50 Places to Visit in India Before You Turn 30

Here is a fun bucket list of the places to visit in India before you turn thirty. They are not just destinations but also crazy experiences that will go down the book of your memory lane. From treading on Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji to a bike ride through Ladakh, trekking through the valley of flowers in Himalayas to surfing in Orissa, here are some insane experiences.

1. Camping in The Arid Desert of Rajasthan

Twenties is the time to step out of your comfort zone and do something exciting like staying in a dessert. Challenge yourself by camping among the endless stretches of sand. As you camp in the rustic tents, on the horizon is nothing but the unbridled view of sand and sky.

[Wanna explore Thar Desert? Go for Desert Safari in Jaisalmer]

Night brings in its own allure as perched on the royal divan, you relish in Rajasthani cuisine under the twinkling starts and revel in the entertainment provided by the local people.

[Check out the amazing things to do in Jaisalmer]

2. Backpack Across Northeast

Yes, we have all thought about backpacking across Europe sometime or the other, but how about exploring the exotic destinations that our own country provides?  Budget friendly apart, backpacking is the best way to experience the mesmerising sights of the Seven Sisters States of Northeast.

[Sikkim Darjeeling Biking Tour do it before you are 30]

For once you step in here, you are in a place unlike any other with nature retained from acres of green fields to haunting caves, the largest river island to bridges made of roots, cascading waterfalls to a lot more. Just make sure that you pack along oodles of energy too, as this can get gruelling. Hence, before you turn 30 is the best time to do it.

Image Source: Daniel Peckham – Flickr

[Check out the things to do on a Sikkim tour]

3. Trek to Dudhsagar Falls

Image Credit: Cajetan Barretto – Flickr

Instead of taking the normal route to Dudhsagar Falls, how about trekking up to it? This trail brings along some exciting adventures. Depending upon your fitness levels you can walk on the railway tracks (where you have to be weary of the trains passing by and make sure you are not hit by one), cross the Mondovi River or tread through bountiful jungles.

The entire journey is rewarded with the breath-taking sight of Dudhsagar Falls. As the name suggests you will get to witness the sea of milk gushing through the rocks. On days of no rain, you can also take a dip in the pool below, but at your own peril.

[Check out  the amazing trekking in the wilderness of Dudhsagar]

4. Drive Through Forest of Bandipur

Take a drive through wilderness, through the heart of the jungle of the dense Bandipur forest. Open only during specific hours of the day, this would be an unforgettable experience in your twenties. As, while go along narrow, winding roads, you might just spot elephants, monkeys and deer and if lucky, a wild cat on the way. Also, get spooked by the plenty snake holes around.

[Check out the best resorts in Bandipur]

5. Visit Cherrapunji, Tread on Living Root Bridges

Image Source: Ashwin Kumar – Flickr

What seems like a vision belonging to the movie ‘The Lord of the Rings’, the Living Root Bridges at Cherrapunji is simply surreal. And yes, this bridge is actually made out of live living roots branching out from gigantic trees.

[Discover some of the Untouched Meghalayan secrets] 

As you cross over, you are overwhelmed with the sight of thick winding roots, beautiful gathering of rocks and clear water below, all amidst a mushroom of overarching and towering trees. Appreciate the marvels of nature before you turn thirty.

Image Source: roman korzh – Flickr

6. Cycling in Nilgiris

Embark upon the rather adventurous cycling tour of Nilgiris, one of the longest and largest tour. Not an easy expedition, you have to be bursting with energy and need months to build your stamina for this.

Hence, it is best undertaken before your thirties. Push the boundaries of your fitness levels and cycle along fellow enthusiasts for around eight days in the month of December. The ride too is quite a pleasant one with pristine land of thick verdant stretches.

7. Experience Sunburn in Goa

Twenties is the time when you can let loose and party endlessly for days and nights. Go where the finest musicians and DJs converge to one of the hippest places in India. Experience the crazy Sunburn festival in Goa that is heralded as the biggest electronic dance music festival in Asia.

[Visit Goa at least once; before you are 3o]

Under the open skies, and amidst scenic surroundings of Candolim Beach, grove endlessly to heart-thumping music along with thousands of youths across the globe.

