Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
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Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan)
Officially known as the Laxminarayan Temple in honor of the god Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) and his consort Lakshmi, the beautiful Birla Mandir complex centers around one of the most significant temples in the Indian capital. Though built in the 1930s, it remains one of the finest local examples of modern temple architecture.
The Basics
Spread out over seven acres (three hectares), this large temple complex was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1939, and was groundbreaking for its time in that it allowed people of all castes and backgrounds to enter. Although the main 3-story temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, it features shrines to numerous deities, including Shiva and the Buddha. The grounds are a fun place for families, with large plaster animals that are big enough for kids (or small adults) to climb on.
Birla Mandir is a popular stop on many group and private Delhi tours, particularly those focused on temples and religious sites. Some time their visits to coincide with the morning and evening aarti, a traditional Hindu ritual.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Birla Nadir is a must for lovers of religious and temple architecture.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temples but is permitted in the surrounding gardens.
- Secure lockers are available by the main entrance.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Birla Mandir is located about a 10-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride west of New Delhi’s Connaught Place. The closest metro stop, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, is a 20-minute walk away. Generally it’s easiest to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Birla Mandir complex is open daily from 4:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 9pm. Like all Delhi attractions, it’s often more pleasant to spend time here during the cooler winter months. Especially if you’re visiting in the hot season (particularly May and June), you may want to get up early or visit after sunset to avoid the heat—and to catch an aarti ceremony.
The Birla Family Legacy
This temple (or mandir) is the oldest of many similarly named and equally grand Birla Mandirs built by one of India’s most prominent industrial families, the Birlas. Although there are Birla Mandirs dedicated to a variety of deities—from Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, to the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati—a good number are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, including the landmark Birla Mandir in Jaipur.
Address: New Delhi, India
From $ 15
Ancestral Goa Center
The Ancestral Goa Center offers an excellent introduction to Goan life. This living history museum was set up by a local artist. Included are a typical 19th-century Goan village, featuring traditional homes, displays of handicrafts such as pottery and cobbling, and even a replica of a sacred spring, plus lots of activities for kids.
The Basics
This fun attraction, also known as the Big Foot Museum (owing to its dance floor shaped like a huge foot), features carved sculptural depictions of Goan life, including figurines of people engaged in traditional trades, from potters to vegetable sellers. Workshops for kids focus on nature and include painting with natural dyes and a theme park that brings local kids from across economic backgrounds to play together for the day.
Travelers can join a tour that includes a guided visit to the Ancestral Goa Center and other cultural highlights. Some tours may include a traditional lunch featuring regional ingredients.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is largely outside, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
- The Ancestral Goa Center is well-suited to families with kids or anyone with an interest in local culture.
- Don't miss the center’s Sant Mirabai statue, which, at 14 meters long, is the largest laterite sculpture in the country.
How to Get There
This attraction is located in the inland town of Loutolim, in South Goa. It's about an hour away from Panaji by car, or a half-hour from Vasco da Gama, where the airport is located. The closest city is Margao, a 15-minute drive south of the museum. It’s hard to get to the Ancestral Goa Center via public transportation, so travelers should arrive by taxi or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Goa is a year-round destination, though it’s definitely less crowded during the rainy monsoon season. As the museum is largely outside, it’s best to visit when the weather is dry. Travelers may want to arrive early to avoid the midday.
Goan Handicrafts
Goa offers all sorts of traditional crafts, though many locals have taken up newer, sometimes imported trades (such as batik) to keep up with demand from tourists. You’ll also see plenty of merchants from the Himalayan region of Kashmir selling jewelry, papier-mâché crafts, and clothing. Popular finds include wooden toys and kitchenware, brass work, terracotta pottery, and coconut carvings.
Address: Big Foot, Loutolim, Goa 403718, India
From $ 52
Covelong Beach
Located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) outside of central Chennai, Covelong Beach offers visitors a cleaner, quieter alternative to the urban Marina Beach. The beach is named after the small fishing village where it’s found and occupies the former site of a Dutch fort by the same name.
