The best thing about India is that not all the experiences here need you to loosen your purse strings – some of them are completely free! No matter how financially independent you are, who wouldn’t find great experiences at little or no cost enticing?
1.Cross international borders for free
India offers you a unique experience of crossing international borders and entering a foreign country for free. Plan a trip to Nepal – and you will not spend a penny for a visa or for crossing the border. The only thing that you need to enjoy this free experience is a valid passport. Do check out the gorgeous natural landscapes and the Buddhist monasteries when you are here.
2. Step down the intriguing Agrasen Ki Baoli
If you are someone who believes that ghosts and spirits do not exist, a visit to the Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi will make you question your belief. When there is complete silence, just whisper into the well here, and you will hear the reverberating echo. The ambience of this place will give you goose bumps, and make your blood run cold.
3.Enjoy finger-licking good langar food at the Golden Temple
Everyone who comes to the Golden Temple, whether they are rich or poor, Sikhs or non-Sikhs, are treated equally. This is evident from the fact that this temple serves food to everyone who is hungry without discriminating. What’s more, just the delicious aroma of the langar will make you want to stick around for the meal.
4.Get access to rare books for free at the National Library in Kolkata
The National Library in Kolkata was opened so as to help out the needy students. Today, this is India’s largest library and offers free reading facilities to anyone who is interested. A dream come true for bibliophiles, isn’t it?
5.Pop into the Sulabh Toilet Museum
Rated as one of the weirdest museums in the world by the Time magazine, Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is open 365 days a week. Learn more about the history of hygiene and sanitation all over the world at this museum. You will actually see how the sanitation seats evolved over the years at this museum.
6.Enjoy free chocolates at the chocolate factories in Ooty
Ooty is not only renowned for its spectacular scenery, but it is also famous for its mouth-watering chocolates. Some of the chocolate factories here give you coupons, which let you enjoy chocolates for free.
7.Make the most of the beats of the South Asian Band Festival
If you have ever wanted to experience a music festival, head to Delhi in November. South Asian Band Festival has hosted many well-known bands such as Tantrum from Sri Lanka, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Kailasa from India, and Fanoos from Afghanistan over the years. The best thing about this music festival is that the entry does not cost a dime!
8.Attend the Coconut and Cashew Festival in Goa and taste Feni for free
Feni is an alcoholic drink made from cashews, and it is the specialty of Goa. When you want to sample this drink, visit Goa during the Coconut and Cashew Festival in Panaji. During this festival, some of the best brewers of Feni display their products – and you can taste it for free!
9.Marvel at the panoramic view of Delhi from the top of Jama Masjid Minarets
Unlike the Willis Tower in Chicago, you do not have to pay a penny to enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Delhi. All you need to do is climb to the top of the Jama Masjid Minarets in Delhi and that too without paying anything!
10.Stay at Puducherry for free
Renowned for its amazing beauty, Puducherry is located in southern India. What is surprising is that you can actually stay at this Union Territory for free. Get in touch with the ashrams here and they may just offer you free accommodation as well as free meals. Auroville in Puducherry also offers you things like film screenings and Yoga classes for free.
11.Bonfire at Malpe Beach in Karnataka
Head to the Malpe Beach during winters and take away the chills by enjoying a bonfire with your friends. This promises to be an unforgettable memory, and it is absolutely free!
12.‘Beating Retreat’ Border Ceremony at Wagah Border
If you want to see the co-operation between India and Pakistan, two nations that have constant skirmishes, head to the Wagah Border in Punjab. You can visit anytime as the lowering of the flags ceremony is a daily drill here.
13.Learn Yoga at Rishikesh
Yoga is not merely a form of exercise, it is a way of life. What better place to learn yoga than from Rishikesh, which is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. While you are at it, get in touch with your spiritual side in this city.
14.Marvel at the fireflies at Purushwadi, Maharashtra
Approximately 180km away from Mumbai is the charming village of Purushwadi. Visit this village and be blown away by the light effects of the millions of glow worms that fly by you. The best time to visit this village is during the Fireflies Festival in May and June.
15. Have the sand to yourself at Payyoli Beach in Kerala
Unwind and get a tan at the remote, crowd-free Payyoli beach in Kerala. The golden sands of the beach warmly beckon all who are lucky to catch a glimpse of it. Take a stroll, mingle with the chirping avian population or even take a relaxing dip. You can see the Velliyamkallu rock island from here in the distance. This two-acre isle has some unique natural carvings. If curious, you can book a boat from Payyoli to the island.
For some more invaluable experiences in India, check out the best camping sites in the country!
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