15 Things You Can’t Miss While Traveling in India

India is more than just one country; it’s like a bunch of different worlds all rolled into one. Imagine a place with ancient temples, huge palaces, and markets bursting with colorful spices and amazing food. It’s a land full of different people, unique traditions, and vibrant festivals.

For anyone who visits, a trip to India is an adventure you’ll never forget.

The memories you make here will stick with you forever, but with so much to see and do, how do you even know where to start? It can feel a little overwhelming to plan the perfect trip. That’s why we’ve put together this list for you.

Here are the 15 absolute best things you have to experience while exploring the incredible country of India.

Witness sunrise on the Ganges in Varanasi

Watching the sunrise in Varanasi from a boat on the River Ganges is truly special. Before the sun comes up, you can see Hindu followers at Assi Ghat for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, where they chant prayers on the steps leading down to the water.

Then, hopping on a small boat allows you to see the city wake up as daylight appears. The riverbanks become a hive of activity with holy men, pilgrims, and sellers all starting their day.

As your boat floats by, you’ll pass different ghats, including Manikarnika Ghat, where public cremations happen. It’s important to watch these ceremonies quietly from a distance and not take any pictures. To finish your morning adventure, try a classic Varanasi breakfast.

Look for kachoris, which are fried pastries filled with lentils, served with a spicy potato dish. For something sweet, grab some jalebis.

Experience the splendor of the Taj Mahal

You’ve probably seen it in pictures, but seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra in person is something else. This stunning white marble building was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz, as a symbol of his love. Even with lots of tourists around, its beauty is truly captivating.

For the best photos, try visiting at sunrise from Mehtab Bagh, a garden across the river. Watching the morning light change the color of the dome from pink to white is a magical experience.

Throughout the day, the sun’s position alters how the Taj Mahal looks, shifting from a soft white in the morning to a warm orange at sunset. Before you leave Agra, make sure to check out the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah.

It’s often called the “Baby Taj” because it was built before the main monument and has a similar design. It’s a great way to see an earlier version of this incredible style of architecture.

Walk through Khajuraho’s historic temples

The Khajuraho temples are famous for their detailed and sometimes surprising carvings. Built almost a thousand years ago, these temples make you wonder about the stories behind the art. While many people talk about the romantic sculptures, those actually make up only a small part of the decorations.

Most carvings show everyday life, myths, and animals. Exploring the walls feels like reading a storybook made of stone, with temples dedicated to both Hindu and Jain gods.

As you walk around, you can try to figure out why the builders decided to include such open art on these religious buildings. One of the must-see structures is the Chausath Yogini temple, one of India’s oldest of its kind.

To get the best experience and photos, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon. The soft light at these times makes the carvings stand out and creates cool shadows, bringing the ancient figures to life.

Spend a night camping in the Thar Desert

Spending a night in the Thar Desert is an unforgettable adventure. Imagine sleeping on rolling sand dunes with nothing but a sky full of stars above you. Most desert trips start from the city of Jaisalmer. From there, you can take a camel safari deep into the desert, far away from the crowds.

The silence is amazing, and the stars are brighter than you’ve ever seen.

Before heading out to the desert, take some time to walk through the streets of Jaisalmer Fort. It’s a huge, living fort where thousands of people still reside. Inside its walls, you’ll find incredible Jain temples with some of the most detailed carvings in northern India.

It’s the perfect start to your desert journey.