15 Unique Things to Do in India That You Should Add to Your Bucket List
India is a traveler’s dream, with surprises waiting around every corner. There are many unusual, challenging, and truly unique travel experiences waiting to be discovered beyond the beautiful mountains, beaches, and historical sites. These are the kinds of adventures that make you step outside of your comfort zone and give you stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life. A regular vacation is nice and relaxing, but an exciting trip gives you a different kind of high. It’s not enough to just see a place; you have to feel it, live it, and let it change you. India has a long list of unusual adventures, like sleeping in a 12th-century fort or kayaking in a glowing ocean. “Here are 15 of India’s most interesting travel experiences that you should definitely check out if you’re ready to try something new.” 1. Stay in a 12th-century fort and live like a king or queen Image by Atul Panday Place: Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan Jaisalmer Fort is more than just a historical site; it’s a city that is alive and well. It is one of the oldest forts in the world that has been lived in continuously. It has thousands of people, shops, and even hotels. Staying inside its golden sandstone walls is like going back in time. What makes it special: You can sleep inside walls that have been around for hundreds of years. After the daily tourist crowds have left, you can explore the fort’s secret alleys and courtyards. It gives you a chance to live with the locals and help them directly. Pro Tip: If you can, stay at a hotel or guesthouse that has a rooftop terrace. From inside the fort, especially at sunrise and sunset, the view of the golden city of Jaisalmer is truly magical. 2. Take a spiritual journey on the Buddha Express Image by Phan-Van Masanobu Thai-Binh Location: Begins at the Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi The Mahaparinirvan Express, or the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train, is a special train that takes you on a spiritual journey to some of India’s most important Buddhist sites. It’s not a fancy train, but it’s a nice way to go on a pilgrimage. What Makes It Special: It includes all the important places in the life of Buddha, such as his birthplace (Lumbini, Nepal), where he became enlightened (Bodh Gaya), where he gave his first sermon (Sarnath), and where he died (Kushinagar). It’s an easy way to see a lot of historical sites in different states. Pro Tip: This trip is mostly about spirituality and history, so keep that in mind. Don’t expect the luxury of other tourist trains; come with an open mind and be ready to learn. 3. Take a night hike in the Periyar Tiger Reserve Image by pch.vector Where: Periyar, Kerala During the day, exploring a thick forest is one thing, but at night, it’s a whole different story. You can go on guided night hikes in the Periyar Tiger Reserve to see the jungle at its most active. What Makes It Special: At night, you can hear the sounds of the jungle, which is exciting and makes you feel like you’re really there. You are with trained tribal guards who know the forest very well. You can see animals that only come out at night that you wouldn’t see during the day. Pro Tip: You can’t use bright flashlights because they might bother the animals. The guides use special flashlights that don’t make much light. Stay close to the group and trust their knowledge. 4. Take a houseboat tour of the Kerala Backwaters Image by Abhishek Prasad Where: Alleppey, Kerala Kerala’s backwaters are a stunning system of lakes and canals. The best way to see them is to spend the night on a kettuvallam, which is a traditional houseboat. These hotels on the water have bedrooms, a kitchen, and a deck for sunbathing. Why It’s Different: You get to see a part of Kerala’s countryside that most people don’t see. Your onboard chef will make you delicious, freshly cooked Keralan food. It’s a very calm and romantic experience, great for couples and people on their honeymoon. Pro Tip: To have a more real and quiet experience, ask your boat operator to take you through the smaller, less crowded canals instead of just the main lake. 5. See a waterfall that doesn’t obey gravity Image by Sonika Agarwal Place: Naneghat, Maharashtra During the peak monsoon season, a strange and wonderful natural event happens at Naneghat, which is near Mumbai. The water from a waterfall looks like it’s going up instead of down because the winds are so strong that they blow up the valley. What Makes It Unique: It looks like it goes against the laws of physics, which is strange and mind-bending. The landscape around here is very green and lush during the monsoon. The hike to the waterfall is a fun adventure on its own. Pro Tip: This event can only be seen during the monsoon months (July to September) when the winds are at their strongest. Wear shoes that won’t slip, because the trail can be slippery. 6. The Chadar Trek: Go Trekking on a Frozen River Image by Arjun Kapoor Location: Zanskar River, Ladakh The Chadar Trek is one of the hardest and most beautiful treks in the world. During the harsh winter, the Zanskar River freezes over and forms a “chadar,” or blanket of ice. This is the only way for people to get from one remote village to another. What makes it special: You can walk on a sheet of ice while taking in the beautiful frozen scenery of the Zanskar gorge all around you. It’s a chance to learn about how strong the Zanskari people are. This experience is both a physical challenge and a spiritual journey. Pro Tip: You need to be in good shape and get used to the cold and high altitude before you go on this trek. Always book with a reputable and
