Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
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Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the 16th-century structure as a gift to the then king of the Kochi dynasty, though it underwent significant remodels under Dutch rule, earning it its current moniker: the Dutch Palace. It's celebrated for its stunning murals, many of which depict scenes from Hindu epics, notably the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The Basics
Though it doesn't look very palatial from the outside, this 2-story structure has gems of art inside, including beautiful coconut-shell floors, portraits of former rulers, and numerous intricate tempera murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The palace also hosts a number of old royal artifacts, ranging from ceremonial costumes to palanquins.
Many Kochi city tours stop at the palace. Visiting with a guide can be useful, if you want in-depth information about the palace's history. Half- and full-day tours that visit the palace may also include a Kerala backwater boat cruise, Kathakali dance show, village visit, Chinese fishing nets, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History lovers and art fans won’t want to miss a visit to this palace.
- Parents may want to note that some of the murals depict explicit lovemaking scenes.
- Most of the palace is difficult to navigate by wheelchair, as there are plenty of stairs.
How to Get There
Mantacherry Palace is located right next to the Mantacherry Boat Jetty, from where travelers can take ferries to Ernakulam, the main city on the mainland where many of the city's larger chain and business hotels are located. It's right in the heart of historic Kochi, and the city’s famous Jew Town and its synagogue are a short walk way.
When to Get There
Mattancherry Palace is a year-round attraction, though if you're sensitive to heat or humidity, you may want to visit in the dryer season, from around December through the end of February. However, this is also the most popular season for tourists, so attractions can be crowded. The hottest months of the year are from March through May, while June through November can get rainy.
Kerala Murals
Kerala has a long tradition of mural painting that dates back to at least the eighth century. While the relatively newer murals at the Dutch Palace provide a great intro to the traditional local art, there are plenty more in the area, from the frescoes to the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple to the murals of the rock-cut Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Address: Bazaar Road, Fort Cochin, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Korai Village
Visitors to Agra who want to experience the culture, color, traditions and diversity of real India, not just the iconic Taj Mahal, will find all of this and more in Korai Village.
Travelers can escape the tourist route and venture into old world India as they wander the dirt roads of this picturesque village. Learn about local life, interact with villagers, and gain an insider’s look at the rituals of daily life for dozens of families living here.
Practical Info
Korai Village is located off the Fatehpur Sikri Highway in Agra.
Address: Korai Village, Uttar Pradesh, India, India
From $ 47
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is an enormous citadel situated deep in the desert outside of Udaipur. It was built in the 15th century and took over a decade to complete—unsurprising given that its walls stretch some 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) in total. Second in length only to the Great Wall of China, it is sometimes dubbed the "Great Wall of India."
The Basics
Built under Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, this gargantuan fortress played an important role in keeping rulers safe during times of conflict and war. Udai Singh II, the 16th-century maharana of Mewar who founded Udaipur, was smuggled here from Chittorgarh as an infant.
Kumbhalgarh Fort makes for a quiet getaway from the city of Udaipur. Most day tours to the fort depart from Udaipur, and many tours combine a stop here with a visit to the nearby Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture aficionados.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The fort is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajasthan desert, about a 2.5-hour drive from Udaipur or four hours from the state's most famous fort, Chittorgarh. It's not well connected by public transportation but is a convenient spot to break the journey if traveling by car between Jodhpur and Udaipur. From the fort, it takes about four hours to reach Jodhpur.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is between November and February, the coldest months in Rajasthan. Temperatures begin to rise in March and continue to do so until they peak in late May and into June. Monsoon rains from late June through September help cool things down a bit.
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
In 2013, UNESCO declared six of Rajasthan's forts, including Kumbhalgarh, a collective World Heritage Site. The other forts that received the honor were Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur (near the Ranthambore National Park tiger reserve), Gagron Fort in Jhalawar, Amer Fort on the outskirts of Jaipur, and Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer.
