100 Things to do in India

For the ladies, wearing the Indian 'sari' will be a delightful experience. After you've managed to put on one that is. There is an art to it, which the friendly Indian ladies will only be too happy to help you with. Gentlemen may try out kurta-dhoti and 'sherwanis' with the famous gear for the head, turban.

Indian marriages are symbolised by a host of rites and rituals, traditions, pomp and festivity and numerous customs passed down. from generation to generation. Take a quick peek into the world of Indian weddings in all their glory by getting married Indian style at a luxurious heritage hotel. The groom dresses in traditional attire and is welcomed by friends with flower garlands by the bride's 'close relatives' (hotel staff and guests in the case of international visitors). The bride and groom exchange garlands during this ceremony. The mahurat or auspicious time for the wedding ceremony is usually set after dinner. The couple walk around the sacred fire. At the end of the ceremony, the newly-weds touch the feet of elders to take their blessings.

Mehendi, "henna colouring", has become the in thing for women. No Indian wedding is complete without mehendi. Whichever part of the country the bride may be from; her hands are adorned with the lovely red hue of mehendi. Visit a local bazaar and get your hands coloured. Popular traditional images used in mehendi designs are the peacock, the national bird of India, the lotus flower, and an elephant with a raised trunk -a symbol of good luck. It usually takes over six hours for the mehendi to set properly. The intricate patterns are dabbed with cotton balls doused in sugar syrup and lime juice to make the mehendi darker.

Indians are hospitable people and respect religious and social customs. Chances are that if you show an inclination, you will get invited to their homes. Indians have always believed that 'the guest is God.

Be it the Oscars or the friendly neighborhood theatre in our country, Indian movies have made a mark in the world. When in India, it will be a good idea to hop into a movie-theatre and experience an " exciting array rama, emohon an ance music. You will not only be thoroughly entertained but you may also find enough inspiration to make a flick of your own.

Cricket is a national passion. The obsession for - the game has bewildered historians who are at a loss to describe the enthusiasm. At every park in the country, cricket is played by youngsters. Particularly on weekends. I So grab a pair of sports shoes and join in the fun and frolic. The game of cricket was brought to Indian shores by British sailors and subsequently by the soldiers and civil officers posted to the sub-continent during the Raj era. The romance has become thicker with the passage of time. The game transcends social barriers.

The Indian paans are famous for their taste and digestive properties. Paans are special leaves commonly had with betel nuts which can also be tailor-made on request with coconut powder, clove, sugar, camphor, gulkand (a sweet paste), etc. Go ahead and eat your heart out and top it up with a paan.

Welcome to Holi, India's fluorescent Mardi Gras where no one is safe from being turned into something that resembles a Jackson Pollocks canvas, It is the most colourful, friendly battle on earth. Holi is a time for celebrating the arrival of spring and the approaching harvest season. The frenzy takes place all across northern and eastem India. Join in the celebration as vibrantly coloured powders are thrown on friends, relatives, and strangers. The festival is accompanied with noisy makeshift parades, feasts and dancing in the streets, and in true Indian fashion.

Situated in the heart of the capital city, Dilli Haat is the first ever permanent crafts market showcasing crafts from allover India. The word Haat implies a weekly market in rural and semi-urban India. The Dilli Haat offers a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities. The 62 stalls selling handicra&s are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of India for a maximum period of 15 days. This ensures visitors buy authentic wares at prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs. Savour the inimitable flavours of the delightful local foods from the 25 food stalls, be it the momos from Sikkim or the bamboo hot chicken from Nagaland.

The Lal Quila (Red Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. IIt is a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence. Sound and light shows, highlighting particular phases of history are held here and are worth attending. The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and light shows are also held at other important monuments.

The Habitat Centre prides itself on being the epicentre of the cultural and entertainment life of the capital. With several performance venues, almost all operating daily, every evening can be leisurely spent enjoying a spectrum of performances. In addition, delectable cuisine is available at its' food court.

On the way to Kerala's hill country, Munnar, stop at a tea stall and sip a cup of the brew. The cool mountain If makes the experience invigating. 'Kawa' is a light. tea, without milk, topped. WIth grated almonds, popular III Jammu and KashmIr. The masala tea served in the Dhabas in north India is another speciality.