8. Witness an Airshow

Image Source: Ruben Alexander

Image Source: Kshitij Garg

Loved the insane air stunts in the movie Top Gun? Witness something very similar at the Aero Show that takes place in Yelahanka, Bangalore that has close to twenty seven countries participating. Cheer among the huge crowds as the as the exclusive range and aircrafts take-off, plummet, summersault and do a whole lot of awesome areal tricks.

Image Source: Nishanth Jois

9. Manali to Leh on Bike

Image Source: Prabhu B Doss – Flickr

Take on a riveting but equally challenging bike expedition from Manali to Leh. The journey is a paradise for true blue bikers. Offering one of the best routes to ride in the world, this magnetic highway stretches over 475 kms and is a must experience before your thirties.

[Check out the luxury stay options if planning to start trip from Delhi NCR]

As it is here you get away from the craziness of life and reflect within. Admire the beauty of nature as you get the serene views of snow-capped mountains, untamed roads, barren brown terrains, sparkling turquoise lake, cascading streams and breath-taking landscapes.

[Some of the things to do on your Manali to Leh Trip]

10. Experience Konkan Railways

What is so great about the Konkan Railways? It is the enrapturing sights that you get to see along the way. Through this journey you get to see the grand mountains of the Western Ghats, the several waterfalls that trickle through, limpid rivers and green stretches. Also, relive childhood and screech as you pass through the innumerable pitch black tunnels. Something that is better done before your thirties.

11. Trek to Markha Valley

Image Source: kevin – Flickr

View unsurpassed sights of the Himalayas with the ambitious trek to the enchanting Markha Valley. Since the altitude here is quite high, it takes some days to acclimatise to the climate and you need to be your fittest. Popularly called the ‘tea house trek’, it is here you tread through one of the highest peopled plateaus and get great views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. Along the way, get inspired by interacting with nomadic clans and experience serenity by touring a quaint monastery. Thrillophilia also offers an adventurous trek of frozen river, click here to know more.

[Click here to know about Markha valley trek along with Stok Kangri climb]

12. Eat at Chokhi Dhani and Take an Elephant Safari in Jaipur

Image Source: Weijie~ – Flickr

Jaipur is a mystical land appeases youngsters as well. On one hand, you can sink your teeth deep into the delectable local cuisines at Chokhi Dhani. While you are there, you can also learn to appreciate and immerse yourself with the vibrant culture that abounds. Another must do is the elephant safari. Perched high on an elephant you feel like a king overlooking the majestic landscapes of Jaipur.

Image Source: The. Rohit – Flickr

[Check out some of the popular places to visit in Jaipur]

13. Experience Rann of Kutch and Gir Forest

Image Source: Kaushik Patel – Flickr

A seasonal salt marsh amidst the famous Thar Desert, when at Rann of Kutch, Gujrat you feel that you are in the middle of no man’s land. For around you is nothing but the acrid terrain of the desert providing a one of a kind experience.

Image Source: anurag agnihotri – Flickr

Do visit during the kite festival where the skies come alive with vibrant and oversized kites. The biking tours to this place are quite popular too. Once in Gujarat, do not miss the Gir Forest either which is the house to fierce lions and diverse flora and fauna.

14. Boat Trip to Andaman

Image Source: Mike Behnken – Flickr

Andaman is a heaven for beach lovers with its silver sand and turquoise waters unlike any place else in India. For those who have the stomach for it (which is normally when you are younger), a boating trip to this place from Kolkata or Chennai is quite an experience in itself. For two or three days you will feel like a voyager on an expedition, riding the pristine waters.

15. Sikkim Sightseeing Trip

Image Source: Rupa Razi – Flickr

Find peace in the spectacular sights that nature and man can provide at a younger age. For Sikkim is a paradise of beauty. From intricate and aesthetic monasteries in Gangtok to the lush Chopta Valley, the mesmerising Lachung to Himalayan Zoological Park, the delightful places to visit in India are innumerable.

[Experience combo adventures in Sikkim tour and Darjeeling Singalila trek]

16. Kolkata Trip

Image Source: Rajarshi MITRA – Flickr

Called as the cultural capital of India, and often written about in novels, Kolkata is a place that is best experienced in your twenties as there are so many things to do here. Shop at the quaint and bustling narrow bazaars, tour the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall, pray at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, stroll along the famous Park Street, relish in the local street food…the list is endless.

17. Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur

Get a celestial-like feel before your thirties. Flanked by greenery, are the spectacular sights of Dhuandhar Falls in Bhedaghat, Jabalpur. The mysticism of this place mainly lies in the cascading frothing white waterfalls that appear to emanate a mist of smoke, giving it an ethereal quality.

18. Go for a Scuba Diving Tour

There is a reason why Scuba Diving has become so popular among youngsters in Andaman. As you plunge into eleven to fifteen feet deep into the turquoise beach, you are transported to a hidden water kingdom. Swim along the diverse vibrant fishes and witness the breath-taking sponges and coral life that you never knew existed.

[Check out the scuba diving tours in India]

19. Wildlife Adventure Trip at Corbett

Image Source: Arindam Bhattacharya – Flickr

For a crazy, daring wildlife experience head to Corbett, Uttarakhand. It is a home to many endangered tigers. You can drive through the thick jungles by a jeep safaris. For the gustier, exclusive elephant safaris are available too.

20. Trek to Kudremukh

Image Source: Praveen – Flickr

Test your fitness levels by trekking to Kudremukh, Karnataka. The rewards of this hikes are many. Fitness apart, it is the sights that make you want to climb higher. With steep hills and valleys, depending upon where the sunlight falls, the landscape turns a different green. When you reach the top and are embraced by the fog spreading on the mountain peaks, you feel that you have reached heaven indeed.

Image Source: solarisgirl – Flickr

21. Quad Bike Expedition in Goa

There is a lot more to Goa than basking by the lazy shores. Take a ride on the adventurous side with a like-minded group. Through the Quad Bike expedition, explore the rugged terrains, wilderness of the forests and other landscape delights that this place has to offer.

[Chill out in the best resorts of goa]

22. Visit a Haunted place

Image Source: Parth Joshi – Flickr

You really think that you cannot get spooked? Instead of watching a scary movie, how about living the horror by going to a haunted place? Bhangarh Fort is known as one of the scariest places to visit in India. According to folklore, an entire town of people seemed to have been obliterated in a day.

[Check out Most Haunted Places in India]

Supernatural activities are said to occur at night and no one is allowed here post sunset. The closer you get here, you are overcome with a queasy feeling. It is also said that those who have ventured post sunset have never been found.

Image Source: Shahnawaz Sid

[Check out Mysterious Places In India]

23. Munnar, Periyar and Thekkady wildlife Trip

As you have the energy go on endless destinations, how about touring three fascinating wildlife places? Nestled in ‘God’s own country’ of Kerala are three breath-taking places of Munnar, Periyar and Thekkady. A wildlife trip to these places to visit in India is a must, for it is here that you are overwhelmed with the remarkable sceneries and fauna of the land.

24. Rafting and Camping in Rishikesh

With bursting of vitality and eagerness, twenties is the best time to indulge in adventure sports. Ride the mystical waters of Ganges with rafting in Rishikesh. It is the most famous place to play this sport. For, you get to raft upon fierce frothing water pouring through rocky terrains and green stretches. To experience the landscape of this mysterious place you can also go camping and undertake other adventure sports.

25. Vaishno Devi Temple

Experience a spiritual journey with Vaishno Devi Temple nestled in the Trikuta Mountains, Jammu and Kashmir. Perched on a height of 5300 feet, it is one of the most revered religious places to visit in India. The path to get here is a challenge and will test your fitness along the way. However, the sights offered on the path and when you reach there are simply remarkable.

26. Wagah Border

Image Source: Guilhem Vellut

Get a feel of patriotism and nationality at a younger age. Head to Wagah Border which is on the only crossing road border of Punjab and Pakistan. Celebrate along with thousands the extravagant ceremony that occurs here every day before the sun sets.

27. Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu Trek, the highest point of West Bengal. It is from here that you get the view and experience of the all-embracing nature. However, trek to the top is quite a tedious one and requires you to be in the pink of health.

28. Holi at Vrindavan

Image Credit: Prasanth Chandran – Flickr

Vrindavan, the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, is the place to be during Holi. For, it is here that the festival is celebrated with much gusto and revelry. Thousands around the world and country flock to this place to get embraced by the burst of colours.

