Extremely spiritual, highly majestic, and overwhelmingly frenetic, India is an exhaustive land that has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Traveling to such a country is nothing less than a joyride, the best things to in India are waiting on each corner. From the colossal Himalayas up north to the tropical backwaters of Kerala in the south, India is one such country with splendid scenery, exquisite architecture, authentic cuisine, and myriad opportunities that attract a huge number of domestic and international tourists throughout the year.

Though it could easily take multiple trips to explore all that India has to offer, these 10 incredible experiences can at least help you scratch the surface. Check here is the list of 9 top things to do in India to make your journey an epic experience:

• Explore the Architectural Wonders

Being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India has seen the rise and fall of many kings, dynasties, and empires that have left great legacies behind. Hence, India is filled with many historical monuments that illustrate the country’s glorious past. Recognized one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and elected as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love, is a living testament to grandeur, romance, and historical significance. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is the most culturally significant monument of India that can be visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Red Fort, Goa Churches, the majestic forts of Rajasthan, the Great Living Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu, the royal palaces of Mysore and the French quarter of Pondicherry are some architectural treasures that India boasts of.

• Trek in the Himalayas

Trekking in the Himalayas is one of the most fascinating things that the adventure buffs have done in the Indian Subcontinent. From easy day hikes through the valleys to demanding multiday treks featuring high passes, rugged trails, and scenic views, trekking in the Indian Himalayas is a treat for mind, body, and soul. Starting from the tallest mountain in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is surely on everyone’s list so they can see the massive mountain with their own eyes and marvel at its humbleness. Dayara Bugyal, Mukta Top, Kedarkantha, are some of the great treks for beginners while the Phulara Ridge Trek, Deoban Trek, Deoriatal – Chandrashila trek, Sandakphu Trek and the Beas Kund trek are suitable for Intermediate trekkers. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a popular place for a seasonal trek in the Himalayas.

• Enjoy the Endless Beaches

With around 7517 km of coastline both on the eastern and western coast, India embraces as many as 215 incredibly scenic beaches that offer everything from beauty to solace to action and invites people from different parts of the country to get involved in a wide range of beach activities. When dreaming up a tropical getaway in India, Goa, one of the top places to visit in India, is the first place that likely comes to mind. With more than 60 miles of coastline, Goa is home to some of the world’s loveliest beaches, each with its particular appeal. For those looking for peace, isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice, while Calangute Beach and Baga Beach are known for beach parties. Don’t miss experiencing the best water sports activities at the popular beaches of Goa. Besides Goa, there are also several scenic beaches in India such as Varkala Beach in Kerala, Radhanagar Beach in Andaman, Marina Beach in Chennai, etc.

• Go on a Tiger Safari

Home to a wide array of wildlife, India is one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild, particularly for those who want to witness a tiger in its natural habitat. India is home to a significant number of big cats in various wildlife national parks and sanctuaries. Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Kanha, Pench, Satpura, Periyar, Nagarhole, and Corbett National Park are the best places for tiger spotting. Besides, India is home to four other big cats – Asiatic lions, snow leopards, clouded leopards, and Indian leopards. One will find Leopards as far south as Kerala and as north as Rajasthan. Snow leopards can be found near Ladakh, high in the Indian Himalayas while the Clouded leopards live in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim is one of the best places to see them. Seek out the world’s only surviving Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park, Gujarat while holidaying in India.

• Take a Camel Safari in the Deserts

One of the most unforgettable and enchanting experiences you can have in India things to do is to take a camel safari through the rippling deserts of Rajasthan and camp out under the stars. Known for its golden-hued fort and stunning desert landscapes, Jaisalmer is one of the best places to go on a camel safari in Rajasthan. Watching the beautiful sunset over the sand dunes and spending the nights in tents beneath the canopy of stars is an ultimate experience that one can have in their lifetime. The camel safari will also allow you to witness the rustic, rural desert life of India. Other than Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur in Rajasthan are the best places to take a camel safari. One can also ride double-humped Bactrian camels in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley, and go on yak safaris in Spiti.

• Travel on a Houseboat

A trip on a traditional houseboat in Kerala is one of the fun things to do in India for every traveler. Off the Malabar Coast of India, the South Indian state of Kerala is blessed with around 900 km of backwaters that have long served as aquatic thoroughfares for transporting goods and people from town to town. One of the most popular ways to explore this God’s Own Country is by cruising these waterways on a slow-moving houseboat, either on a day tour or on a multi-night cruise. Alappuzha is especially popular for its houseboat cruises and annual snake boat races or Vallamkali. Besides, Kollam, Kohi and Kumarakom are the other places to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

• Be a Part of a Vibrant Indian Festivals

India, the land of varied cultures and religions, is endowed with a large number of festivals celebrated all over the country. Every religion has its own set of festivals that exhibits the real spirit that the entire nation shares. Many of the festivals celebrated to commemorate the gods and goddesses, saints and prophets as well as the welcoming of new seasons. Every year number of tourists flock to India to take part in the festivals as there is no better way to immerse yourself in the country’s colorful traditions. Holi is one of the liveliest festivals in all of India and is centered around the burning and destruction of the demoness Holika but the fun and most photo-worthy part is seeing people throwing brightly colored powder at each other. Diwali, Onam in Kerala, Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, Puri Rath Yatra, Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Pongal in Tamilnadu are some of the most popular festivals celebrated every year with great pomp and fervor.

• Taste the Indian Food

Renowned for its tantalizing flavors, spiciness and enormous variety, Indian cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse cuisines, characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of the many spices, vegetables, grains and fruits grown across India. It has been influenced by the arrival of the Europeans, the Mughal empire, as well as the Central Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Rice is the foundation stone of Indian cooking, but you will also find many kinds of bread, from light, flat chapatis to fat, roasted naan. Indian meals are served as thalis, with rice, sabzi (vegetables), soups, and side orders, all served on a single plate. Some of the popular food in India include Dosa, Idli, Dhokla, Naan, Biryani, Dal, Paneer, Tandoori Chicken, Jalebi, Pakora and so on. Besides, Chaats (savory snacks) are also the mainstay of Indian street food that one should not miss during your trip to India.

• Go on a Shopping Spree

Our list of the best things to do in India is incomplete without shopping. Though there are plenty of malls and branded stores all over India, the best shopping experience is to be had in street shops under the sky. Each region in the country tends to specialize in a particular industry that’s been handed down over generations. Regardless of the budget, one will find something invaluable to take back home. Among the top souvenirs, that will blow your mind are Tanjore Paintings, colorful hand-made goods ranging from textiles embroidered with colorful mirror work to block-printed designs from Rajasthan, silver jewelry from Odisha, delicate filigree work from Cuttack, vibrant silk sarees from Mysore, Benaras and Kanchipuram, and pearls from Hyderabad.

What’s next waiting for you?

The list of top things to do in India is endless and you need to allocate a significant amount of time to get the best out of your itinerary. Now you know what to do in India, you can plan your journey with total zeal. If you are looking for information on the most famous cities in India then check out our India travel guides to get all the information.