India is a bright land of startling contrasts the place each the usual and contemporary worlds meet. The world’s seventh greatest kingdom by means of vicinity and the 2d biggest in phrases of population, India boasts a prosperous heritage it is the end result of centuries of one of a kind cultures and religions leaving their mark.
Things to do in India encompass the possibility to journey an array of sacred web sites and non secular encounters, whilst nature fans will revel in its sun-washed beaches, lush countrywide parks, and interesting natural world sanctuaries.
From the astounding Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy web sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, site visitors to this distinguished united states of america will find out a trove of spiritual, cultural, and historic treasures.
To assist you make the most of your time in this first-rate country, refer frequently to our listing of the top traveler sights in India.
1. The Taj Mahal, Agra
Perhaps India’s most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal is also the world’s most well-known testimony to the electricity of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the preferred spouse of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most stunning of mausoleums was once begun upon her dying in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen till 1648 to complete.
Incorporating many factors of Islamic diagram together with arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid round the entrance, the Taj Mahal is mostly built of white marble. Adding to its elegance are refined inlaid floral patterns and valuable and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mom of pearl.
The exceptional time to go to is both at sunrise or nightfall when the ecosystem is brilliantly altered by using the exchange in lighting. If possible, attempt to seize a view of the Taj Mahal’s reflection from the a ways financial institution of the Yamuna River-it makes for a memorable (and safe) selfie.
Address: sixty four Taj Road, Agra-282001
2. The Holy City of Varanasi
Dating lower back to the eighth century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest nonetheless inhabited cities in the world. A essential pilgrimage middle for Hindus, this holy town has lengthy been related with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith’s most necessary non secular symbols.
Varanasi provides many motives to visit, no longer least of them the risk to discover the Old Quarter adjoining to the Ganges the place you will locate the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, constructed in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple with its seven separate temples is additionally of interest.
Bathing in the Ganges is of outstanding significance to Hindus, and severa areas recognised as “ghats” function stairways main to the water the place the trustworthy bathe earlier than prayers. The biggest are Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers, is viewed specifically holy.
Also well worth seeing is Banaras Hindu University, hooked up in 1917 and cited for its huge library with greater than a million books, and the wonderful Bharat Kala Bhavan museum presenting fantastic collections of miniature paintings, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and nearby records exhibits.
3. Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar
Founded in 1577 with the aid of Ram Das, Amritsar is an vital hub of Sikh records and culture. The foremost appeal right here is Harmandir Sahib, opened in 1604 and nonetheless regularly referred to as the Golden Temple for its lovely gold decoration.
The holiest of India’s many Sikh shrines (it additionally attracts many Hindus and humans of different faiths), the temple was once constructed in a mixture of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its decrease marble area points such prospers as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, whilst the massive golden dome represents a lotus flower, a image of purity to Sikhs.
In addition to its first-rate design, site visitors are equally impressed with the temple’s religious atmosphere, an impact stronger through the prayers always chanted from the Sikh holy e book and broadcast during the complex.
Part of the basic trip – and traffic are welcome to take part – is the threat to experience one of the 50,000 free foods the enchantment serves up to site visitors every and each and every day.
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
4. The Golden City: Jaisalmer
So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of exquisite historic structure that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, these days the metropolis is crammed with tremendous ancient mansions; stunning gateways; and the huge Jaisalmer Fort, additionally acknowledged as the Golden Fort, a daunting 12th-century shape that rises excessive above the town.
In addition to its palaces, temples, and first-rate ancient homes, the fortress boasts ninety nine bastions alongside with large gates main to its primary courtyard the place you may locate the seven-story-tall Maharaja’s Palace. Started in the early 1500s and brought to with the aid of successive rulers proper up till the nineteenth century, the palace gives sections open to the public, inclusive of areas superbly embellished with tiles from Italy and China, and intricately carved stone doors.
There are additionally a quantity of Jain temples courting from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries, every adorned with exceptional marble and sandstone images, palm-leaf manuscripts, and brightly painted ceilings. Be positive to additionally test out the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and antiquities.
5. The Red Fort, New Delhi
Built by means of Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal strength – a position it maintained till 1857 – the awesome crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the wonderful purple sandstone used in its construction, covers a widespread location of extra than two rectangular kilometers, all of it surrounded by using a giant moat.
Highlights encompass its two greatest gates: the astonishing Lahore Gate (the fort’s principal entrance) and the elaborately embellished Delhi Gate, as soon as used by means of the emperor for ceremonial processions.
A exciting phase of a go to is exploring Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century included bazaar promoting the entirety from earrings to silk garments, as nicely as souvenirs and meals items. While you can discover the castle yourself, guided excursions are provided and furnish a captivating perception into the lifestyles and instances of the Shah, inclusive of a peek into the beautiful white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) the place he acquired his subjects.
