If you are above 35 look at safe investment options/ rather savings options like PPF/NSC Post office schemers/Bank TD's etc.
If you are in age group of 20-35, i think you can take more risk. So invest wisely by spearding risk in Equities/Commodities/Gold/Real Estage or any unorganised family business with high returns.
But for anyone term insurance plan is a must, that the effective way to protect your family @ lower cost.
Ofcourse please take a final look before you make a decision.