India, the most populous democracy in the world, boasting 1.2 billion people and a dizzyingly diverse kaleidoscope of cultures, simply cannot be summed up in one article. Increasing numbers of travellers are seeking out the experience of a lifetime in the former British colony, with a record 8 million foreign tourists visiting the country last year. The diverse array of architecture, history, cuisine, nightlife and nature draw people from across the globe to discover India’s treasures, and although there’s no shortage of wonderful experiences, there are some things that just can’t be missed.
Here’s our guide to some of the unmissable experiences that you can only have in India.
Watch a Bollywood film in Mumbai
Bollywood, formally known as Hindi Cinema, is one of the largest centres of film production in the world, with the epicentre of the industry being in India’s largest city, Mumbai. This glamorous megapolis has a long relationship with the silver screen, resulting in an eclectic range of art-deco and ultra-modern movie houses, showing all the latest Bollywood hits for as little as 80 rupees ($1.23). Kick back with some popcorn or better yet, a crispy samosa, and experience Bollywood in its natural setting.
Take a boat ride down the Ganges
This 1500 mile river is the third largest in the world, and is the lifeline of Northern India, as countless civilisations have sprung up along its muddy banks. It holds a vital place in local spirituality, and a tranquil boat ride will give you an opportunity to witness a dizzying range of rituals which regularly take place along the river, such as floating lamps, baptisms and even funerals. Your best bet is to book a day cruise departing from Kolkata, with prices usually starting at around Rs 1650 (approx. $25).
Get your fortune told by a parrot in Tamil Nadu
Throughout this southern Indian state, it is actually a common sight to see local clairvoyants with a colourful parrot sat on their shoulder, waiting to tell the fortunes of any passing travellers. All you need to do is approach the parrot, and his owner will lay out a set of cards. The parrot with use his beak to select which cards are relevant to your future! Whether it is for entertainment or for actual insight into the future, it seems like tarot readings remain popular not only in India but throughout the world, with services even being available online and over the phone. The parrot reading is an experience that can only be found in Tamil Nadu, though!
Stay in a real-life palace
A real highlight of travelling to India is that you can stay in some of the world’s most beautiful palaces which are scattered across the subcontinent’s most dazzling locations, all for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. For cosmopolitan glamour in the heart of the city, book a cozy suite at the iconic Taj Palace Mumbai. For a surreal floating paradise in the middle of a lake, stay at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. For an art-deco oasis in the middle of bustling New Delhi, check into the stunning Imperial Hotel.
As mentioned, these experiences only offer a fraction of an incredibly rich and varied country, but they are all equally iconic and unique, and a trip to India would not be complete without them. See you at the Ganges!
