8 Must-Have Travel Experiences in India Before You Retire

Cover Photo by Ashim D’Silva

Indians are known to be among the most hardworking people in the world. Most of us invest the majority of our time and energy in making a decent living so that our loved ones can have a good quality of life and fulfil their aspirations. In this neverending quest of ours, most of us do not have the time to relax and unwind. It’s not that we don’t want to; it’s just that we feel it can wait.

But Why Go Local?

Here’s a mantra to ponder upon – hard work deserves a reward and there is no better reward than giving yourself a vacation. Targets will always be there and deadlines will always have to be met. Hence, it makes sense to give yourself a travel break from time to time.

Taking a vacation is the best form of rejuvenation however, not many people realize this in the prime of their lives. As Indians, we are blessed in terms of the travel destinations we can pick – there’s something for everyone. Start travelling more often and you’ll see that there’s a bundle load to experience.

Now that we’ve established the fact that travel experiences around the country should be a part of your plans in order to relieve stress from your mind, let us build it up further with a bucket list. Mentioned below are 8 must-have travel experiences in India that you can take before you retire:

1. Take a Road Trip to Leh Ladakh 

If there’s a bona fide travel experience to remember in India, it’s a road trip to Leh Ladakh. Whether it is on the saddle of a motorcycle (nothing beats this option in our opinion) or driving there to test out your vehicle’s capabilities, traversing this terrain doesn’t just lend perspective; it makes you humble.

It is one of those Indian travel experiences that challenges and tests you, and then rewards you with sights that will become a piece of your heart. The rocky landscape has glorious sights, brilliant experiences on offer, and travel memories that can inspire a book. There’s no doubt that travel planning will be of the essence when charting a terrain like this, but the number of wonderful people and warm locals you’ll meet throughout will make it a lot more inviting. Interestingly, there are India heritage tours conducted as well here (surprising but true) that take you to the museums and monasteries within the region to make you better aware of the culture and traditions of this place.

Don’t believe us? Go visit it yourself and you are sure to change your mind.

2. Track Tigers at Jim Corbett

The most talked-about jungle safaris in India are organised at the Jim Corbett National Park. Yes, you read that right.

Spotting tiger tracks on a night safari is a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed while staying in and around the national park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. One very important thing to note here is that resorts and hotels in this area get sold out very quickly. Hence, trip planning should be done well in advance so that you can have the best time with your friends or family members. If you feel like extending your stay, then travelling to nearby vacation destinations such as Rishikesh, Nainital or Mukteshwar can also be kept on the cards.

3. Get to Know the Seven Sisters 

Experience India’s hidden treasures in the North-East before you plan to retire because they are truly among the most heartwarming travel destinations. A lot of folks do not know the sheer beauty that lies within the seven sisters of our country, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. And yes, there is an abundant variety of food! You can enjoy the juiciest momos in Sikkim or get a little adventurous and try local delicacies in Assam; your food palate will experience flavours that are bound to amaze you. Opt for a North-East India tour package that offers a customizable itinerary so that the many wonders of these states are properly experienced during your North-East trip.

4. Head Out to a Spa Retreat to Pamper Yourself

As mentioned before, most of the people in our country slog every single day at work. If you happen to be one of them, then pampering yourself every once in a while is much needed. There are a number of spa retreats in India that can make you feel like a million bucks! The most popular ones are situated in Kerala, Goa, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Based on your love for either the tropics or the mountains, you can choose a renowned spa resort that fits your budget. As a surprise for your partner, this travel experience can turn into a romantic getaway that the two of you can enjoy without any distractions.

5. Spend Some Time Introspecting in Auroville

As far as unique travel experiences in India go, Pondicherry is a place that you shouldn’t miss out upon at any cost. Set in one of the most well-maintained cities in the country is Auroville, a township that can re-instil your faith in humanity. Some might say it feels utopian, and we wouldn’t disagree with that either.

Harmony and peace are words that are put into practice every single day in this area where the concept of conflict does not exist. Taking some time off from work and staying in this serene township can help you introspect in the best way possible. The nearest airport and railway station are located in Pondicherry from where you can easily hire a taxi or autorickshaw. For people travelling by road from Chennai, Auroville is only three hours away with a beautiful view of the east coast on the way.

6. Relax Amidst the Serenity of Kerala’s Backwaters

There cannot be a travel blog of India that doesn’t mention the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. This is because the travel experience in this part of the country is something that must be done at least once in your lifetime. The best luxury river cruises in India operate in this region so planning a romantic or family vacation will be a matter of ease. Savouring local seafood and cruising in the serene backwaters with an endless supply of hot toddy is an experience like no other. It is recommended that you plan your trip according to the weather conditions as Kerala’s humidity in the summer months can get overwhelming, to say the least. On the other hand, the months between March and May or June and September would be a lot more ideal to visit Kerala.

7. Experience Walking on the Frozen River

We know we’ve mentioned Ladakh already but this deserves a spotlight of its own.

Did you know that India has a frozen river located in Ladakh? That’s right! The Chadar Trek is an adventure travel experience that will land you amidst waterfalls and the Zanskar river completely frozen in the winter months. The trek is 13-km long with a difficulty level that requires prior long-distance walking experience. However, this should not discourage you from visiting this unique place. Staying in Leh at one of the guesthouses is recommended as it will make your trekking experience a lot easier. Do make sure to research online and carry appropriate clothing before you embark on this journey!

8. Watch the Three Major Oceans of India Mingle

Besides being an important religious destination, Kanyakumari is the only place in India where you can witness the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. It is a sight to behold and should be on your bucket list before you retire. Travelling to Kanyakumari is fairly easy as it is well-connected by road, air, and railway. You can spend a full day in this town with your loved ones exploring the beaches, monuments memorials, and local restaurants.

In today’s times, India inbound tourism is flourishing and to make the most of it, planning a trip should be your top priority. Still, contemplating? Treat yourself to a little vacay, a short sojourn or even some dollops of adventure. Don’t wait for the right time; make time!