The Best 10 Places in India for a “Paw-cation” with Your Pet
Some trips are for friends, some are for family, but a trip with your furry best friend is a whole new level of fun. When we go on vacation, it can be hard to leave our pets behind because they are such a big part of our families. The good news is that you don’t have to! More and more places in India are welcoming pets, and more hotels, cafes, and other places will treat your pet like a VIP. But it can be hard to travel with your pets for the first time. It takes more planning and thought, but it’s totally worth it to see your pet run free on a beach or hike up a mountain trail. It’s not only possible to plan a great trip, but it’s also easy with the right information. We made a list of the best places in India for pets and their owners to go together. This will help you get started. Before You Leave: Quick Tips for Taking Your Pet with You Before you even leave the house, you need to plan a successful trip with your pet. Here are some important things to remember: Go to the vet: Make sure your pet gets a full check-up and all of their shots are up to date. Some places may ask for a fitness-to-travel certificate from your vet. Plan how you’ll get there: Taking a car is often the easiest way to travel with pets. You need to book a First Class cabin if you’re taking the train. Airlines like Air India let small pets ride in the cabin on flights, but other airlines have their own rules for pet cargo. Put together a bag of pet supplies: Make sure to bring your pet’s food, water bowl, favorite toys, leash, bedding, a first-aid kit, and a lot of poop bags. Call Ahead: Even if the hotel or resort’s website says they are pet-friendly, you should always call them directly to make sure. Find out about any rules, extra fees, or areas that are off-limits. The 10 Best Places in India for Pets “Let’s now look at the amazing places you and your best friend can go!” 1. Kottayam, Kerala: The Secret of the Backwater Alleppey gets a lot of attention, but Kottayam, a quieter, less well-known town nearby, is a paradise in the Kerala backwaters. It’s a great place to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area with your pet. Why Your Pet Will Love It: The one-of-a-kind experience of staying on a houseboat that allows pets. Having a picnic or going for a walk near one of the many lovely waterfalls. The calmness of the fishermen’s homes along the banks. Suggestions: Eco Trails Houseboats, Lake Palace Family Resort, and Green Garden Holiday Homes are all good places to stay with pets. Halais Restaurant is a pet-friendly cafe. 2. Uttarakhand: Bhimtal, The Quiet Lake Town Bhimtal is a peaceful town built around a beautiful lake. It’s quieter and less crowded than its famous neighbor, Nainital. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere makes it a great place for you and your pet to get away. Why Your Pet Will Love It: Take a hike through the beautiful forests that surround the town. The excitement of camping in the woods for a night. Taking a much-needed break from the noise of the city in the great outdoors. Suggestions: Emerald Trail, Aamod at Bhimtal, Mountain Club, and Oak Climbing Resort are all good places to stay with pets. Cafes that welcome pets: iHeart Cafe Himalayas. 3. Lonavala, Maharashtra: The Quick Getaway Pet owners in Mumbai and Pune should go to Lonavala for the weekend. This hill station is known for its beautiful waterfalls (especially during the monsoon), green valleys, and wide-open fields where your pet can run and play. Why Your Pet Will Love It: Hiking trails that are easy and safe for pets and great for getting some exercise. There are a lot of safe areas where you can run around without a leash. A lot of resorts have big lawns and private villas that are great for pets. Suggestions: Camp Della Resort, Lonavala Holiday Homes, Rumours Sky Villa & Resort, and The Bob House are all good places to stay with pets. Cafes that allow pets: Cafe Durga and Elephant & Co. 4. Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Royal Experience Don’t let the noise and activity of the Pink City fool you; Jaipur can be a surprisingly fun place for your pet to visit. There are a lot of heritage homes and resorts just outside the city that have big, open spaces that are great for pets. Why Your Pet Will Love It: Taking a walk on the beautiful lawns of pet-friendly heritage hotels. Going on a one-of-a-kind camping trip in the desert. Taking a jeep safari through the nearby deserts. Suggestions for pet-friendly places to stay: Woods Villa Resort, Sunrise Health Resort, and Haveli Kalwara. Halflight Coffee Roasters and Café Quaint are two pet-friendly cafes. 