10 Unique Things to Do in India in 2024 for the Most Riveting Holiday

It’s 2024 already. So it’s best to plan your bucket list and up your game at the earliest. A rich tapestry of experiences awaits you this year right here in India; from the expansive palaces and wild jungles to vast deserts and peaceful beaches, India has it all. 

We talked about upping your game, so why not do something different than others and put together a list of 10 unique things to do in India in 2024 that would give everyone the travel goals? So, without any further ado, let’s get started.  

• Visit the mesmerising tea estates in Darjeeling. 

Tea is unofficially India's national beverage. Every third individual you meet across the length and breadth of this country would love their cup of 'chai.' If you love your tea too, why not get into the depths of tea-making?

Picture yourself in Darjeeling, the heartland of tea, wandering through the emerald green tea gardens and soaking in the stunning view around, breathing the fresh air scented with the aroma of tea. It's time to put a visit to the tea gardens in Darjeeling on your travel bucket list. 

As you explore the stunning tea gardens, learn about the art of picking the leaves and the process involved, from drying to packaging. Of course, savour a cup of freshly brewed tea made from locally grown leaves while enjoying the surreal landscape surrounding you!

Best time to visit Darjeeling – March to June

Best place/s to stay in Darjeeling – Summit Hermon offered by Club Mahindra
 

• Explore the Himalayan Wilderness on a Yak Safari in Sikkim

If you have a knack for treading the lesser-known paths and indulging in offbeat adventure, then in 2024, you can plan a trip to the northeast region of India, especially Sikkim. Teetering on the far eastern side of India and bordering Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, this stunning state is the epitome of surreal beauty.  

While its scenic landscape is legendary, Sikkim also offers you a chance to indulge in a range of adventurous activities like a Yak Safari, which you won’t find anywhere else in India. The safari lets you explore the uncharted and pristine landscape around Dzongri and Tsogmo Lake. 

These gentle giants offer a distinctive way to meander through the picturesque setting, and as you complete the safari, don't miss the chance to taste dried yak milk, a local speciality and delicacy. While it may require an acquired taste, you must give it a try as an integral part of experiencing the local culture. 

Best time to visit Sikkim – March to May, October to December

Best place/s to stay in Sikkim – Club Mahindra Gangtok, Club Mahinda Baiguney
 

• Bond with the tribes at the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Often called as the 'festival of all festivals,' the Hornbill Festival is a spirited celebration that is held every year in Nagaland. It is a 10-day grand festival that features a wide range of activities like dance, traditional music, and spectacular performances by the local tribes showcasing their rich cultural and traditional heritage. 

There are different types of tribes in Nagaland, and each of them contributes to the culture in their own distinctive way and makes it one of the unique experiences in India 2024 that must feature in your to-do list. 

The festival also includes an exhibition of traditional Naga arts and crafts, beauty contests, and sporting events like Naga wrestling and archery, giving the local artists a platform to showcase their talents and display their work. 

Best time to visit Nagaland – October to March

Best places to visit – Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Khonoma Village, Tuensang

• Go One-Horned Rhino Spotting at Kaziranga National Park in Assam

Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast or passionate about wildlife, a visit to Kaziranga National Park must be at the top of the list of things to do in India in the 2024 list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning natural park is the only place in India that houses the wild, exotic, and endangered one-horned Rhinoceros. 

While these magnificent beasts are the star attraction at the park, it is also home to many other exotic flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region. Not to mention, the park itself is a work of art; there are different zones within the park, and each one has its own unique charm. 

You can delve deep into the heart of the wilderness by going on a jeep or Elephant safari. It gives you a chance to get a close-up look at these magnificent animals. If you are lucky, you may even spot a Rhino calf that is too adorable to be true. The safari experience and Rhino spotting in their natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime!
 