Address: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
From $ 12
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is a huge ancient fort located in Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. It's one of the largest forts in India and was built in the mid-15th century by Rao Jodha. The fort sits on a rocky hill presiding some 125 meters above the city, with the structure merging with the rock on which it stands. Still run by the Jodhpur royal family to this day, Mehrangarh Fort is filled with a strong sense of history and legend.
Enclosed by thick, imposing walls, the fort complex contains a museum, courthouses, gardens, and several magnificent palaces with vast courtyards and elaborate architecture. Among the royal residences are the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), which was used for dance performances and features beguiling stained-glass windows, and Jhanki Mahal (Queen’s Palace), where there’s a colorful display of the cradles of former rulers.
The approach to the fort is guarded by a series of seven giant gates, some more famous than others. The main entrance is Jai Pol (or Gate of Victory), which was built by Maharaja Man Singh at the beginning of the 19th century to celebrate his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Past the cafe and museum ticket office, the Dodh Kamgra Pol still bears the marks of cannonball attacks, before the route leads through Imritia Pol, and then Loha Pol, with its palm imprints made by the widows of Maharaja Man Singh when they left the palace to commit sati on his funeral pyre.
Practical Info
It’s about a 300-meter walk or a very winding auto-rickshaw journey from the old city to the entrance of Mehrangarh Fort.
Address: Fateh Pol Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Hours: 9am-5am daily
Admission: Fort entry: free / Museum entry: Rs. 400
From $ 21
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, as well as being one of the largest in the world. Construction of the mosque began in 1617 by the city’s founder, Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, but wasn’t complete until 1694 under the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
This ancient mosque is a listed heritage building. It’s constructed from granite and features exquisite interiors that few visitors get to see; its large prayer hall can accommodate more than 10,000 men, but women are not allowed inside and tourists can only hope to catch a glimpse from outside. Female visitors may not even be permitted into the mosque’s vast courtyard area if their clothing is not deemed conservative enough.
Several bricks embedded above the main prayer hall's central arch are made with soil from the holy city of Mecca (hence the mosque's name), and verses of the Quran are inscribed on the arches of the building. It is also believed that a strand of the Prophet Mohammed’s hair is kept preserved in a room in the mosque’s courtyard.
Practical Info
Mecca Masjid is situated in the heart of Hyderabad, close to Laad Bazaar, the Charminar monument, and not far from Chowmahalla Palace. It’s easily accessible from various parts of the city by taxi or public bus.
Address: Laad Bazaar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Hours: 4am-9:30pm daily
From $ 42
Kingdom of Dreams
The Kingdom of Dreams complex is pitched as India's first live entertainment, theater, and leisure destination. Spread over six acres, it’s a place where India’s art, heritage, cuisine, and performing arts are celebrated in one sprawling complex. It’s made up of three main areas – the Nautanki Mahal, the Showshaa Theatre, and a cultural and cuisine area known as Culture Gully.
Nautanki Mahal is a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 835. Designed like a grand palace, it stages elaborate Indian and international theater productions using the latest hi-tech equipment to bring the theater to life – including a hydraulic stage, a matrix sound system, and automated fly bars.
Showshaa Theatre is the latest addition to the Kingdom of Dreams. It’s a 350-seat amphitheatre where various theatrical performances take place, including productions based on Indian mythology. Meanwhile, Culture Gully is the arts and food boulevard at the complex. Here, themed restaurants and kitchens representing the cuisine and architecture of the 14 states of India are all contained under a sky dome.
Practical Info
The Kingdom of Dreams complex is located in Sector 29, Gurgaon, near the Leisure Valley Park. It’s open from 12:30pm to 12am. Very small children are not permitted to attend some of the shows, so be sure to check ahead.
Address: Sector 29, Gurgaon, India
Hours: Ties-Sun 12:30pm to 12am
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Khooni Darwaza
Literally translated as ‘Bloody Gateway’, Khooni Darwaza is an ancient tiered archway located in the middle of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the road that connects New and Old Delhi. This Mughal-Afghan style structure has a long and bloody history, and legend has it that its ruins are eerily haunted.