Check out the Sunday newspapers in India and you will find amusing reading under "Matrimonials'. The advertisements give an idea of the social milieu and society in the country.

Situated on a 15 acre forested estate surrounded by tea gardens of the Kangra valley, one of the most scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh, is the Taragarh Palace. It has comfortable furnished rooms with attached baths, teak panelled dining hall, old colonial furniture, swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts. While at Taragarh, visit the Tashijong Monastery which has a commanding view of the Kangra Valley.

River Running is the most organised water sport in the country. It includes rafting, canoeing and Kayaking. India's rafting stretches are mainly on the river Beas, Sutlej, Mahakali and Ganges, of which Ganges is considered the safest. If you're lucky you might catch the night rafting, when the runners raft by the light of the full moon that casts eerie all over the flat Himalayan deserted land.

Walking in the narrow winding streets of bazaars is in itself a novel experience. The bazaars are certainly not the mall. Put aside any notion of peace and jump into the thick of it. Chandni Chowk, in Old Delhi, has all kinds of shops, from gold and silver to hardware. If you get lost, just hail an auto rickshaw, they will take you where you want to go.

The Osho Ashram, Pune, better known as the ashram of Bhagwan Rajnesh, attracts a thousands of the western visitors every year. It boasts of modern facilities and offer numerous courses. Walk around this beautiful edifice and take a course in meditation.

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh in a celebration of Life, a tribute to the tender to the tender love of the poet-prince, Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of their love. Roopmati's Pavilion gazes down fondly upon Baz Bahadur Palace, an outstanding examples of Mughal Architecture. The other structures of interest are the massive Jama Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb, which served as models for the master-builders of the Taj Mahal, centuries later. The magic of Mandu lives on it's palaces, mosques, and in its ballads. Mandu comes to life in the monsoon season. But anytime is a good time to see this spectacular place.

Get onto a yak while others trek along the spine of the Singelila Range to the 4572- metre-high Dui La, the pass of the devil. The route with no habitation, follows the ancient grazing trail of the Yak herdsmen. It is the dimain of Yaks, their lonely herdsmen, lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiselled snow peaks, meadows, forests, Rhodidendrons, wildlife, birds and breathtaking views of 6000 to 8000 metre-high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group, and the Mount Everest group. This an experience unique to Sikkim.

Visit a fair and buy a host of multi coloured glass bangles to match eyes, dress, shoes or taste. Ferozabad, a town in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its glass bangle manufacturing. In each region,bangles are made using the material available locally like wood in Kashmir and lac in Rajasthan.

All that glitters here, for certain, is gold. The Temple complex is Amritsar, Punjab is the most sacred place for sikhs. The holi waters of the surrounding sarovar (pool) mirror the gold of the temple making it an enriching experience.

Expect to receive hospitality that is overwhelming. Punjabi Food is centred around bread, corn bread, greens abd buttermilk (Lassi. Buttermilk is whipped of yogurt and can be sweetened or with salt and is usually very thick. Wheat is the staple food here. Shredded vegetables mixed with spices and stuffed with dough are rolled and roasted to make delicious stuffed parathas. 'Tandoori' food, a favorite with many foreigners, is a gift from Punjab. After eating this meal, you can safely miss the next two meals!

When cities like Delhi or Mumbai visit the local markets like Janpath in Delhi or the Fashion Street in Mumbai. Here you will find an amazing variety of clothes and Junk Jewelley but the real fun of it is bargaining with the shopkeepers. Not only will you take home a lot of goodies at throw away prices but you will also enjoy the experiences.

In Old Delhi, close to the Red Fort, is India's Oldest restaurant, Karim's. Founded by the family of chef's who fed the Mughal emperors exotic dishes, the tradition of great cuisine lives on. Try their Kofta, peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a boiled egg; and succulent chicken yougurt laced with spices that burst upon the palate lie star shells.

On the way to Kerala's hill country. Munnar, sto at a tea stall and sip a cup of brew. The cool mountain air makes the experience invigorating." Kawa" is a light tea, without milk, topped with grated almonds, popular in Jammu ana Kashmir. The Masala tae served in the Dhabas in North India is another speciality.

Take a road trip from Bangalore to Goa. Passing through some astonishing landscapes, this is one of the most fascinating road trips down south. Another beautiful trip by road is from Chennai to Pondicherry via the East Coast Road. Also try a road trip from Rani ket to Kasuni in the Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal.