5. Pondicherry: A Getaway with a French Flavor This peaceful coastal town with its beautiful French buildings is a great place for people who want to relax and get some sun. The atmosphere is relaxed, which makes it a great place to take your pet on vacation. Why Your Pet Will Love It: Walks in the morning and evening that you won’t forget through the French Quarter’s beautiful streets lined with bougainvillea. Taking a scenic drive along the seaside highway with the windows down. A lot of cafes with outdoor seating are happy to let pets in. Recommendations for places that allow pets: Dune Eco Group, Prince Park Farmhouse, and Time Travellers Hostel. The Motorcycle Diaries and Café des Arts are two pet-friendly cafes. 6. Goa: The Best Beach Party Goa is not only India’s most popular party spot, but it’s also one of the best places in India for pets. The laid-back beach vibe is great for pets, too. Many hotels, shacks, and even tourists are happy
Best Singapore City Tours with Unique Local Experiences
There is more to Singapore than Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay; it is a blend of culture, history, cuisine, and little-known narratives. The best way to delve into the city is to walk its streets, explore its neighborhoods, and participate in urban walks and city tours. The Tarzan Way offers curated experiences for first-time visitors that juxtapose well-known attractions with authentic interactions with the locals. Why City Tours Matter City tours are bridges to culture, history, and community. Benefits: Discover hidden gems not in guidebooks Save time with guided routes Interact with locals, taste authentic food, attend festivals Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families who are looking to immerse themselves in Singapore vacation experiences. Types of City Tours 1. Heritage & Cultural Tours Explore Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam. Learn stories behind temples, markets, and family-run shops. Experience traditional food, art, and festivals. Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; carry water. 2. Nature & Urban Green Tours Visit Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Southern Ridges. Enjoy walking, hiking, panoramic views, and seasonal light festivals. Pro Tip: Bring a camera, sunscreen, and enjoy family-friendly spots. 3. Night Tours & Light Experiences Discover the city after dark: Marina Bay light show, Clarke Quay nightlife, Jewel Changi waterfall. Great for couples, photographers, and evening relaxation. 4. Culinary & Street Food Tours Must-visit hawker centers: Maxwell Food Centre, Old Airport Road, Lau Pa Sat. Sample iconic dishes like chicken rice, laksa, satay, and desserts. Pro Tip: Carry small bills, eat what locals eat, and ask about family recipes. 5. Offbeat & Thematic Experiences Hidden gems like Tiong Bahru murals, Pulau Ubin cycling, workshops (batik, Peranakan cooking). Ideal for travelers seeking authentic, local stories and hands-on experiences. Suggested Singapore 5-Day Itinerary Day 1: Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, river cruise Day 2: Chinatown & Little India heritage tours Day 3: Sentosa Island, Universal Studios/S.E.A. Aquarium Day 4: ArtScience Museum, Tiong Bahru cafés, Orchard Road shopping Day 5: Botanic Gardens, local cafés, Jewel Changi waterfall Pro Tip: Start early, plan around MRT routes, carry water and a camera. Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar: Pleasant, ideal for sightseeing Apr–Jun: Hot and humid; indoor attractions recommended Jul–Sep: Festival season, cultural immersion Oct–Dec: Occasional rain; Christmas lights and markets Planning around festivals enhances your Singapore trip guide experience. Where to Stay Bugis: Central, lively, MRT access Chinatown: Budget-friendly, culture-rich Clarke Quay: Nightlife and riverside dining Little India: Colorful heritage vibe Pro Tip: Stay near MRT lines for easy access to attractions. Special Experiences Romantic: Sunset cruises, rooftop dinners, spa retreats Family-Friendly: Sentosa, Night Safari, Singapore Flyer Solo Travel: Pulau Ubin cycling, hawker tours, cultural workshops Travel Tips Transport: MRT, buses; EZ-Link card recommended Apps: Grab, Google Maps for easy navigation Safety: Singapore is extremely safe Currency: SGD; small bills for hawkers Etiquette: Respect temples, avoid littering, follow local rules Shopping & Souvenirs Bugis Street: Fashion, souvenirs, quirky finds Chinatown: Crafts, snacks, home décor Little India: Textiles, spices, handcrafted items Orchard Road: Luxury and mid-range shopping Conclusion Singapore is a city filled with stories, flavors, and hidden treasures. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in the Singapore experience by participating in city tours, strolling through neighborhoods, sampling delicious street food, and attending festivals. You can visit on your own, as a couple, or with family; there is a way for everyone to create memories, immerse in culture, and enjoy local experiences that are only available in Singapore.
