Believe it or not, there are various things in India that you can enjoy without spending any extra cent. Though, there are various historical sites and important structures in India that require an entry fee, being relatively higher for the foreigners, but there also are various other activities that you can indulge in and that would not affect your pocket. You can make your luxury holidays in India 'value for money'. Still Wondering? Read further to believe it.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 things to do while exploring India (Free of Cost):
1. Enjoy a Festival
Festivals and celebrations are important features of the religious country like India. Throughout the year, there are numerous festivals and celebrations that take place in different parts of the country. Along with it, every festival has a unique element to showcase. You can dance on the streets during the procession of Ganesh Chaturthi, witness brilliant fireworks displays on Diwali, throw colored water and colored powder over people on Holi, etc. Along with this, on Krishna Janmashtami get amazed with the guys forming human pyramids, Pushkar for the camel fair featuring almost 50,000 camels, and lovely floral displays during Onam. Do not miss the decorated elephants' parades during temple festival in Kerala.
2. Relax on the Beach
Are you tired of sightseeing tours? You can relax and spend leisure time at the beaches. Being covered by water from three sides, India is blessed with beautiful beaches to enjoy the natural setting. India beach vacation is something you could opt for to enjoy and relax at picturesque beaches. Along with some lively and happening beaches, there also are some private beaches that are praised for solitude. You can visit the Gorkana Beach (Karnataka) and Varkala Beach (Kerala) are also a must visit beautiful beaches apart from happening beaches of Goa. Marari Beach (Karnataka) is also a good option for travelers wanting to relax and unwind. There also are tour packages for luxury beach holidays in India available to meet the requirements of the tourists.
3. Visit a Temple
The intricate detailing and unique architecture are some of the fascinating features of Indian temples. Some of the major temples that does not require any entry fee are Golden Temple (Amritsar), Haji Ali Mosque (Mumbai), Jama Masjid Mosque (Delhi), the Galta Monkey Temple (Jaipur), Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore), Kapaleeswarar Temple (Chennai), Budhhist Mahabodhi Temple (Bodhgaya), Srirangam Temple (Tiruchirappalli), Karni Mata/Rat Temple (Bikaner), etc. Apart from these, there also are free of cost sacred Hindu places to visit in Rishikesh, Varanasi and Haridwar. Do not miss the beautiful candlelit Aarti ceremonies in the evening at the ghats (banks) of the River Ganges.
4. Marvel at the Architecture
The glorious past has endowed India with numerous architectural marvel dotted all across. There are various Indian that showcase a perfect mix of old and new parts. Explore the narrow lanes of old cities. To witness the grand colonial architecture, Mumbai is the place to be. Visit Prince of Wales Museum, Horniman Circle building in the Fort area, Victoria Terminus railway station, etc. witness the magnificence of beautifully painted old havelis lined through the Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan. The ancient abandoned cities of Mandu and Hampi are worth a visit.
5. Go for a Nature Walk
India also showcases landscaped gardens, which require no entrance fee. Delhi is one travel destination where you could find beautiful gardens to visit, such as Lodi Gardens, the Garden of Five Senses, etc. The Garden of Five Senses is sprawled over an area of 20 acres and is designed to stimulate all five senses. The Kamala Nehru Park and Hanging Garden of Mumbai are also free to visit. From the Hanging Garden, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Marine Drive. The extensive Botanical Gardens (Kolkata) are also worth a visit. Spot a massive banyan tree there. Apart from these, you can also choose from India's hill tows to enjoy lush greenery and relaxing walks. India also features destinations, which are regarded as ideal for luxury romantic holidays.
6. Visit Free Monuments and Attractions
There are numerous recognizable monuments in India, which do not require any entry fee, such as India Gate (New Delhi) and Gateway of India (Mumbai). In Mumbai, you can also visit the massive open air laundry, popular as the Dhobi Ghat. Along with this, the renowned Dabbawalas are also one of the major attractions of Mumbai. The Howrah Bridge in Kolkata is also an excellent entertainment value. It is remarked as the world's busiest bridge. There, you can also visit numerous historic monuments like Victoria Memorial, Fort William, St Paul's Cathedral, and Shahid Minar.
7. Window Shop at a Market
The lively and absorbing markets of India could be enjoyed without purchasing anything. The list of such markets includes Chandni Chowk (Delhi), Chameliwala Market and Johari Bazaar (both in Jaipur), New Market (Kolkata), and Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar (both in Mumbai). These congested and chaotic markets will keep you fascinated for hours, as you can marvel the range of goods for sale, explore the winding lanes, hear the interaction between sellers and buyers, etc. The Flower Market of Kolkata is also an interesting place to be.
8. Get a Taste of Indian History
Mahatma Gandhi (Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi) is affectionately referred to as the "Father of the Nation". His efforts in the freedom of India have provided him a special place in Indian history. Visit Gandhi Smriti (Delhi); this is the exact location where he was assassinated on 30th January, 1948. The Gandhi Memorial Museum, at Raj Ghat (Delhi) he was cremated. Here, the pistol is also displayed that was used by the assassinator. Mani Bhavan Museum (Mumbai) is also a place to visit. This is the place where he stayed during 1917-1934. Here, you can see the room of Gandhi, library hall, picture gallery, and the terrace where he was arrested on 4th January, 1932.
9. Admire Indian Art
To admire the Indian art, you should visit Kolkata that has earned the status of 'Cultural Capital of India'. Academy of Fine Arts on Cathedral Road (Kolkata) is highly absorbing for art enthusiasts. Being the India's oldest art society, you can explore the fascinating journey of Bengal art. The complex also features the Carpet Museum and Gallery of Contemporary Art. Kala Ghoda (in English means Black Horse) in Mumbai is a dedicated arts precinct, located between the fort and Colaba. Here numerous art galleries are featured, Jehangir Art Gallery is one amongst them. Interesting work of Indian artists is showcased here. The Juneja Art Gallery (Jaipur) is also a place to visit to explore the contemporary Rajasthani art. Thereafter, the Modern Art Gallery is also a place of interest for art enthusiasts in Jaipur. In Delhi, the Delhi Art Gallery in Hauz Khas Village is also popular amongst art lovers. There also are tour operators and agents holding expertise in providing packages for cultural holidays in India.
10. Check Out the Nightlife
If you are a female traveler, be happy as the luck is on your side. There are numerous bars in Indian cities that organize ladies nights during the week. During these nights, the admission and drinks are on the house. You can browse through various local entertainment guides for such bars and clubs. In Mumbai, there are a few bars that you can check out for ladies nights, like Firangi Paani (Andheri West) on Mondays, Zenzi and Zenzi Mills (Bandra and Lower Parel) on Tuesdays, and Vie Deck and Lounge (Juhu) and Wink Bar at the Taj President Hotel (Colaba) both organize ladies nights on Wednesdays. You can also check out Venom, Underground, and Shisha in Kolkata for ladies nights.
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