It's the largest country in south Asia, but we bring you five unmissable experiences for your trip to India.
Ready to have a trip of a lifetime? Pack your bags and let the sights, sounds and smells lead you on an unforgettbale journey in India.
But the heady mix of riotous colour, nose tingling spices and fairytale architecture in this South Asian adventureland can leave you feeling a little dazed and confused. Don't fret, we're here to guide you through this assault on your senses. Whatever you do, put these five incredible experiences on the top of your India trip itinerary.
1. Holi Festival of colours
India's colourful one-day festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima - full moon - usually occurring at the end of February or early March, at the end of India's winter. From November to January the temperature is cool and pleasant making it an ideal time to visit. Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of old friendships or relationships. Famously, it's also a time where everyone redecorates their homes, work places and each other by flinging pockets of paint-powder in a variety of rainbow hues at friends, strangers, neighbours, anyone in range. Locals, tourists, buildings and animals are painted with the same brush (literally) and become legitimate targets for a multi-coloured makeover. People tend to get the party started up to a week early, so watch out, or make sure your always alert and armed with plenty of paint supplies.
2. Little Tibet: Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama
When temperatures in the south soar in the Indian summer from April onwards, it's the time to head to the coolness of the mountain regions. If you're looking for a fascinating entry point, try Dharamsala with its intertwined threads of Tibetan and Indian culture. You may know it as the home of the exiled Dalai Lama. He stays in Mcleod Ganj, the administrative headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, founded after one hundred thousand Tibetans fled with the Dalai Lama into India. In this suburb of Dharamsala you'll find the
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, where you can see exhibitions of Tibetan art, as well as drama, music and dance performances. Alternatively, take the opportunity for some soul-searching and attend a lecture on Buddhist theory. Another highlight is the food; sample some interesting delicacies from a fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan dishes.
3. Yoga
Limber up, it's time to get flexible. India is the home of yoga and such spiritual sporting activities, so a visit is a great opportunity to try your hand at something significant to both Indian history and culture. Plus it makes you feel great. There are many different types of yoga experiences on offer right across India, including full-time retreats, pop-in classes and teacher training. You can even combine yoga with oil massage techniques. In the south of the country you'll find most schools in Pune, along the beaches of Goa and in Kerala. Further north, the widest choice is in Rishikesh and Dharamsala; check out the
Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre as a solid starting point, offering courses for all levels. They have retreats in Goa (suited to the cooler winter months) and the Himalayas (cool temperate for the hotter summer months), and all their teachings come from the still-teaching founder who learned directly from a well known Indian Yoga master, BKS Iyengar, more than 30 years ago.
4. Camel desert safari, Rajasthan
It's time to fill your case with souvenirs before the flight home. We recommend saving your rupees for Rajasthan, which is well known for its handicrafts, gorgeous pastel shades and imposing architecture. Being a desert state, its economy is chiefly built around mercantile produce, and not agriculture. It's also a sweet spot for a desert safari. Take a one or three-day camel safaris, but be warned you've got to love sand and have buns of steel to survive the three day option, it's a long time to spend on the back of a camel if you're not used to it. But you'll be rewarded with nights under the stars, sleeping on the dunes, and magnificent golden sunrises and sunsets. You'll also get a rare opportunity to glimpse and maybe experience a little of what it's like to live in a village in the desert, isolated from the world of technology and running water. Last and maybe best of all, you get to taste masala chai, dahl and chapati, made fresh and cooked on an open fire under a expanse of starry sky.
5. Paragliding in the Himalayas
Manali North India, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is widely regarded as the adventure capital of India. It's base camp for a lot of different activities, and a common stop en route to renowned scenic attractions nearby, such as Leh and Ladak. You'll also find plentiful trekking options, mountaineering courses and rafting. Once the snow arrives, ski resorts open and add to the fun facilities, while in the summer, the ski lifts are used to transport paragliders up the mountains to get the best views of the Himalayas.
