10 Incredible Experiences That You Can Only Have in India

India is a country with an ancient history and beautiful spiritual presence. It may not be as peaceful and tidy as other countries but the true traveler will talk about getting lost in the crowds of India. For some, it’s absolute bliss to experience the challenging train travel or bus service. Some will go for the peace and tranquility of an ashram. Many will do their yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, Dharamsala or Goa because India is, after all it is the birthplace of yoga. Here are some of the incredible experiences you will have in India that you won’t have anywhere else in the world.

The Culture Shock

Travel in India is so much different than anywhere else. You won’t believe the number of people and the amount of garbage. This is a part of the unique experience of India. It might be a shock to the system but all said and done, you’ll never forget it and you’ll probably feel accomplished for making the trip. Don’t worry, there are plenty of relaxed places that are clean and peaceful.

The Taj Mahal

This beautiful building is a testament to the love, a man had for a woman. It is stunning to see in person too. The Taj Mahal is on the most adventurers bucket list and there’s a good reason for it.

The Holiness of the Ganges

Being immersed in society in India will allow you to witness how much they worship the Ganges River. For them, it is holy and you can sense the spirituality that sits behind it. They truly believe a river is a holy place and they bathe in it to get the blessings for a good life.

The Fresh Air of the Himalayas

Yes, India is notorious for being dirty in some areas but there are also places that are in pristine nature. Rishikesh and Dharamsala are both special in their own rights. Many soul seekers will do yoga teacher training in Dharamsala or Rishikesh. They aren’t near the beach like Goa but they have their own significance.

Spiritual Experience of Rishikesh

For yogis, Rishikesh is a very special place. It is the birthplace of yoga and the Ganges also runs through it. Many people will feel very much at peace here. The depth of their yoga practice is much more fulfilling than doing it in their home countries. It is also way cheaper to get the full spiritual experience here. Meals and accommodation included for yoga teacher training immersion are still less than doing it at home.

Yoga in Goa

Goa is a lovely place to visit in India. While there are many ocean side villages around the world, few have the cool hippy yoga vibe that Goa does. There are many vegetarian and vegan places and the yoga culture is well ingrained in this beach town. You will get a sense of that when you come. There are a lot of open-hearted people and it makes for a wonderful holiday.

Dalai Lama in Dharamsala

We all love the Dalai Lama. He is a beacon of truth in a world gone mad. When he was extradited out of Tibet, he ran to the Himalayas and to Dharamsala. He was welcomed here and this is where he has made his home. There is a lot of history of the Tibetans and you learn what they went through here. There are also many hikes that allow you to trek among the towering cliffs of the high mountains. There are monasteries here and you’ll feel inspired to go deep within yourself. The Dalai Lama has his monastery here which you are free to roam around to view. If you have an affinity for Tibetan Buddhism and a deep culture, you’ll love Dharamsala. It’s peaceful and the air is so pure here.

Five Star for So Much Less

You can do India rustic if you want which will cost you very little. You can also enjoy the luxury of many four or five-star hotels for so much less than at home. If you’ve never had a butler or a pool with 24K gold at the bottom of it, you can try this out in India. You can hire drivers for the day that cost you less than taking a taxi from one end of town to another back home. The food is reasonable but incredibly delicious.

Volunteering in Karnataka Rainforest

There are stunning rain forests in India where you can work as a volunteer. You get meals and accommodation. Here, you have the chance to preserve the forest which includes King Cobras by the way. Living in a rain forest for a little while and making a difference could be a life-changing experience.

Walking the ancient Silk Road

While there are many incredible treks you can take in India, doing the 21 days ancient Silk Road is a pretty special experience. The people that have walked the same path go back for centuries. The exotic tales are the stuff dreams are made of. Traders and warriors have walked this path and if you take a guided tour operator, you’ll learn all about it. There is a portion where you take a jeep tour too but much of the experience will have you trekking incredible places.India is fascinating and can offer you so many experiences that you’d only have in India. There are lush rainforest, exotic animals, outdoor markets, gardens, and ashrams. It will fill your heart up and you will be forever changed.

Regardless of the journey you choose, traveling in a small group of other travelers is the best way to experience India. These five tours are the best small cultural tours in India for you to experience both the best sights and culture in the most intimate way.