Thanks to the diverse topography and rich differences in the cities, countryside and coastal areas of India, tourists, visitors and adventurers can enjoy a wide range of amazing experiences. In fact, there are so many different options for enjoying the delights that India has to offer that one could spend a lifetime trying to sample them all and still find something new around the corner.
Here are five of the most popular ways to spend time in India to whet your appetite and inspire your holiday planning for 2024.
City breaks
India’s cities are vibrant, exciting and full of culture and fascinating history. India’s capital, New Delhi is home to around 18.6 million people, as well as all three branches of the Indian government. Agra boasts the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Kolkata is a leading financial and cultural centre with many famous landmarks.
Other excellent options for city breaks include the architectural paradise of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City due to the colour of some of its oldest buildings. The city of Amritsar is also a popular choice among people keen to visit the spectacular and serene Golden Temple – Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Then, there is the lively coastal municipality of Goa, offering beaches, culture and night life.
Sports and adventure
India has huge scope for adventure holidays and sports holidays. For example, you can enjoy water sports in Goa, among other places, including rafting, scuba diving, kayaking etc. India also looks stunning from above, making it ideal for sky diving, paragliding and hot air ballooning in scenic locations like Pushkar and Mysore. India’s proximity to the Himalayas also adds the exciting possibility of mountain climbing and trekking.
Or, if you prefer to watch sport, rather than take part, India has a very active cricket scene, with several international Test series matches planned around the country for 2024, played inside impressive stadiums at Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala.
Walking and exploring
The lush countryside of India and Nepal makes the region an excellent choice for trekking and walking in unforgettably beautiful surroundings. Get close to nature and feel yourself relax as you walk through some of the world’s most unspoilt countryside. Options include trekking along an iconic Everest trail and exploring the famous Annapurna foothills.
For a walking experience that truly gets you off the beaten track, you can book wild camping tours that take in such stunning locations as Kerala and its surrounding lowland forests, Munnar and the Cardamom Hills. This allows you the opportunity to get to know an India that is not overrun by tourists for a truly authentic, refreshing trekking holiday.
Safari and wildlife
India is home to around 60-70% of the world’s biodiversity and animals, such as Bengal tigers, rhinos and Asian elephants. Safaris in India are truly wonderful and will remain in the memory for a long time. India is also home to several National Parks and wildlife reserves, including Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, the Brahmaputra Basin and Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve.
It is strongly advised to book a professionally organised safari tour in order to help you see and learn more about the wildlife and animals of India, and to stay safe on your travels. This can also help you discover places that you had not thought about before, or that are not widely advertised.
Wellness retreats and beaches
Many people are drawn to the spiritual side of India. Yoga, meditation and ayurveda (a form of Indian healing) are all popular options for wellness retreats and trips that focuses on physical, spiritual and emotional health. Having the chance to escape daily life for a bit and focus on yourself and your inner health can be just what is needed for people living busy lives.
Another way to refresh the soul and relax the body is to enjoy a tranquil beach holiday, taking in the beauty and peace of India’s white sands and crystal clear waters. While the beaches of Goa tend to offer a slightly more energetic experience, peace-seekers can head for Kerala with its tranquil sands surrounded by lush greenery. Or visit the isolated beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to truly get away from it all and discover inner peace.