The entire town is painted in myriad hues this day. Entrainment troupes perform Holi songs as well. As this place can get chaotic and crowded, it is best to experience this when you have the energy and enthusiasm.

29. Orissa Konark Temple & Surfing Lessons

Witness the magnificence of Indian architecture at the Orissa Konark Temple. This iconic and revered shrine makes a pretty picture with ancient and intricate stone carvings. While at Orissa learn to ride the wonder waves by taking surfing lessons. The earlier you learn this sport the better. It is something that will come handy during later years across the world too!

30. Roopkund Trek, Himalayas

Become one with nature and experience serenity with the Roopkund Trek, Himalayas. This trail provides an all-encompassing experience and visions of snow, ice, gushing streams, untouched forests, delightful stretches of meadows and scenic camping places. Need we say more?

 31. Go to Gokarna and Do Nothing

Image Source: Abhijit Shylanath

Twenties is the time where you can get away by doing nothing. Head to Gokarna, a more toned down version of Goa. It is here that you get to reel in the hippy vibe sans the commercialisation and onslaught of people. Relax by the lazy beaches, absorb the scenery of rocky terrains and pristine waters and enjoy by doing just about nothing. A holiday well spent indeed!

32. Visit Coorg, Scotland of India

Image Source: pravin8 – Flickr

It is said that man truly comes of his own when among pristine nature. For this, head to Coorg, known as the Scotland of India. It is at this cool hill station that you get the unbridled sight of green stretches and experience serenity. [Trekking in Coorg has its own joy] Topping the experience is the intoxicating aroma of the coffee plantations permeating the air.

Image Source: pravin8 – Flickr

[Check out some of the amazing weekend getaways from Bangalore]

33. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer on Truck/Tractor trip

Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are the lands of opulent palaces, colourful culture and forts that retain the magnificence of the kings. They are also places that have retained the rusticity of nature. Leave the regular mode of transport for the elders. For an off-beat experience, explore on a truck or tractor trip.

[Plan you Jaisalmer Tour]

34. Experience Local Trains, Mumbai

Image Source: Prasad Kholkute

The life line of the bustling Mumbai city are the local trains that are constantly brimming with people. If you think that you have it in you to nudge your way across a sea of people then, this is a must experience at least once in your twenties.

[Also check out 15 Best Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai]

35. Visit Temples and Boulders at Hampi

Image Source: Vinoth Chandar

Experience a slice of history before your thirties by visiting the ancient temples in Hampi. Get marvelled by the architecture and intricate stone carvings that tell a thousand stories. Also, here are natural wonders such as the boulders. These gigantic stones seem to defy gravity and are spread across the land ornately.

Image Source: Mahesh Telkare – Flickr

Also check out 45 most popular places around Bangalore.

36. Sunderbans Boat Ride

Image Source: joiseyshowaa

Experience the untamed nature of Sunderbans with a boat ride. Given the accolade of the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, this place offers one of a kind views. Through the boat cruise you can witness the fisherman’s cove, a three hundred year old temple, crocodile’s den, deer rehabilitation centre and a lot more.

37. Visit Varanasi to Experience Chaos 

Image Source: PnP! – Flickr

Experience chaos in your twenties to appreciate the quiet in later years. Head to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world. While the antique edifices and spiritual aura of the place lends a mystical charm, the sheer number of people thronging through the really narrow roads add to the chaos.

38. Yak Safari in Ladakh

Image Source: Pradeep Kumbhashi- Flickr

Okay, so you may have gotten used to the idea of a horse or elephant safari. For an offbeat experience how about something as unique as a yak safari in Ladakh? The largest animal of this icy desert, these woolly creatures offer a comfortable ride. Explore green meadows, gushing brooks and glacial valleys on this safari.

39. Trek to Valley of Flowers

Still hung over with fairy tales of childhood? Take a trek to the Valley of Flowers. It located in Himalayas of the Uttaranchal and is just that, vast stretches of vibrant flowers such as Brahmakamal, Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily spread across the valley. Such is the divine beauty of this place that it seems to have popped straight out of a fairy tale story. And yes, this hike requires you have a great deal of stamina too.

