10 Must-Do and See Things in India | Beyond the Expected!

We believe that India should be on the bucket list of every traveler! With diverse cultures and exotic landscapes, India is a country where you expect the unexpected. There are plenty of the subcontinent's most enchanting destinations, from the palm-fringed beaches of Goa to the alpine meadows of Kashmir. So, pack your bags, book your flights to India, and explore India like never before.

In this blog, we have covered 10 things that you must do and visit in India:

Gali Paranthe Wali (New Delhi)

There's a legendary food street right in the center of Old Delhi, tucked away in the bustling Chandni Chowk market. This lane is known for something other than variety, but for mastering one thing: incredible Delhi-style parathas. These are flatbreads made with wheat dough, fried to a golden crisp on both sides and come stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings.

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Akshardham (New Delhi)

This giant temple complex by the Yamuna River is hands down, one of the most amazing sights in India. Thousands of Indian artisans put their skills into carving this place, and it shows! The first glimpse will knock your socks off with its one-of-a-kind look and architecture that seems straight out of another world. And that's just the outside!

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Raj Mandir Cinema (Jaipur)

This classic cinema is a Bollywood fan's dream in India!  Opened back in 1976, this iconic Art Deco building is my favorite spot to catch a Bollywood movie.  The whole place oozes with old-school charm, from the pastel-colored interiors to the sharp staff in suits.  The theater itself is spacious and comfy, and the buzz of hundreds of excited moviegoers makes you feel like you're at a major premiere.

Amber Palace (Jaipur)

Check out Amber Fort, also spelled Amer! This massive palace-fortress was built way back in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and used to be the capital of Jaipur. It's perched high on a hill, and you can either hike up the steep path from town or take a ride on an elephant (pretty cool, right?).

Your grand entrance will be through the Sun Gate (Suraj Pol), leading you into the first courtyard, Jaleb Chowk. Here you'll find a bunch of ornately decorated elephants and the Shila Devi Temple, honoring the goddess of war.

Gateway of India (Mumbai)

Mumbai's Gateway of India is a real showstopper! This 85-foot tall archway sits right on the waterfront, looking out over the Arabian Sea. When it opened in 1924, it was the tallest building in the whole city. Built to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary's visit back in 1911, it's a grand reminder of history.

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Taj Mahal (Agra)

Your trip to India is incomplete without visiting the Taj Mahal in India as it is the most recognizable landmark, and for good reason. It's a stunning monument to the power of love. Built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (after whom the monument is named), it took a whopping 20,000 artisans and 17 years to complete, starting in 1631.

Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

In the know about epic adventures? The "loop" through Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti Valleys (Shimla to Manali) is a must-do for Himalayan explorers. This road trip winds through charming villages like Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Ki, and Kibber, and even takes you to an ancient Tibetan temple. Buckle up for breathtaking scenery and a true taste of the Himalayas!

The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Carved out of rock between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks, the Ellora Caves are a must-see for history buffs visiting Mumbai. At about 180 miles (300 kilometers) west of the city, these caves are a great side trip.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incredible collection of 34 caves features monasteries, chapels, and temples.  Twelve are Buddhist, 17 are Hindu, and five are Jain, all built right next to each other. This side-by-side construction shows how tolerant different religions were during this period in Indian history.

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Periyar National Park, founded in 1934, is a southern Indian hotspot for nature lovers. The park centers around a beautiful lake (built by the British in 1895) that waters the city of Madurai.

This park is teeming with wildlife! Spot free-roaming Indian elephants, wild boars, rare lion-tailed macaques, otters, and even over 20 Bengal tigers. Birdwatchers flock here to see colorful darters, kingfishers, hornbills, and storks. Plus, keep an eye out for the park's many fascinating butterfly species.

Explore the park's stunning mountain scenery in two ways: take a relaxing boat cruise on the lake or join a guided jungle trek. You could come face-to-face with a herd of elephants or other amazing animals!

Goa Beaches

Goa hits the sweet spot on the west coast of India, blending Indian vibes with Portuguese colonial charm and a sprinkle of international tourists. It's famous for its stunning beaches, and here are a few to check out:

• Candolim Beach: This is the busiest and most popular beach in Goa, where sun-seekers from all over the world come to soak up the rays.

• Anjuna Beach: Craving something less crowded? Anjuna Beach is your jam. Plus, it's right by Chapora Fort, so you can hike up for epic views of the coastline.

• Palolem Beach: Looking for drop-dead gorgeous? Look no further than Palolem Beach. This horseshoe-shaped bay is flanked by dramatic cliffs, making it one for the travel brochures.

Summary:

There you have it, 10 must-do and see things when flying to India in 2024. Pack your bags and embark on this beautiful journey to India.