When you research on itineraries to follow and places to see in India, the same old stuff pops up over and over again. Quite frankly, it can be annoying, especially if you are someone who loves to take the road less traveled. Does that mean India is just about the cliched monuments and elaborate costumes?
Not really – ask tourists who have been to India a few times and they would all agree that India is a land where you can never run out of things to do. So where are those experiences and how can you get them? In this piece, we help you discover the lesser-known uniquely Indian experiences that make your trip a treasure trove of fond memories.
Let’s dive in!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Jaipur, the city that served as the epicenter of power in times of the Rajputana has hundreds of landmarks that you can visit. But did you know you could also take a hot air balloon ride over the city? It’s a remarkable experience that offers never-before views of the forts, palaces, and the desert landscape of Jaipur. Highly recommended for photography enthusiasts and couples who want to spend quality time together!
“Visiting the Taj and eating out in Old Delhi is great, especially for first-timers, but it’s just the touristy version of the foreigners’ quintessential tour of India! There is so much more in India to quench your thirst for novelty in travel experiences.”
Creative Outlets
Unleash your inner artist with immersive courses in Indian handicrafts, paintings, pottery, and much more! Jaipur is world renowned for its hand-made block painting and ceramic pottery. Some factories offer full and half-day workshops where you cannot just learn the art, but also practice and create your work.
Cooking Lessons
Go beyond the usual chores of tasting Indian cuisines and make your own! With specially curated cooking classes, you can learn the culinary arts from well-experienced locals. Know what goes into preparing some of the most loved food items in the world. From sourcing the ingredients to knowing age-old recipes, this one has it all! Needless to say, it’s a must-do activity for food lovers!
Village Tours
They say if you want to experience the real India, head to its rural regions. While there are significant cultural differences between India and the rest of the world, Indian metros are pretty much the same as any other country’s (with additional chaos of course). However, the villages present a whole other story – they are the true showcase for the raw beauty of Indian traditions.
The Kachhpura village near the Taj Mahal, for instance, is a great place to start. The locals are friendly enough to tell you all about the rich history of the region. Learn a thing or two about Sanjhi, the indigenous artform that features intricate designs made on walls, paper, and cloth.
Wild Encounters
Do not let the abundance of majestic forts and lavish palaces fool you into believing that India is all about history. Wildlife is a crucial aspect of its glory and rightfully so – India has many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with hundreds of animal species. While places such as the Ranthambore national park (home of the royal Bengal tiger) garner much attention, there are lesser-known sanctuaries that are equally worth your time.
One of those places is the Sur Sarovar bird sanctuary – a man-made water reservoir home to thousands of local and migratory birds. It also provides refuge to sloth bears rescued from a life of slavery. Do not forget to check out the nearby elephant rescue center!
Shopping Havens
The entire golden triangle circuit (the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) is full of souvenir shops, handicraft markets, and jewelry bazaars but some stand out from the crowd. Delhi Haat stands out with its sprawling campus that houses shops specializing in handicrafts, cuisine, and clothing from many different Indian states.
If you like to read and collect the book, head to Paharganj and Kamla Nagar markets where the streets are full of used booksellers and traditional bookstores alike.
Fatehpur Sikri
On the way to the Taj Mahal from Delhi lies the town of Fatehpur Sikri translating to the ‘city of victory’. Although the complex is believed to have been built by the Mughal king Akbar in the 16th century, the history of this region dates back hundreds, if not thousands of years!
The elaborate fort complex includes a massive 54-meter high doorway called the ‘Buland Darwaza’ and a shrine commemorating Sheikh Salim Chishti. It is made with red sandstone and adorned with intricate carvings. The complex was granted the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
Bonus
While you are in Delhi, you can also visit the Delhi Dance Academy which offers ‘Namaste India Dance Workshop’ for foreign tourists. If you adore those Bollywood dance moves, this is where you can learn them!
Not sure how to include these in your itinerary? Get in touch with one of our Luxury Golden Triangle travel experts for free assistance in planning the perfect itinerary for your next tour to India!
