From colorful performances, interesting rituals, beguiling festivals to rickshaw rides, this vibrant country has so much to offer. Also, from history to places to visit, and from food to accommodation, must have experiences in India are exceedingly numerous. To put it differently, there are so many things to do in India that’ll mesmerize you.

There are certain unique experiences that you can only have in India. Read on to find out what each one is!

The Most Unique Travel Experiences In India Include:

1. Going Glamping
2. Traveling Aboard Indian Luxury Trains
3. Witnessing The Kumbh Mela
4. Exploring The Forts Of Rajasthan
5. Sailing Across The Kerala Backwaters
6. Attending Wonderful Festivals
7. Trekking In The Himalayas
8. Witnessing Ganga Aarti At Varanasi
9. Gorging On Scrumptious Food
10. Admiring The Beauty Of The Taj Mahal
11. Planning A Bike Trip In Ladakh
12. Staying At A Heritage Hotel
13. Being A Part Of An Indian Wedding
14. Attending Cultural Performances
15. Taking A Rickshaw Ride In Chandni Chowk

1. Going Glamping

Ditch camping and enjoy Glamping in India. Realize your dream of adventure with a twist of lavishness and luxury. This unique activity is slowly becoming one of the latest travel trends. Luxurious tents nestled everywhere, be it in the deserts, along beaches or in the mountains, all offer a memorable stay.

Location: Goa, Ladakh, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, etc.

2. Traveling Aboard Indian Luxury Trains

From local trains, toy trains to the bullet train, India is the only country which offers a plethora of options for traveling. Standing out amongst the rest are the luxury trains in India that will beguile with a memorable ride. Recreating the magic of the royal era, these trains offer a unique experience in India by pampering you like a king.

Location: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, South India, etc.

3. Witnessing The Kumbh Mela

Happening after an interval of 12 years at one of the four locations, Kumbh Mela draws millions of visitors. The mass Hindu pilgrimage is one of the most unique festivals in India. Listed in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the event plays an important part in the soteriology of Hinduism.

Witnessing this ancient festival is bound to be one of the more unique travel experiences in India that a visitor could have.

Location: Haridwar, Ujjain, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nashik, etc.

4. Exploring The Forts Of Rajasthan

Standing gloriously as a testimony to royal chivalry, the magnificent forts in Rajasthan mesmerize onlookers. Unveil the mysteries, immerse yourself in these cultural treasures and enjoy a time travel back into history. Beautifully lit with lights in the evening, these architectural marvels present a unique spectacle.

Besides the forts, the palaces in Rajasthan are also counted as the best places to visit in India.

Location: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, etc.

5. Sailing Across The Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala backwaters are the pride of “God’s own country”. Showcasing a perfect confluence of rivers, lakes, sea and other water bodies, the Kerala backwaters are blissful beyond description. Nowhere else other than in India can you delight in an experience of cruising along these scenic wonders.

Staying on the houseboats while slowly gliding on these backwaters must feature on your bucket list to do in India.

Location: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, Kollam, etc.

6. Attending Wonderful Festivals

Home to various religions, India celebrates a number of exciting festivals. From the Festival of Colours in Vrindavan, Hornbill in Nagaland to the Sunburn Festival in Pune, all of them are unique and memorable in their own way. The culture, age-old customs, and amazing festivities will render you speechless.

A great option would be to venture to Goa in Southwestern India and experience Good Friday or the Feast of the Three Kings. These are rich and vibrant celebrations and showcase the long history of Catholicism within India. A fact that is not known to all. See here for more.

Location: Mathura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mysore, Leh, Goa, etc.

7. Trekking In The Himalayas

Fancy a bit of an otherworldly challenge? Trekking in the Himalayas may be right up your street.

Filled with wonders such as snow leopards, giant butterflies, forests of pine, beautiful lakes, tea estates, and mountain communities, going to the Himalayas in India will present you with all kinds of sights, smells, experiences and—dare to mention—challenges.

There are many challenging hikes on offer including Spiti Valley trek (pictured), the Hemis Festival trek and the Markha Valley trek. But your possibilities are endless, click here for some more hiking options.

Location: The Indian Himalayan Region

8. Witnessing Ganga Aarti At Varanasi

Although this spectacular ceremony also takes place in Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti in Varanasi stands out amongst the rest.

While fascinating innumerable spectators, this ethereal presentation brings countless people to Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening. It’s a great place to people-watch and let the time pass by!

Location: Varanasi

9. Gorging On Scrumptious Food

A haven for foodies, India brings to the table a number of varieties of foods and flavors. Be it the lip-smacking street food to the sumptuous cuisines, authentic delicacies to home-made dishes, everything can make you drool.

If you’ve tried Indian food abroad, you’ve never properly tried it. Indian food MUST be tried in India. It’s authentic, varied and has a rich history. Each region in India offers something unique and different!