The habitat centre prides itself on being the epicentre of the cultural and entertainment life of the capital With several performance venues, almost all opertaing daily, every evening can leisurely spent enjoying a spectrum of performances. In addition, delectable cuisine is available at its food court.

Hyderabad love affair with automobiles dates back to the days of the nizams.Even today expect to see Rolls Royace, Packards and Candiallacs on the streets. Experience an exclusive drive around town in the vintage or classic car.

Walking the narrow winding strrets of bazaars is in itself a novel experience. The bazaars are certainly not the mall. Put aside any notions of peace and quiet and jump into the thick of it. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, has all kinds of shops, from gold and silver to hardware. If you can get lost, just hail an auto rickshaw, they'll take you whre you want to go.

Discover a tropical hill resort in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.Surrounded by the forests and flowering shrubs, Mt Abu was selected as the site of the most sacred mystic rites in ancient times, the sacrifice of the fire pit. Also, it is the centre of the Jain Pilgrimage. Check out the intricate carvings of the marble Dilwara temples and expect to get lots of spicy vegetarian food.

The racing season at Mahalaxmi Race course, Lala Lajpatrai Road, in Mahalxmi run from November to April. The highlight is the Indian Derby in Feburary. The elegant stands provide first class viewing of the racing on the flat, oval track; the entry fees range from Rs 12 to Rs 200. The race course is a popular place for people to visit, to jog or simply take in fresh air.

In October, a ten- day long festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Prince Rama over the evil king Ravana. Ram Lila, a drama which brings to life the legends of prince Rama is held in various parts of the country. On the tenth day a huge effigy of Ravana, filled with crackers is burnt. This becomes a most spectacular display of fireworks that fills up in the evening sky.

From the backwaters of Kerala and the waters of Goa to the northern frontiers in Kashmir, cursing on the calm waters surrounded by the scenic beauty adds a magical charm to a unique holiday. You could choose to stay on a houseboat or Shikara in Kashmir. Or relax in the Kettuvallams in Kerala, houseboats made out of jackwood planks sewn together with coir ropes.

The yearly Kingfisher Sea Bird race from Mumbai to Goa has become a major sailing event of the year. At the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and Colaba Sailing Club, one can learn sailing or just sail.

Palitana, city of Jain temples, lies at the feet of Shratrunjya hills, in the eastern part of the saurashtra. From this town, a flight of steps lead to a cluster of 863 temples built over a period of 900 Years. On a moonlight night the ivory coloured temples are a delectable sight.The ornate temples with deities studded with gems and jewels, can be reached after 90 minute climb.

Visit a heritage hotel where members of the royal family, having turned their palaces into hotels, hobnob with their guests. They are inclined to talk of the past and many revealing tales will make your experience an interesting one.

Take a Camel Safari out in the desert to watch the sunset over miles upon miles of sand. Camp on a solitary oasis, experience the dark starry nights and dance to musicians playing haunting music.

Play a round of Golf at the Classic Golf Resort ( CGF), the first South Asian Signature Championship course designed by te great Jack " Golden Bear' Nicklaus. The resort has been built on a 300 acre expanse, at the foothills of the picturesque 20 million year old Aravalli Hills.

Ballooning is a great way to see a city. New Delhi's Safdarjung Airport provides some opppurtunities to float past the old monuments.Ballooning events are also held annually in Rajasthan's three cities - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

While many people come to Khajuraho to see the erotic sculpture, this is a spectacular place for those interested in art and sculpture. Khajuraho is a must for students of arts.

Check out the Howrah bridge. See the New Market where everything from needles, textiles to squirrels is available. The Jewish street is a delight. Here they continue to have their own courts that follow Jewish Law.

The club culture in Kolkata is a British Raj legacy. Today the exculsive clubs of yesteryear are haunts of the native sahibs. Some of the clubs have strict dress codes and adherence to it is recommended. Sip a cup at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (established 1829, the oldest Golf Club outside the UK) and experience what it was to be a "burra sahib" (big boss) in the days of British Raj.

