India’s appeal as a travel destination goes far beyond its famous monuments and bustling cities. Across the country, travellers can find landscapes and experiences that feel almost unreal, from living river islands and ancient forests to volcanic craters and vast salt deserts. This World Tourism Day, here are five unique experiences that show the many sides of travelling through India.
5 Unreal Travel Experiences In India
1. Majuli, Assam
Set on the Brahmaputra, Majuli is known as one of the world’s largest river islands and offers a slower side of Assam. Travellers can explore its villages, cycle through green landscapes and experience the island’s distinctive culture and traditions. A visit to the satras, the Vaishnavite monasteries that have shaped Majuli’s cultural identity, is another highlight. The changing river landscape makes every visit feel different.
2. Nongriat, Meghalaya
Reaching Nongriat involves a trek through Meghalaya’s lush hills, but the journey is as memorable as the destination. The village is home to the famous living root bridges, created by guiding the roots of rubber fig trees across streams over many years. The trek also passes through dense greenery, waterfalls and natural pools, making it an experience for travellers who enjoy exploring on foot.
3. Lonar, Maharashtra
In Maharashtra’s Buldhana district lies Lonar Lake, a striking water body formed inside a meteorite impact crater. Surrounded by forest and historic temples, the lake offers a landscape unlike most places in India. Its unusual geological origins and changing colours have made it a fascinating destination for nature and science enthusiasts.
4. Little Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat
The Little Rann of Kutch transforms into a vast, otherworldly landscape of salt flats. A safari here offers the chance to spot the Indian wild ass, one of the region’s most distinctive animals. The stark terrain, open skies and golden light at sunrise and sunset make the experience particularly memorable.
5. Sundarbans, West Bengal
The Sundarbans offers a completely different kind of adventure. Travellers navigate its maze of mangrove waterways by boat, surrounded by dense forests and tidal creeks. The region is famous for its rich wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, and offers a glimpse into one of India’s most unique ecosystems.
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Together, these destinations show that India’s tourism story is not limited to one type of landscape or experience. From rivers and forests to deserts and craters, there is always another side of the country waiting to be explored.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Ethan Sarkar
FAQs
What is the purpose of World Tourism Day?
The purpose of World Tourism Day is to raise global awareness about the importance of tourism and its profound social, cultural, political, and economic impact worldwide.
What is the theme for World Tourism Day 2026?
The official theme for World Tourism Day 2026 is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.
Why was September 27 chosen for World Tourism Day?
September 27 was chosen for World Tourism Day because it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) in 1970.
