10 Best Things to Do in India
Quick answer: The top 10 things to do in India mix iconic sights, hidden gems, food, and outdoor adventure. Read the full list below — costs and tips included for each.
India offers far more than the tourist trail suggests. This list balances must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path experiences locals recommend. Each activity includes time needed, cost, and the one tip that makes it work. Sequence them based on your trip length — see itinerary suggestions at the bottom.
Top 10 Things to Do in India
1. See Taj Mahal at sunrise
Continue planning your India trip
Open 30 min before sunrise. Entry ₹1,100 for foreigners. Photographers’ dream.
Cost: ₹1,100
2. Tour Jaipur Amber Fort & City Palace
Pink city. Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort (elephant ride NOT recommended ethically).
Cost: ₹500-1,000
3. Sunrise boat ride on Ganges, Varanasi
Most spiritual experience in India. Ghats, cremation pyres. ₹500-1,500.
Cost: ₹500-1,500
4. Kerala backwaters houseboat
Houseboat overnight in Alleppey. ₹6,000-15,000/night includes meals.
Cost: ₹6,000-15,000
5. Rajasthan desert camp Jaisalmer
Camel safari to Thar Desert. Camp under stars. ₹1,500-5,000/night.
Cost: ₹1,500-5,000
6. Goa beach time + Portuguese heritage
Old Goa churches + Anjuna beach. Avoid weekends (domestic tourists).
Cost: Varies
7. Mumbai street food tour
Vada pav, pav bhaji, Mumbai cutting chai. Chowpatty Beach evening street food.
Cost: ₹500-1,500
8. Yoga & meditation in Rishikesh
Ashram week. Parmarth Niketan offers donation-based stays.
Cost: ₹500-3,000/day
9. Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj
Tibetan exile community. Dalai Lama’s home. Pleasant in summer.
Cost: Cheap
10. Hampi ruins (UNESCO)
Karnataka ancient city ruins. Boulder landscape. Rent moped to explore.
Cost: ₹600 entry
Suggested Itineraries
| Trip Length | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Activities 1-4 from the list above. Focus on iconic experiences. |
| 3-4 days | Activities 1-7. Add a day trip and food tour. |
| 5-7 days | Full list + 1-2 self-discovered hidden gems. Add downtime. |
| 10+ days | Full list + day trips outside India + slow days for serendipity. |
Money-Saving Tips
- City pass/combo tickets: Most major destinations sell a multi-attraction pass that saves 20-40% over individual entries.
- Free museum days: Many top museums offer free entry one day per week or month — research before.
- Walking tours: ‘Free’ walking tours (tip-based) cover history and orient you on day 1. Quality varies — check recent reviews.
- Lunch deals: Top restaurants often offer prix-fixe lunches at half the dinner price.
- Public transit pass: Day/multi-day transit passes pay back after 3-4 rides.
What to Skip
- Tourist trap restaurants directly adjacent to major sights — usually overpriced and underwhelming.
- Souvenirs from official gift shops — markets and indie stores offer better quality at half the price.
- Hop-on-hop-off bus full day — useful for orientation (do 1 loop), waste of time as full transport.
- Booked tours for things you can do solo — walking tours of public neighborhoods rarely add value vs. a $5 guidebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in India?
The essentials for India include: See Taj Mahal at sunrise, Tour Jaipur Amber Fort & City Palace, and Sunrise boat ride on Ganges, Varanasi. These three alone deserve at least 2-3 days of your itinerary. See the full list above for 7 more recommended experiences.
How many days do I need in India?
For a focused trip covering the highlights, 3-5 days in India is enough. To explore in-depth (day trips, hidden gems, slower pace), plan 7-10 days. First-time visitors should err toward more days — you can always slow down, but rushing key sights is regret-inducing.
What can you do in India for free?
Many of the best experiences in India cost nothing: walking the historic district, sunset viewpoints, public markets, beaches/parks, free museums on certain days. Build a ‘free day’ into your trip — it’s often the most memorable.
Is India family-friendly?
Yes — most major attractions in India suit families. Look for activities under 2 hours, museums with interactive exhibits, and outdoor options to burn kid energy. Avoid extreme heat midday and crowded peak hours. Restaurants in tourist districts are usually kid-friendly.
What’s the best time to do outdoor activities in India?
Plan outdoor activities for early morning (before heat/crowds) or late afternoon (golden hour for photos). Check weather and seasonal closures — some popular hikes or attractions close in winter or during monsoon/hurricane season.
Are guided tours worth it in India?
For complex historic sites (ruins, ancient cities, museums with limited English signage), a guided tour pays for itself in context. For wandering and food, self-guided is often better. Read recent reviews — operator quality varies hugely.
Related India Travel Guides
- Where to Stay in India
- Best Time to Visit India
- Best Food in India
- India Itinerary Guide
- India Trip Cost Breakdown
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.