It is time to get on to some new travel experiences now. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth experiencing at a certain point in time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The coming long weekends can be well utilized. Come, check it-
Thousands of drones light up the Prayagraj sky, putting up a spectacular show during Mahakumbh 2025
In 2025, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh hosted the Mahakumbh at the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. More than 65 crore devotees attended the grand event, which was witnessed after 144 years. After 45 days, six shahi snans and visitors from all over the globe, the Mahakumbh culminated on 26th February. The Kumbh is believed to cleanse a human from all sins and is a path to salvation. The world’s largest spiritual gathering is worth an experience [1].
The next Kumbh Melas are scheduled to be held in Haridwar and Nashik (2027), followed by Ujjain (2028) [2][3]. If you couldn’t make it to Prayagraj, make sure you visit the upcoming ones, at least once.
A spectacular experience at the White Rann in Gujarat (Image source: ANI news)
The Rann Utsav is conducted every year during the winters, from December to March. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White Desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at the spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should plan a holiday by the year-end and be a part of the Kutch extravaganza! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit [4] [5].
Not only Kutch, but one can also visit nearby destinations when in Gujarat: Bhuj, Dholavira, Lakhpat, Mandvi, and Narayan Sarovar. Plan your travel itinerary and stay accordingly [4] [5].
Celebrate Braj ki Holi as one with the locals of Mathura, Pushkar, and Udaipur for the colorful experience of a lifetime
India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always at a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most well-known places in the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Braj ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi in Mathura, Holi in Shantiniketan (West Bengal), the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar [6].
Holi might be a festival for just a day everywhere else, but at some places of Mathura-Vrindavan, such as the Baake Bihari temple, Holi begins from Basant Panchami only. A month of celebration continues, while the others have it one week before that includes Lath Maar Holi, Laddoo Holi, Hurunga Utsav, etc. Plus, if it is a long weekend, you just cannot miss it at any cost [7].
The spectacular view of the Taj at sunrise (Image source: PTI)
It’s a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. It is open 30 minutes before sunrise. Come, catch the rays! [8]
Witness a mesmerizing view of the Taj Mahal in moonlight (Image source: Freepik)
And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then you also have a chance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month, which includes the full moon night, two nights before, and two nights after the full moon. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes [8].
A 2024 visual of the Royal Bengal tiger at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi (Image source: PTI)
The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number of its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans, situated in the coastal districts of West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in a semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the World’s largest Mangroves [9].
Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench, and the Jim Corbett [10].
Experience serenity at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Image source: Freepik)
One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden Temple! Visit the Golden Temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh Takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life [11].
While in the Golden Temple, one can visit: Central Sikh Museum, Ramgarhia Bunga, Akal Takht, among others [11].
Nearly one lakh people eat food served at the Langar organized every day in the Golden Temple (Image source: Golden Temple Amritsar)
Every day, the Guru ka Langar (community kitchen) is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden Temple. A tradition started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and established by the third Guru, Shri Amar Das Ji at Goindwal. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end, sit in line to experience the most satisfying meal of the day. Serving at the Golden Temple is the ultimate human experience of service to mankind that one can ever have [11].
Every day ritual of the Ganga Aarti on the banks of the holy river (Image source: Unsplash)
On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning at sunrise (Mangala Aarti) and evening (Shringar Aarti) by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. The rhythmic chants, ringing bells, and the in-sync movement of oil lamps are a splendid sight [13].
The mesmerizing spectacle of Ganga Aarti can also be witnessed at other ghats alongside the banks of Ganga in Varanasi, Prayagraj, among others [12]. The Uttar Pradesh State Government is vying to ensure that the Ganga Aarti at Dashashvamedh Ghat in Varanasi is recognized as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage [14]. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime.
The surreal experience of night kayaking, immersing in the luminescent light in the calm flowing water (Image source: Unsplash)
The bioluminescent effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go Kayaking is during the no-moon or full-moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of the Andaman Sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island, and Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night [15]!