Hot Tip: Try to stick round for the sound and mild exhibit held every night providing essential occasions in the fort’s history.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
6. Mumbai: The Gateway of India
Standing an wonderful 26 meters tall and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see when in Mumbai. Built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his spouse Queen Mary in 1911, this beautiful piece of structure used to be opened with plenty pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest shape in the city.
Constructed completely of yellow basalt and concrete and remarkable for its Indo-Saracenic design, the Gateway of India was once additionally the scene of a alternatively much less jubilant procession of British troopers in 1948 when India won its independence. These days, the massive archway presents a amazing backdrop that is as famous amongst locals as it is tourists.
Hot Tip: After travelling the Gateway of India, pop over to the adjoining Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for a delectable High Tea, a enjoyable aspect to do in Mumbai seeing that this stunning luxurious motel opened in 1903.
7. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
Construction of Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, one of the world’s biggest mosques – and one of the oldest in India – commenced in 1614 in the course of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah’s reign and took nearly eighty years to complete.
Large sufficient to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this lovely mosque’s 15 vast arches and pillars had been every wrought from single slabs of black granite dragged to the web page by using large cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls.
Taking its title from the bricks above the central gate that have been introduced right here from Mecca, this spectacular complicated aspects highlights such as its important gateway, a big plaza, and a giant artifical pond. There’s additionally a room that homes the hair of Prophet Mohammed.
Other first-rate aspects consist of inscriptions from the Quran above many of the arches and doors, the fantastic roof of the important hall, and the cornices round the complete mosque structure. Look out for the splendid floral motifs and friezes over the arches.
Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
8. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort (often additionally spelt “Amber”) used to be constructed as a fortified palace in 1592 by way of Maharaja Man Singh I and has lengthy served as the capital of Jaipur. Carved excessive up into the hillside, the fortress is handy on foot by means of a steep climb or by way of shuttle rides from the city beneath (better still, let an elephant do the work).
Highlights consist of Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard, with its many embellished elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, committed to the goddess of war. Also of observe is the adjoining Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am) with its finely embellished partitions and terraces frequented by using monkeys.
Other highlights include Sukh Niwas (the Hall of Pleasure) with its many flowerbeds and a channel as soon as used to raise cooling water, and the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), brilliant for its many ornamental panels, colourful ceilings, and superb views over the palace and the lake below.
Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort, constructed in 1726 by way of Jai Singh and providing tall lookout towers, ambitious walls, and the world’s biggest wheeled cannon. Be certain to additionally spend time wandering the walled Old City of Jaipur with its three utterly restored gates and super bazaars, as nicely as the pleasant City Palace, a large complicated of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
9. The Beaches of Goa
Long regarded inside India as the “go-to” vacation spot for these in search of a top notch seashore holiday, Goa’s lovely western coastline, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has solely lately been found with the aid of vacationers from overseas. Goa’s greater than 60 miles of shoreline is domestic to some of the world’s most lovable beaches, every with their very own precise appeal.
For those searching for peace and quiet, remoted Agonda Beach is a excellent choice, whilst Calangute Beach is with the aid of a ways the most business and crowded. For these in search of posh resorts, yoga getaways, and spa vacations, the seashores of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are elegant amongst rich Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is any other one of Goa’s famous seashores in a lovely setting.
While in Goa, be positive to go to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This gorgeous appeal is domestic to thick forests and masses of fauna, which include deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers, as properly as India’s well-known king cobras, and some 200 species of birds.
Also well worth a go to is Divar Island, accessed with the aid of ferry from Old Goa. Highlights consist of Piedade, a regular Goan village and domestic to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its fascinating stucco work, Baroque plaster decorations, and altars, as properly as wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
One of South India’s most famous visitor attractions, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated round a lake constructed with the aid of British engineers in 1895 for irrigation and to grant water to the town of Madurai.
Established in 1934, this lovely park is domestic to severa species of mammals, together with a massive free-roaming Indian elephant population, wild boar, otters, the lion-tailed macaque, and extra than 20 Bengal tigers. Bird-watching is a famous undertaking with generic sightings of species such as darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos, alongside with many fascinating types of butterflies.
The first-class methods to revel in the park’s terrific mountain surroundings are to take a lake cruise or guided jungle walk, the latter permitting traffic a danger to come face to face with elephant herds and look at different flora and fauna from watchtowers and viewing platforms.
Hot Tip: Be certain to end at one of the many close by spice, tea, or espresso plantations for a tour.
11. Agra Fort
Built as a navy shape in 1565 by using Emperor Akbar with later additions by means of Shah Jahan, the wonderful Agra Fort (also recognised as Agra’s Red Fort) is an fascinating combine of each Hindu and Muslim influences.
Located a little extra than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, the fortress is entered thru Amar Singh Gate with its low outer wall and dogleg diagram constructed to confuse attackers. Once inside, you may see two giant interlinked sandstone buildings, Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the biggest personal dwelling in the complex.