[Explore the trekking adventures in Nag Tibba circular route]

40. Bombay to Goa road Trips

Image Source: Abhishek Kumar

We are not eluding to the cheesy movie renditions a gang of friends taking a Bombay to Goa road trip. But the truth of the matter is, this is a fun experience to have with your mob of friends who are so important at this age. The scenic views and bonding with your crazy friends along the drive will help you make that transition from the bustling Bombay to the laid back Goa.

[Check out 10 best activities to do in Goa]

41. Finish at Least 5 day Treks Around Your City

Twenties is the time to explore, discover and test your fitness level. Be it Bangalore, Mumbai or Delhi, they all offer alluring trekking trails. Avail of this and finish at least five day treks [If you are in Bangalore check out some of the best treks] around the city. By the end of it you would have explored more, discovered new places to visit in India, raised your fitness levels and also lost some weight too!

42. Chandni Chowk Street Food Tour

Image Source: Shashwat Nagpal

Benefit from your voracious appetite and metabolism during your teens and twenties. Indulge your taste buds with the delectable street food of Chadani Chok. It offers spicy chaats, mouth-watering kachoris, sweet jalebis, addictive confectionaries and rich North Indian food. Spend the whole day sinking your teeth in the aromatic flavours of this place.

43. Dasara in Mysore

Image Source: clara & james – Flickr

It would help if you understand the significance of festivals and learn to enjoy them at a younger age. The ideal place to celebrate the grandeur of Dasara is the majestic Mysore. For at this time, the city is beautifully lit up and the entire city partakes in the merry making. A must see is the elaborately adorned elephants on a royal walk.

Image Source: Sunil Krishnan – Flickr

 44. Skiing Coaching in Auli

Image Source: Shikhar Sethi – Flickr

Learning to ski in your younger days comes along with a lot of advantages. Auli is a sought after skiing destination in the snow crusted Himalayan Mountains of Uttaranchal. [Check out Top 10 Destinations for Skiing in India] Providing an all-encompassing view of Mana Parwat, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat and Nar Parbat and covered with conifers and oak forest, it is here that you get to ski on a blanket of inviting snow.

[Also know about skiing adventures in Kedar Kantha along with trekking]

45. Paragliding in Solang

Image Source: neerajxp – Flickr

Best age to experience crazy adventure, head to Solang for Paragliding. Experience the bursting thrill as you breeze by and get the panoramic sight of green mountains, valleys, expansive sky and snow-capped ranges.

 Image Source: Raman Virdi

 46. Travel in a Toy Train

Image Source: xeeliz – Flickr

Revisit childhood by hopping on a narrow gauged toy train. Cheer away as these colourful boogies make their way through winding trails, colourful landscapes, verdant hillocks and emerald stretches. Darjeeling, Matheran, Ooty and Shimla are some of the place that you can experience this.

Image Source: David Brossard- Flickr

47. Spitti Valley Trip

Image Source: Nikhil Mehta – Flickr

Another place that you have to go to appreciate the marvels of nature is the super scenic Spitti Valley, perched high on the ethereal Himalayan Mountains. Since the high altitude here the trip is not suitable for all. Get enamoured by the unique landscapes, quaint and vibrant monasteries along with unique wildlife of snow leopard, wolf, ibex and blue sheep.

Image Source: Quinn Comendant – Flickr

48. Visit Golden Temple in Amritsar

Image Source: i2n2

Learn to appreciate brotherhood and religion before you hit thirty. A golden marvel shining brightly and casting its shimmering reflection upon the waters is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A Gurdwara of Sikhs, it is here that people across all religions come and wait in endless lines to pay homage.

 Image Source: Nick Leonard – Flickr

49. Rajasthan Trip on Bullet

Do something different and adventurous. Instead of the same old means, take a trip to Rajasthan on a bullet. Ride along the rugged deserts and the rustic roads of this place, absorbing the expansive landscape that abounds around you.

Image Source: Vir Nakai

50. Srinagar to Leh Bus/Truck Ride

Twenties is the age where you have the enthusiasm and patience for bus or truck ride. To get a feel of the rustic enrapturing sights that Srinagar and Leh offer, it kind of would heighten your experience if you took a rustic wagon like a bus or a truck. Trust us, you will have a whole different impression of this place altogether.

Here is our list of 50 things to do before you turn 30. How many of these have you experienced? Also, if you feel that there are more places to visit before turning thirty, do comment below.