Built by Sher Shah Suri in the mid-16th century, Khooni Darwaza would go on to be associated with a series of brutal murders and other atrocities throughout history. The most famous of these incidents involved the killing of three Mughal princes during the Indian Rebellion in 1857. The sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were brutally murdered here on the orders of a British major, and the story goes that the three princes still haunt the archway to this day, waiting patiently to avenge their killings.
Those looking for something a little different from a tour of the Indian capital can embark on a haunted places in Delhi private tour. This combines a visit to Khooni Darwaza with other eerie sites seeped in mystery, such as Sanjay Van, the Nicholson Cemetery, the Delhi Cantonment, and House No. W-3.
Did You Know? Khooni Darwaza has seen many more bloody and tragic incidents throughout the years. For instance, during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, many refugees were murdered here by rioting crowds while on their way to a camp at the Old Fort.
Practical Info
Located along the Bahadur Shah Zafar Road, Khooni Darwaza is easily accessible by taxi or rickshaw. The nearest metro stations are Pragati Maidan and ITO. If arriving with a taxi driver or asking for directions, note that the gateway is also referred to as Lal Darwaza.
Address: Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India
Hours: Sunrise
From $ 70
Nehru Museum & Planetarium
The Nehru Museum and Planetarium in New Delhi commemorates India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, with exhibits and galleries displaying the history of India's independence. The colonial-style building is surrounded by green and served as Nehru’s official residence for many years. Inside, you'll find high ceilings, teak panels, and large verandas looking out over well-manicured gardens, as well as the former prime minister’s bedroom, drawing room, and study, which have been left exactly as they were at the time of his death. There’s also a library, plus additional galleries featuring everything from old photographs to various gifts Nehru received during his political career.
The planetarium is the newest addition to this attraction, and is always active with programs and workshops for students and others interested in astronomy. Daily shows are held in the planetarium from 11:30am to 3pm.
To learn about India’s fascinating cultural and political history, book a private full-day museums tour in Delhi, which will combine a visit to the Nehru Museum and Planetarium with other important museums in the city.
Practical Info
The Nehru Museum & Planetarium is located in the Teen Murti Marg area of New Delhi. It is accessible by taxi or by taking the metro to the Race Course station. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays.
Did You Know? On the lawn in front of the museum, there is a huge granite rock inscribed with Nehru's first speech given on the eve of the Independence of India.
Address: Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi 110011, India
Hours: Tues—Sun: 10am—5pm
From $ 35
Kerala Folklore Museum
The Kerala Folklore Museum opened to the public in 2009 as a space to showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of the southern Indian state. The 4,000-item collection spans three floors, each exhibiting a different architectural style, Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. The various items on display throughout center on art and dance and include masks, costumes, musical instruments, jewelry, sculptures, Stone Age artifacts and ancient astrological manuscripts.
In the evenings, a theater on the top floor hosts various cultural performances ranging from traditional dance to Kerala-style martial arts.
Practical Info
As with many museums in India, expect to pay an extra fee if you intend to take photographs inside the museum, even if it’s just with a mobile phone.
Address: Folklore Jn., Kochi, Kerala, India
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm
Admission: 200 rupees
From $ 55
Khari Baoli Spice Market
One of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia, Old Delhi’s Khari Baoli is well worth a visit for the intensity of its sights and smells alone. Along with fresh spices of all shapes, sizes, and colors, this market sells myriad nuts, herbs, dry fruits, and grains—often displayed in heaping, photo-worthy mounds.
The Basics
Dating back to the 17th century, this gargantuan market in the Chandi Chowk neighborhood is a must-explore for anyone who wants to pick up spices, herbs, chutneys, tea, and other edibles to take home to friends and families. (Despite it being a wholesale market, you can buy in small quantities.) With its piles of colorful spices as far as the eye can see, it’s also a great place for photography—rivaled only by the colorful textile market nearby.