Today, Covelong Beach is one of the few on the eastern coast of India to offer wind surfing, as well as regular surfing, swimming and a variety of other water sports. Like Marina Beach, it’s also an excellent place for sitting back and people watching, as you’ll often see locals playing cricket, collecting sea shells and bringing in their fishing boats after a day on the water.
Practical Info
If you want to enjoy the beach in peace, you can do so at the main resort occupying the former site of the fort, which has its own private stretch of beach.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 57
British Residency
The famed British Residency is an ideal place for history-loving travelers who want to experience the haunting beauty of historic ruins. Located in the heart of Lucknow, this former home of a British war general was built in the late 1700s. Travelers can wander the crumbling structures tucked amid lush greenery and explore the decrepit walls destroyed by cannon fire. A nearby cemetery is the final resting place of some 2,000 people who died during India’s war for independence. While travelers will certainly learn much about the history of this site while exploring the grounds on their own, an evening light show brings the British Residency’s history to life each night and it not to be missed.
Practical Info
The residency is located at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, in Quaiserbagh, Lucknow. It is open daily from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is within easy walking distance of Shaheed Smarak, Tehri Kothi and several other local points of interest.
Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Quaiserbagh, Lucknow, India
Hours: Open daily 7am-6pm
From $ 38
AP State Museum
The AP State Archeology Museum is Hyderabad’s oldest museum and home to some of the state’s most-prized artifacts that were excavated from the museum’s original site. And while these items certainly offer a glimpse into the ancient times of locals, it’s the Egyptian mummy exhibit and the expansive Buddha gallery that attract most visitors, plus an impressive collection of items from the Kakatiya dynasty. This museum is perfect for families traveling with children and ideal for history buffs looking to learn more about the rich history of this Indian state.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month. Entry is 20Rs per person with an additional fee for those who want to take photos.
Address: 5-10-193, I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, Near Control Room, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 500004, India
Admission: 20Rs
From $ 77
Bombay Panjrapole
Bombay Panjrapole is easy to miss among the bustling bazaars and crowded lanes of the Bhuleshwar neighborhood, but once you find it, the shelter's bright blue exterior is unforgettable—as are the sprawling two acres that house about 300 cows and an array of various other animals, including donkeys, hens, birds, dogs, goats, and even ducks and parrots.
Dating back to the 1830s, the shelters takes in the stray and unwanted animals of Mumbai. The site was first established as a response to a British decree that all dogs and pigs on the streets of Bombay should be killed, and although it's thought that cows were only brought in later to provide milk, they have become the main attraction, outnumbering all of the other animals.
A charitable trust and non-profit institution, Bombay Panjrapole allows visitors to wander the shelter, pet the cows, and, for a small donation, feed them some greens. The site is a strangely peaceful and spacious haven in the center of the crowded streets of Bhuleshwar.
Practical Info
With an entrance down an ordinary lane surrounded by shops, Bombay Panjrapole is located in the Panjrapole Compound on Panjarapole Road in Bhuleshwa near the Madhav Baug Post Office. It's open from 7am until 6pm daily but closes for an hour at lunch.
Address: Panjarapole Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: 7am-6pm daily, closed for an hour at lunch
From $ 18
Adalaj Stepwell
This striking Hindu water building located in the quiet village of Adjalaj was constructed in 1499 and stretches five stories deep. Built by a Muslim king for Queen Rani Roopba, this top religious attraction was once the site of holy rituals and brightly colored festivals, and served as not only relief from droughts, but a destination for saints and holy pilgrims.
Travelers who visit the stepwell will get not only an up-close look at Gujarat culture and tradition, but also a taste of iconic Indo-Islamic architecture, complete with ornate carvings, detailed decorations and nods to religious gods and deities.
Practical Info
The stepwell is located about 18 kilometers north of the city of Ahmedabad, approximately 5 kilometers from the capital of Gujarat. The city is accessible by rail and roadway, making it an easy visit for travelers. Locals say early morning crowds are sparse, making it an ideal time to visit.
Address: Adalaj, Gujarat 382421, India
From $ 32
Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple & Museum
Often referred to simply as the Birla Mandir, the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.
