Wildlife
India is one of the top countries in the world for wildlife, with plenty of national parks. You can watch the elephants and the tigers, rhinos and hawk eagles, all in their natural habitat. Some of the best national parks to visit are Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, and Ranthambore.
- Experience Indian Art
Indian art is on the rise again, experiencing a renaissance and much of it is down to the creative sector in Mumbai. There you can find several art galleries, including the Jehangir and the Prince of Wales museum. If art is your thing then Mumbai is the place to be.
- Go on a Journey by Rail
One of the best ways to see India is to do it by railway, exhilarating, fearful and wonder combining to make it a journey you won’t forget. One of the most popular is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, designed a UNESCO World Heritage site that travels through Darjeeling’s narrow streets. There are plenty more to choose from; no matter where you go in India, a railway journey is always possible.
- Go on a Kerala Cruise
The backwaters of Kerala are a sight to be seen and traveled. Almost 1500 km of rivers, lakes, and canals, best seen from a rice barge converted into a ferry or houseboat, are home to a wide range of wildlife and indigenous communities. Kerala is an important ecosystem and is home to some of the best national parks and tea and coffee plantations. Plan on a cruise that takes a few days to get the best experience
- To Visit Varanasi
Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted but is definitely worth seeing. Narrow alleys, crowded with people, the dead carried through the streets to the terraces that burn above the river, pilgrims and holy men bathing in the dirty waters, and children and livestock scavenging for a scrap to eat on the Ghats, the steps that lead down to the Ganges. This side of India is perhaps not for the inexperienced but is an experience that you won’t forget.
- The Golden Triangle
Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra form a Golden Triangle, so -called because of the splendor the three cities are bathed in. Here you can see the Taj Mahal, visit the Ranthambore National Park, and experience the real culture of Northern India.
- Hike the Himalayas
Mount Everest, the largest mountain in the Himalayas lies hundreds of km away but the Indian Part of the Himalayan mountain range is worth the hike just for the stunning views and hiking trails.
- India is Just a Little Bit French
Pondicherry is, anyway. A tiny colony, once ruled over by France between 1672 and 1954, has retained its French feel. The shops, the sweeping promenades, even the street signs are very much reminiscent of their French rule and it is the only place where you will see the police wearing red képis.
- To Visit the Havelock Islands
Most people head to Goa for a beach holiday but the Havelock Islands in Andaman’s are the place to go. Long sweeping golden beaches, sparkling seas, and swaying palms offer the very definition of paradise, along with some of the best diving in the country.
- Cricket
[ Image : Facebook ]
Where else would you watch cricket than in a country obsesses with the sport? The game is played everywhere, with cricket grounds popping up in all the major cities. The best place to go is Dharamshala where you will find the HSPCA stadium and, perhaps the exiled Dali Lana. The backdrop to the stadium is perhaps one of the best in the world – the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas.
- For the Best Tea in the World
Tea isn’t just a British thing. In fact, most of what the British drink comes from India so what better place to have a proper cuppa than the original home of tea. Not only do you get to taste some of the best tea in the world, you get to see the plantations in places like Assam and Darjeeling, experience fantastic scenery, wonderful hotels and cooler weather.
If these 16 things don’t make you want to visit India then nothing will. Book your next holiday and make it a trip worth going on.