168 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in India

Unusual
Attractions
in India

Unique
Food & Drink
in India

Gastro Obscura

Szechuan Button

This herb gives cocktails another kind of buzz.

Gastro Obscura

Pista Burfi

The pistachio fudge makes a vibrant accompaniment to celebrations in Northern India.

Gastro Obscura

Falooda

A 2,500-year-old Persian dessert evolved into this Indian summertime favorite.

Gastro Obscura

Chai at Sahu Tea Shop

In an unassuming shop in Jaipur, a family has been serving highly addictive chai for decades.

See all 36 things to eat in India See all 36 things to eat in India

Atlas Obscura Trips

Northern India’s Colorful Cities, Villages, and Celebrations

Visit towering forts and palaces, explore local villages, experience Diwali with an Indian family, wander centuries-old ruins, learn to cook in a family home, and witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal and the River Ganges on this immersive tour of Delhi, Rajasthan, and Varanasi.

Learn More

Tao Tao Holmes / Atlas Obscura

Community Forums / South Asia / India

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Agra ka Petha	1 July 30, 2019	431	July 30, 2019
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Roarkaq30 has been to Athi Varadar Idol

gpsking has been to Mahakali Caves

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Amirse50 has been to 101 Dining Table at Falaknuma Palace

Hemrickaq2 has been to 101 Dining Table at Falaknuma Palace

Stories
About India

Smith in Alleppey, Kerala, where the backwater meets the sea.

On the Road in India With Atlas Obscura's First Journey Winner

Jenn Smith shares what it's been like so far to finally visit the country where she was born.

by Sommer Mathis

October 14, 2019

Jharkhand state government officials visit Ajam Emba's stall at the annual Dumka bamboo festival.

The Restaurant Putting India's Disappearing Tribal Cuisine Back on the Menu

In a Ranchi kitchen, local women fight to save indigenous food, one bowl of fish curry at a time.

by Reina Gattuso

October 3, 2019

Whatever happened here didn't just happen once.

The Bones at India's Mysterious 'Skeleton Lake' Came From All Over

New research reveals that the hundreds of anonymous dead spanned both continents and centuries.

by Matthew Taub

August 21, 2019

Shah Jahan on the Peacock Throne at Delhi receiving deputations.

Eat Like Royalty With This Cookbook From the Emperor Who Built the Taj Mahal

Shah Jahan developed one of the most famous cuisines of India.

by Reina Gattuso

August 5, 2019

A worker uses a gas cutter to dismantle a disused vessel at Alang Shipbreaking Yard.

A Unique Bric-a-Brac Market Sells Salvaged Goods From Broken Ships

At Alang on the western coast of India, you may find second-hand doors, lifebuoys, and light bulbs.

by Bhavya Dore

June 10, 2019

An Indian trader at the Pushkar Camel Fair 2018.

To Save India's Camel Culture, a New Dairy Is Selling Milk and Cream Cheese

The ungulate population has dropped precipitously.

by Morgan Randall

May 20, 2019

In the 1790 painting <em>Bhang Eaters Before Two Huts</em>, by Pemji, a group of men mix and consume bhang.

This British Colonial Report Offers a Rare Glimpse Into India's Historic Cannabis Cuisine

And a description of some very stoned canines.

by Reina Gattuso

May 9, 2019

Kōlam festivals are one of the few remaining opportunities to showcase this slowly fading tradition.

How an Ancient Indian Art Utilizes Mathematics, Mythology, and Rice

Computer scientists have studied these “pictorial prayers.”

by Rohini Chaki

May 7, 2019

Countries

Cities

Unusual
Attractions
in India

Chand Baori

The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji

Palace of Winds

Skeleton Lake of Roopkund, India

Jal Mahal

Ellora Caves

Shatrunjaya Hill

Nek Chand Saini

Unique
Food & Drink
in India

Szechuan Button

Pista Burfi

Falooda

Chai at Sahu Tea Shop

Community Forums / South Asia / India

Top Discussions in the India Travel Forum

Explore India

India Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent India Activity

Stories
About India

On the Road in India With Atlas Obscura's First Journey Winner

The Restaurant Putting India's Disappearing Tribal Cuisine Back on the Menu

The Bones at India's Mysterious 'Skeleton Lake' Came From All Over

Eat Like Royalty With This Cookbook From the Emperor Who Built the Taj Mahal

A Unique Bric-a-Brac Market Sells Salvaged Goods From Broken Ships

To Save India's Camel Culture, a New Dairy Is Selling Milk and Cream Cheese

This British Colonial Report Offers a Rare Glimpse Into India's Historic Cannabis Cuisine

How an Ancient Indian Art Utilizes Mathematics, Mythology, and Rice

Lists Featuring
India

10 Ethical Animal Places to Visit in 2019

A Rat Lover’s Tour of the World

Just Released! The second edition of our bestselling book.

Newly Added Places

Lakefront Airport

Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp

Wooden Squirrels of Mount Royal Chalet

Tavern Pachimon Wars

Top Destinations

Countries

Cities

Newly Added Food & Drink

Moose Cheese at the Elk House

Trappist Mango Treats

George Washington’s Whiskey

Mountain Maid Ube Jam

Yemas de San Leandro

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Unusual Attractions in India

Chand Baori

The Root Bridges of Cherrapunji

Palace of Winds

Skeleton Lake of Roopkund, India

Jal Mahal

Ellora Caves

Shatrunjaya Hill

Nek Chand Saini

Unique Food & Drink in India

Szechuan Button

Pista Burfi

Falooda

Chai at Sahu Tea Shop

Community Forums / South Asia / India

Top Discussions in the India Travel Forum

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent India Activity

On the Road in India With Atlas Obscura's First Journey Winner

The Restaurant Putting India's Disappearing Tribal Cuisine Back on the Menu

The Bones at India's Mysterious 'Skeleton Lake' Came From All Over

Eat Like Royalty With This Cookbook From the Emperor Who Built the Taj Mahal

A Unique Bric-a-Brac Market Sells Salvaged Goods From Broken Ships

To Save India's Camel Culture, a New Dairy Is Selling Milk and Cream Cheese

This British Colonial Report Offers a Rare Glimpse Into India's Historic Cannabis Cuisine

How an Ancient Indian Art Utilizes Mathematics, Mythology, and Rice

10 Ethical Animal Places to Visit in 2019

A Rat Lover’s Tour of the World

Unusual
Attractions
in India

Unique
Food & Drink
in India