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
