India: The Planet
India is so much more than a country. It’s an entire universe in itself. A place where traditions of centuries-old practices coexist with the new normal, where each state has a different language, cuisine, culture, and festivals, where each journey is an epic tale in itself.
Visitors have various ways to describe their time in India, most often summarizing it in just one three-lettered word.
Sights and experiences are bountiful here. From the snowy Himalayan heights to the palm-fringed Kerala beaches, from the hooting traffic of Delhi to the boating ghats of Varanasi, India is a world in itself. However, while everything seems like a new story here, while every new corner you turn gives you a postcard-worthy view, there are a few India trip must-dos.
For an enriching and memorable India journey, this guide includes things that you don’t want to miss in India—the sights, activities, and cultural experiences that are quintessential in India.
12 India Trip Must-Dos
1. Visit Taj Mahal in Agra
The Taj Mahal is the first thing that comes to people’s mind when they think of India. Constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in honor of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum is rightly said to be one of the wonders of the world.
Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset. When the monument is lit in hues of pink and orange by the rising or setting sun.
Tip: Hire a local guide to learn more about its intricate carvings, symbolic architecture, and the famous love story behind its creation.
Agra has other historic attractions like the Agra Fort and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fatehpur Sikri, which are also worth exploring.
2. Visit Rajasthan for Royal Heritage
Dubbed as the “Land of Kings,” Rajasthan is an Indian state full of royalty. Its palaces, forts, deserts, and bazaars are a treat for the eyes. Some places you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Rajasthan include:
Jaipur (The Pink City): Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), shopping for handicrafts in markets.
Udaipur (The City of Lakes): Lake Palace, boat ride on Lake Pichola, romantic sunsets.
Jodhpur (The Blue City): Mehrangarh Fort, blue-painted streets.
Jaisalmer (The Golden City): Camel safari in Thar Desert, overnight desert camping.
A Rajasthan trip offers opulent history, desert safaris, colorful culture, and festivals like the Pushkar Camel Fair.
3. Visit Varanasi for Spirituality
Varanasi, on the banks of the River Ganges, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s a spiritual hub of India where the city and the river come together as lifelines for the millions who live, work, and worship here.
Experience Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where a ritual of fire, music, and chants is held every evening on the ghats.
Go for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to see locals bathe in the holy water, pilgrims perform rituals, and some sleep on banks.
Walk around the narrow alleys filled with temples, souvenir shops, eateries, and innumerable life stories.
Varanasi is an unforgettable spiritual experience for many travelers.
4. Take a Houseboat Ride in Kerala Backwaters
If you seek tranquility and calm, Kerala’s backwaters are one of the best places in India. Renting a traditional houseboat (locally known as a kettuvallam) in Alleppey or Kumarakom allows you to float on a calm canal through paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages.
Enjoy Kerala food on the boat, usually freshly cooked with locally sourced ingredients.
Life along the backwaters is a leisurely affair—children going to school in small canoes, fishermen fishing for the day, women washing clothes in rivers.
Kerala Ayurvedic treatments and a trip to tea plantations in Munnar make this a great southern India experience.
5. Trek or Relax in the Himalayas
India’s Himalayan region is home to majestic peaks, snow-capped mountains, mountain passes, and lush valleys.
Leh-Ladakh: Surreal landscapes, monasteries, high-altitude treks, and motorcycle trips through some of the world’s highest passes.
Himachal Pradesh: Popular hill stations of Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala (the Dalai Lama’s residence).
Uttarakhand: Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, or treks to Valley of Flowers.
The Himalayas offer adventure, relaxation, and unique cultural experiences.
6. Experience Festivals Like a Local
India is the land of festivals, and attending one is a must.
Holi (Festival of Colors): March. Festival with colors, music, and dancing in the streets.
Diwali (Festival of Lights): October or November. Homes and streets lit with oil lamps and fireworks.
Navratri/Durga Puja: Vibrant festival in Gujarat or West Bengal.
Pushkar Camel Fair: Cultural festival and livestock trading in Rajasthan.
7. Savor Indian Food
Food in India is a world on its own, with each region offering something unique.
North India: Butter chicken, biryani, kebabs, parathas.
South India: Dosas, idlis, sambhar, spicy coconut curries.
West India: Mumbai street food (pav bhaji, vada pav); Goan seafood.
East India: Bengali sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, mishti doi.
Tips: Try street food at busy stalls. Food tours are great in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, or Kolkata.
8. Journey by Train
Taking a train ride is one of those must-do India experiences. India has one of the world’s largest railway networks.
Long-distance trains are great for socializing and enjoying landscapes.
Luxury trains like Palace on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express are also options.
Short overnight rides or multi-day journeys provide unique perspectives of India.
9. Relax on Goa Beaches
Goa is India’s beach paradise with Portuguese heritage and vibrant nightlife.
North Goa: Baga and Anjuna (party beaches).
South Goa: Palolem and Agonda (peaceful beaches).
Explore Old Goa’s churches (UNESCO site) and spice plantations.
10. Discover Indian Wildlife
India is home to an incredible range of wildlife.
Ranthambore (Rajasthan): Tigers.
Kaziranga (Assam): One-horned rhinos.
Periyar (Kerala): Elephant sightings and boat rides.
Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand): India’s first national park.
11. Wander Through Delhi’s Contrasts
India’s capital is a fascinating mix of old and new.
Old Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk.
New Delhi: India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar.
Modern side: Cafes, malls, and markets in Connaught Place or Saket.
12. Experience the Outback of India: The Thar Desert
For an offbeat adventure, head to Rajasthan’s desert.
Camel safari in Jaisalmer.
Sleep in desert camps.
Enjoy cultural performances under starry skies.
Travel Tips
Travel pace: Don’t try to see all of India in one trip—it’s vast.
Weather: North India is best in winter (Oct–Mar). Summers can be hot.
Transport: Domestic flights save time; rickshaws are good local options.
Respect locals: Dress modestly, especially in temples and villages.
Stay healthy: Drink bottled water, wash hands often, and carry medicines.
Conclusion
A trip to India is a journey through time, culture, and emotions. It challenges you, excites you, and enriches you in equal measures. From standing in awe at the Taj Mahal to celebrating with the locals during Holi, from drifting on Kerala’s backwaters to meditating in the Himalayas, the India trip must-do experiences create a story unique to every traveler.
Whether you visit for history, palaces, food, spirituality, or adventure, India has the power to transform your outlook on life. Travel wisely, keep an open heart, and let India’s diversity etch itself on your soul forever.
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