India is a vibrant land full of amazing contrasts where traditional and modern worlds meet. The seventh largest country in the world in terms of area and second largest in terms of population, India boasts a rich heritage that is the result of centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark.
Things to do in India include the opportunity to discover an array of sacred sites and spiritual encounters, while nature lovers will enjoy its sunny beaches, lush national parks and exciting wildlife sanctuaries.
From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the sacred sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover an array of spiritual, cultural and historical treasures.
To help you make the most of your stay in this amazing country, check out our frequent list of top tourist attractions in India.
Taj Mahal, Agra
The holy city of Varanasi
Varanasi offers many reasons to visit, including the opportunity to explore the old quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you will find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which was built in 1780. The new Vishwanath Temple with its seven separate temples is also important.
Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance to Hindus, and many of the sites known as "ghats" have stairways leading to the waters where believers bathe before prayer. The largest of these are Dasashvamideh Ghat and Assi Ghat. The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and Orontes rivers, is considered particularly sacred.
The Hindu University of Banaras, founded in 1917 and famous for its huge library of over a million books, and the magnificent Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum with impressive collections of paintings, sculptures, palm leaf manuscripts and exhibitions on local history are also worth a visit.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Varanasi
Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar
Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important center of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is the Harmandir Sahib, which was opened in 1604 and is still often called the Golden Temple for its beautiful golden decoration.
The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts many Hindus and followers of other religions), the temple is built in a mixture of Hindu and Islamic styles. The marble lower section features ornate inlays of floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome depicts the lotus flower, a symbol of purity for Sikhs.
In addition to its exquisite design, visitors are also impressed by the spiritual atmosphere of the temple, an effect enhanced by the continuously chanted prayers from the Sikh holy book that are broadcast throughout the complex.
Part of the overall experience - and guests are invited to participate - is the opportunity to enjoy one of the 50,000 free meals the attraction offers visitors each day.
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Accommodation: Where to stay in Amritsar
Golden City: Jaisalmer
The golden city of Jaisalmer owes its name to the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings and is an oasis of magnificent ancient architecture rising from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The city was once a strategic location, today it is filled with splendid ancient palaces. Magnificent gates and the massive Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a sturdy 12th century building that rises above the city.
In addition to the magnificent palaces, temples and old houses, the fort has 99 forts and huge gates leading to its main courtyard where you will find the seven-story Maharaja's Palace. Begun in the early 16th century and completed by successive rulers until the 19th century, the palace has sections open to the public, including areas beautifully decorated with Italian and Chinese tiles and finely carved stone doors.
There are also a number of Jain temples dating from the 12th and 16th centuries, each adorned with beautiful marble and sandstone portraits, palm leaf scrolls and brightly painted ceilings. Also be sure to visit the well-preserved 1,000-year-old Gyan Bhandar Library, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and relics.
The Red Fort, New Delhi
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power - a role it maintained until 1857 - New Delhi's magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort, named for the beautiful red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area of over two square kilometers, all surrounded by a large moat.
Highlights include the two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the main entrance to the fort) and the richly decorated Delhi Gate, once used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.
A fun part of a visit is to explore Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar that sells everything from jewelry to silk clothing, as well as souvenirs and food items. While you can explore the castle on your own, guided tours are available that offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the Shah, including a look at the magnificent white marble audience hall (Diwan-i-Am) where he entertained his subjects.
Tip: Try to catch the sound and light show that takes place every night and includes important events from the fort's history.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 11006
Mumbai: Gateway to India
26 meters high and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the famous India Gate is a must-see in Mumbai. Built to celebrate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary in 1911, this magnificent piece of architecture opened with great pomp and festivity in 1924 and was, for a time, the tallest building in the city.
Built entirely of yellow basalt and concrete and famous for its Indo-Indian design, the India Gate was also the scene of a less euphoric march by British soldiers in 1948 when India gained independence. Today, the massive promenade provides a beautiful backdrop that is as popular with locals as it is with tourists.
