100 Things to Do in India Before You Die – Explore India

This is our list of 100 things to do in India before you die that you should add to your bucket list. Let us know in the comments how many have you checked off the list!

We have provided the PDF link at the end; you can download it from there⬇️.

Amazing Things to Do in India Before You Die – Visit in 2024

1. Visit the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota

India has its own Grand Canyon! Situated in Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh, this amazing place literally looks like the Canyons of the USA. Even the view from the top of the canyons is similar, and so are the nearby caves!

2. Do the Kedarkantha Winter Trek

Kedarkantha Trek is believed to be one of the most beautiful and best winter treks in India. The experience it provides of an exhilarating climb topped up with the views from the summit is something you must not miss out on!

3. Visit Landour

Landour is the town right next to Mussoorie that only a few know about. It is reachable only by a walk! The place is still coloured in the colonial colour and offers a vintage charm like no other.

4. White water rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is considered the Adventure Capital of India, and whitewater rafting is the most popular activity here. The varying rapids and grades make it a thrilling adventure sport to take on with your friends!

5. Watch a dolphin show in Goa

6. Paraglide over Bir Billing

Bir Billing is considered the paragliding capital of India due to its amazing height and the marvellous competition it holds every year. The thrill of paragliding here at the world’s second-highest paragliding point is something else!

7. Walk over the living root bridges of Meghalaya

In Meghalaya, the Khasi tribe creates magical bridges with the help of rubber fig trees. You can see how they’re created using many methods, learn the mythological story behind them, and walk over them!

8. Take a solo trip to Kasol

A solo trip rejuvenates one to a great extent, and Kasol is the perfect place for one in India. It is the most sought-after place for backpackers to embark on a spiritual and self-finding journey by themselves, and you should take one, too!

9. Stay in a Kashmiri houseboat

Kashmiri houseboats have an amazing vibe that you’ll find nowhere else in the world. Along the banks of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, you will find many houseboats in different budget ranges in which to live and experience Mughal-like royalty firsthand.

10. Stay in a Keralan houseboat

Keralan houseboats not only offer a night’s stay but are also functional—they move from one place to another! You can stay on a boat for a night as you navigate through the backwaters of Kerala. The boats are different from the ones in Kashmir in their build and functions and give an immersive and eco-friendly experience to all.

11. Trek to Skandagiri near Bangalore

Karnataka is a potpourri of adventures, and one thrilling adventure is the Skandagiri trek. Nestled just 60 kilometres from Bangalore, these hills are perfect for history and adventure lovers to relax and unwind for an amazing weekend.

12. Witness the Magnificent Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace is one of the most magnificent and history-ridden palaces in India. You must visit it to learn about the city’s beautiful history as you tour the streets and shop for authentic silk sarees.

13. Take a Cable Car ride in Sikkim

Gangtok’s cable car ride gives panoramic views of the hills of Sikkim. Sikkim is one of the loveliest places to visit in India before you die, and you must take this red ropeway to enjoy the most scenic views.

14. Visit Vaishnodevi Temple

Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu-Kashmir is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India. It is a place you should visit when you’re young. Everything about it is perfect.

15. Party at the music festival in Ziro

Ziro Music Festival is a cool and funky annual music festival held in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley that calls in musicians from all over the world to perform. It is also one of the world’s most eco-friendly concerts! You can find a new voice for you as you have fun with your friends over snacks and drinks!

16. Try the street food of Delhi

Delhi’s street food is lip-smacking, and everyone loves its spicy masaledaar flavour. You must try dahi bhalla, chhole bhature, rajma chawal, pani puri, aaloo parantha, and so much more!

17. Have a banana leaf meal in the traditional Keralan way

In Kerala, a banana leaf meal is famous and the most traditional way of having meals. You will be served food on a large banana leaf, and many dishes from rice to payasam will be served on them. A banana leaf meal is a traditional way of having food on special occasions.

18. Explore the hills of Valparai

Valparai is a quaint hill town in Tamil Nadu that has often been unexplored. This beautiful hill station has much to offer its visitors, such as lush greenery and tea estates. The aroma of tea will draw you into the town and make you never want to leave!

19. Have an Elephant Ride in Munnar

Munnar is famous for its tea gardens, elephant rides, and safaris. A whole area is dedicated to elephants, which you can play with, bathe, and ride. Elephant rides through the jungles of Munnar are fun.

20. Visit the tea gardens of Darjeeling

Darjeeling is famous for its luscious tea gardens and delicious Darjeeling tea. The gardens are soothing and amazing, and you must visit them. You can have a cup of tea made from fresh tea leaves here or even buy some fresh black and green tea leaves as souvenirs.