A view of the Kavvayi Beach House in Kerala (Image source: Kerala Tourism)
Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that ‘home feeling’ while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India.
The best traditional homestays of India were once palaces, dating back a hundred years, and more. Ones you can experience include- Daspan House (Jodhpur), Amolee (Alibaug), Figueiredo House (Goa), Peepal Haveli (Punjab), Calamondinn Bungalow (Coorg), and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors [16].
Unleash wellness and rejuvenate yourself with the best of Ayurveda (Image source: Freepik)
The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga, and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience? The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga, and the best from Ayurveda. So, it will be a peaceful, healthy, and healing trip [17].
The best in India are-
Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort, and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala [17].
The famous pani puri is spicy, tangy, and a wholesome street food! (Image Source: Pixabay)
Well, who doesn’t love Indian street food! Say the name of the dish, and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? It’s so deliciously amazing…you should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture, and cuisine of India through its street food.
Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad), and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover [18].
The enchanting beauty of the wild in the Himalayas, Snow leopard (Image source: Freepik)
In the high-altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called “mountain ghosts” by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region [19]. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim to catch sight of the elusive cat species [20].
A closer view of the space featuring all of the stars, planets, and other objects at a Planetarium (Image source: Freepik)
Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky, and space. You will know space exploration, astronomy, and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know India’s advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia, for an educational and entertaining treat. Delve into a one-of-a-kind experience that you will have at:
The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal, which is the largest in Asia and the 2nd largest in the world), Hyderabad, and Chennai are the topmost. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), the Goa Science Center & Planetarium, the Guwahati Planetarium, and the Digital Planetarium (Siliguri and Jalandhar) [21].
Inside ‘Cinema ka mandir’ - The iconic Raj Mandir CinemaAll things glamorous and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic over time. It is often called “Cinema ka Mandir” and the “Pride of Asia”. The foundation of this meringue-shaped auditorium was laid in 1966, and was inaugurated in 1976. Movie premieres are a different experience at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the Art moderne style, it has Art Deco chandeliers and velvet drapes, adding to the charm of the interiors here. The seating has been divided into four sections: Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond. Not to forget the jasmine-scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir [22]!
How about a ride in a Kettuvallam in Kerala amidst the serene waters, surrounded by lush greens around!
To those who don’t know, the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir, and wood, reflecting Kerala’s authentic craftsmanship. It is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes, and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride [23]. You can also watch out for the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala.
Thus, with this, you can experience the best of India, which you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). The Sundarbans. UNESCO. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798
Varanasi Development Authority. (n.d.). Ganga Aarti. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://vdavns.com/tourist/ganga-aarti
Andaman Tourism. (2024, Oct 4). Kayaking in Andaman. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.andamantourism.org/kayaking-in-andaman
Shankar, S. (2023, August 17). Top 15 Ayurveda and wellness retreats in India. Savaari Car Rentals. https://www.savaari.com/blog/top-ayurveda-and-wellness-retreats-in-india/
Poorna & Brinda. (2023, August 14). Indian street food – 12 food streets you shouldn’t miss! Travel Twosome. https://traveltwosome.com/indian-street-food-12-food-streets/
Down To Earth. (2024, January 30). India has 718 snow leopards; most of them live in unprotected areas: Centre. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/india/india-has-718-snow-leopards-most-of-them-live-in-unprotected-areas-centre-9417
WWF India. (n.d.). About snow leopard. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/snow_leopard/about_snow_leopard/
India Science, Technology & Innovation Portal. (n.d.). Science Centres & Planetaria. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/science-centres?combine=planetarium&field_states_tid=All
Raj Mandir Cinema. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://rajmandircinema.com/
Kerala Tourism. (n.d.). What is a houseboat? Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.keralatourism.org/kumarakom/houseboats-kerala-kettuvallom.php
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