15 Amazing Things to Do in India That Will Change Your Perspective  

India is a land of contrasts and connections, where ancient traditions meet modern vibrancy, and every experience has the potential to reshape your worldview. Whether taking your first trip or seeking a deeper travel experience, here are 15 incredible things to do in India that will leave a lasting mark on your soul and shift your perspective in the most unexpected ways.  

1. Witness the Spiritual Spectacle of the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi 

Every evening in Varanasi, a powerful ritual takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat as priests perform the Ganga Aarti with fire, incense, and rhythmic chants. Watching thousands of pilgrims gather by the sacred Ganges River as diyas float across the water creates an overwhelming sense of devotion. This age-old tradition offers a glimpse into India’s deep spiritual roots and the emotional power of collective faith that transcends language and borders.  

Travel Tip: Visit at sunset, and take a boat ride for a magical view during the ceremony.  

2. Trek to the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand  

Hidden in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a breathtaking high-altitude Himalayan valley covered in a vibrant carpet of alpine blooms from July to September. The scenic trek, filled with waterfalls, snow-clad peaks, and rare flora, is more than just a nature trail- it’s a soul-stirring experience that reminds travelers of the delicate balance between beauty and biodiversity, and the healing silence of untouched wilderness.  

Perspective Shift: Nature’s untouched beauty teaches humility and reminds us of Earth’s fragile wonders.  

3. Volunteer at Golden Temple’s Langar, Amritsar  

At the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the world’s largest free kitchen serves vegetarian meals to people from all walks of life. By volunteering in the langar- chopping vegetables, rolling rotis, or washing dishes- you become part of a massive operation driven by humility and equality. The experience emphasizes the Sikh principle of seva(selfless service), encouraging gratitude, community involvement, and a deeper understanding of unity beyond religion or nationality.  

Takeaway: Compassion knows no caste, color, or creed here.  

4. Attend the Kumbh Mela(World’s Largest Human Gathering) 

The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years at four rotating sacred rivers, attracts millions of pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists who gather for ritual bathing. This colossal religious gathering is a marvel of both devotion and logistics. Standing amidst the crowds, witnessing faith in its rawest form, and participating in sacred customs can be a deeply humbling experience that challenges perceptions of spirituality, identity, and the idea of purpose.  

Why It’s Transformative: Witnessing this mass pilgrimage offers insight into faith, endurance, and humanity.  

5. Explore the Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka  

The UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi transport you to the glory of the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire. Scattered across surreal landscapes of boulders and banana plantations are ancient temples, royal enclosures, and giant monolithic structures. Exploring Hampi feels like stepping into a time capsule, where history isn’t confined to museums but exists in open fields. It evokes a sense of wonder about lost civilizations and the transient nature of human power and achievement.  

Pro Insight: Rent a bicycle to explore at your own pace.  

6. Get Lost in the Backwaters of Kerala  

Glide through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat and experience a unique ecosystem of lakes, rivers, and narrow canals fringed with palm trees and traditional villages. The pace of life slows as you watch locals fishing, farming, and waving from their doorsteps. With birds overhead and silence all around, this journey is meditative, teaching you the power of stillness and the beauty of simplicity in a world often consumed by speed. 

Impactful Experience: Teaches you to pause, breathe, and appreciate simplicity.  

7. Celebrate Holi in Mathura or Vrindavan  

Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan isn’t just a festival; it’s a spiritual celebration of love, joy, and divine playfulness rooted in Hindu mythology. As colors fly and laughter echoes through the narrow streets, social boundaries disappear. The experience is electric and inclusive, connecting strangers through shared exhilaration. It’s a vivid reminder that happiness can be unfiltered, spontaneous, and contagious- and that sometimes, it’s okay to let go and just play. 

Travel Caution: Wear old clothes and protect your electronics – this celebration is wild!  

