What are Some Unique Leisure Travel Activities to Try?

Ever felt like your usual travel activities are starting to get a bit, well, predictable? 

Sure, visiting iconic landmarks and lounging on beaches is fun, but sometimes you crave something a bit more unique, right?

Hence, for a bit of a change of track, we have listed the top 12 exciting leisure travel activities you can try in India. Rest assured you’re going to have a whole lot of fun and adventure trying these activities. 

1. Houseboat Stay in Kerala’s Backwaters

First up, let’s head to the South of India. 

Have you ever stayed on a houseboat? If not, then let me tell you it’s as dreamy as it sounds and you can experience the best of it in the backwaters of Kerala. 

In places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, you can rent a houseboat and glide through the tranquil backwaters. Sitting on the deck, sipping on fresh coconut water, and watching the world go by is truly a lifetime experience. 

These houseboats come with all the comforts of home, plus you get to enjoy delicious local food cooked right on board. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of Kerala.

In addition to the stunning scenery, you can watch locals fishing and farming along the banks. The houseboats themselves are often beautifully crafted from bamboo and wood, with comfortable bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and cozy living areas. Spending a night or two on a houseboat gives you a unique perspective on the traditional way of life in Kerala.

2. Desert Camping in Rajasthan

Next up, let’s move to the golden sands of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. 

Ever thought about camping in a desert? 

In Jaisalmer or Pushkar, you can experience this unique adventure. You can spend your day riding camels and evening around a campfire, enjoying traditional music and dance followed by a delicious Rajasthani meal. But the best part is the nighttime when the sky lights up with stars, giving you a magical view. Sleeping in a tent under the starry sky is the perfect way to end your desert adventure. It’s a mix of adventure and culture you won’t forget.

3. Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh

Feeling like you need some zen in your life? Rishikesh is where you need to head to. 

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, it’s famously known as the yoga capital of India. Here, you can join a yoga retreat, get an Ayurvedic massage, or simply meditate by the banks of the Ganges River. Some wellness centers also offer workshops on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, where you can learn about holistic health practices to take back home. The peaceful vibes of Rishikesh will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Plus, you’ll get to meet like-minded travelers and maybe even learn a few new yoga poses

4. Exploring the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya

If you are looking for something truly unique, we’d suggest you to take your ride to Meghalaya. This northeastern state is home to living root bridges, which are exactly what they sound like – bridges made from the roots of trees. The most famous one is the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat. And reaching there is an adventure in itself – you’ll have to trek through lush greenery, with sights of the most beautiful natural wonder. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale. 

These living root bridges are an incredible example of bioengineering, created by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes over centuries. The trek can be challenging, with steep steps and slippery paths, but the reward is the stunning beauty of these natural structures and the sense of accomplishment you feel upon reaching there.

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Jaipur

How about seeing the Pink City from above? 

In Jaipur, you can take a hot air balloon ride and float over the majestic palaces and forts including some of the architectural marvels, like the Amber Fort, and Jal Mahal, plus the city’s bustling streets. And as you soar higher, you may also get to see the Aravalli hills stretching out in the distance. 

These rides typically last for an hour, which gives you plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the moment of floating in the sky.

The best time for a hot balloon ride is during the sunrise when the city is bathed in a golden glow. It’s one of the best ways to get a different perspective on Jaipur and capture some stunning photos. 

And while you’re up there in the sky, don’t forget to wave at the folks down below!

6. Wildlife Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

If you’re also a wildlife enthusiast (just like me), Jim Corbett National Park is the place to be. Here you can see a whole bunch of wildlife species right from Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. 

Early morning and late afternoon safaris are probably the best times for animal sightings. Just make sure to keep your camera ready – you never know when you’ll encounter something amazing. 

7. Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands

Now let’s try some underwater thrill, shall we? 

The Andaman Islands are no less than a paradise, especially for scuba divers. With clear blue waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s like swimming in an aquarium. 

Here you can find various diving spots suitable for different skill levels. Amongst these, Elephant Beach, Lighthouse, and Barracuda City are some of the most popular sites among divers for their rich marine life and stunning coral formations.

And if you’re completely new to diving, then don’t worry! There are plenty of diving schools in the area that provide courses and guided dives, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

8. Sailing in Goa

Goa isn’t just about beaches and parties—it’s also a great place to go sailing. Here you can rent a yacht or join a sailing tour to explore the beautiful coastline from the water. As you sail past picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages, you can feel the sea breezes taking all over you.

Sailing tours in Goa often include stops at secluded beaches and snorkeling spots. You can simply relax on deck, enjoying the wonderful views, or even try your hand at steering the yacht. Some tours also offer fishing trips where you can catch your own dinner. 

The perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and beautiful scenery is what makes sailing a must-do activity in Goa.

9. Tea Tasting in Darjeeling

If you’re a tea lover, Darjeeling is a must-visit. This hill station is famous for its tea plantations. Here, you can take tea estate tours which typically include a guided walk through the lush tea gardens, where you can see workers skillfully plucking tea leaves. 

Next upon, you’ll get to visit the factory where you can observe how the tea leaves are processed and learn about the different grades of tea. 

The best part is the tea-tasting session, where you can taste a variety of teas and even buy some to take back home.

What adds to your overall experience is the cool climate and stunning views of the Himalayas that make the entire journey even more enjoyable.

10. Toy Train Ride in Shimla

Hop on board the Kalka-Shimla toy train for an exciting ride through the mountains. This narrow-gauge railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers some of the most stunning views of the hills, forests, and valleys.

The toy train ride covers a distance of about 96 kilometers, passing through 103 tunnels and over 800 bridges. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, with several stops along the way where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the surroundings. 

The slow pace of the train gives you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and snap some great photos. It’s truly a nostalgic journey that takes you back in time.

11. Kayaking in Kerala’s Backwaters

For a more active way to explore Kerala’s backwaters, why not try kayaking?

Kayaking allows you to navigate through areas that larger boats can’t reach, giving you a more intimate experience of the backwaters. You can paddle at your own pace through narrow canals, past coconut groves, and local villages, stop to take photos, and even interact with locals along the way. It’s a peaceful and eco-friendly way to get closer to the natural beauty of this region. Plus, you’ll get a great workout while you’re at it, so it’s a win-win situation.

12. Paragliding in Bir Billing

Want to feel that adrenaline rush running down your spine? Try paragliding in Bir Billing. 

Bir Billing offers tandem paragliding flights, where you can fly with an experienced pilot. The takeoff point is in Billing, and the flight typically lasts for about 20-30 minutes, ending in the village of Bir.

And the views you get from up high are truly breathtaking. With the mystic Dhauladhar mountain range and lush valleys below, it’s all a mesmerizing view that’ll behold you in amazement. 

Takeaway

So, these are some of the travel activities that you can enjoy on your next trip. Remember that the idea is to enjoy your best time, so don’t hold yourself back from trying new things, and engaging in some thrilling and never-have-I-done-before activities for a wholesome experience.