The Basics
Open to visitors of all faiths, this peaceful temple features marble carvings of various gods and historical figures, from Jesus Christ to Socrates. Unusual for a Hindu temple, the Birla Mandir contains stained glass windows depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a small museum containing personal items from the wealthy Birla family, who are behind the temple’s construction.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours as well as Golden Triangle tours that also visit Delhi and Agra) stop at the Birla Mandir.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Birla Mandir is ideal for those with an interest in architecture and Hindu traditions.
- Out of respect, cover your knees and shoulders before entering the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
How to Get There
The Birla Mandir is located right below the Moti Dungri Fort, about a 15-minute drive from Jaipur’s City Palace and Pink City, and 10 minutes by car from Albert Hall. There’s plenty of parking here (for a small fee) just outside of the temple. Some visitors combine their visit with a stop at a popular Ganesh temple next door.
When to Get There
This temple is open throughout the year, from 6am in the summer season and 6:30am in the winter. It closes for a few hours each day around lunchtime, then for the night around 8:30pm. A lovely time to visit is first thing in the morning, when crowds are thin and the bright-white temple complex is wonderfully photogenic—it can appear overexposed if shot under the midday sun.
Makrana Marble
Many of India’s temples, hotels, and even some homes are full of beautiful white marble, much of it sourced from Rajasthan. Makrana produces the best-known white marble, which was used in a number of famous buildings including the Birla Mandir in Jaipur, the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, and India’s most iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal.
Address: J Nehru Marg, Jaipur, India
From $ 13
Colaba
At the southernmost tip of Mumbai, Colaba is a charming old neighborhood filled with colonial-era buildings, busy cafés, vibrant markets, and hotels for all budgets. It's one of the best parts of town to go for a stroll, and the craft stalls that line the main road ensure that most travelers won't leave empty-handed.
The Basics
Before a massive land reclamation project that unified the former islands of Bombay, Colaba was an island unto itself. It was held under Portuguese rule from 1534 through 1762 when the island was handed over to the British, who built many of the stately old buildings. Quite a few of the historic structures remain, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (c. 1903) and the clubhouse of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, built in 1881.
Colaba can be enjoyed as part of a special walking tour of this charming neighborhood, or as part of a larger exploration of Mumbai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and carry water, particularly if you’re strolling around during the heat of midday.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.
- Remember to bargain hard when shopping at roadside stalls, but note that regular shops usually have fixed prices.
How to Get There
Colaba is located in South Mumbai, close to the southernmost tip. It’s about an hour’s drive from the airport or a 10-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The area is walkable, and if you plan to explore the market, it’s a good idea to ask your taxi or auto-rickshaw driver to drop you off near the Gateway of India, so you can walk the rest of the way.
When to Get There
Colaba is busy throughout the year, though outdoor attractions in Mumbai are better avoided during the hot months of April to June and during the monsoon season of July and August. The market is open well into the evening every day, and travelers who come to shop first thing in the morning can often get "lucky first customer" deals.
Parsi Cafés
Mumbai is well-known for its Parsi cafés, Persian-style eateries run by Zoroastrian people from Iran. These cafés were in their heyday in the 1950s, particularly in Mumbai and Hyderabad, but those that survive today are still popular with foodies and anyone with a sense of nostalgia. One of the most famous is Leopold Cafe and Bar (on Colaba Causeway), which dates back to 1871.
Address: India
From $ 38
Churchgate
South Mumbai’s exclusive Churchgate district is home to some of the city’s most iconic sites, including Elephanta Caves, the Gateway of India, and Rajabai Tower. Facing the Arabian Sea and dominated by the mile-long Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate is home to many of Mumbai’s most prestigious companies and organizations, including the offices of the High Court.
But what’s in a name? Well, the island of Bombay was first in the possession of the Portuguese, and when their national princess, Catherine Braganza, married King Charles II of England in 1661, Portugal needed to stump up an impressive dowry. In fact, they ended up giving away the whole of Bombay as a gift. The British, in turn, leased the area to the East India Company who decided that a fort was necessary to protect the precious city. Completed in the 1720s, the high city walls had three entrance gates, one of which was Churchgate to the south. This gate was named after St. Thomas Cathedral, which you can still see today.