21. Trek the Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak is a mountain in Kerala’s Wayanad that is famous for its thrilling trek and a heart-shaped lake at the summit. The surroundings are green and beautiful, and you must make this challenging trek when you visit Kerala. Start early for the trek!

22. Know the story behind the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is considered the epitome of love. It was created by Shah Jahan for his late wife, Mumtaz. Visit this grand wonder of the world and learn the story of their unconditional love as you stroll along its gardens in the evening with your partner.

23. Visit the Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is a beautiful monument in Jaipur that is often called the ‘Palace of the Winds’. It has 953 intricate windows that one can look out of and admire the bustling market underneath! You must visit this pink beauty when you visit Jaipur.

24. Have ghewar in Jodhpur

Malai ghewar and simple ghewar are the most famous desserts of Jodhpur and offer relief to all sweet tooths. Ghewar is a honeycomb-like dessert with a creamy topping of malai, pistachios, rose petals, and more.

25. Try the spicy buttermilk Majjige from Karnataka

Majjige is a spicy buttermilk full of many aromatic spices that provide relief to all in the scorching heat of summer. It is an amazing drink made especially in the summer with buttermilk, green chillies, fenugreek, salt and many more ingredients.

26. Visit the intricate Abhaneri Stepwell

The Abhaneru Stepwell is a lesser-known stepwell in Rajasthan. It is often called the Chand Baori and is only a few kilometres from Jaipur. The intriguing architecture here is something of a marvel, and the haunted stories here are the cherry on top!

27. Stay a night at the white Rann of Gujarat

The White Rann of Gujarat in Kutch district holds a four-month-long Rann Utsav, starting before Diwali and ending in February. This event is full of cultural expeditions and amazing nights. On a full moon night, you can stay in one of the luxurious tents and enjoy a bonfire and some Gujarat folk music.

28. Watch Garba in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad’s Garba during Navratri is a riot of colours and music that you shouldn’t miss out on watching. The ticket queues are long, and you must book any show you want to go to in advance. The Navratri of NID and Karnavati in Ahmedabad is worth watching, and the passes also sell quickly, so book in advance!

29. Have food at the night food Market of Ahmedabad, Manek Chowk

Manek Chowk is the most famous night food market in Ahmedabad. This lively food market is actually a jewellery market during the day and a food market at night. You will find many street food stalls here that sell delicious dishes like pav bhaji, kulfi, pani puri, dosas and more.

30. Shop for beachy things in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a town full of beaches, and you will love the French vibe here. You can buy many beach-themed souvenirs, like crochet bags, shell earrings, and more.

31. Stay at Auroville

Auroville is a beautiful ashram where you can stay and find peace. It is a secular community that welcomes all and provides a home to all who wish to be a part of it. You should stay here for a few days or weeks and find mental peace.

32. Visit the White Town of Pondicherry

The White Town in Pondicherry is where all travellers first visit and love to walk around. This is the part of the town that looks nothing less than France and is coloured in white and yellow. The bakeries and cafes here are worth visiting at least once.

33. Go scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar

Scuba diving is a thrilling experience that brings you closer to underwater life. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the finest places to try this amazing adventure sport and get closer to underwater life. Explore the coral reefs and see the fish closer.

34. Sea walk in Andaman and Nicobar

Sea Walking is another underwater activity that is similar to scuba diving but still quite different. While scuba diving takes you really beneath and low, sea walking helps you get to know the aquatic life from closer to the surface of the beach. It is also a cheaper activity than scuba diving.

35. Watch bioluminescence at Mulki Beach

Surprisingly, many Indian beaches see bioluminescence for quite a few months in winter! You can literally see the beaches glowing at night, like the ones in the Maldives. One such beach is the Mulki beach in Mangalore, which you can visit during the night to watch the waves glow.

36. Spend an evening at Ganapatipule Beach

Ganapatipule Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Maharashtra. It is a peaceful place to spend an evening. The beach isn’t crowded most of the time, and you can find your peace here.

37. Take a toy train ride to Matheran

Matheran is a vehicle-free hill station and the only one of its kind in India. It is easily reachable from Neral, just a few hours from Pune. From Neral, you can book an amazing toy train ride to Matheran that will take you through many moats and mountains in small toy-like carriages.

38. Have chikki at Lonavala

Lonavala is an alluring hill station in Maharashtra, and the peanut chikkis here are extremely famous. You must try them when you’re here. They are extremely delicious, and you should have them in the amazing weather of Lonavala during the summer and monsoon.

39. Drive along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a beautiful highway with a bird sanctuary and many tunnels in its neighbourhood! You must drive here.

40. Drive Along the Atal Setu

Atal Setu has been recently opened and reduces connectivity time between many places along Mumbai. It is an amazing sea bridge to drive over.