Relieve the good old days of the sahibs and shikari(hunter) by going on an elephant safari. Elephants might seem huge, intimidating beasts but they are quite gentle really and one can soon get used to the swaying motion of the elephant's gait.Travel through the hills and wide river valleys of the Corbett National Park, named after the famous hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. Wild Boar and herds of deer browse the vegetation in this scenic reserve, becoming a convenient prey for the park's leopards and tigers.

44. Pearls and Happiness:

Ever since the Diwan's patronage of the pearl industry, Hyderabad has remained the premier centre for buying, sorting and selling of pearls. The pearls are polished and graded and are then patterned into strings, jewellery, or simply sold by weight

45. Rhinos Aplenty:

For wildlife buffs, the Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve on the banks of the Brahamputra river is famous for the last major home of the 'Rhinoceros Unicornia'. Discover the park that also has the wild buffaloes and tigers atop an elephant's back.

46. Follow The Buddha's Trail:

Visit the quiet little village of Bodhgaya in Bihar. It is here that the Buddha is said to have attained Nirvana. Onece here, you can visit the Bodhi Tree (the fifth in succession of the original tree) under which the Buddha had attained Enlightement. Other places of interest are the spectacular Mahabodhini Temple, Vajrasna and the ancient railings that surround the temple.

47. Tiger Tiger:

Tiger Safari offer a full experince of Indian Wildlife. The Periyar Tiger trail is an exciting trekking programme through the deep forests in the Periyar river valley, near the Thekkady tourist resort in Idukki district, Kerala. Led by a small team of experienced guides having quit their former jobs as poachers, hike into cool, green forets and out again into vast, sunny meadows. One can hang out with an astounding array of wildlife including elephants, sambar deer, birds like the brilliant blue kingfisher and the great Indian hornbill, and more than 100 species of butterflies.

48. Watch a Kathakali dancer apply makeup:

A Kathakali performance is a major social event that starts at dusk and goes on through the night. Kathakali is performed only by men. The makeup is so elaborate that it is more like a mask. The materials that comprise the makeup include rice flour for ehitr, the red is made from Vermillion (a red earth such as cinnabar). The black is made from soot. The colours are not merely decoration, but are also a means of portraying characters. For instance, red on the feet is used to symbolize evil character and evil intent.

49. Get a pair of shoes made:

A Chinatown in Kolkata buzzes with activity the year round. It has rows of shoe stores and shoe makers, where you can get a pair of shoes designed at an amazingly reasonable cost. .

50. Where Washerman of Mumbai meet:

Visit Asia's largest open air laundry in Mumba. Here hundreds of washermen wash clothes and leave them out in the sun to dry. This Dhobi Ghat could not be further removed in spirit from the manicured lawns of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, although it is only a few hundred yards away. This is where much of the Mumbai's laundry is done, by hand in concrete sinks and dried by the sun, as it has been for generationst.

51. The Fish Business:

Take a tour to Kolkata's fish markets and see the numerous varities of fish from the lively Koi(Climbing perch), the wringling catfish family of tangra, magur, shingi and the pink-bellied Indian butter fish, the pabda. Among the larger fish, are rui (rohu) and behtki, weigh upto eight kilograms. Baskets of pink and silvery ilish (hilsa) match the shime on the glistening blade of the fishmonger. Top this with atrue Bengali meal of fish curry and rice.

52. Border With Myanmar ( Manipur):

Manipur is a great place to see over two dozens tribes. Famous for Manipuri dances and handloom textiles, the capital is surrounded by hills and lakes where one can go on nature walks and understand the meaning of true peace.

53. Live Corals:

Experience the beauty of the fields of coral. Visit Cinque Islands, one of the most beautiful islands of the Andamans. It is surrounded by pristine coral reefs. Prior permissions is required from the forest department to visit the island and only day trips are allowed.

54. Live in a Tree House:

About 65 km from Kozhikode on the road to Udhagamandalam, one reaches the base camp of the resort by jeep. The virgin travk from the camp to the tree houses has been retained in its prmitive condition. The dwelling, 400 sq ft each, took nearly five months of the collective effort by an engineer, carpenters and Pandya tribals to complete. Living in a tree house brings stories of Robinson Crusoe to life.

55. Ride a Thoroughbed:

In Mysore, ride thoroughbed and half bred, Indian Bred Marwari and Kathiawari horses, retired from racing. The average distance covered by the horse safari daily is 20-35 kms. Accommodation is in deluxe tents with seperate baths. The best time is between November to March.

