It’s already the end of the year, and when I look back, the traveller in me can’t help but wish that I had explored more. If only I had taken the last minute trip to Mashobra to watch the snow fall or extended my weekend getaway to Goa into a workation, I’d be over the moon! I did unlock a number of travel milestones, but in this world that’s so big and beautiful, no amount of travelling is enough. So, to keep my travels more streamlined, I’ve shortlisted 23 unique experiences in India that I need to have next year and so should you.
1. Stay in an Igloo
Saying that Sethan village gets blanketed in snow during winter is nothing but a massive understatement. The village receives more than 7ft of snowfall which has led to the creation of an Igloo village where travellers can experience living in a real Igloo! Now there’s no need to spend a fortune to visit Norway since you can get the igloo experience just an overnight bus ride away!
2. Meet a head-hunter tribe
The Konyak tribe of Nagaland has long been infamous for their tradition of head-hunting. Known to be fierce warriors, the tribe men took pride in slashing off the heads of enemies and hanging them in Morungs as a symbol of pride. You can meet the tribe and are sure to be left fascinated by their tribal jewellery as well as facial and hand tattoos.
3. Drive between an ocean and a river
The village and beach of Marvanthe is a destination that needs to top your bucket list especially if you are a road-trip enthusiast. The place offers a unique experience of driving in the middle of a vast blue sea on one side and a river on the other. The Edappally Panvel highway stretches all along the Marvanthe Beach and makes for a memorable drive.
4. Spot a Snow Leopard
This is one of the most elusive creatures in the world, and a winter trip to Spiti will bring you closer to this beautiful beast. Most Snow Leopard spotting expeditions begin from Kibber, and it can take anywhere between one to infinite attempts to spot the leopard. The experience is sure to be as overwhelming as it is difficult.
5. Try the world’s spiciest chilly in Assam
The Bhut Jolokia, the ‘ghost chilli’ or the Naga Jolokia has been named after the fierce warriors of Nagaland, and rightly so. The hottest chilly in India is said to be 400 times hotter than tobasco sauce! If you dare to test your taste buds, then visit Assam, Manipur or Arunachal to give it a try.
6. Live inside a 12th Century fort
This is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, dating back to 1156 AD. It is also one of the very few living forts of the world. A significant population of the old city’s population still resides within. The fort is so huge that you will even find hostels and hotels located inside! If you have ever wanted to experience the life of royals, this is the best place to do it.
7. Visit the waterfall that flows upwards
Situated just three hours away from Mumbai, the Naneghat Waterfall is a beautiful haven where a strange phenomenon takes place. The cascading waterfall does not fall down, like it should, instead it zooms upwards! This phenomenon takes place during monsoon when the speed and pressure of water are so high that it sends the water zooming upwards!
8. Go kayaking and watch the sea glisten with streaks of silver
If you’re in Havelock during the right time of the month, you can opt for a kayaking experience after sunset where you can watch nature’s most stunning phenomenon – bio-luminescence. On a dark night, the phytoplanktons light up the water and it is a sight to behold. The silver water against a starry night sky is the stuff that dreams are made of!
9. Demolish an entire Rajasthani Thali
Rajasthan is known for its rich cuisine and that is evident in its delicious thali. Complete with delicacies such as dal baati churma, kadhi, gatta-saag, ker saangri, kachori, laal maas, finished with a sweet such as ghevar, the thali is the ultimate gourmet experience.
10. Witness live exorcism at this temple
What’s India without its belief in all that is supernatural? The Mehendipur Balaji Temple in Dausa District of Rajasthan, dedicated to Lord Hanuman is flocked by travellers and devotees from all around the world. It is believed that the temple is bestowed with the power to relieve its visitors of black magic, ghosts and evil spirits. There is a separate section in the temple where only the supposed possessed are treated. If you want to visit this section, be prepared to witness people shrieking and banging their heads on walls.