Other highlights encompass the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its top notch copper roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-patterned Mughal backyard with severa gorgeous fountains and water channels as properly as monitors that as soon as provided a non-public vicinity for the emperor and his entourage. Also of word is the octagonal Musamman Burj tower, which later served as Shah Jahan’s jail till his death.
Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
12. The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
The well-known enormous Ellora Caves had been constructed between the fifth and tenth centuries by using Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks, and make for an exquisite tour from Mumbai, some 300 kilometers to the west.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary series of 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples – 12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 belonging to the Jain trust – had been constructed in shut proximity to every other, a reflection of the spiritual tolerance that existed at some stage in this duration of Indian history.
Of the Buddhist monastery caves, highlights consist of a variety of shrines offering carvings of Buddha and saints courting from the fifth to seventh centuries, as nicely as the lovely Carpenter’s Cave, regarded one of the greatest in India.
The Hindu caves are a lot greater complicated and have been carved from the pinnacle down, so scaffolding used to be no longer necessary. Of these, the first-class is the Kailasa Temple, an vast rock-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and requiring the elimination of 200,000 heaps of rock
13. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Dominating the ancient town of Jodhpur, the huge Mehrangarh Fort, one of the biggest fortifications in India, used to be constructed in the fifteenth century to shield the humans of the well-known “Blue City.” Jodhpur is nonetheless recognized with the aid of this name, which is derived from its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to deflect the heat.
Built on pinnacle of a towering outcrop, Mehrangarh is an awesome feat of construction, its huge partitions all however impenetrable. Access is by one of seven superb gates, inclusive of Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter nonetheless bears scars from cannon attacks).
Highlights of a go to encompass exploring the fort’s captivating community of courtyards and palaces, as nicely as a museum housing a excellent series of artifacts associated to the Maharajas. Be certain to spend time in the historical core of Jodhpur itself, well-known for its eight town gates, a stunning ancient clock tower, and severa bazaars promoting the entirety from greens to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
14. The Ganges River
The Ganges River, or “Ganga” after the Hindu goddess, has lengthy been one of India’s most revered herbal wonders. It’s additionally one of the country’s main attractions, drawing crowds of Indian nationals to partake in its non secular ceremonies, as nicely as travelers to experience the elegance of this mighty river.
While there are a wide variety of cities dotted alongside the river, it is to the metropolis of Varanasi that most travelers will journey to journey the Ganges and the cultural sights that have sprung up alongside its banks. Although exceedingly small with the aid of Indian requirements – its populace is round 1.2 million humans – the town is chock-full of temples and different vital spiritual sites, many of them targeted on worship of (or on) the Ganges.
Numerous “ghats” are set alongside the river banks, making it effortless for worshippers and travelers alike to get up close. Made up of now and again steep steps main at once into the water, there are in truth 88 of these entry factors to the Ganges. While most are many centuries old, they have been significantly reconstructed and increased in the 1700s, and with their frequently vibrant, colourful ceremonies and celebrations are some of the most lovely locations to graphic in India.
If you’ve got time, choose for one of the Ganges river excursions on hand in the town from any one of the ghats. The most memorable are the early morning daybreak cruises. Top the journey through buying one of the small, floating offerings on hand from a seller and set it off down the river (camera at the ready, of course).
15. Mysore Palace
The sprawling metropolis of Mysore is a pleasure to discover thanks to its eclectic combine of fantastic historical colonial architecture; regal Indian palaces; and lush, well-manicured gardens. While these inclined closer to purchasing will revel in spending time in the city’s well-known silk and sandalwood bazaars, the important enchantment is dazzling Mysore Palace.
Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this lovely three-storied palace aspects highlights such as its based rectangular towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and pillars in Durbar Hall; and the exquisite Marriage Pavilion, with its glazed flooring tiles, amazing stained glass, artworks, and shows of jewelry. It’s additionally where, on exclusive occasions, the outstanding Golden Throne is exhibited.
For a actual treat, be positive to seize one of the excellent mild shows held every Sunday and for the duration of holidays, when the palace is illuminated by using greater than 90,000 lights. A enjoyable way to discover the palace’s large grounds and gardens is as section of a cycle tour, reachable free as soon as inside.
Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
16. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, regarded the world’s holiest Buddhist site, attracts lots of site visitors every year, all drawn to take part with the resident monks in meditation and prayer.
The focal factor of this region of pilgrimage is beautiful Mahabodhi Temple, constructed subsequent to the very spot the place Buddha got here to Enlightenment and formulated his philosophy on life. Constructed in the sixth century and restored numerous instances since, the temple is topped with a lovely pyramidal spire and homes a massive gilded statue of Buddha.
Also of activity is the site’s pipal tree, a descendant of the authentic bodhi tree the place Buddha reflected for seven days after the Enlightenment, stated to be amongst the oldest and most honored timber in the world (you’ll comprehend you’ve got determined it when you spot the purple sandstone slab marking the spot).
Address: Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231