56. Land Of Silks:

Kanchipuram, the town of thousands temples is one of the seven sacred cities in India. Kanchipuram is famous forits hand woven silks in the form of saris and yardage.The timeless appeal of the vibrantly coloured silks makes them prized collections.

57. In the Footsteps of Maharajas:

These days one would find golfers on the ground where royals once moved on their chargers. The Rambagh Palace Polo and Golf Club in Jaipur is an eighteen-hole course with nine greens and nine browns. It overlooks the picturesque Moti Dhongri Palace and the historical Nahargarh Fort. The fairway passes through the Rambagh Polo grounds, which have seen some of the finest polo matches in the time of the late Sawai Man Singh.

58. Endangered Olive Ridley Turtles- a rare sight:

Every year, as winter starts, thousands of baby Olive Turtles make their journey from India's eastern coast to the sea. Near Bhubhneshwar, about 200,000 baby turtles crawl out of eggs laid on the sandy shores, one of the world's largest nesting grounds.

59. India French Connection:

A quaint enclave in Tamil Nadu, 120 kms from Chennai is Pondicherry, once a possessions of French. It joined the Republic of India in 1960. The town is home to acclaimed philospher Shri Aurobindo. The Auribindo ashram is must for those visiting this region. The French will find it particularly charming as the homes, culture and cuisine are distinctly French.

60. Let Your Hair Fly:

Windsurfing is now so popular that most good sea side resorts offer it. Winter Months are best for amateurs as the wind remains gentle. The lagoons at Lakshdaweep Islands are excellent for windsurfing.

61. Experience the Juggernaut:

Did you know that Juggernaut, defined in the English dictionary as an "irrestible destructive force" was coined by British settlers in India when they witnessed the annual spectacle at the 12 th Century,Jaganath Temple in Orissa? A reason to see the Rath Yatra, or the Car festival is because it is one of the most stupenduous processions on the globe. Tens of thousands of ecstatic singing and dancing people crowd in front of the Chariots as they make their way through town,. The temple is one of the four holy Dhams, or "abodes of the Divine" and millions of pilgrims come each year to pay homage to the deity Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The festival takes place once a year in July.

62. Museums of Utensils:

A unique culinary experience awaits visitors on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, where visitors can savour authentic Gujurati Village cuisine, before wandering through the grounds to see a museum devoted to Indian Utensils.Utensils have been placed in a simple structure set around an open courtyard. Collected from all over India, the endeavour is to demonstrate the purity of form and shape in these objects of Utility.The museum celeberates the simple but perfectly designed objects of everyday use.

63. Stand on the tip of India:

Kanya Kumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet- a place from where one can see spectacular sunrises, colourful sunsets and the full moon rising from another part of the sky.

64. Participate in the Paranormal:

A Shrine in Shivpur, near Pune, named after Sufi Qamar Ali witnesses an unusual event. In the courtyard, visitors to temple are asked to assist in a demonstration of Qamar Ali's divine presence. The experiment involves a large boulder in the courtyard. When eleven people stand around the largest boulder and lightly touch it with a single forefinger and chant unison, the phrase, ' Qamar Ali Dervish' the stone rises. If the chanting stops or just one person removes his finger from the stone, the stone instantly falls. Believe it or not!

65. An Oil Massage in Kerala

Ayurvedic messages may have tongue twisting names, but have close guaranteed remedies for many ailments. A synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as measures kneed the body. The efect of this is obvious as the body relieves itseilf as the exceesive fluids. An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with sirodhara, as a medicated oil is poured in an even stream onto the forehead, said to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.

66. Experience the Juggernaut:

Did you know that Juggernaut, defined in the English Dictionary as an "irrestible destructive force" was coined by British Settlers in India when they witnessed the annual spectacle at the 12 th Centuary Jagannath Temple in Orissa? A reason to see the Rath Yatra, or the Cra festival is because it is one of the most stupendous processions on the gloobe. The Temple is one of the four holy Dhams, or the "abodes of the Divine", and the millions of Pilgrims come each year to pay homage to the diety Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The Festival takes place once a year in July.