For example, the food in Goa is so different from the Punjabi food up North, and there is also Bengal, Gujarat, Ladakh, and much more! See here for more information on food around India.

Location: All over India

10. Admiring The Beauty Of The Taj Mahal

Standing as an epitome of love, the Taj Mahal exudes an unparalleled charm. Witnessing this architectural wonder during sunrise or on a full moon day is surely one of the must have experiences in India. The incredible views will get etched on your mind forever.

Sure, going to see the Taj Mahal may be a bit of a cliché, but experiencing this kind of landmark is one of the things you can only do India. So don’t mind being a tourist for a little while!

Location: Agra

11. Planning A Bike Trip In Ladakh

There’s nothing better than exploring Ladakh on your bike. Riding on the world’s highest roads is every biker’s dream. The sound of your bike reverberating in the valleys is both heart-thumping and fun. Furthermore, passing by the hairpin bends and deep ravines makes for a truly adventurous time.

Location: Magnetic Hill, Khardung La, Pangong Lake, etc.

12. Staying At A Heritage Hotel

Vacations become all the more exciting when coupled with an unforgettable stay. Many heritage hotels in India have been serving their guests since times immemorial, affording them some of the best moments of their life.

Staying at a heritage hotel is one of the most unique things to do in India that can’t really be done elsewhere. The world-class hospitality, excellent services, signature experiences, and elegant rooms are truly praiseworthy.

Location: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, etc.

13. Being A Part Of An Indian Wedding

Comprising of many rituals, an Indian wedding is nothing less than an extravaganza. Talking to the people, observing interesting traditions and savoring tasty food offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Dance till you drop, take innumerable selfies and just have lots of fun.

Location: Delhi, Udaipur, Goa, etc.

14. Attending Cultural Performances

Taking place against marvelous backgrounds, the cultural performances in India present a sight to behold. A perfect mélange of emotions, expressions, rhythms and so much more, these performances are worth-witnessing.

Performed by skilled performers, the performances depict exclusive sagas, each special in its own way.

The Madras Music Season is well worth a look to experience classical Indian music and dance. Located in Chennai in Southeastern India, the season occurs from mid-November to January.

Location: Konark, Khajuraho, Rann of Kutch, Rajasthan, etc.

15. Taking A Rickshaw Ride In Chandni Chowk

Quite economical, a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk allows you to traverse the bustling area with ease. Taking you to some of the more inaccessible areas, the journey is something that you will remember for a lifetime.

Board an e-rickshaw or a manual one, moving at a slow pace, these rickshaws will help you tour the area properly with many of the guides very enthusiastic to ensure you have a great time.

Location: Chandni Chowk in Delhi

To truly revel in all these unique travel experiences in India, the country must be visited more than just once!

Do you know of any other must have experiences or crazy things to do in India that you’d like to add to our list? Feel free to comment below.

Suggested next reading: 8 Splendid Things To Do While Traveling To Nepal

The post 15 Incredible Experiences In India You Need To Do Before You Die appeared first on Modern Trekker.

These trains gratify visitors from all over the world with royal pleasures taking them on a journey through the inspiring heritage. The magnificence of these luxury trains is apparent from their royal décor, ostentatious interiors, and pampering hospitality.

Introducing you to the 5 finest luxury trains in India, we have Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot and Fairy Queen Express. Offering an experience for a lifetime, luxury train tours let you explore India like a royal.

Here’s a step-by-step blow down of these 5 luxury trains in India!

1. Maharajas’ Express

Winner of the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award 5 times in a row from 2012 to 2016, Maharajas’ Express is a royal asset to India. Like its name, the train recreates the way Maharajas (“great kings”) used to travel. It offers seven sojourns to different parts of the country.

The 14-cabin train accommodates 88 passengers at one go. Equipped with private washrooms, individual climate control, spacious wardrobes, direct dial phones, live television, DVD players, CCTV cameras, electronic smoke detection systems, free WI-FI, etc. The décor imitates the royal homes of the Maharajas. Moreover, the sense of pure luxury is enhanced with the dining cars, a gym, an onboard doctor, excellent lounges and bars, shops, and much more!

As one of the best luxury trains in India and also the world, it is a royal pleasure any traveler to India must try once in their lives!

Maharajas’ Express itineraries:

• The Heritage of India (Mumbai — Ajanta – Udaipur — Jodhpur — Bikaner — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Agra — Delhi)
• Gems of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• The Indian Panorama (Delhi — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Fatehpur — Sikri — Agra — Gwalior — Orchha — Khajuraho — Varanasi — Lucknow — Delhi)
• Indian Splendour (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Bikaner — Jodhpur — Udaipur — Balasinor — Mumbai)
• Treasures of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Southern Jewels (Trivandrum — Chettinad — Mahabalipuram — Mysore — Hampi — Goa — Mumbai)
• Southern Splendour (Mumbai — Goa — Hampi — Mysore — Cochin — Kumarakom — Trivandrum)

Maharajas’ Express runs from October to April and plies on 5 different routes.

