First trip to India? Here’s a list of free things to do in India
If you know someone who has already traveled to India, one thing your acquaintance will agree on is that the country has a confusing diversity that can simply overwhelm an unsuspecting traveler. The architectural heritage of India has a large following in the foreign market, but unfortunately many of the monuments and historical places in India charge entrance fees, which are quite higher for a foreign tourist. This is something that increases the cost of your vacation substantially. But the amazing element of visiting India is that there are so many things to do in India that you don’t have to spend a penny on. Take a look at the top 5 free things to do in India list below.
Pay a visit to religious places
Religion and belief go hand in hand in India. Native Indian belief has led to the creation of temples, churches, shrines, and mosques in reverence for a particular deity or saint. Visiting a temple, mosque and church in India is a free affair. These religious sites are magnificent in their construction. Some examples are the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Haji Ali Mosque in Mumbai, and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. Religious destinations like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Tirupati have many temples. Take part in the Ganga Aarti night at the Varanasi ghats.
Relax on the beach
If you are a beach lover and don’t want to indulge in traveling too much, India has several beach destinations to offer tourists. If you think there is nothing better than Maldives and Bahamas, you may not have heard of Goa and Kerala. From the isolation to the excitement to the nightlife, the beaches of India are perfect for everyone. Goa has achieved international recognition as a popular beach destination. However, Marari Beach in Karnataka is also a good option to relax and unwind.
Take a walk in nature
One can find huge and picturesque gardens in India, where you can enter at no cost. Most of them are in Delhi and Mumbai. Built around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers, Lodi Gardens is a hot spot for morning walks. Another name is the Garden of the Five Senses which is spread out in the middle of 20 acres of land. Then there are Hanging Garden and Kamla Nehru Park in Mumbai, both with free admission. Hill stations in India offer refreshing scenery and are perfect for a nature walk.
Participate in a festival
Being the birthplace of various religions, festivals are part of the daily life of native Indians. These festivals are held throughout the year and offer a preview of the religious fervor and spiritual life in India. The best part is that they are absolutely free. You can dance in the streets during Ganesh Chaturthi, play with water and colored powders on Holi, watch the fireworks in the sky during Diwali, and witness the camel procession at the Pushkar fair.
Stroll through the markets
Each and every destination in India abounds with local flea and craft markets that are lively and bustling. Some popular markets are Chandani Chowk and Janpath Market in Delhi, Johari Bazaar in Jaipur, and Chor Bazaar and Crawford Market in Mumbai. These markets are crowded and chaotic and keep you engrossed for hours. You can see various wonderful items for sale, no need to buy.