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My India Bucket List

If you know me personally, you may know that I have a secret crush. No, don’t worry, the husband is fine with my obsession, and he actually has a secret crush on it too: India. 

The country of colorful saris, fiery curries and fragrant chai. On our first date, the husband told me about his trip to India and the adventures he had there. The sparkle he had in his eyes when he shared his stories about the subcontinent and the adventures he had there, made me fall in love with him.

India has been a bucket list item for me for a very long time. I have read through hundreds of inspiring travel itineraries for India and came up with my own Must-See-Bucket-List. India deserves its very own bucket list, because you could spend a lifetime exploring this fascinating country.

So here it goes, my India Bucket List, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can check off some of these items soon!

My India Bucket List: Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the top destinations I want to visit on my India Bucket List Trip. The infamous pink city, the Palace of the Winds, and the Amber Fort are so stunning in images, and I can’t wait to take photos there as well.

The nerd in my wants to visit Jantar Mantar, one of the earliest fixed observatories in the world. It includes a series of astronomical instruments, including a gigantic sundial.

Another photographer’s dream: the step wells in and around Jaipur. The most breathtaking one is supposedly Chand Baori, which consists of over 3500 steps and reaches 13 stories (~100 ft) into the ground. The photos remind me of one of those optical illusion drawings.

My India Bucket List: See the sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Of course, the Taj Mahal has to be on my Bucket List for India. Hopefully, I can avoid the crowds by getting there early and staying late and hopefully, I’ll get a shot as stunning as the one above.

The white marble and the delicate carvings look so elegant and beautiful. Usually, I am not a very romantic person, but this symbol of love and devotion makes my heart flutter!

My India Bucket List: Mumbai

After reading Shantaram, Mumbai has been a MUST on my India Bucket List! Known as the Hollywood of India, Mumbai is the city of dreamers and aspiring Bollywood actors, self-made millionaires and businessmen. I can’t wait to stay in one of the glitzy and glamorous Mumbai hotels and experience the vibe of this amazing city – the Gateway to India. 

My India Bucket List: Swim in the Ganges

The Ganges, the holy river of Hinduism, runs from Himalayan foothills at the border to Nepal into the Bay of Bengal. I would love to see how this river transforms from the rambunctious youngster in the mountains to the slow and steady stream near its delta.

My India Bucket List: Tiger Safari

Seeing a Bengal Tiger in the wild is one of my biggest dreams hopes for my time in India. This amazing predator is so powerful and stealth, yet elegant and graceful. I know how rare it is to actually see a tiger in the wild, but this would truly make my trip to India even more exceptional. Isn’t it simply a beautiful creature? I can’t wait to go on Tiger Safari in India in Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park.

My India Bucket List: Andhra Pradesh

Andhra province usually isn’t on your typical India Bucket list. But this is where the husband traveled back in 2007 before we met and we have quite a few friends there that we would love to visit. Also, thanks to many home-cooked meals from our friends here in the US, I fell in love with Indian food from the AP.

My India Bucket List: Celebrate Diwali in India

I have spent Diwali in Kuala Lumpur one year, which has a large Indian population. I had never heard of Divali before, but the festivities and thousands of oil lamps and lights fascinated me instantly. I would love to celebrate Diwali in India one year.

My India Bucket List: Eating Apples and Hiking in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Over 100 years, missionaries introduced apples to the region, and now the Apples from Himachal are known as some of the best in the world. They are also a pricey indulgence. One box of apples (approximately 44 lbs) will cost you over $30, which is outrageously expensive for fruit in India.

The rolling hills and mountainous terrain make it also a great destination for hiking and trekking. It is much more off the beaten path than for example the Nepalese or Chinese Himalayas, especially for Western tourists.

My India Bucket List: The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is nestled between the countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar and one of the most remote places in India. Also known as one of the wettest places on earth, this area is in the Monsoon season pretty much year round. They are most famous for the root bridges – living bridges that span up to 50 meters across rivers and valleys. This photo by Arshiya Urveeja Bose is stunning, isn’t it?

And of course, I would love to hop over into Bangladesh and Myanmar, if I am that close 😉

My India Bucket List: Study Yoga in Rishikesh

A month of yoga in Rishikesh would be an amazing experience, and as a yogi, I would love to learn more about the history of yoga and the philosophy behind it.

My India Bucket List: Celebrate Holi in India

Holi is probably the most well-known Indian festival abroad. Depending on how large the Indian population is in your city, you might be able to find and celebrate Holi with your Indian friends right at home. The festival of colors signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Hindus perform religious rituals and pray that their internal evil is destroyed.

My India Bucket List: Explore the mountains of Kashmir

Once you have seen pictures of the landscape of Kashmir, especially the mountain regions around Ladakh, it won’t let you go. The barren steel blue hills, the turquoise glacier rivers and lakes, the friendly smiles of the locals, make it seem foreign, but welcoming at the same time.  

Zanskar River

What is on YOUR India Bucket List?

India is a fascinating country, and I know that I will visit there more than once. My India Bucket list is far from complete. I wouldn’t have a problem, finding things to do for several months of travel in India.  Such an amazing country and culture, don’t you think? The people are lovely and sweet, the food is fantastic, and the landscape is varied like in almost no other country. I can’t wait to see it for myself and start checking off those places from my India Bucket List. Have you been to India? What else should I add to my India Bucket List?

My India Bucket List: Pin for Later