A hundred years after the city walls were built, however, it was decided that such boundaries were suffocating the growth of the city, and so in 1860 they were torn down. Today, the grand Flora Fountain commemorates the original site of Churchgate. Built in 1864, you can visit this heritage site on Veer Nariman Street.
Practical Info
In South Mumbai, the Churchgate neighborhood is easy to get to. Just take the Western line to Churchgate railway station, a major terminus on Maharshi Karve Road. St. Thomas Cathedral is a half kilometer from the railway station.
Address: Mumbai, India
From $ 35
Ajmer
The city of Ajmer is a whirlwind of activity and excitement tucked between the quiet Ana Sagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli Hills. The fifth largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is known as an important hub for Islamic history, culture and early Muslim architecture, as well as a destination for followers of the Jain religion. For this reason, travelers will find a number of noteworthy religious structures, like the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is visited by some 125,000 people each year.
History lovers can check out Taragarh Fort, which once guarded the city and is believed to be among the oldest forts in the world. Ajmer’s main museum, known as Magazine, is a shining example of Mughal architecture that dates all the way back to 150. Visitors can also explore the Digambara Jain Temple and Lake Foy Sagara, a man-made lake that’s ideal for evening bird watching.
Practical Info
Ajmer is located 13 kilometers from Pushkar. Travelers who want to avoid the electricity, energy and overwhelming crowds of Ajmer may prefer to stay in Pushkar and only visit on a day trip. Buses and taxis allow easy access for travelers, and private cars can enter the city via the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway 8.
Address: Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, India
From $ 21
Adlabs Imagica
Adlabs Imagica, located outside of Mumbai, is an international standard theme park with 21 rides and attractions spread across various themed zones. Adrenaline junkies have three coasters to choose from, including India’s biggest roller coaster as well as a space-themed dark coaster. The park also has a vertical drop ride and a giant rotating pendulum to satisfy thrill seekers.
Bumper boats, spinning tea cups, dark rides, a flume and a 4D motion simulator cater to visitors of all ages, while little ones will find their own selection of pint-sized attractions. In-park dining options include everything from an Indian buffet to an American diner. Adlabs Imagica is also home to a waterpark and India’s largest snow park.
Practical Info
For an additional fee, you can take an air-conditioned bus directly to the park and back from Mumbai, Pune or Thane.
Address: Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Mumbai 410206, India
Hours: 9:30am to 8pm
Admission: 1,999 rupee
From $ 17
Amber Fort
High on a hilltop, towering majestically over the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, this 16th-century fort palace is worth visiting for its grand architecture that blends Muslim Mughal and Indian Hindu (Rajput) elements. Here, you’ll find labyrinthine passageways, elegant royal halls, and fabulous views of desert landscape.
The Basics
Dating from around 1592, Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's top tourist attractions and a standard stop on most North India itineraries. This enormous complex built under Raja Man Singh I blends red sandstone and white marble in four stories of magnificent architecture.
Highlights in the main palace include the Sheesh Mahal (or mirror palace), a small room covered with mirrored mosaics, and the Zenana, a maze of fresco-covered rooms that once served as a residence for royal concubines.
Visit as part of a full-day or multi-day tour, or book a package for Amber Fort’s light and sound show that includes dinner and private transportation. An excursion to the fort can also be paired with lunch and a camel ride.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Carry a hat or parasol and wear sunscreen. The sun here is powerful, and there’s not much shade.
- Bring water, as it’s not available for sale inside the fort gates.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, as getting up to the fort and around the grounds requires a lot of walking.
- Travelers with mobility concerns can take a jeep up to the top of the palace for an extra fee.
- Amber is pronounced “ah-meer.”
How to Get There
Amber Fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Pink City, just past Maota Lake, near Jaigarh Fort, on the road that leads out of town toward Delhi and Agra. Most visitors come here as part of a larger day tour, although those wanting to see the fort can always hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to drop them off.
When to Get There
Amber Fort is open throughout the year. However, its high elevation, lack of shade, and desert location can lead to some oppressively hot and sunny conditions, so it’s a good idea to arrive at sunrise to avoid the worst heat of the day. This is especially advisable if you’re visiting during the hot months of April–June.
