While visiting the Taj Mahal is essential on a trip to India, there are many other types of experiences you absolutely must have in this most fascinating country. On the agenda: staying with local families, trekking in the Indian Himalayas, introduction to Ayurveda, immersion in Bollywood culture, throwing colored powder at Holi… There's no doubt, these extraordinary experiences will mark your trip to India!

1. Participate in a National Festival

If you have the chance to travel during one of the many Hindu celebrations, you'll have the opportunity to experience something truly unique. It's worth saying, festivals and religious ceremonies are spectacular cultural displays full of color! This is especially true of Holi, the festival of colors where thousands of people spray each other with colored powder and water. Among the other most well-known festivities are the festival of lights Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Hemis Setchu…

2. Trek in the Himalayas

Nature lovers, you cannot pass through northern India without discovering a glimpse of the Indian Himalayas! On the menu: trekking, diverse landscapes (mountain passes and peaks, plateaus and deserts…), exceptional flora and fauna, authentic encounters in mountain villages… All that you need for an unforgettable experience in India! And if the Indian Himalayas are particularly worth the detour, it's because they take you to a lesser-known facet of the Himalayas. Good news? Whether you're an amateur or experienced hiker, everyone can find something for themselves!

3. Stay with a Local Family

Nothing beats a true immersion into Indian daily life like staying with a local family. You'll be amazed by the incredible generosity of the locals, and you'll have the opportunity to learn more about their way of life and their rituals. If you share a meal with a family, you'll taste authentic Indian cuisine and experience an extraordinary moment with your hosts.

4. Take the Local Train

When you think of India, you imagine a train packed to the brim where people and animals mingle in a joyful chaos. Because the Indian train is worthy of a true adventure, you must experience it! For one thing, the train will allow you to discover the entire beauty of Indian landscapes, but most importantly, you'll have the chance to meet locals in their daily life! Don't be afraid of being crowded, because if you take the train during peak hours, you'll witness a true moving crowd!

5. Get an Ayurvedic Massage

Would you like to take advantage of your trip to India to discover Ayurveda? That's a great idea! For what better place than India to introduce yourself to this art of living? Considered the oldest holistic medicine in the world, Ayurveda promotes well-being through diet, meditation, yoga, and specific massages. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of this form of traditional medicine or simply enjoy a massage, Ayurveda promises you an incredibly relaxing experience…

6. Discover Bollywood Locations

Although Bollywood cinema doesn't always meet everyone's tastes, we can all agree it's unique in its own way. To discover what goes on behind the scenes, head near Mumbai to wander through the studios! You never know, you might stumble upon a film shoot and spot an Indian star! In any case, we highly recommend watching a Bollywood film in an Indian cinema hall. And no matter which film you choose, you'll witness a spectacle that plays out both on screen and in the theater…

7. Learn Indian Cooking

Known for its colorful cuisine, Indian gastronomy leaves no one indifferent! So, if you love dishes with spicy flavors, sign up for an Indian cooking class. Beyond enjoying a convivial moment, you'll be able to learn authentic local recipes. Curries and naan, seafood dishes… each region of India has its culinary specialty! All you have to do is choose your favorite and treat yourself to a gastronomic escape!

8. Navigate the Backwaters of Kerala

Discover India from a different perspective by exploring Kerala! This interweaving of lakes and lagoons is a timeless place where land, water, and sky blend together. You can even take a traditional houseboat for a few hours or days to experience an utterly unique cruise! On the shore, you can discover the local life of small villages while admiring the lush vegetation.