India is a land of several cultures, traditions, and myths. It is a hub of different civilizations and also home to historical places. Our country was known as the primary place of learning for years.
As the country is full of different cultures, religions, and languages, it never ceases to amaze you.
Whether it is incredible architecture or delicious spices, exploring India is one of the best experiences in which you can engage your senses. There are excellent opportunities to dive deeper into the Indian culture while you are just traveling and exploring new things.
Indian culture is mainly shaped by religion, and all Indians celebrate different festivals throughout the year, like Diwali, Holi, and others.
If you are in India and want the best cultural experiences, then you need to look no further, as, under this guide, you can get your hands on the best cultural experiences you must get in India.
Here are 8 amazing cultural experiences you can have in India:
1. Visit Varanasi and light some candles
One of the holiest cities of India is Varanasi both Hindus and Jains have visited here since ancient times. The stone city is pretty colorful and home to at least 84 iconic guards or stone embankments.
These all lead to a river. Most of them are loaded with pilgrims scores from different parts of India, while some of them are reserved only for cremation. For all your senses visiting Varanasi is undoubtedly a great experience, but it is truly unforgettable. Ramnagar Fort gives the spiritual capital of the north its name, and it has 23,000 temples.
Plenty of tourists visit Varanasi every year to pay their respects to the holy river Ganga and join in the cultural devotion. You can take a boat ride on the river when the sun sets and then you can join us for the evening aarti at Ganga Ghat.
The evening aarti is one of the most devotional experiences you can come across in India, where people light candles before deities, and it is thought to infuse them with energy, love, and blessings.
You can completely immerse yourself by floating your lamps in the river. It is also known as the light ceremony, mainly during Diwali, which falls around October or November every year, when thousands of candles are lit along the riverbank.
- Activities: Participate in the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, float candles and flowers on the Ganges River, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and take a boat ride along the Ganges.
- Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Ganga Aarti, hire a local guide for insights into the rituals, explore the narrow alleys for hidden temples and local markets, and respect the local customs and practices.
- Transportation: Varanasi is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
- Accommodation: Choose a riverside hotel or guesthouse for easy access to the ghats and stunning views of the river.
2. Visit the splendid golden temple in Amritsar
Amritsar is also known as the holy city of the Sikh faith and is home to the Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, is one of the most prominent Sikh temples in the world. Amritsar means water pool, and it comes from the water pool at the center of this temple.
The city revolves around heritage and Sikh culture, and Sikhs from different parts of the world look forward to coming to this pilgrimage and dipping in the holy waters of the Golden Temple.
You would be rewarded with a fantastic sunrise where the sun will rise gently over the golden temple. You can take a few moments here before your huge crowds come in; it is one of the best ways to start your morning.
You can take Prasad to the langar hall during the afternoon, where volunteers serve excellent vegetarian meals. At least 80,000 people the free meals every day irrespective of caste, class, faith, or gender.
- Activities: Witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, enjoy a free meal at the langar (community kitchen), visit the Central Sikh Museum, explore the Akal Takht, and participate in the Kar Sewa (voluntary service).
- Tips: Cover your head and remove shoes before entering, visit early morning or late evening for the serene atmosphere, don’t miss the Wagah Border ceremony nearby, and be respectful of the religious practices.
- Transportation: Amritsar is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
- Accommodation: Stay in hotels close to the Golden Temple for easy access, such as “Ramada Amritsar” or “Hyatt Amritsar.”
3. Visit the magnificent Rajasthan fort
Jaipur is known as the pink city, and it is the capital of Rajasthan state. It is home to some of the most impressive palaces. Jaipur’s buildings are painted with the same Terra cotta pink shade because it represents hospitality. Back in 1876, Maharaja ordered this color for all the facilities because he was anticipating Prince Albert.
The city palace of Jaipur has all the facts of the Mughal style and is a blend of Rajput style. You can visit the museums inside the palace, like a textile gallery showcasing some textiles and costumes of the royal family.
Besides Jaipur, you can also visit Udaipur while you are in Rajasthan. It is a romantic city surrounded by different lakes.
