Devotees pray at a sacred temple, reflecting India’s deep spiritual tradition. Bharatanirudh / Pexels
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The 14 Best Things to Do in India
India is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known wonders. Here are some best things to do in India. Walking through a valley where flowers bloom only once every 12 years, creating a surreal carpet of colors, or stepping inside a 1,000-year-old temple that remains submerged underwater for most of the year.
Another experience is the mystical desert where sand fly when you walk on it, or visit a village where people speak an ancient whistling language instead of words. India is a land of secrets waiting to be discovered. Here explain more mysterious 14 best things to do in India.
A stunning view of the Milky Way stretching over the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh’s. Vikashkr / pexels
1. Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve of Ladakh
Hanle, Ladakh
Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve of Ladakh (Hanle) is the best things to do in India, giving some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world. Nestled at an altitude of over 4,500 meters, Hanle is home to India’s first officially recognized Dark Sky Reserve, making it a haven for astronomers and astrophotographers. Hanle offers an unparalleled view of the Milky Way, constellations, and deep-space objects due to its minimal light pollution, dry air, and clear skies.
The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), https://www.iiap.res.in/centers/iao/hdsr/?utm one of the world’s highest observatories, is located here, further enhancing its reputation as a premier stargazing destination. The best time to visit India‘s region is between May and September, when clear skies dominate the region and new moon nights offer pitch-black conditions for astrophotography. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply seeking the magic of an unpolluted night sky, Hanle’s Dark Sky Reserve gives a once-in-a-lifetime celestial experience.
This interior carving of City Palace tells us Rajputana royalty and heritage. Johan Mouchet / Unsplash
2. Stay in a 500-Year-Old Haveli Turned Homestay
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home to some of the most exquisite and lesser-known havelis, now transformed into heritage homestays, where travelers can experience the grandeur of its royal past. These centuries-old mansions once housed kings, noble families, and wealthy merchants, featuring intricate carvings, hand-painted frescoes, grand courtyards, and feeling like hidden passageways that still hold untold stories and some past realities.
One such gem is Malji Ka Kamra in Churu, a 20th-century haveli that once served as a lavish guesthouse for the region’s noblemen. Its Italian-style balconies, Shekhawati frescoes, and restored royal suites make it an enchanting stay, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s aristocratic past. Mandir Palace in Jaisalmer, a 250-year-old palace-haveli, was once home to the city’s royal family. The palace, adorned with intricately carved jharokhas (balconies) and stunning views of Jaisalmer Fort, still exudes the regal charm of the desert kingdom.
Neemrana Fort-Palace & City Palace a stunning 15th-century haveli-turned-fortress, is the best thing to do in India. It features hanging gardens, underground escape routes, and panoramic views of the Aravalli Hills, offering a glimpse into Rajputana royalty and heritage.
Home of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and spotted deer (chital), and rich biodiversity. Mamun Srizon / Unsplash
3. Kayak Through the Floating Forests of Sundarbans
The best things to do in India are in Sundarbans, by kayak, experiencing the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest. As you paddle through the narrow creeks and winding waterways, you find yourself surrounded by towering mangrove trees with roots rising from the water, creating an otherworldly floating forest.
Kayaking allows you to venture deep into hidden channels where boats cannot go, offering a closer look at the diverse ecosystem, from exotic birds to the occasional glimpse of a crocodile sunbathing on the banks.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger drinking from the river’s edge. Kayaking through the floating forests of the Sundarbans, tigers can swim. The Royal Bengal Tiger in this region has adapted to the mangrove ecosystem, often seen wading through the water or even swimming across rivers in search of prey.
One of the best views of the centuries-old temples, boulder-strewn hills, and lush paddy fields below. Alka Jha / Unsplash
4. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Hampi’s Ruins
Floating high above the ancient ruins of Hampi in a hot air balloon is nothing short of magical. As the sun rises, the golden light bathes the rocky landscape, revealing a breathtaking view of the centuries-old temples, boulder-strewn hills, and lush paddy fields below. From this serene vantage point, you’ll see the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire in a way that no walking tour can match. Drifting gently in the air, you can spot the famous Virupaksha Temple, the Tungabhadra River winding through the terrain, and the surreal, moon-like landscapes that make Hampi so unique.
The experience is both peaceful and exhilarating, giving a bird’s-eye view of one of India’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you’re an adventurer or a history lover, a hot air balloon ride over Hampi is the best thing to do in India.
