Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it-
Kumbh Mela
The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year!
Rann Mahotsav
The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit.
Experience Holi as a local
India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar.
Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost.
The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon
It’s a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal.
And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes.
Spot the Bengal tiger
The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the World’s largest Mangroves.
Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett.
At the Golden temple
One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life.
Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have.
Ganga Aarti at Haridwar
On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime.
Night Kayaking in Andaman
The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night!
Stay in the traditional homestays
Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that ‘home feeling’ while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India.
The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkutty’s farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors.
An Ayurvedic retreat
The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are-
Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala.
Explore famous food streets
Well, who doesn’t love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? It’s so deliciously amazing…you should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food.
Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover.
Encounter the elusive Snow leopard
In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as “mountain ghosts” by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species.
Explore the stars, sky and space
Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know India’s advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at-
The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat).
Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir
All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as “Cinema ka Mandir”. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir!
Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala
To those who don’t know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Kerala’s authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala.
Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!
