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
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
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
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
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
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
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 experienced trekking company.
7. Go to the World’s Biggest Camel Fair
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is a small desert town that hosts the world’s biggest camel fair every year. A lot of camels, horses, and cows are sold here for a few days. The event has grown into a major tourist draw, complete with folk music, dance shows, and even a “camel beauty contest.”
What makes it special:
- It’s a colorful and lively cultural show that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- You can see old trading customs that are still going strong today.
- For photographers, it’s a dream come true because there are so many chances to capture the colors of Rajasthan.
Pro Tip: Make your hotel reservations months in advance because the small town fills up quickly. You could also take a hot air balloon ride over the fair to get a great view from above.
8. Paddle a kayak in a glowing ocean
Location: Andaman Islands, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
In the right season, the water around Havelock Island glows a magical blue at night when there is no moon. Bioluminescent phytoplankton, which are tiny organisms that glow when they are disturbed, are to blame for this. It is an amazing experience to kayak through this glowing water.
What makes it special:
- It feels like you’re paddling through a starry sea.
- It’s a completely normal and strange thing that happens.
- Kayaking at night is a very peaceful and magical way to connect with nature.
Pro Tip: The best time to do this is on a new moon night when the sky is at its darkest. Look at the lunar calendar and make a reservation with a licensed kayaking company.
9. Float through the only national park in the world that floats
Place: Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur
The world’s only floating national park is on Loktak Lake in Manipur. Phumdis are big, floating islands of plants that make up the park. You can explore this one-of-a-kind ecosystem by taking a canoe ride through the park.
What Makes It Special:
- There is no other place on Earth that has this kind of ecosystem.
- You can only see the endangered Sangai deer, which are also called “dancing deer,” here.
- Staying in a homestay on one of the phumdis is a great way to spend time.
Pro Tip: The best time to see the Sangai deer is early in the morning when you climb one of the small watchtowers in the park.
10. Stay on a farm in Leh to see what life is like in the country
Location: Phyang and Phey villages, Ladakh
If you want a real Ladakhi experience, don’t stay in a hotel in Leh. Instead, stay at a farmstay run entirely by local women. You can help them with their daily farm work, learn how to cook local food, and see how simple and beautiful life is in a remote village.
Why It’s Different:
- It gives you a real, hands-on look at Ladakhi culture.
- You help the local community and women’s empowerment directly.
- It’s a chance to relax and enjoy the quiet of rural life in the clean mountain air.
Pro Tip: Be ready to live simply. The facilities will be simple, but the warmth of the hospitality and the realness of the experience are what make it special.
11. Take a Yak Safari at Tsomgo Lake
Place: Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
How about riding a yak instead of a horse or camel? You can go on a safari on these gentle, furry giants at Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim, which is a beautiful lake at a high altitude. The yaks are brightly painted and are a slow, peaceful way to take in the beautiful mountain views.
What Makes It Unique:
- This area has a fun and unusual activity that you won’t find anywhere else.
- The yaks take you around the lake, where you can see the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
- It’s a great chance to take pictures and a fun experience for people of all ages.
Pro Tip: Tsomgo Lake is very high up, at about 12,400 feet. To avoid getting sick from the high altitude, make sure you spend a day getting used to Gangtok.
12. Go to India’s highest frozen lake that you can drive to
Place: Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Getting to Gurudongmar Lake by car is an adventure in and of itself because the roads are dangerous and high up. This lake is one of the highest in the world, at an amazing 17,800 feet. Most of the lake freezes over in the winter, making a beautiful white landscape.
Why It’s a Unique Experience:
- The lake’s beauty and size in its high-altitude setting are truly amazing.
- Buddhists and Sikhs both think the lake is holy.
- One of the most exciting road trips you can take in India is the one to the lake.
Pro Tip: You can only stay at the lake for a short time (30 to 60 minutes) because it is so high up. Don’t push yourself too hard, and drink a lot of water.
13. Eat Dinner in the Dark
Cities: Hyderabad, Bangalore, and others
You can eat in a restaurant that is completely dark at “Dialogue in the Dark.” Guides who can’t see handle the whole thing. The goal is to enjoy your food using your other senses, like smell, touch, and hearing.
What Makes It Special:
- It’s a strong sensory experience that changes how you think about your food.
- It helps people understand and empathize with people who are blind or have low vision.
- The menu is a secret, which makes your meal more exciting.
Pro Tip: Be open-minded and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. It’s all part of the fun and the experience.
14. Fly a Microlight Plane
Place: Bangalore’s Jakkur Aerodrome
Have you ever thought about flying a plane? You can in Bangalore! With a trained pilot, you can co-pilot a small, two-seater plane while flying a microlight. You can fly high above the city and even take control of the plane for a while.
What makes it special:
- It’s the closest thing to flying like a bird that you can do.
- You can see the city from a great height.
- It’s a great way to get your heart racing and boost your confidence.
Pro Tip: The morning is the best time to fly because the winds are calm. Make sure to book your time ahead of time, especially on weekends.
15. Stay in a fancy tent at Chamba Camp
Place: Thiksey, Ladakh
Stay at the Chamba Camp in Thiksey for a “glamping” (glamorous camping) experience like no other. These super-luxury tents are set up in front of the beautiful Thiksey Monastery, so you can enjoy five-star comfort in the middle of a rough landscape.
Why It’s a one-of-a-kind experience:
- It mixes the fun of camping with the comfort of a high-end hotel.
- You can see the monks pray in the morning at Thiksey Monastery.
- The camp sets up special local activities like village tours and polo matches.
Pro Tip: This camp is only open during certain times of the year, from May to October. It’s a very expensive and exclusive experience, so it’s great for a special event.
FAQs
Q. Are these one-of-a-kind experiences hard or risky?
A. Some activities, like the Chadar Trek or going to Gurudongmar Lake, are hard on the body and require you to be in good shape and get used to the altitude. Some are very safe and good for people of all ages. Always look into and pick experiences that are right for you.
Q. What time of day is best for these things?
A. For each experience, the best time is very different. The Chadar Trek is something you can do in the winter (January to February), and the Pushkar Camel Fair is something you can do in the fall (October to November). Always look up what season the activity you want to do is in.
Q. Do I need to book these activities ahead of time?
A. Yes, definitely. A lot of these are very popular or only have a few slots open. You need to book them weeks or even months in advance, especially if you’re going during peak season.
Q. Are these experiences good for people who are traveling alone?
A. A lot of these activities are great for people who are traveling alone. The Buddha Express train, farmstays, and group treks are all great ways to meet other travelers who share your interests.
Q. What is the most important thing to bring on these trips?
A. An open mind is the most important thing to bring. Get ready to leave your comfort zone, try new things, and accept the unexpected. A good camera is also a must to take pictures of the memories!
It’s up to you!
It’s fun to travel, but if we always do the same things, it can get boring. Be brave and do something different on your next trip. Do something that pushes you, go to a new type of place, or try a new activity. The memories you make will be even more special because of it.
Stay tuned to The Tarzan Way (TTW) for more information about these amazing adventures and to plan your own unique trip.