41. Have a walk on Atal Bridge in Ahmedabad

Atal Bridge in Ahmedabad is a kite-themed bridge that connects two sides of the city from the Sabarmati River. The bridge is only open to pedestrians, but you can take a nice evening walk here.

42. Watch a Flower Show at Riverfront in Ahmedabad

The Riverfront of Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati River organizes a yearly flower show that has many different types of flowers moulded in pretty designs.

43. Watch the Dzukou Lily bloom

Dzukou lily is found in and blooms only in the Dzukou Valley of Nagaland. This beautiful pink flower blooms after April.

44. Be a part of the apricot blossom festival in Leh

The Apricot Blossom Festival in Leh takes place at various destinations there during April. It is a beautiful festival where you’ll see pink flowers blooming all around you, and it feels magical.

45. Watch cherry blossom-like flowers in Bangalore

Bangalore gets covered in sakura-like flowers during spring, and it’s a treat to watch them!

46. Live like a local in a Himachali village

Himachal is a great place to spend a few months. The weather is perfect, and so are the hospitable locals. You can even live here for some peace!

47. Go on a workation to Gokarna

Workations are week-long (or more!) vacations during which you work from home (your hotel/hostel) in the daytime while you tour the destination! Gokarna is the perfect place for that.

48. Party in Goa

Goa is famous for its parties and cheap drinks. You must attend a club here or any partying event when you can!

49. Explore the unexplored beaches of Goa

Goa has several beaches that only a few explore, and hence, they are empty most of the time. You can explore them for some quiet time.

50. Have a bonfire evening at Varkala beach 

Varkala Beach is a beautiful beach in Kerala that you should visit in the evening. It’s peaceful there, and you can even set up a bonfire!

51. Take a motorboat ride through Sundarbans National Park

Sundarbans is famous for its unique motorboat safaris, and you should take them on!

52. Know the mystery of Roopkund Lake’s skeletons

Every time Roopkund Lake melts, skeletons are floating around the lake! This mysterious lake has baffled scientists for a long!

53. Get clicked on the blue streets of Jodhpur

The Blue City of Jodhpur has streets where every building is blue! They are the perfect places for a perfect picture opportunity.

54. Visit the mystifying Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves is a collection of marvellous architecture hand-carved thousands of years ago!

55. Visit the old bakeries and cafes in Srinagar

Srinagar’s café and bakery culture is less talked about but is a beautiful one! You can have delicious croissants, cakes, and pastries here!

56. Have food at Ahmedabad’s heritage restaurants

Have food from some of the oldest restaurants in Ahmedabad, like Lucky Tea Stall, Gordhan Thaal and more.

57. Visit the ruins of Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal

These haunted ruins are perfect for all trek lovers and those who love a good haunted story.

58. Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

This bike trip is the dream of every youngster! Take out your bike and go on a thrilling trip to Leh!

59. Skiing in Auli

Auli has the world’s second-longest skiing cable car ropeway, and some of the best snow you’ll find is here for skiing.

60. Gulmarg Gondola

Watch snow from above the beautiful red Gulmarg Gondola in Kashmir!

61. Have a luxurious dinner at The Leela, Udaipur

The Leela offers a luxurious dinner on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is the most romantic way to spend an evening here.

62. Take a boat ride on the Lake Pichola

Paddle boats and motorboats are famous ways to navigate the waters of this beautiful lake in Udaipur.

63. Trek to the Roothi Rani ka Mahal in Udaipur

Roothi Rani ka Mahal is a lesser-known palace in Udaipur situated over a hill. The trek here is gorgeous, especially during monsoon.

64. Visit the temple of Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar is one of the most revered temples in Rajasthan. People consider him to be the ‘saviour of the defeated’ and seek blessings.

65. Visit Orchha

Orchha is a year-round gem hidden in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This must-visit town is full of history and a rich culture.

66. Have a food walk at Chhappan Dukaan, Indore

Chhappan Dukaan is a street full of food stalls where you can try lip-smacking dishes. It is a great place to hang out with friends.

67. Visit the Lohagarh Fort

The Lohagarh Fort in Rajasthan is one of the only two undefeated forts in India and has funky and harrowing stories surrounding it.

68. Visit the undefeated Murud Janjira Fort

69. Take a ferry ride to Madh Island

Madh Island is a small island near Mumbai that can be reached by ferry. It’s a great and unique place to be.

70. Visit the Film City in Mumbai

The Film City of Mumbai has seen many great actors born over the years. There are many set-ups here that you can visit. You might even get a chance to watch a movie being shot!

71. Visit the Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City is the largest and most fun film city in Hyderabad, India. It has the sets of Bahubali and many fake sets that represent cities like London and Paris. You can take a full-day tour here.