2. Palace On Wheels

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The pioneer of all luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels is a nominee for the “World leading Luxury Train” award. The royal ride started as the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The 23-coaches of the train are each named after a former Rajputana state.

Two restaurants, namely “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” are the highlights of this extravagant train. 14 saloons and a spa are always at your service whenever you feel a little low. It is truly a lavish feeling to be on board on the Palace on Wheels!

Palace on Wheels itinerary: Delhi — Jaipur — Sawai Madhopur — Chittorgarh — Udaipur — Jaisalmer — Jodhpur — Bharatpur — Agra — Delhi

Palace on Wheels runs from September to April. The 7 nights, 8 days journey includes 7 stops, where tourist are taken for city tours.

Key attractions covered by this train include:

• Delhi — India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
• Jaipur — Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Rajasthali, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
• Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh — Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort
• Udaipur — Jag Niwas, Lake Pichola
• Jaisalmer — Yellow Sandstone Fort, ancient mansions
• Jodhpur — Mehrangarh Fort, grand palaces, shopping tour in Jodhpur
• Bharatpur — Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Agra — Fatehpur-Sikri, the Taj Mahal

3. The Deccan Odyssey

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Have you ever thought of a moving 5-star hotel? Odds are that you might not have. But the Government of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways came up with a very unique—and very special—concept.

The Deccan Odyssey is a complete 5-star hotel in itself. Equipped with a well-stocked bar, 2 restaurants, a business center, modern amenities, and a sauna, this train is sure to spellbind you. Choose from six options available and embark for the sojourn of a lifetime.

The Deccan Odyssey itineraries:

• Maharashtra Splendor (Mumbai — Nasik — Ellora Cave — Ajanta Caves — Kolhapur — Goa — Ratnagiri — Mumbai)
• Indian Odyssey (Delhi — Sawai Madhopur — Agra — Jaipur — Udaipur — Vadodara — Ellora Caves — Mumbai)
• Hidden Treasures of Gujarat (Mumbai — Vadodara — Palitana — Sasan Gir — Somnath — Little Rann of Kutch — Modhera — Patan — Nashik — Mumbai)
• Indian Sojourn (Mumbai — Vadodara — Udaipur — Jodhpur — Agra — Sawai Madhopur — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Jewels of the Deccan (Mumbai — Bijapur — Aihole — Pattadakal — Hampi — Hyderabad — Ellora Caves — Ajanta Caves — Mumbai)
• Maharashtra Wild Trail (Mumbai — Aurangabad — Ramtek — Tadoba — Ajanta — Nashik — Mumbai)

The Deccan Odyssey runs from October to April. The duration for all 6 routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

4. Golden Chariot

Awarded as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in 2013, Golden Chariot takes you to the offbeat places of South India.

Coaches of this plush train are attractive and charismatic due to their opulent interiors. One can easily observe a glance of artistic quintessence of South Indian reigns from a bygone era. To preserve the regal panache of the train expedition, all the cabins have been named after states from the South such as Ganga, Rashtrakota, Bhahamani, Yudukula, and Adilshahi etc.

Once inside, you will find everything for your comfort. From a private bathtub to an LED TV, bar, gym, spa and almost everything that you can imagine.

Golden Chariot itineraries:

• Pride of the South (Bangalore — Kabini — Mysore — Hassan — Hampi — Badami — Goa — Bangalore)
• Southern Splendour (Bangalore — Chennai — Mahabalipuram — Pondicherry — Thanjavur — Madurai — Thiruvananthapuram — Alleppey — Kochi — Bangalore)

The Golden Chariot runs from October to March, and the duration for both the routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

5. Fairy Queen Express

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A British firm manufactured India’s remarkable Fairy Queen Train. This train was renowned as having the oldest working engine in the world—but it has now been replaced. Although it has a single air condition carriage it can accommodate 60 people at once. One can get an opportunity to embark on a short and sweet journey for 2 days.

Superfine cloth material is used to cover the seats. These seats are arranged in pairs, on either side of a wide corridor. The train consists of a huge glass window at the facade meaning you can actually see the engine too. A picturesque lounge offers fabulous sights of the landscape. A pantry car is also available to satisfy hunger anytime onboard.

Fairy Queen Express itinerary: Delhi — Alwar — Sariska — Alwar — Delhi

Fairy Queen Express runs from October to March on 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month. The duration of the journey is 1 night, 2 days.

Attractions at its two stoppages, Sariska and Alwar, are:

• Sariska — Lake Palace, Sariska National Park
• Alwar— Alwar Museum

What are your experiences of these luxury trains in India? Or perhaps you know of some more? Feel free to share and comment below!

Suggested next reading: How To Survive On The Trans Mongolian Railway

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