India - Travel Experiences for 2014

The New Year is truly exciting for travelers – new experiences to try, new people to meet, new food to taste and new horizons to explore. To all those who are reading this piece, resolve to try something new this year and experience a facet of India you have never witnessed before.

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat: - Start the year by gazing at the colour studded sky in Gujarat. Kite flying is serious business in the state, last year; more than 40 countries took part in the Sankranthi kite flying competition. There is a market selling solely kites in Ahmedabad and even a museum dedicated to the sport. With local families making their own versions, the skies are covered in a vibrant flood of colours rendering it the perfect way to ring in the New Year.  Make sure to compare fares in multiple portals before you make online bus ticket booking to Ahmedabad.

Star gazing in Thar: -There is something truly mesmerizing about spending the night in the midst of rolling sand dunes under a canopy of glittering stars. Watch the sun go down and the moon rise while the soulful Sufi singers keep you company.

Riot of colours in Goa: - Come spring and the whole of India erupt in colours to celebrate Holi. But if you want a different take on the festival, head to Goa to experience Shigmo. It is a vibrant village festival replete with revelry and celebration and best part is anyone is welcome to join. Make sure to make your bus ticket booking to Goa well in advance.

Hemmis Festival in Ladakh: - Every summer, travellers come to this icy paradise and on the must visit list is the Hemmis Monastery. However, if you make the trip in June, you can witness the charming festival that the monastery organizes. It is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava and the celebration includes mystic mask dances in the courtyard of the monastery.

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: - Every December the tribes of Nagaland come together to showcase their culture and arts in a vibrant pageantry. The sheer amount of colour that fills the ground is a treat to the eyes and is a moment you will remember for a long time to come. Book well in advance as the seats get sold out quickly.