5. Explore an Underground River in Meghalaya
Venturing into the underground rivers of Meghalaya is like stepping into a secret realm carved by nature over millions of years. Hidden beneath the lush green hills, these mystical rivers flow through vast limestone caves, creating an otherworldly landscape of stalactites, stalagmites, and echoing chambers. As you glide through the crystal-clear waters in a kayak or raft, the only sounds you hear are the gentle ripples and the occasional drip of water from the cave ceiling. Some passages are illuminated by beams of sunlight piercing through natural openings, casting a magical glow on the cave walls.
Siju Cave, one of the longest caves in India, houses an underground river that weaves through its ancient rock formations, while the lesser-known Liat Prah Cave boasts the largest cave passage in the country. The experience is both thrilling and surreal, offering a glimpse into Meghalaya’s hidden world where time seems to stand still.
6. Witness Fireflies Light Up an Entire Forest
Maharashtra
Every year, as the pre-monsoon season arrives, certain forests in Maharashtra transform into an enchanting wonderland as thousands of fireflies light up the trees in synchronized flashes. This mesmerizing natural phenomenon can be witnessed in forests around Rajmachi, Bhandardara, Purushwadi, and Bhimashankar, where these tiny bioluminescent insects create a breathtaking display that looks like a starry sky brought down to Earth. As night falls, entire trees flicker with the rhythmic glow of countless fireflies, pulsing in perfect harmony, turning the dense forest into a glowing, dreamlike world.
The Rajmachi Fireflies Festival and similar events in Bhandardara and Purushwadi offer the perfect opportunity to experience this magical sight before the monsoon rains arrive. Walking through the illuminated forest, surrounded by the soft hum of nature and the glow of thousands of fireflies, is an otherworldly experience—a rare and fleeting moment that feels straight out of a fantasy.
7. Participate in the Festival of Beating Drums in Nagaland
Kohima: The 10-day Hornbill Festival of Nagaland
In the heart of Nagaland, where traditions run deep and the tribal spirit thrives, the Festival of Beating Drums is a spectacular celebration of music, unity, and ancestral heritage. This electrifying event brings together various Naga tribes, each showcasing their unique drumming styles that have been passed down for generations.
As the festival begins, the rhythmic beats of massive log drums, carved from ancient trees, echo through the hills, creating a powerful and almost hypnotic sound that resonates deep within the soul. The synchronized drumming is often accompanied by war cries, folk chants, and traditional dances, representing the warrior legacy and folklore of Nagaland.
The energy is infectious as the entire community gathers around, dressed in vibrant tribal attire adorned with feathers, beads, and handcrafted ornaments, moving to the pulsating beats. For visitors, it’s more than just a musical event—it’s an immersive cultural experience, offering a rare chance to witness the sacred traditions, storytelling, and spirit of the Naga people.
8. Find a Secret Beach That Glows in the Dark
Bioluminescent beaches of Lakshadweep
The bioluminescent beaches of Lakshadweep offer this rare and magical phenomenon, where the shoreline shimmers with a mystical blue glow under the night sky. This breathtaking sight is caused by microscopic marine organisms called phytoplankton, which emit a soft blue light when disturbed by the waves or movement in the water.
You can see this magical bioluminescence at Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, where the clear waters and untouched beaches create the perfect setting for this breathtaking sight.
Recent studies have unveiled the presence of zoanthid pools along Mumbai‘s coastline, particularly near areas like Haji Ali and Worli. Zoanthids are small marine creatures related to corals and sea anemones. They form colorful colonies on rocks near the shore. Under ultraviolet light, they glow beautifully, creating a stunning natural light show along the coastline.
9. Visit a Hidden Island Where Dolphins Dance at Sunrise
Island in Assam
Tucked away in the mighty Brahmaputra River, Assam is home to a hidden island where you can witness the graceful dance of freshwater dolphins at sunrise. As the first light of dawn paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, the calm waters of the river come alive with the playful leaps of the endangered Gangetic River Dolphins. These intelligent and elusive creatures, locally known as “Sihu,” surface gracefully, creating ripples in the golden waters.
Another spot is the Kulsi River Island, a lesser-known haven where dolphins thrive in the pristine, undisturbed waters. Unlike oceanic dolphins, these rare freshwater dolphins rely on echolocation to navigate the murky river, making their sudden appearances even more special. A boat ride at dawn, gliding through the misty river, offers the best chance to see them in their natural habitat.