- Activities: Explore Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, visit the Amber Fort in Jaipur, enjoy the sound and light show at Amber Fort, tour the City Palace in Jaipur, and visit the Jaisalmer Fort.
- Tips: Hire a guide for historical insights, wear comfortable walking shoes, plan your visit to avoid the midday heat, and take advantage of photo opportunities from the fort’s viewpoints.
- Transportation: Rajasthan is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airports are Jodhpur Airport and Jaipur International Airport.
- Accommodation: Choose heritage hotels or palaces converted into hotels for an authentic experience, such as “Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace” in Jodhpur or “Samode Palace” in Jaipur.
4. Visit the fantastic Taj Mahal
One of the most iconic structures of India is the Taj Mahal, which symbolizes eternal love. Shah Jahan was heartbroken after his wife Mumtaz Mahal passed away, and he started building this monument in her honor.
Building the Taj Mahal was nothing less than a challenging process. At least 22,000 men took more than 22 years to complete this must-face made from marble. Sunrise or sunset is one of the best times to visit the Taj Mahal.
It is one of the seven wonders of the world, and you should always consider visiting it during sunrise because it closes amazingly with the golden glow of the sun. Read Also: 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Agra.
- Activities: Marvel at the architectural beauty, visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views, explore the Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah.
- Tips: Purchase tickets online to avoid long queues, hire a guide for historical details, respect the no-touching and no-photography rules inside the mausoleum, and avoid visiting on Fridays when the Taj Mahal is closed.
- Transportation: Agra is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Agra Airport.
- Accommodation: Stay in hotels with views of the Taj Mahal for a memorable experience, such as “The Oberoi Amarvilas” or “ITC Mughal.”
5. Learn everything about the heritage by visiting Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin is near the southernmost tip of India. It is nestled in Kerala, also known as the leafy state of the country.
Fort Kochi is one of the most beautiful places where you can relax for a few days. When you visit this place, you feel that it has been removed from India because mainly British Portuguese, and Dutch people used to stay here, and they have left a mark on this town.
You can get cultural insight by walking through the heritage zone of Fort Cochin. You can relish some seafood. You can also explore the heritage with a typical Kathakali dance performance. The dance style is all about telling you the story of the legends and the myths. Read Also: Top 12 Destinations to Visit in Kochi (Cochin).
- Activities: Stroll through the charming streets, visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Mattancherry Palace.
- Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, hire a bicycle for easy exploration, try the local seafood at waterfront restaurants, and participate in a Kathakali dance performance.
- Transportation: Fort Kochi is well connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
- Accommodation: Stay in heritage hotels or boutique homestays for an authentic experience, such as “Brunton Boatyard” or “Old Harbour Hotel.”
6. Visit Ladakh for Losar Festival
Losar Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Ladakh. It is celebrated once a year, mainly from the first day of the first month falling under the Tibetan calendar.
The religious festival is celebrated for 15 days, and it marks the celebrations with different ceremonies that are all about the conflict between good and evil. The festival means the new year and involves enormous events, including folk dance feasts and music performances.
- Activities: Experience traditional Ladakhi culture, watch masked dances, participate in the vibrant Losar Festival celebrations, visit monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, and explore Leh Palace.
- Tips: Acclimatize to the high altitude before participating in activities, dress warmly in layers, respect local customs and traditions, and be prepared for limited connectivity.
- Transportation: Ladakh is accessible by air, with flights to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Roads to Ladakh are open only during summer.
- Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses or homestays to experience local hospitality, such as “The Grand Dragon Ladakh” or “Ladakh Sarai Resort.”
7. Don’t miss Chhau in Purulia, West Bengal
This dance is one of India’s most prominent tribal dances, originating in West Bengal. Chhau mainly means mask or an image. The dance, inspired by martial arts, represents different stories in Mahabharata and Ramayana.
During religious ceremonies, the dance is performed in the countryside, where the dancers perform mainly on the ground, and the audience is seated in a circular shape. Read More: 10 Most Famous Places To Visit in West Bengal.
