Top Twelve Things to Do In India

Fancy an Indian adventure...?

Escape To India have come up with their favourite 'top 12' things to do in India to give you some inspiration. They will be on stand AP40 at the Show so make sure you pop by to stay hello.

1. Taj Mahal by Moonlight No trip to India is complete without a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal.  Avoid the crowds, visit it by moonlight for a unique, truly unforgettable experience.
2. Live like a Maharaja in a Rajasthani Palace Think romance, think Rajasthan. The desert state is a land of vibrant colours, dramatic palaces and balmy moonlit nights. Sleep in a mirrored bedroom with coloured glass lit by candles or dine under the stars in a private colonnaded courtyard. The perfect destination to celebrate any special occasion.
3. Stay with an Indian Family Be a guest, not a tourist and enjoy genuine Indian hospitality by staying with a family, living and experiencing a different culture and way of life.
4. Festival Time in Kerala Celebrate the end of the monsoon in Kerala by watching the exciting Snake Boat races from the comfort of your own houseboat. Then explore the quiet backwaters, staying overnight in your own boat and visit villages  celebrating the Onam Festival, full of colour and spectacle.
5. Rishikesh – Beatles, Yoga and Rafting Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh was the hangout for the Beatles in the 1960s.  You can still enjoy the hippy vibes, practising yoga and meditation on the banks of the sparkling Ganges or ride its waves with some white water rafting.
6. Step Back in History The links between Britain and India stretch back hundreds of years.  Cities like Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Mumbai (Bombay) and Mysore brim with history and an early morning guided walking tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the people, places and history as the city awakens. Combine a walking tour of Kolkata with a train journey up into the hills to stay on a tea plantation outside Darjeeling for a refreshing mixture of culture and relaxation.
7. Culinary Delights in Kerala Learn some new skills, or simply enjoy some delicious regional cuisine. The beautiful, friendly state of Kerala boasts many diverse cultures, religions and cuisine. Let some expert cooks and chefs share their passion for food with you. You can join them early morning as they visit the fish, vegetable and fruit markets sourcing the freshest ingredients to create something special. Join them in the kitchen or simply sit by the pool and savour the results.
8. Boat Ride at Dawn, Drifting Down the Ganges at Varanasi Photographers have countless opportunities in Varanasi whilst wandering through this enigmatic city at sunrise and sunset. The ghats are best viewed from a boat drifting down the Ganges. At dawn, watch pilgrims conducting their morning prayers and at night observe the evening aarti, a ceremony performed by priests with oil lamps, cymbals and chanting, both colourful and spiritual.
9. Tracking Tigers Instead of just watching tigers, why not learn more about their lives, conservation and future.  Track the tigers from the back of an elephant and by jeep and then take a walking safari with an expert guide and learn more about the jungle, its inhabitants and ecology.
10. Join the Pilgrims in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai Madurai is the City of Temples in South India. The largest Hindu temple is the magnificent Meenakshi Temple where guests can watch the rituals associated with the Hindu religion. Women in vibrantly coloured saris have jasmine in their hair so a visit here will stimulate all your senses. A truly unmissable experience.
11. Hop on the Maharaja’s Express One of the great joys of travelling in India is taking a train. It is a fantastic way to interact with local people and discuss marriage, politics or even the British weather! Why not let the train take the strain and join the Maharaja’s Express taking you on a magical journey around India in the lap of luxury.
12. View Everest by Microlight One of the highlights of a trip to Nepal is to take a flight to see Everest close up. You can take a small plane from Kathmandu and view it from the cockpit or be even more adventurous and get much closer in a microlight for a truly breathtaking, once in a lifetime experience.