10 Unique Indian experiences for the travel hungry

Ask any traveller, and he or she will tell you that India is anything but boring. If you are someone who is hungry for travel experiences, then India is a goldmine for you. The country's rich heritage and history combine to make a positive impact during travels. There is so much to explore here that you will be at a loss of words.

Held in the town of Pushkar, this annual fair is a unique one. It is your chance to get intimate with the culture of Rajasthan, and to witness a peculiar fair. Camel traders come from far and wide to sell their camels, which at this time and age is unheard of. It has become a major tourist attraction today, with visitors experiencing folk dance, music, camel races, and even beauty contests.

A unique culinary delight, this chutney made from red ants is called chaprah. Usually found in the region of Bastar in the state of Chhattisgarh, the chutney is perhaps one of the most unique dishes you will ever eat. The ants are grinded with other ingredients that lends to its taste, but the most difficult part of this entire process is collecting the ants. The ants used are the female egg-laying ants, so you have ant eggs in the mix as well. The chutney is quite hot, and is a favourite in the region.

We call this unique because there is only one spot in this whole wide world, where Gautama Buddha sat, and attained enlightenment. That spot is right here in Bihar, India. This holy destination is home to the Bodhi Tree, a fig tree, which is placed at the same location where once the original tree stood. It was under this tree that Buddha sat in meditation. Bodh Gaya is also home to the Mahabodhi Temple, an extremely sacred site for Buddhists across the world.

Home to the ferocious Bengal Tigers, this is their home ground, and it does not get more adventurous than this. The beautiful big cats can be seen in their natural habitat, but there is more to Sundarbans. It is a large mangrove area, with forests that are hard to penetrate. The tigers are mostly inside the forests, and can be seen when they come out to drink water. Here in Sundarbans, you will also hear folktales and legends, of a forest goddess, and tigers. It is a magical world.

One of the most unique experiences in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya, walking on a Living Root Bridge is definitely magical. The roots trace back their history more than 100 years ago, and today generations of men and women are beneficiaries of these beautiful natural wonders. They are made from rubber tree roots, and they are said to last as long as 500 years. You must visit the double decker living root bridge in Cherrapunji.

India's very own moonland, this charming destination is a treat for travellers. As it is, the whole of Ladakh is a great experience, but Lamayuru is extra special due to its landscape. The incredible landscape is a result of old geological formations, and visitors are usually floored by the sights. This high Himalayan desitnaiton is also home to the Lamayuru Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century.

You have not completed your trip to India if you did not explore the temple town of Madurai. The carrier of Tamil legacy and culture, Madurai is a beauty that is as old as time. The city in fact dates back to the time of ancient Rome. Its beautiful temples are awe-inspiring, especially the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, and its experiences are truly unique, and truly Tamil.

The vanishing river island of Assam is a poetic beauty. No words can truly describe its beauty, as it is only through your eyes that you will realise its magic. The residents of Majuli romance the Brahmaputra River, and celebrate a culture that is unique. It is home to the ancient culture of Sattriya, which is a form of Vaishnavism.

In the state of Kerala, beauty is easy to find, but the backwaters is where it all comes alive. Rent a houseboat and sail away for days on end, experience the beauty of nature like never before. Kerala's wondrous backwater experience is one of the most coveted, and something that is mighty unique. It is also a chance to get closer to the local communities that live along the backwaters.

How can you visit India and not see the third highest peak in the world? Mount Kanchenjunga in all its glory can be seen from the state of Sikkim, and from the hill town of Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is a sight to behold for sure. If you want to get closer to it, then you have to visit Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.