67. Untouched Mangrove Forests:

Take a cruise around the untouched evergreen forests of Mangrove, the Sunderbans, the largest mangrove forests in the world. The vast spaces of densely wooded islands of wild beaches are sprinkled with baking deer and wildlife sanctuaries. Little wonder then that at Sunderbans, tranquality, peace and serenity get their true meaning. It has the largest species of mangroves, Royal Bengal Tigers, estuarine crocodiles and is one of the few large coastal wetlands left in the world.

68. Beating The Retreat:

At the majestic Vijay Chowk, the " Beating the Retreat" ceremony is held every year against the backdrop of the setting sun in Delhi. A centuaries old military traditions, " Beating the Retreat" dates back to the days when troops disengaged themselves from the battle at sunset. As soon as the bugles sounded retreat, the troops ceased fighting,sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield. The custom has been retained to this day when colours and standards are cased and the flag lowered.

69. Visit an Artist Village:

Cholamandalam in Chennai, Shilpgram in Udaipur, Pinjore in Haryana and Chowkidhani in Jaipur are some of the artist villages worth a visit. Here one can see artists at work- be it pottery, embroidery, painting or various other art forms.

70. Watch Idols Immersed in the sea:

Ganesh is the well-endowed god of prosperity. So it pays to treat him well! Celeberate the birthday of lord ganesh along with a million others as they move towards the sea to immerse his idols. The biggest public culmination of Ganesh Chathurthi happens on Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, in a large scale immersion. The city comes to a standstill as hundereds of thousands of worshipers crowd the beach. As the King sized idols are dragged into the sea, the crowd wild and chants, " Ganapati Bappa Maurya.

71. Sore Ankles and Rustic Fun:

Riding a camel fun can take some getting used to, similar to the first time trying to sit cross-kneed. It's not like an elephant ride where one can sit back comfortably and let the animal do the rest. Be prepared for sore ankles and knees. It will be better to try a one day safari before getting on to anything major. This is an ideal way to spend time exploring the rustic Rajasthan. A camel safari moves through the golden sands of the savage Thar Desert passing through remote villages. The fortified cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are the best areas for camel safari.

72. India's Only Wild Ass Sanctuary:

The Rann of Kutch, which covers an area of roughly 5,000 square Km, is primarily known as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is the last natural habitat of the Indian Wild Ass, one of the surviving species of the Wild Ass in the World - the other two being found in the Central Asia and in and around Tibet.

73. Ancient Monastery:

Visit the 17th Centuary monastery of the Mahayana Buddhists in Twang, Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 10,200ft. Home to over 500 Lamas, it is surrounded by mountains. The temple contains a huge statue of Buddha and other priceless images and Tankhas. It also has a wealth of old scriptures, beautifully illustrated religious books (some of them in Sanskrit) and a Library containing antique books invluding gold-lettered copies of the sacred Buddhist Scriptures.

74. Temples on A hill on a moonlit night:

Palitana, city of Jain Temples, lies at the feet of Shatrunjya hills, in the eastern part of the Saurashtra. From this town, a flight of steps lead to a cluster of 863 temples built over a period of 900 years. On a moonlit night the ivory coloured temples are a delectable sight. The Oranate temples with deities studded with gems and jewels, can be reached after a 90 minute climb.

75. Lunch Anyone:

A sight exclusive to Mumbai is its legendary dabbawallahas an army staff that supplies lunch boxes to Mumbaiites. To see them in action drop by Mumbai's Churchgate Station or the suburban section of Chattrapati Shivaji Station between 11 am and 12 noon on any working day. This unique system works a little like the Internet. Each lunch container has a code which directs its routing. The simple colour-coded instructions determine not only packed prioritization as lunches transfer from train to bycyle to foot. Thousands of Lunch boxes are delivered everyday.

76. A Wig Industry Blooms:

On an average, daily, tens of thousands of pilgrims offer their har at Trimula, in fulfillment of their vows. The tonsuring centres are busy day and night through the year. Over 200 tonnes of hair are collected every year, wigs are made and exported

77. Rock Climbing:

Bangalore is the centre of rock climbing destination like Ramangaram, Savandurga, Thuralli, Kabbal, Raogodhu and others. Kambakkam, around 100 kms from Chennai, provides good climbing in many grades while Hampi in Karnataka has some of the best granite rocks in India, providing climbers ample oppurtunity to test their skills. In a 300 kms radius adjoining Kolkata, there are some rock climbing destinations such as Purulia, Matha Bura, Jai Chandi and Susunia hills.