• Send a Postcard from the Floating Post Office in Kashmir 

A lake from the abode of Gods, Dal Lake in Srinagar, is the definition of beauty. A popular tourist attraction in Kashmir, it is also home to the only Floating Post Office in the world. As you explore the stunning landscape around Dal Lake, take a boat ride to experience the beauty of the region as you cruise over the azure waters. 

The ride also takes you to this stunning and one-of-a-kind post office, and you can send a postcard to yourself or your loved ones back home from here. It is one of the best things to do in India. The postal stamp here is also quite unique; it features a man rowing a Shikara, perfectly capturing the essence of Kashmir. 

Best time to visit Kashmir – April to October

Best place/s to stay in Kashmir – Kashmir House Boat offered by Club Mahindra

• Witness the Kalaripayattu Performance in Kerala 

Kalaripayattu is one of the most ancient forms of martial arts in the world, and its birthplace is 'Kerala,' in God's Own Country. Martial artists from around the world have been in awe of this scientific form of martial art, which requires years of practice to master. It also requires immense dedication, physical and mental strength and discipline. 

As we are already in 2024, it would be the perfect time to prepare a bucket list of places to travel and things to do. Make sure to include seeing the Kalaripayattu fight in Kerala at the top of that list; we bet it will be one of the best experiences of your lifetime!

Best place to see Kalaripayattu – Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kochi

Best time to visit Kochi – November to February

• See the Beautiful Dance of Fireflies at Purushwadi in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Imagine standing in the middle of a forest at night, and there are millions of sparkling lights around you! Sounds surreal, right? Well, this is exactly what you get for real at the Purushwadi Festival of Fireflies, an annual phenomenon that happens in the Purushwadi village of Maharashtra. 

During the pre-monsoon season, i.e., between May and June, the magical creatures called Fireflies emerge from nowhere to perform a luminous dance and transform the forest into a natural light show. It is a stunning spectacle and display of dance that is truly magical!

What makes this one of the best activities to Do in India 2024 is that to reach this village, you have to embark on a night walk through the woods, which adds to the charm of the overall experience. 

Best time to visit Purushwadi – May to June

Best places to visit near Purushwadi – Harishchandragad Fort, Kalsubai Peak
 

• Learn About Pattachitra art in Odisha

Odisha is best known for being home to the world-famous Puri Temple and the chariot possession, an annual affair that brings lakhs of tourists from all over India. But not many know that this incredible state teetering on the far eastern side of the Indian peninsula is also home to the Raghurajpur village, which is considered a living art gallery. 

Known as the Heritage Village, this quaint town totally lives up to its name with neat rows of houses that are adorned with beautiful wall paintings. The village has a rich history as a settlement of artisans who have been around since the 13th Century, practising and protecting an ancient art form called Pattachitra.  

• Go on a Biking Trip to Leh Ladakh

If you could pick only one place to visit in India in 2024, let it be Leh Ladakh. A paradise on earth in every sense of the word, its unmatched natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring! The best way to explore the region's scenic landscape and immerse in the local culture is to go on a biking trip across Leh Ladakh. 

It is one of the most popular activities among adventure junkies. The biking trip allows you to ride over the snow-filled roads, and you can explore the surroundings at your own pace; there is no need to follow an itinerary or timelines.

Another reason to opt for such a unique activity in 2024 is that it allows you to witness and enjoy the different shades of nature in one frame.   

• Discover the Life Underwater at Havelock Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

The natural beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is out of this world. The sun-kissed beaches with pristine white sand, the lush greenery and the range of fun water activities make it a popular tourist destination, especially for couples and honeymoon goers. 

While the scenery on the land is as picturesque as it can get, the islands hold a whole different world underwater. While you are on Andaman Island, don't miss the chance to scuba dive at the Havelock Islands; it is one of the best activities to do in India in 2024. 

As you dive into the water, you will be welcome to a colourful world of corals and underwater life. Swimming with a school of fish and discovering new species is an experience that cannot be expressed but just felt!