72. Watch Asiatic Lions at Gir National Park

Gir is the only natural reserve in the world where you can find Asiatic Lions. These amazing animals are being preserved here, and you can watch them on a safari in their natural habitat.

73. Camp near the Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake was made famous by the ‘3 Idiots’ movie, and it has been a favourite of travellers since then. You can camp near the lake!

74. Visit the Backwaters of Kerala

The backwaters of Kerala are unique, and they must be experienced. You can find many houseboats here to help you get an up-close experience.

75. Bungee jumping in Rishikesh 

Rishikesh is famous for its bungee jumping activities, and you will find a huge thrill here as you let go of everything and dangle down a huge height!

76. Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas 

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India that are important in Hindu mythology. The government has also started a special train that takes you around all the 12 Jyotirlingas in just a few days!

77. Visit the Jama Masjid in Delhi

Jama Masjid in Delhi is a beautiful and large mosque that you must visit. The place is crowded on Fridays, and you can even find markets near the Jama Masjid where you can shop.

78. Have fun at the trampoline park in Gurgaon

Recently, a trampoline park for adults was opened up in Gurugram. You can have all the fun you want and let your inner child out!

79. Visit the Himalayas of Haryana

It’s surprising, but it’s true! There are Himalayas in Haryana! You can see them and travel along them to Karoh Peak, Morni Hill, and Panchkula.

80. Visit Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Chandigarh’s Rock Garden is an amazing place that you should visit to marvel at the amazing structures made out of waste material! It is one of the best things to do in India before you die.

81. Visit the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is important in Sikhism and is covered in real gold. It is an amazing and spiritual place to visit.

82. Pay tributes at the Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is the place where one of the most harrowing massacres took place in pre-Independent India. The place pays tribute to all those who lost their lives.

83. Visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Ram Mandir has been recently opened in Ayodhya after years of communal struggle. The place is considered the birthplace of Lord Rama.

84. Spend an evening at the Ghats of Banaras

The Ghats of Banaras are magical, and the evenings there are still magical. You can witness a beautiful sunset and spend a warm evening with aartis here.

85. Watch Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a spiritual and yoga hub in Uttarakhand. On the banks of the River Ganga, you can watch a Ganga Aarti in all its glory.

86. Watch a movie at Raj Mandir Cinema

Raj Mandir Cinema is one of the most beautiful movie halls in India. Situated in Jaipur, the hall is laden with chandeliers and royal décor!

87. Watch DDLJ at Maratha Mandir

Maratha Mandir is a cinema that has shown the classic Bollywood movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge since its release! Every day, one show at 11.00 A.M. showcases DDLJ.

88. Have a quick vada pav on the streets of Mumbai

Mumbai’s street food has a King – Vada Pav. This is a quick bite that fills the stomach and is hassle-free.

89. Travel in the Mumbai Local

The Mumbai Local is difficult to navigate with a profound crowd and can be a hassle for those who don’t travel on it daily. However, this is one experience you can try in Mumbai!

90. Travel in the Kangra Valley Toy Train

The Kangra Valley Toy Train is a beautiful little train that you can board to experience an amazing view of prolific green forests and snow!

91. Travel in one of the Vistadome train coaches to your favourite location!

Vistadome train coaches are luxurious coaches that provide a smooth train ride experience. You can travel to your favourite location in them!

92. Watch peacocks at Surendranagar, Gujarat

93. Visit the Rani Ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat

Rani Ki Vav is a pretty stepwell in Gujarat’s Patan. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

94. Trek through the Polo Forest in Gujarat

The Polo Forest in Gujarat is a dense forest with many magical opportunities. From treks to boating, you can engage in many amazing activities here and explore ruined temples.

95. Have daal Baati Churma in Rajasthan

Daal Baati Churma is a Rajasthani delicacy available at every corner of the state. You must try this spicy and lip-smacking dish.

96. Have biryani in Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s biryani is famous worldwide. It is rich in flavour and should be had by everyone who visits this regal city.

97. Visit the 40 Chor tree in Hyderabad

Hyderabad has one tree that is famous for its story, similar to the tale of the’ 40 thieves’. It is said that thieves used to live inside it! You must go and visit it.

98. Party at the Jubilee Hills

Jubilee Hills is famous for its posh and party culture. You can have a party with your friends here.

99. Scuba diving in Pondicherry

It is not only the Andaman and Nicobar Islands but also Pondicherry that provides a thrilling scuba diving experience. You can easily reach here and enjoy this amazing activity.

100. Do the Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass trek is a famous trek in India that you should take if you want to experience the Himalayas in greater depth.

Conclusion

This was the list of 100 things to do in India before you die. Let us know in the comments what we should add to the list!