Khari Baoli market is a popular stop on most tours of Old Delhi, and having a guide on hand can make identifying and purchasing items easier than if you go at it alone.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Khari Baoli is essential for foodies, market lovers, and first-time visitors to Old Delhi.
- You don’t need to bargain. Spices at this wholesale market are sold by weight and their prices are generally as marked.
- Wear comfortable footwear—most Old Delhi visits require a fair bit of walking.
- If you have allergies or are sensitive to scents, you may want to wear a mask, as all of the spices can cause people to sneeze and cough.
- The market is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Khari Baoli is in the western end of Chandni Chowk, just south of Old Delhi Railway Station and west of the Red Fort. By metro from New Delhi, take the Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk station, a 10-minute walk from the market.
When to Get There
The Khari Baoli spice market is open year-round, though you’re better off visiting in the winter months or first thing in the morning to avoid the heat—particularly in May or June. Like the rest of the markets in Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli is closed on Sunday.
DIY Masala Chai
While cooking with fragrant spices can be daunting to those new to Indian food, one of the most popular Indian treats, masala chai (spiced tea), is also one of the easiest things to make. Simply heat black tea leaves in a pot of water with some cinnamon, cardamom pods, and a few pieces of clove. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat, add milk and a bit of sugar, and serve.
Address: Khari Baoli Road, New Delhi, India
From $ 22
Mathura
Mathura is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh situated 50 kilometers north of Agra and 145 kilometers southeast of Delhi. It is considered the birthplace of the Hindu god, Krishna, and as such is one of the seven cities considered holy by Hindus. As a result, Mathura attracts pilgrims from all across India, particularly for the Holi festival and during Janmashtami, when Krishna’s birthday is celebrated.
The town is dotted with temples from various ages and the stretch of the sacred Yamuna River flows through it. The river is lined with 25 ghats, best seen at dawn, when many people take their holy dip, as well as just after sunset, when hundreds of candles are sent floating on the water during the evening aarti ceremony.
There are some beautiful sculptures recovered from ruins that are now on display in the archaeological museum in Mathura, and it’s worth seeking out the Keshav Dev Temple, which was built on the site of Krishna's birthplace.
Practical Info
Mathura can be easily reached from both Agra and Delhi by road and train. From Delhi, the journey should take around two to three hours, depending on the train type.
Address: Mathura, India
From $ 47
Nizamuddin Dargah
The shrine of a renowned Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Dargah is a stunning architectural gem of Delhi, a dome and series of arches rising up from the middle of the crowded city. Containing several tombs, it is surrounded by courtyards and latticed screens called jalis, enhanced by candlelight and the smell of incense. Famous poets and a Mughal princess have been buried inside, and you will find many worshippers that come here to pray. Thousands visit daily and people with all religious affiliations are welcome.
It’s close to Humanyun’s Tomb, one of Delhi’s top sites, and they are often visited together in tours. Don’t miss the qawwali (Sufi devotional songs) singers if it’s a Thursday evening — the live performance is accompanied by traditional Indian musical instruments. The dome becomes spectacularly lit up at night. Many call their visit to the mausoleum spiritual, especially when accompanied by a qawwali performance.
Practical Info
Found in the neighborhood of Delhi that shares its name, Nizamuddin Dargah. You'll want to dress respectfully (something to cover your head, if you choose) and you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering. Crowds during the daytime can be heavy; sunset is a great time to visit. The nearest metro stop is JLN Stadium.
Address: Old Nizamuddin Bazaar, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, India
Hours: Open 24 hours
From $ 59
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi is home to the crumbling ruins of tombs and palaces that date back to early medieval times and up to the 19th century. The park is sprawled across 200 acres and is an atmospheric site that is less crowded than the Qutub Minar World Heritage site nearby.
One of the main attractions at the park comes in the form of two monuments that sit together – the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. The intricately chiselled ceiling of the mosque is well worth a peek inside. There is also a striking 16th-century stairwell within the park, along with the crumbling tombs of Balban and Quli Khan.
