India is a truly amazing country where you can find some of the best attractions both natural and manmade. From lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and forests, to deserts, lakes and seas, India has it all. Moreover, India is also renowned for some of the most beautiful monuments, temples, and palaces that attract visitors from across the globe.

Additionally, one will also come across colourful festivals, serene villages, and stunning hill stations that add to the country’s charm making it a popular destination for a wide variety of travellers. What’s more, travellers can look forward to amazing experiences that are unique to India.

Let us get right into it and explore some of the most unusual and exciting travel experiences one can have in India.

Igloo Hotel - Sethan, Himachal Pradesh

It is a huge understatement to say that the village of Sethan gets blanketed with snow every winter. The average snowfall that takes place in the village is around 7 feet and this has enabled the creation of an elaborate snow igloo that serves as a small, cosy hotel.

(Image Credit: Hindustan Times)

You can find many such small igloo hotels here operated by different companies and proprietors. All of them offer food in addition to lodging with each having its own menu and specialty dishes. Besides this, some of the igloo hotels also provide outdoor bonfire facilities to enjoy through the evenings.

Sethan and its igloo hotels are excellent weekend getaway destinations for tourists from places like Delhi and Chandigarh. 

Getting Here (Nearest Railway Station - Joginder Nagar)

• 04601 | PTK-JDNX MEX SPL - Pathankot (PTK) To Joginder Nagar(JDNX)

Cliff Jumping - Goa

Contrary to popular belief among tourists and also what is normally portrayed in the media, Goa has a lot more to offer than just beaches and nightclubs. The state's interiors are full of lush greenery, dense forests and beautiful lakes. Many of these lakes are adjacent to hills and cliffs making it an excellent destination for cliff diving.

Several eco-tourism agencies are dedicated to providing tourists with off-beat experiences across Goa, including its interiors. Some will even take you to hidden and unknown locations to enjoy cliff diving amidst complete peace and tranquillity. 

It is also common for travellers to combine cliff diving with other outdoor activities such as trekking and rock climbing.

Getting Here

• 22656 | NZM ERS SF EXP - Delhi (NZM) To Goa (MAO)
• 11099 | LTT MADGAON EXP - Mumbai (LTT) To Goa (MAO)
• 18047 | AMARAVATI EXP - Kolkata (SHM) To Goa (MAO)

Upward Flowing Waterfall - Naneghat, Maharashtra

Of the many incredible wonders of nature that have fascinated human beings, the reverse waterfall at Naneghat has left many completely speechless. Also known as Nana Ghat, this awe-inspiring mountain range is located nearby the Deccan Plateau and Konkan Coast in Maharashtra.

(Image Credit: Curly Tales)

To many, this cascading beauty may seem to defy all known laws of nature, however, this is not the case. In reality, the water seems to flow upwards because of strong force winds that push the water upwards. The monsoons are the best time to visit the waterfall as it will be heavy with rainwater and will be an especially spectacular sight.

Getting Here (Nearest Railway Stations - Nashik & Kasara)

• 12618 | MNGLA LKSDP EXP - Delhi (NZM) To Nashik (NK)
• 11057 | CSMT ASR EXP - Mumbai (DR) To Kasara (KSRA)
• 18030 | SHM LTT EXPRESS - Kolkata (SHM) To Nashik (NK)

Live In A Medieval Fort - Jaisalmer,  Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort dates back to 1156 CE, making it the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. It is also one among very few living forts in the world today. A good portion of Jaiselmer’s population resides within its walls. 

(Image Credit: Travel+Leisure Asia)

The fort has numerous entrance gates, all of which open to its most popular public square, Dashera Chowk. The current population of the fort numbers at an estimated 4,000 people mostly hailing from the Daroga and Brahmin communities.

Visitors are sure to marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture of Jaisalmer Fort which features a seamless blend of Islamic and Rajput styles. The fort is largely constructed from yellow sandstone which gives it a golden hue. And this along with its enthralling sculptures and carvings makes it one of the most glorious forts of Rajasthan.

Getting Here

• 25014 | CORBET PRK LINK - Delhi (DLI) To Jaiselmer (JSM)
• 22931 | BDTS JSM SFAST - Mumbai (BDTS) Jaiselmer (JSM)
• 12371 | HWH JSM SF EXPRESS - Howrah (HWH) To Jaisalmer (RDRA)

Witness a Live Excorcism - Mehendipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan

India's identity is deeply connected with its belief in the supernatural. The Mehendipur Balaji Temple, situated in the Dausa District of Rajasthan, is a prime example of this connection.

(Image Credit: My Soul Travelling)

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple attracts travellers and devotees from across the globe. It is widely believed that the temple possesses the extraordinary ability to free its visitors from the clutches of black magic, ghosts, and malevolent spirits.

One peculiar feature of the temple is the presence of a dedicated section solely for the treatment of those who are believed to be possessed by supernatural entities. If you choose to explore this section, brace yourself for witnessing scenes of individuals shrieking and forcefully banging their heads against walls.

Getting Here (Nearest Railway Station - Bhabua)

• 12802 | PURUSHOTTAM EXP - Delhi (NDLS) To Bhabua (BBU)
• 18610 | LTT RANCHI EXP - Mumbai (LTT) To Bhabua (BBU)
• 12987 | SDAH AII SF EXP - Kolkata (SDAH) To Bhabua (BBU)

Cliff Camping, Sandhan Valley, Maharashtra

Hardcore trekking enthusiasts are sure to enjoy trekking through the picturesque Sahyadri mountain.  And many of them are sure to be thrilled by the exhilarating experience of cliff camping!

And the end of this exciting trek to the enchanting Sandhan Valley,  you will descend to a tent suspended in mid-air. Here, you will have a breathtaking view of the ground far below. And here's the best part: nestled within a stunning 300-foot deep-cut valley, the Sandhan Valley Hanging Tent stands as India's most daring and extraordinary cliff-side campsite.

(Image Credit: Condé Nast Traveller India)

To guarantee the utmost safety of every camper, the organizers of the Sandhan Valley hanging tent trek adhere to a rigorous protocol. Once you've embarked on the invigorating trek to the campsite, you will be provided with essential gear such as helmets, harnesses, knee-caps, and elbow guards, ensuring you are well-equipped for the adventure ahead.

With meticulous care, they will then lower you into the tent using a secure rope ladder. Rest assured, the tents undergo regular inspections to ensure their reliability, and they are designed to comfortably accommodate two individuals at a time.

Getting Here (Nearest Railway Stations - Igatpuri & Nashik)

• 11058 | ASR CSMT EXP - Delhi (NDLS) To Nashik (NK) 
• 17617 | TAPOVAN EXPRESS - Mumbai (DR) To Igatpuri (IGP)
• 12152 | SAMARSATA EXP - Kolkata (SHM) To Nashik (NK)

Conclusion

As we have seen, there is certainly no shortage of unique and offbeat experiences one can hope to have across India. We have covered some unusual experiences at some popular as well as lesser-known destinations across the country.

We may have only begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities for unique and exciting adventures you can expect to have in India. However, in doing so it is certain that you, the reader will now be itching to set out in anticipation of all that may be awaiting you.