India things to see and do

Things to see and do

Agra

Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most recognisable landmarks, Agra is a highlight for first-time visitors. Best seen at sunrise, the marble mausoleum is complemented by the impressive Agra Fort and the lesser-visited Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the 'Baby Taj'.

Ajanta Caves

Hidden in a horseshoe-shaped gorge, the Ajanta Caves contain exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. The paintings, remarkably well preserved, are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art.

Bodh Gaya

One of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world, Bodh Gaya is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex draws pilgrims and visitors from across Asia and beyond.

Delhi

India's capital is a compelling mix of old and new. Mughal-era monuments such as the Red Fort and Jama Masjid sit alongside leafy colonial boulevards, contemporary cafés and buzzing markets. Old Delhi offers sensory overload, while New Delhi feels more spacious and ordered, creating a contrast that adds to the experience.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aurangabad, showcase an extraordinary coexistence of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments. The highlight is the Kailasa Temple, a colossal structure carved entirely from a single rock face, widely regarded as one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world.

Ganges

Flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges is the spiritual heart of India. From ritual bathing in Varanasi to quieter stretches in Rishikesh and Haridwar, the river plays a central role in daily life, religion and pilgrimage.

Goa

Famed for its beaches, laid-back vibe and Portuguese-influenced architecture, Goa blends tropical relaxation with lively nightlife. Beyond the sand, visitors find baroque churches, spice plantations and a distinct Indo-European culture.

Himalayas

From the tea-covered hills of Darjeeling to the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh, the Indian Himalayas offer dramatic scenery and trekking opportunities. Monasteries, mountain railways and remote villages make this region ideal for travellers seeking nature and adventure.

Jaipur

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a showcase of Rajput architecture and colour. Amber Fort, City Palace and the honeycombed Hawa Mahal tell stories of royal ambition and desert power, while bazaars overflow with textiles, jewellery and handicrafts.

Kashmir

Kashmir is known for alpine scenery, lakes and Mughal gardens. Srinagar's houseboats and Dal Lake offer a distinctive travel experience, while the surrounding valleys are popular for trekking and skiing.

Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga protects the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Its floodplains and tall elephant grass also shelter elephants, wild buffalo and rich birdlife, making it one of India's most important conservation areas.

Kerala Backwaters

A serene contrast to India's major cities, Kerala's backwaters are a maze of palm-lined canals, lagoons and lakes. Slow houseboat journeys pass village life, rice paddies and churches, offering a gentle introduction to southern India's rhythms.

Mumbai

Fast-paced and cosmopolitan, Mumbai is India's commercial powerhouse. Colonial architecture, Bollywood glamour, vibrant street food and the everyday theatre of the city all collide here. Key sights include the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and the lively neighbourhoods of South Mumbai.

Mumbai Film City

Bollywood is centred in Mumbai, and Film City offers a glimpse into the world's largest film industry by output. Studio tours reveal live sets, costume departments and the scale behind India's love affair with cinema.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of India's most iconic regions, known for its grand forts, lavish palaces and desert landscapes. Cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur showcase the state's royal heritage through striking architecture, colourful bazaars and historic old towns. Camel safaris, traditional villages and vibrant festivals add to the experience, making Rajasthan a highlight for many visitors.

Ranthambore National Park

One of India's best-known wildlife reserves, Ranthambore is famed for its Bengal tigers and atmospheric setting. Game drives wind past lakes, banyan trees and the ruins of a medieval fort, offering a strong chance of spotting wildlife against a dramatic historical backdrop.

Varanasi

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is India at its most spiritual and intense. Dawn boat rides along the Ganges reveal pilgrims bathing, priests chanting and funeral pyres burning on the ghats, offering a deeply moving glimpse into Hindu beliefs about life and death.

Western Ghats

A UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats stretch along India's west coast and offer cooler highland landscapes, tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Hill stations such as Munnar and Coorg are popular escapes from the heat.

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