The Best Things to Do in India

Find out the best things to do during a holiday in India, including a list of highlights throughout different regions of the country.

Things to Do

India is a country that has the power to fascinate, shock and excite. Stretching all the way from the icy Himalayas to the exotic sun-kissed state of Kerala, it has a fascinatingly diverse collection of landscapes, cultures and beliefs. In fact, it’s often considered one of the most diverse countries in the world, and therefore offers visitors the chance to make a wide range of unique memories.

India’s great outdoors is one of its key selling points with wildlife safaris, mountain treks, golden beaches, lush countryside and plenty of historical UNESCO sites tempting holidaymakers back year after year. The country’s rich culture also makes it an interesting holiday destination, with various ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds present throughout. Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism were all born here and there are also several other religions present, with locals all living in harmony together.

Sampling local cuisine is also a huge part of any India holiday and can really vary depending on the state. Spices are a key ingredient in most dishes and many cities are alive with tempting smells from street vendors. In coastal towns, you’ll find delicious seafood and fish curries, whereas the mainland is renowned for flavoursome vegetable curries. If your holiday incorporates a tour through different parts of India then you will get the chance to sample a wide range of flavours.

India’s Highlights

• Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the world’s most recognisable buildings. Incorporate this as part of a Golden Triangle Tour, where you’ll travel to Agra, Delhi and Jaipur.
• Take a boat ride on the Ganges in sacred Varanasi – a city considered one of the holiest locations in Hinduism; offering a fascinating insight into Indian spirituality. 
• Tour the state of Rajasthan,a place awash with mesmerising palaces and forts. Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer the most popular spots for viewing them. 
• Get your dose of sea, surf and sand in Goa, which boasts golden-sand beaches, topped off with spiritual activities such as yoga, reiki and meditation. 
• See rhinos in their natural habitat at Kaziranga National Park in Assam
• Visit the southern state of Kerala which is home to a wealth of attractions including beautiful beaches, lush scenery and National Parks. Popular spots include Cochin, Munnar and Alleppey. Taking a boat ride on the Keralan backwaters is a must.
• Soak the intoxicating atmosphere of Mumbai, the city home to Bollywood.
• View exquisite art inside the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra
• Spot hundreds of species of birds during a safari at Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan
• Escape the heat and visit the beautiful Himalayas, here you’ll find Kashmir, also known as India’s Switzerland’, the wonderfully atmospheric Darjeeling, renowned for its tea plantations, and the stunning Leh-Ladakh.
• Witness a sunrise over theGolden Temple in Amritsar.
• Enjoy an exciting tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park in Northern India
• Marvel at the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat – one of the largest salt deserts in the world. 

Interested in visiting some of the top sights in India? Here at Cities and Beaches, we have a wide range of holidays to India, offering a variety of different locations and experiences. Whether you are seeking a classic Golden Triangle tour, an exotic Kerala adventure or a relaxing beach holiday in India, we have plenty to choose from.