10. Live with the Last Head-Hunters of India
Konyak Tribe of Nagaland
Deep in the remote hills of Nagaland, the Konyak tribe carries a fading legacy of warrior traditions, face tattoos, and tribal pride. They were feared headhunters, known for their hornbill-feathered headgear and tattooed faces. The headhunting was a rite of passage where warriors took enemy heads as trophies to prove their strength and bravery.
Longwa, one of the most famous Konyak villages, offers a rare opportunity to live among the last surviving headhunters, hear their war stories, and witness their unique way of life. Visitors can experience traditional Konyak crafts, blacksmithing, opium-smoking rituals, and tribal festivals like Aoling, which celebrates the arrival of spring. As the last of the tattooed warriors age, their stories become even more precious, making a visit to the Konyak heartland a journey into one of India’s most fascinating and vanishing tribal cultures.
11. Attend a Wedding of the Gods in Madhya Pradesh
One of the best things to do in India is experience in Madhya Pradesh is witnessing the annual celestial wedding known as the “Vishnu-Karthikeya Vivah,“ or the Wedding of the Gods. Held in Ujjain and other temple towns, this grand festival reenacts the sacred marriage of Lord Karthikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, to his divine consorts. The event is celebrated with devotion, rituals, and vibrant festivities, making it a truly special experience.
The wedding ceremony follows elaborate Vedic rituals, just like a traditional Hindu wedding, complete with processions, priestly chants, and joyous celebrations. Devotees play the role of family members, carrying out rituals as if attending a real wedding. The temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees bring wedding gifts, sing bhajans, and participate in the divine feast (prasad distribution).
The atmosphere is filled with music, dance, and religious fervor, making it the best experience for visitors.
12. Explore a Lost Floating Palace in Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is home to some of the most breathtaking palaces in India, but hidden among its waters lies a lesser-known gem—a lost floating palace. This mysterious structure, partially submerged in the lake, was once a lavish retreat for royalty. Though time has weathered its walls, the palace still stands as a testament to Udaipur’s regal past, giving visitors a glimpse into an era of opulence.
To reach this hidden gem, you’ll need to take a boat ride across the waters, where you can see birds nesting in its ruins and the golden hues of the setting sun reflecting off its ancient stones. Unlike the famous Lake Palace, this forgotten relic remains untouched by modern luxury, offering a dreamy, offbeat adventure for history lovers and explorers. Exploring this lost floating palace is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and deserves a place among the best things to do in India.
13. Walk Through a 2,000-Year-Old Underground City in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to some of India’s most fascinating underground cities and cave complexes, dating back over 2,000 years. The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, house an entire city-like structure carved into the rock, with elaborate temples, monasteries, and halls hidden beneath the earth. The Ajanta Caves, another architectural wonder, feature intricate Buddhist murals and prayer halls that once served as a sanctuary for monks.
The Karla and Bhaja Caves near Lonavala contain vast underground chambers that once hosted ancient traders and travelers. These underground marvels remain shrouded in mystery, drawing history enthusiasts and explorers eager to uncover their secrets. Whether it’s the grandeur of Ellora, the artistic brilliance of Ajanta, or the secluded charm of Karla and Bhaja, Maharashtra’s ancient exploration is the best thing to do in India.
14. Visit the Ghost Town That Was Abandoned Overnight
Kuldhara Village, Rajasthan
Deep in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, the Kuldhara Village stands as a haunting reminder of an unsolved mystery. Once a prosperous settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins, this village was suddenly abandoned overnight in the early 19th century, and to this day, no one knows exactly why. According to local legends, the villagers cursed Kuldhara before leaving, ensuring that no one could ever settle there again. Many believe they fled to escape the oppression of a ruthless ruler, while others claim supernatural forces drove them away.
Walking through the deserted lanes and crumbling sandstone houses, you can feel an eerie silence that hangs over the village. The temple, stepwells, and ruins still stand, whispering stories of a once-thriving community. Some visitors and locals report feeling an unsettling presence, hearing whispers in the wind, or experiencing a sudden drop in temperature. Whether you visit for the thrill of the unknown or the historical intrigue, Kuldhara remains one of India’s most mysterious ghost towns, drawing curious travelers eager to uncover its secrets.
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