Practical Info
The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line. There’s no official sign for the park, just one that reads “Delhi Development Authority” outside the main entrance gate.
Address: Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, New Delhi, India
From $ 18
Mattancherry
Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. It was a time when many different nationalities and religious communities were welcomed to Mattancherry to trade and make it their home. Slowly the traders moved on to Ernakulam, but Mattancherry remains a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Churches, mosques, and a synagogue happily coexist in Mattancherry, alongside buildings of the colonial era – another nod to the area’s fascinating past. Mattancherry Palace is one of the top attractions here. It was presented by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in the mid-1500s as a gesture of goodwill (or more likely as a bribe to secure trading privileges). The Dutch then renovated it in the 1600s, hence its alternative name – the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry is also well-known for having “Jew Town” at its heart – the place where ancient Jewish communities settled and began trading, and where antique shops, the Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Palace are the main attractions today.
Practical Info
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam Town. The easiest way to get there is to catch the boat from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park.
Address: Mattancherry, Kerala, India, India
From $ 15
Khan Market
Recognized as the most expensive shopping district in Delhi, travelers in search of glitz and glam will find it inside the confines of Khan Market. What started as a complex of roughly 150 stores and half as many apartments eventually transitioned from a Mecca for the middle class to a costly commercial real estate locale.
Visitors can wander the storefronts of popular brands like Nike and Reebok, comb through silver shops, books stores, electronic depots and cloth houses. Afterwards, tuck into savory plates of upscale local cuisine at one of the well-known restaurants like Salim’s Kebabs.
Practical Info
The market is close to India Gate and is accessible using the Delhi Metro Violet Line to the Khan Market underground station. It is closed Sundays.
Address: New Delhi, India
Hours: Closed Sundays
From $ 22
Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden)
Directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) offers a stunning perspective on Agra’s most beloved monument. While the views are the big draw of this 16th-century garden, it’s also worth a visit in its own right for its elegant landscape design and quiet ambiance.
The Basics
Spread out over 25 acres (10 hectares), this garden dates back to 1530, when it was commissioned by Babur, the first emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India. At the time it was filled with flowers and orchards, and though flooding over the years has led to some loss of plant life, it’s still wonderfully landscaped.
Many Agra city tours, plus multi-day tours from Delhi and elsewhere that include Agra, stop at this riverside garden for photos. Generally this happens at sunset, when the view of the Taj Mahal reflecting on the river is spectacular.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mehtab Bagh is a must for photographers and all first-time visitors to Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Wear sun protection—there’s not much shade in the garden.
- Bring bug spray in the rainy season, as the garden can get muggy and attract mosquitoes.
- Wear comfy shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. It’s a long walk from the garden’s gate to the Taj viewpoint.
How to Get There
Mehtab Bagh is in Agra, across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. From the Taj it’s a 20-minute drive; Agra Fort is about a 10-minute drive away.
When to Get There
Mehtab Bagh is open from sunrise to sunset every day, but the best time to visit is closer to sunset, when the Taj Mahal reflects on the river. If you happen to be in Agra on a Friday, when the Taj Mahal is closed to the public, you’ll definitely want to head here for the views.
The Legend of the Black Taj
According to local legend, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan planned a mausoleum to be built across the river from the Taj Mahal, identical but made entirely of black marble. However, the emperor was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb, and the project never came to fruition. Some have postulated that the presence of black marble ruins in Mehtab Bagh were foundation stones for the legendary tomb, but historians have largely dismissed the theory.
Address: Nagla Devjit, Etmadpur, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Pillars of Ashoka
The Pillars of Ashoka refer to a number of columns inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan king, Ashoka, during his reign in the mid-3rd century BC. The pillar at Sarnath near Varanasi bears the inscriptions: "No one shall cause division in the order of monks."
