Top 10 things to do in India in 2016


India as a tourist destination has plenty to offer for everyone. It is a mix of almost everything with different culture, customs, traditions, variety of architecture and lifestyles. There is a so much to discover and things to in India that if we try to explore the nation we will have a never ending list at our hands. But there are a few places which just can’t be left out. 

Here are the top 10 things to do in India in 2016

Visit Goa:

Sunset in Goa
Sunset in Goa

Goa is the most adventurous, enthralling and exotic tourist destination in India and very different from rest of the Indian states, which it owes to the prevalent Portuguese culture. Goa attracts millions of tourists not only from India but from all over the world.  Goa has the world’s best beaches and one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations.  The blue waters, palm trees, white sand and the beautiful sunshine make its beaches the most picturesque and a natural tourist attractant. The oozing beaches during the night make the nightlife amazing and late night beach parties are the most happening thing in Goa. Goa is known all over the world for its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle but there is more to Goa than the beaches. Goa has beautiful cathedrals, temples, shrines and wildlife. So, move over Hawaii, Mauritius and Pattaya and come to Goa for a holiday of your life. 

Take the Manali to Leh Road Trip:

"Leh Ladakh India"
Leh in Ladakh

Off late, Road trips have been generating a lot of fascination and curiosity. Especially among the youth there has been a lot of interest about the road trips. But the road trip from Manali to Leh is not for the amateurs, it’s for the pros and daredevils. The Manali-Leh route has become the favourite route for all the roadies because of its rough terrain and it offers the most challenging ride, ride through the steepest mountains, and ride on the highest road in the world. This road trip offers excitement and experience which cannot be matched by any other road trip in the universe. 

Enjoy Indian Festivals:

Holi colours sold in the market
Holi colours sold in the market

Festivals are one thing that are in complete abundance in India and most of the festivals are celebrated with much joy and vigor. Each festival is different, vibrant and colorful and is celebrated in a unique way. Also, each festival has a unique story behind it. The most celebrated festivals in India are Holi and Diwali. Holi is the festival of colours, marked with colors flying in the air and water being splashed over everyone. Diwali is the festival of lights and is the most celebrated and awaited festival in the country. The fireworks and colorful lighting and candles are most common scenes on this day.  

Visit the Kerala backwaters:

Kerala backwaters houseboat
Kerala backwaters houseboat. Source: Globetrotter girls

Kerala is popularly known as God’s own country, is one of ten destinations included in ten paradises in the world. The backwaters are a network of lakes and canals, both man-made and natural, from one end of the state to another. Flowing through the lagoons and blue lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea on a boat, gives a feel, altogether of a different world. Read about the Globe Trotter Girls and their experience of Kerala

Visit the Darjeeling tea gardens:

Singhalia Ridge Trail, Darjeeling
Singhalia Ridge Trail, Darjeeling. Source: katstan’s photostream Flikr Creative Commons

Darjeeling is one of the most scenic and popular hill stations in West Bengal. Lying at the foot of Himalayas, Darjeeling has been a hotspot for tourists. The Darjeeling Himalayan railway is one of the UNESCO’s world heritage sites and a ride on the toy train is must for anyone visiting Darjeeling. But the highlights of Darjeeling are its Tea gardens. It is also known as Tea capital of India and well renowned for it all over the world. 

Visit the Taj Mahal:

The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This mausoleum is a symbol of love. This beautiful white marble marvel was made a Mughal King named Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his beloved ailing wife Mumtaz. Taj Mahal attracts tourists from all over the world and is a foremost tourist attraction in the country. 

TAJ MAHAL: Taj Mahal in Pictures: Travel Guide to the Taj Mahal

Banaras boat ride:

Hindu Cremation Banaras
Hindu Cremation Banaras

For anyone visiting the most ancient city in the human civilization a morning boat ride in the holy River Ganges is a must. Banaras attracts a lot of tourists from Europe, who seek solace and divine guidance. Don’t forget to drink the bhang (marijuana) lassi from government owned bhang shops while you are here. 

Take the Bombay to Goa train ride:

Gateway of India Mumbai
Gateway of India Mumbai

Konkan railway is the most extensive and biggest infrastructure project and a construction marvel. Konkan railway connects Mumbai to Mangalore through Goa. The journey is as picture perfect as it can be. The route is around 750 km and is parallel to the Arabian Sea. The captivating greenery, waterfalls, lakes, bridges, tunnels and stunning visuals will leave you spellbound. 

Visit Rajasthan:

Amer Palace is located in Amer, 11 kilometres from Jaipur
Amer Palace, 11 kilometres from Jaipur

Rajasthan is the state of Forts and Palaces. Rajasthan is known for its hospitality and wonderful architecture. The city of Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur attracts domestic as well as foreign travelers. Rajasthan is a beautiful state with a rich heritage and a glorious past. 

Enjoy Mountain Railway trains:

Things to do in India
Ooty the popular hill resort in Tamil Nadu

These mountain trains are small historic trains still running at a few hill stations in India. The trains are slow but a ride on them has a charm of its own. These trains presently run on just four routes, these are Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla route, Ooty Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Matheran Hill Railway.  

India is an exotic, elegant, extravagant nation which offers an unmatched experience to any traveler to this beautiful country. Hope some of these things to do in India will will give you the feel of what India is all about.  

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