- Activities: Watch the energetic Chhau dance performances, explore the local culture and folk traditions, visit nearby attractions like the Ajodhya Hills, and explore the Bamni Falls.
- Tips: Plan your visit during the Chaitra Parva festival, hire a local guide to understand the stories depicted in the dance, explore the local markets for handicrafts, and be prepared for basic amenities.
- Transportation: Purulia is well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.
- Accommodation: Stay in budget hotels or guesthouses in Purulia, such as “Hotel Akash” or “Hotel Hill View.”
8. At Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh
Dussehra is celebrated in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, and it is one of the most prominent events in that state. The festival is observed during October, a week-long celebration that attracts many visitors from different parts of the world.
The celebration mainly marks the triumph of good over evil. And traditions make the festival stand out from the crowd. Read Also: Top 10 Destinations to See in Kullu.
- Activities: Witness the grand procession of deities, enjoy traditional dances, participate in the week-long festivities and cultural programs, explore the scenic Kullu Valley, and visit the Great Himalayan National Park.
- Tips: Book accommodations well in advance as it’s a popular event, dress warmly as it can get chilly, try local Himachali cuisine at food stalls, and respect local customs and traditions.
- Transportation: Kullu is well connected by air, with flights to Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar. It is also accessible by road.
- Accommodation: Stay in hotels or guesthouses in Kullu or nearby Manali for easy access to the festival, such as “Apple Valley Resort” or “Span Resort and Spa.”
Hence, these are some cultural experiences you must know about and should attend while in India.
More information on India is provided below:
- 10 Most Beautiful ISKCON Temples In India
- Top 10 Reasons Your Next Trip Should Be to India
- 10 Best Reasons to Visit South India
- 11 Things to Know Before Travelling to India
- Top 11 Hill Stations to Visit in India in October 2024
- 15 Most Incredible Step Wells In India
- 20 Must-See Historical Monuments in India
- 15 Natural Wonders In India That Are Incredible!
- Top 14 Destinations in India to Take a Road Trip
- Ultimate Guide for Planning Your First Trip to India
- What is the best place to travel in India in 2024?
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are some popular cultural experiences in India?
Popular cultural experiences in India include visiting temples, attending traditional festivals, exploring historical forts, and enjoying classical dance and music performances.
2. What cultural activities can tourists participate in while in India?
Tourists can participate in yoga retreats, cooking classes, and traditional craft workshops, and join local festivals such as Diwali and Holi.
3. What are the best cultural experiences in India?
The best cultural experiences include visiting the Taj Mahal, exploring Rajasthan’s palaces and forts, participating in the Pushkar Camel Fair, and attending a Kathakali dance performance in Kerala.
4. How can I experience Indian culture on a day trip?
You can visit local markets, attend a traditional Indian meal at a local’s home, visit historical landmarks, or join a cultural workshop for a day trip experience.
5. What are some unique cultural activities in India?
Unique cultural activities include participating in a Rangoli-making session, attending a classical Indian music concert, taking part in a traditional wedding ceremony, and exploring tribal villages.
6. What are some ideas for celebrating Indian Culture Day?
Ideas for celebrating Indian Culture Day include organizing a traditional Indian dress competition, hosting a food fair with regional cuisines, showcasing Indian dance and music performances, and arranging a cultural quiz about India.
7. Where can I find authentic cultural experiences in India?
Authentic cultural experiences can be found in cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Mysore, and in rural areas where traditional lifestyles are preserved.
8. What makes Indian culture unique?
Indian culture is unique due to its diversity, rich history, variety of languages, vibrant festivals, traditional art forms, and the deep spiritual significance in everyday life.
9. How can I immerse myself in Indian culture during my trip?
To immerse yourself, stay in homestays, participate in local festivals, learn a few words of the local language, eat traditional food, and engage with locals to understand their customs and traditions.
10. What are the must-visit cultural heritage sites in India?
Must-visit cultural heritage sites include the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, the temples of Khajuraho, Hampi ruins, and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