78. Palace of winds:

More famous by the name Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur's major landmarks. This five storeyed building built in 1799 looks out over the main street of the buzzing old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink delicately hoenycombedsandstone windows of which there are 953.

79. Paintings:

The history of painting in Rajasthan can be traced to the prehistoric period, as evidenced by the discovery of painting in rock shelters in the Chambal valley. Fragments of paintings found on pottery shards recovered from Kalibangan, Ahar and Gilund among other places indicate the antiquity of its pictorial art tradition. The most characteristic paintings of Rajasthan are miniatures, small paintings crammed with detail and executed in vegetable and mineral colours generally on handmade paper, but also non ivory, marble wood, cloth and leather.

80. Rural People:

Indians are hospitable people, respect religion and social customs. Indians always believe that "The guest is God".You may stop your vehicle en-route , make friends and with permission you can take their photographs also.

81. Eco Tourism efforts:

While in Jodhpur, visit the Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi clan holds a special significance in the culture of India. Their commitment to the natural environment is extraordinary. The basic philosophy of the clan is that all living things have a right to survive and share all resources. The Blackbuck and the Chinkara are not afraid of humans here and often seen near the village eating out of the villagers hands.

82. Enjoy fairs and festivals:

Festivals hold an unusual lure for the Rajasthanis and they find any number of reasons to celebrate. While some of these are traditional festivals, there are also a large number which have been recently introduced to showcase the heritage of a region. During your tour you might come across to any fair or festival in which you can participate and get the feeling.

83. A Palace Shimmers in the Lake:

The Lake Palace, Udipur is one of the most beautiful places in the world, arising out of the turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake, an elegant fantasy in white marble. The palace was built in the 17 th Centuary on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. Run by the Taj Group, the rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, green lotus leaves and painted mirrors.

84. Bird-watching at the Pathiramanal Island:

Go bird-watching at the Pathiramanal Island Sands of night. This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. It lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible by boat only. It is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alleppey to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise. Boats to the island now operate on Sundays from Muhamma and Kumarakom.

85. Kuttanad:

Don't miss Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad, with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams, which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is perhaps the only land in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level, are an amazing feature of the unique landscape.

86. Champakulam Church:

Don't miss visiting the Champakulam Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St Thomas. For interests sake, the annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year and the feast of St Thomas is celebrated on March 19th.

87. Bird watching:

Bharatpur is the real kingdom of avian fauna with approximately 377 birds species already spotted. In early October the first migrants arrive from central Asia, Mongolia and Siberia, the most eagerly awaited of the lot being the gravely threatened Siberian crank. Get ready for a sudden encounter with the elusive Siberian crane wintering here. Bharatpur is one of the known wintering haunts of the Siberian Crane.

88. Rajasthani music:

Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. Through songs the legendary battles of the Rajputs are told. The music engenders both a spirit of identity and provides entertainment as relief from the daily grind of wrenching a living from the inhospitable land.

89.Shopping:

India is a paradise for shoppers. From traditional Indian bazaars to modern shopping arcades, India offers splendid buys to suit individual taste and pocket. No matter where you are in the country, you will encounter a bewildering array of shopping options. You could shop for fine brocades, shimmering silks, woolens, cool cottons and a range of other fabrics. There is rich embroidery and mirror work as also an amazing variety of gold and silver jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, miniature paintings, metal, marble and stone-wares, pottery, jute and bamboo crafts, to choose from.

90. Darjeeling Train Journey :

Make sure to be on board the Darjeeling Himalayan Train. Described by the guiness Railway Book as ' one of the world's most spectacular' rail journeys, it si one of the the things you must do when you are in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a piece of inspirational railway engineering.

91. Frozen River Trek:

A Challenging and exciting trek over the frozen river Zanskar is the only access to the isolated capital of Zanskar during the harsh winter period. This dramatic and challenging trek begins with sight-seeing in the Tibetan influenced kingdom of Ladakh. The trek is on the frozen river with night stops in the villages and natural caves. Best time is between mid-January to mid-Feburary.