Tip: After visiting the Gateway to India, head to the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for a delicious tea, which has been a fun thing to do in Mumbai since this beautiful luxury hotel opened in 1903.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Mumbai
Mecca Mosque, Hyderabad
Construction of the Makkah Mosque in Hyderabad, one of the largest mosques in the world - and one of the oldest in India - began in 1614 during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah and took nearly 80 years.
Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshippers, each of the 15 massive arches and columns of this beautiful mosque is made of single slabs of black granite that were dragged to the site by huge cattle trains of 1,400 oxen.
Taking its name from the bricks above the central gate brought here from Mecca, this impressive complex has remarkable features such as its main gate, a huge courtyard and a large man-made pond. There is also a hall with the poetry of the Prophet Mohammed.
Other notable features include Quranic inscriptions on the many arches and doors, the impressive ceiling of the main hall and friezes around the entire mosque structure. Look for beautiful floral designs and friezes above the arches.
Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
Aamir Fort, Jaipur
Highlights include Galep Chowk, the first courtyard, with its many ornate elephants, and the Shilla Devi temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also noteworthy is the adjoining public auditorium (Diwan-i-Am) with its delicately decorated walls and monkey terraces.
Other highlights include the Sukh Niwas (Pleasure Hall) with its many flower beds, a canal once used to carry cooling water and the Victory Temple (Jai Mandir), famous for its many decorative paintings, colorful ceilings and excellent views of the palace and lake below.
Located just above Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 by Jai Singh and features tall watchtowers, huge walls and the largest wheeled cannon in the world. Also be sure to spend some time visiting the old walled city of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and splendid markets, as well as the magnificent City Palace, a huge complex of squares, gardens and buildings.
The beaches of Goa
Long known in India as the go-to destination for those seeking a great beach vacation, Goa's beautiful west coast, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has only recently been discovered by foreign tourists. Over 60 miles of Goa's coastline is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, each with its own unique attraction.
For those seeking peace and tranquility, the secluded Agonda Beach is a good option, while Calangute Beach is by far the busiest and most commercial. For those looking for luxury resorts, yoga retreats and spa vacations, the beaches of Mandrem, Morjim and Ashwem are fashionable among wealthy Indians and Westerners. Palolem is one of the famous beaches of Goa in a beautiful setting.
While in Goa, don't forget to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. This wonderful attraction is home to dense forests and numerous animals including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers and black panthers, as well as the famous Indian king cobra and around 200 species of birds.
Divar Island, accessible by ferry from Old Goa, is also worth a visit. Highlights include Piedade, a typical Goa village and home to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its interesting frescoes, baroque stucco decorations and altars, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Goa
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
One of the most popular tourist attractions in South India, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is centered around a lake built by British engineers in 1895 for irrigation and to provide water to the city of Madurai.
Established in 1934, this beautiful park is home to many species of mammals, including a large group of free-roaming Indian elephants, wild boars, otters, black-tailed macaques and over 20 Bengal tigers. Bird watching is a popular activity with frequent sightings of species such as moose, storks, jacks, hornbills and bat-tailed drongo, as well as many interesting species of butterflies.
The best way to enjoy the park's beautiful mountain scenery is on a lake cruise or guided forest walk, the latter of which allows visitors to encounter herds of elephants and observe other wildlife from lookout towers and viewing platforms.
Tip: Be sure to stop at one of the many spice, tea or coffee plantations nearby for a visit.
Agra Castle
Built as a military structure in 1565 by Emperor Akbar with later additions by Shah Jahan, the magnificent Agra Fort (also known as the Red Agra Fort) is an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim influences.
Just over two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, the fort is entered through the Amar Singh Gate with its low outer wall and dogleg design designed to confuse attackers. Once inside, you will see two large interconnected sandstone buildings, Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private residence in the complex.
Other highlights include Qasr Mahal (private palace), with its magnificent copper roof, Anguri Bagh (vineyard garden) and a scenic Mughal garden with its many splendid fountains and aqueducts as well as screens that once provided private space for the emperor and his court. Also noteworthy is the octagonal Musamman Burj, which was later the prison of Shah Jahan until his death.
Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
The famous monumental caves of Ellora were built between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monks, making it an excellent excursion from Mumbai, about 300 kilometers to the west.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive group of 34 monasteries, chapels and carved temples - 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and five Jain - were built in close proximity to each other, reflecting the tolerant religion that existed during this period of Indian history.
Among the Buddhist monastery caves, highlights include a number of shrines with sculptures of Buddha and saints dating from the 5th and 7th centuries, as well as the magnificent Carpenter's Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in India.
The Hindu caves are more complex and were dug from top to bottom, so that scaffolding was not necessary. The best of them is the Kailasa temple, a huge temple carved in the rock that represents Mount Kailasa and requires the removal of 200,000 tons of rock.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the ancient city of Jodhpur and is one of the largest fortifications in India, was built in the 15th century to protect the inhabitants of the famous "blue city". Jodhpur is still known by this name, which derives from its indigo-colored houses, which are painted blue to dissipate the heat.
Built atop an imposing outcrop, Mehrangarh is an amazing feat of construction, and its massive walls are impenetrable. Access is through one of seven magnificent gates, including Gaya Pul and Fateh Pul (the latter still bears scars from cannon attacks).
Highlights of a visit include exploring the castle's impressive network of courtyards and palaces, as well as a museum with an impressive collection of artifacts related to the Maharaja. Be sure to spend time in the historic center of Jodhpur itself, famous for its eight city gates, beautiful old clock tower and numerous bazaars selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices and handicrafts.
Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
The Ganges
The Ganges, or "Ganges" after the Hindu deities, has long been one of India's most revered natural wonders. It is also one of the country's main attractions, drawing crowds of Indian citizens to participate in its religious festivities, as well as tourists to enjoy the splendor of this mighty river.
Although there are a number of cities dotted along the river, it is in Varanasi that most tourists travel to experience the Ganges and the cultural attractions that have sprung up along its banks. Although relatively small by Indian standards-with a population of about 1.2 million-the city is full of temples and other important religious sites, many of which focus on the worship of (or on) the Ganges.
Several "ghats" are arranged along the banks of the river, making it easy for devotees and tourists to approach. Sometimes consisting of steep steps leading directly into the water, there are actually 88 entry points into the Ganges. While most of them date back centuries, they were largely rebuilt and improved in the 18th century, and with their vibrant and often colorful celebrations and ceremonies, they are among the most beautiful places for photography in India.
If you have the time, choose one of the Ganges River tours available in the city from one of the ghats. The most memorable cruises are the early morning sunrise cruises. Try the experience by purchasing one of the small floating screens available from the vendor and filming it along the river (camera ready, of course).
Mysore Palace
The sprawling city of Mysore is a delight to explore thanks to its eclectic mix of beautiful old colonial architecture. Indian royal palaces; and lush, well-tended gardens. While those inclined to shopping will enjoy spending time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood markets, the main attraction is the magnificent Mysore Palace.
Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this magnificent three-story mansion has such remarkable features as elegant square towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and columns of Durbar Hall; and the magnificent wedding pavilion, with glazed floor tiles, beautiful stained glass windows, artworks and jewelry. This is also where the magnificent golden throne is displayed for special occasions.
For a real treat, be sure to catch one of the fantastic light shows that take place every Sunday and during the vacations, when the palace is illuminated by over 90,000 lights. A fun way to explore the palace's sprawling grounds and gardens is to take a bike tour, which is free once inside.
Address: Siji Rao Road, Mysore, Karnataka 570001
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
Considered the holiest Buddhist site in the world, Bodgaya attracts thousands of visitors every year, all drawn to meditate and pray with the resident monks.
The focal point of this pilgrimage site is the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, which was built next to the place where Buddha came to the age of enlightenment and formulated his philosophy of life. Built in the 6th century and restored several times since, the temple is topped by a beautiful pyramidal tower and houses a large golden statue of Buddha.
The site's pipal is also interesting, a descendant of the original Bodhi tree where Buddha meditated for seven days after the Age of Enlightenment, and is said to be among the oldest and most revered trees in the world (you'll know you've found it when you can spot the red sandstone slab marking the spot) .
Address: Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231