The original column at Sarnath was 50 meters tall and was carved out of a single block of polished sandstone. It features four images of lions known as the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which stand back to back and were originally mounted atop a cylindrical abacus. The abacus was built over a bell-shaped lotus, with the figures of four running animals – an elephant, a bull, a horse, and a lion – separated by 24-spoked Dharma wheels. These four mammals are believed to symbolize the four different phases of Gautama Buddha's life.
However, the pillar at this site was broken in the midst of a past invasion, with the remains in three pieces now kept in a glass cage nearby. The lion figurehead can be found in the Sarnath Museum nearby.
Practical Info
The Pillar of Ashoka in Sarnath is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Varanasi. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi from the city.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India
Admission: Indian citizens: Rs. 5, Int'l visitors: Rs. 100, Child 15 & Under Free
From $ 32
Nizam Museum
Hyderabad’s royalty, known as the Nizam-ul-Mulk, have held top positions in the state since the early 1700s. Travelers who want to learn more about the history, culture, traditions and lifestyles of these incredible dignitary can pay a visit to the Nizam Museum, where gifts and artifacts from the last Nizam are on display.
Visitors can wander the halls lined with mementos of the silver jubilee celebration, which dates back to 1936, and see silver replicas of some of Hyderabad’s most iconic buildings. Some of the museum’s most popular items include a gold tiffin box decorated with diamonds, silver perfume containers and a 1930s Rolls Royce. This museum showcases how the other half lives with plenty of glitz, glam and sparkle proudly displayed.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Purani Haveli in Hyderabad. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
Address: Purani Haveli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 500002, India
Hours: Open Sat-Thurs 10am-5pm
From $ 77
Pondicherry
Sometimes called the French Riviera of the East, the seaside town of Pondicherry operates at a slower pace than nearly any other Indian city. The small city was the largest French colony in India, and since the French only left in 1954, the town has retained much of its colonial flavor.
Practically everything worth seeing in Pondicherry exists within walking distance in the grid of streets and alleyways of the French Quarter; where whitewashed villas, colonial churches and gardens overflowing with bougainvillea are interspersed with quaint little French cafes. Cross over the Grand Canal and you’ll find yourself transported to a typical Tamil village.
The French-influenced local cuisine and variety of accommodation, both reasonably priced, make Pondicherry worthy of an overnight getaway from Chennai. For the spiritually minded traveler, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram teaches yoga and meditation to the ever-changing contingent of expats who come to Pondicherry and end up staying longer than anticipated.
Practically everything worth seeing in Pondicherry exists within walking distance in the grid of streets and alleyways of the French Quarter; where whitewashed villas, colonial churches and gardens overflowing with bougainvillea are interspersed with quaint little French cafes. Cross over the Grand Canal and you’ll find yourself transported to a typical Tamil village.
The French-influenced local cuisine and variety of accommodation, both reasonably priced, make Pondicherry worthy of an overnight getaway from Chennai. For the spiritually minded traveler, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram teaches yoga and meditation to the ever-changing contingent of expats who come to Pondicherry and end up staying longer than anticipated.
Address: India
From $ 49
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small town located in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh that is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples. The temples, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, depict incredibly intricate (and erotic) rock sculptures of the Kama Sutra and other Hindu art.
The Vindhya mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop to the town, although the ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’ are undoubtedly the star attraction here. These temples are of Indo-Aryan architecture and were built between 950 and 1050 AD, during the Chandela dynasty. After the decline of the Chandela in the 13th century, the structures were left under a thick cover of date trees for many years before they were rediscovered, giving the town of Khajuraho its name. (Khajur in Hindi means “date.”)
The site features 85 of the original temples, divided into three sections. The western group are the largest and best known, containing the most impressive temple of all – the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev.
Practical Info
The Khajuraho Railway Station is five kilometers from Khajuraho Town, with trains arriving from New Delhi. Khajuraho also has its own domestic airport. A good time to visit is during February and March when the western group of temples becomes the stage for the week-long Festival of Dance.
Address: Khajuraho, India
From $ 29