92. Kite Festival:

Enthusiasts from all over the world converge in Ahmedabad for the International Kite Festival in January on Makar Sankranti (according to the calendar is the 13th or 14th). Competitors prepare their kite strings with special mixtures of glue and ground glass as they try to cut the lines of other kites. Special foods and other celebrations accompany this festival marking the end of winter.

93. Sound and Light:

The Lal Quila (Red Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves awestruck. It is a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of Fort, and transports the visitors to another realm of existence. Sound and Light shows, highlighting particular phases of history are held here and worth attending. The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and Light shows are also held at other important monuments.

94. Golf in the Summer Capital of the British:

Shimla was the summer capital during the British Raj. Since no English township could be complete without a golf course, a suitable site was finally chosen at Naldehra 23 Km from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy turf, which requires little maintenance.

95. Get a pair of Shoes made:

Shimla was the summer capital during the British Raj. Since no English township could be complete without a golf course, a suitable site was finally chosen at Naldehra 23 Km from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy turf, which requires little maintenance.

96."Pardesi" Synagogue in Cochin:

The Magnificent synagogue is named after "Pardesi" who are the 'White Jews': a mixture of Jewish exiles from Spain and Portugal. It is the oldest synagogue built in the former British Empire. The synagogue houses 1600 year old copper plates on which the community charter of independence and the privileges were granted to the Jewish community are inscribed.

97. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai:

Madurai, in southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet - a place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and colourful sunsets and the full moon rising from another part of the sky.

98. Healing Gems:

The Navaratna (nine gems) is an exquisite piece of jewellery and every woman must own one. Traditionally the stone and its weight are decided according to the individual's astrological chart. The Navaratna consists of diamond, ruby, emerald, coral, pearl, sapphire, garnet, topaz and the cat's eye. This combination of gems is considered highly auspicious and is said to protect the wearer.

99. Gold Facial:

Get a 22 carat gold facial at any of the premium parlours like the Shahnaz herbal parlours in India. The facial involves a massage with 22 carat pure gold gel and cream to stimulate blood circulation and lyphatic drainage. This is an intensive age- control and rejuvenating treatment, leaving you as good as gold.

100. Aarti - Homage to the Ganges:

In Rishikesh and neighboring Haridwar, each evening, as the sun's last rays reflect off the boundless water of the Ganges, people gather for the aarti. This divine light ceremony is filled with devotional songs. The aarti, ornate oil lamps are released into the water. Aarti is a time whem people break free from stresses and strains of everyday life, and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As bright yellow sun dips in the water, one is filled with deep sense of bliss and spiritual connection.

101. Adventure Sports:

India's wide choice of adventure sports ranges from the daring to the exotic. A test of skill, toughness, endurance... and always exciting. Choose your kind of adventure - the perennial challenge of the Himalayas for mountaineers, the coniferous forests and flower meadows for the trekker, the rapids of snow-fed rivers for white water rafting, and the lonely stretches of the Thar desert for camel safaris and motor rallies.

Tours to India Directory

1. Get Indian in your attire:

2. Get married Indian style:

3. Design your hands:

4. Visit an Indian home:

5. Watch an Indian film:

6. Play cricket in the Park:

7. The Indian Digestive:

8. Holy holi:

9. Delhi Haat:

10. Lal Quila:

11. Indian Habitat Centre:

12. Sip Tea :

13. Read the classifieds :

14. A Palace in The Hills :

15. Catch the rapids during full moon :

16. Walk in The Bazaars :

17. A Modern Ashram :

18. Monsoon Magic At Mandu :

19. Yak Safari :

20. Jingle Jangle Bangles :

21. Golden Temple :

22. Have Lunch in Punjabi Dhaba :

23. Bargain Your Way :

24. Visit The Oldest Restaurant :

25. Sip Tea at a Wayside Stall :

26. Road Tripping :

27. Cultural Delhi :

28. Vintage Car Drive :

29. Walk in the Bazaars :

30. Mount Abu :

31. Indian Derby :

32. Celebration of Good Over Evil :

33. Spring Ahoy :

34. Sailing the Sea :

35. Temples on A Hill On A Moonlit Night :

36. Meet a real-life Maharaja :

37. Sunset of the Dunes :

38. Hole In One :

39. Ballooning :

40. Khajuraho :

41. Check Out the heart-beat of Kolkata :

42. Be a Sahib for a Day :

43. In the footsteps of Kiplings :