As India prepares to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2020, here are five unusual things which you should make sure to do when you visit the country. India, more commonly known as the land of temples, monuments, food and spices, has a lot more to offer, and we bet you won’t regret exploring this hidden side of the country.

The North Eastern part of India, which consists of eight states, boasts of a very thriving and lively music scene. If you are a rock and a pop music fan, then a visit to this part of the country is worth the trip. Head to Shillong, which is also known as the ‘Rock Capital of the Country’; and enjoy surreal music in the smallest of the cafes or in well set up music festivals. And the bonus, the city loves football.

Additionally, the Ziro Music festival in Arunachal Pradesh is just another place which you should surely include in your itinerary. The beautiful landscape of Ziro valley and the soothing music would surely make your visit worth it.

If you begin your day with a sip of coffee, then Coorg is the place you should be in. Not known to many, the hill station of Coorg in the state of Karnataka, is home to the world’s most expensive coffee. Civet coffee, which is made from the excreta of civet cat can cost up to 350 USD/kg. So if you love your coffee, make a visit to Coorg.

Coorg is also known for its beautiful landscape and its love for hockey. The place holds one of the world’s largest hockey tournaments, with about 200 teams participating and, interestingly, it happens to be a family tournament.

Love wine? Go and visit the vineyards of Nasik in Maharashtra. The terrain on Maharashtra is one of the most beautiful in India and the vineyards in the area produce some of the country's finest wines.

If you plan a visit during the monsoons, you can go trekking and witness the surreal beauty around the state. Waterfall, hilltops, old forts and lakes, the state of Maharashtra has a lot of hidden gems to offer.

Despite the disclaimer, the state of Odisha is worth pointing out as it is known to be the land of temples. Engage in a spiritual journey and visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark. It is not the just the devotion which will enthral you, but these temples are also architectural marvels.

If you are around, you can also go boating in the Chilika Lake. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world. It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent.

Come to India, explore the rich heritage of the country with the royal hospitality of the Indian Railways. Get onboard the Maharaja Express, travel to all major tourist destinations in the country in unparalleled luxury. The Maharajas' Express was bestowed as the "World's Leading Luxury Train" award at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018.