8. Take the Himalayan Toy Train to Darjeeling 

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a charming, slow-paced ride through tea plantations, misty mountains, and quaint colonial stations. Pulled by a vintage steam engine, the train’s narrow-gauge tracks wind through jaw-dropping scenery. More than just a ride, it’s a nostalgic journey back in time that teaches patience, appreciation for old-world charm, and the joy of witnessing life unfold through an open train window. 

Philosophical Note: Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination.  

9. Camp under the Stars in the Thar Desert 

In the vast expanse of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, camping under a sky glittering with stars is an unforgettable experience. After a camel ride across sand dunes, you can sit around a bonfire, enjoy folk music and dance, and fall asleep to the sound of silence. Far from city lights, the desert night evokes awe and introspection. It’s a powerful reminder of how small we are- and how beautiful the universe is.  

Why Go: It brings you closer to nature’s rawness and the resilience of desert communities.  

10. Visit the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya  

In Meghalaya’s rain-drenched forests, the Khasi people have grown living root bridges by guiding the aerial roots of rubber trees across streams. Some of these bridges are over 100 feet long and centuries old. A trek to these living wonders reveals nature’s resilience and human ingenuity working together. Walking across them feels magical and meaningful, especially in a world obsessed with quick fixes. It’s a lesson in patience, sustainability, and tradition. 

New Perspective: Nature, tradition, and innovation coexisting in harmony is a lesson the modern world sorely needs.  

11. Meditate at an Ashram in Rishikesh  

Situated along the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh is home to numerous ashrams that offer yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats. Whether you’re a seeker or a skeptic, staying in an ashram allows you to disconnect from digital noise and embrace inner silence. With serene surroundings and mindful practices, this experience encourages personal reflection, emotional clarity, and a deeper understanding of well-being beyond physical fitness.  

Healing Power: A few days of guided meditation and yoga can be life-altering.  

12. Join a Tea Plucking Experience in Munnar or Assam  

Step into the emerald-green tea gardens of Munnar or Assam and join local workers in plucking fresh tea leaves. Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of one of the world’s favorite beverages. As you sip the final product, you’ll appreciate the labor and tradition behind each cup. This experience connects you to the land and the people, reminding you to honor everyday items and the lives behind them.  

Cultural Connection: It fosters appreciation for the labor behind everyday comforts and the lives that sustain them.  

13. Hike to Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh  

Located over 10,000 feet in the Eastern Himalayas, the Tawang Monastery is a beacon of peace, faith, and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Reaching it requires effort, but the serenity of the monastery and its panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains make it worth every step. The chants of monks, fluttering prayer flags, and crisp mountain air combine to create a spiritual experience that soothes the mind and awakens the soul.  

Life Lesson: Silence can be more powerful than speech.  

14. Attend a Traditional Indian Wedding 

Indian weddings are more than just ceremonies- they’re extravagant multi-day celebrations filled with rituals, music, dance, and feasts. Attending one offers a close-up view of Indian customs, family values, and cultural richness. From vibrant attire to emotional traditions, every moment is bursting with meaning. More than a spectacle, a wedding in India reveals the deep connections between relationships, rituals, and joy. It’s an immersion in the true spirit of community.  

Cultural Insight: Community and tradition still hold deep significance in Indian society.  

15. Discover Indigenous Tribes in Odisha or Nagaland 

India is home to over 700 indigenous tribes, each with its language, customs, and identity. Visiting tribal regions in Odisha or Nagaland offers a rare and respectful glimpse into ancient ways of life that thrive despite modernization. Handicrafts, tribal dances, and simple village living challenge materialistic ideals and showcase deep-rooted harmony with nature. These visits leave lasting impressions about cultural preservation, diversity, and the richness of human expression.  

What You Learn: True richness lies in diversity, not uniformity.  

Conclusion:  

Traveling through India is about more than seeing places – it’s about letting the country leave an imprint on your heart. Every state, village, and experience has something to teach. Whether it’s kindness from a stranger, a ritual that brings peace, or a landscape that makes you gasp, India has a way of turning travelers into thinkers, storytellers, and seekers.