Dine Like a Royal Inside Amber Fort
For a special, romantic, and regal experience, book a table at 1135 AD, housed in an elegant series of rooms right inside Amber Fort, just off the main courtyard. The menu here features rich Rajasthani dishes, many of which date back generations. However, it’s the ambience that really makes 1135 feel special, with elegant purple-and-gold chairs, crystal chandeliers, and archways and pillars covered with intricately detailed frescoes.
Address: Devisinghpura, Rajasthan 302001, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
Connaught Place
Delhi’s de facto city center, Connaught Place is a historical double traffic circle lined with chain stores, restaurants, and roadside stalls selling everything from snacks to magazines. It was built under British rule between 1929 and 1933 and retains its colonial flair, with white colonnaded buildings inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath.
The Basics
Connaught Place, which Delhiites frequently refer to as CP, is one of Delhi’s best places for people-watching, shopping, or just soaking up the city’s fast-paced atmosphere. It’s also a good starting point for visiting other New Delhi attractions; the Bangla Sahib Sikh temple, India Gate, Janpath Market, and the Jantar Mantar observatory are all a stone’s throw away. As such, many Delhi group and private tours start or finish in Connaught Place, and some even include a meal in one of the area’s many popular restaurants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beware of touts, some of whom try to befriend foreigners in Connaught Place in order to drive them to local shops—from which they’ll get heavy commissions.
- Crossing the street can be difficult here, particularly around the outer circle, but there are plenty of underground passageways, called “subways,” that make getting across roads easy.
- Bring cash for streetside shops, many of which do not take credit cards.
How to Get There
Connaught Place is located in Central Delhi, just south of the New Delhi Railway Station and north of India Gate. It’s is one of the easiest spots in Delhi to access by metro: Rajiv Chowk station sits below Connaught Place’s inner circle and serves both the Yellow and Blue Lines, making it a popular transit point. First-time travelers may want to avoid dealing with crowds in the metro and visit with a tour instead.
When to Get There
Connaught Place is most crowded in the evening and on Saturdays. Like all of New Delhi, the area can get unbearably hot during summer (May and June); during this time of year, it’s best to visit at or after sunset, when temperatures begin to cool down. Most shops open around 10am or 11am, remain open until 8pm or later, and are closed on Sunday.
Connaught Place for Foodies
Connaught Place has a ton of great spots to eat, from street-side snack stalls to classic, Raj-era establishments such Wenger’s bakery and United Coffee House, as well as a smattering of sleek bars, hip cafés, and American fast-food joints. Many tours of the area stop for a lunch in CP, often at the casual South Indian vegetarian eatery Saravana Bhavan.
Address: Connaught Place, New Dehli 110 001, India
Admission: Free
From $ 14
College Street
College Street, located in central Kolkata (Calcutta) in the University area, is the heart of intellectualism in a city that prides itself on its esteemed academic traditions. Thousands of secondhand bookstalls line the street to either side where you can find nearly any book ever sold in the city, including rare titles at bargain basement prices. Haggling is expected.
Of all the centers of learning located in the College Street vicinity, the Presidency College is the most respected. Established in 1817, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in India and the place where filmmaker Satyajit Ray attended university. Directly across the street is the nationally famous Indian Coffee House, where students and Bengali intellectuals cram each night for heated debates over a cup of coffee.
Unfortunately, the tiny stalls with piles of old tomes are giving way to modern book malls filled with new or nearly new publications, making it more difficult to hunt down rare volumes. Now is the time to visit this quickly changing neighborhood while it still retains some of its old charm.
Of all the centers of learning located in the College Street vicinity, the Presidency College is the most respected. Established in 1817, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in India and the place where filmmaker Satyajit Ray attended university. Directly across the street is the nationally famous Indian Coffee House, where students and Bengali intellectuals cram each night for heated debates over a cup of coffee.
Unfortunately, the tiny stalls with piles of old tomes are giving way to modern book malls filled with new or nearly new publications, making it more difficult to hunt down rare volumes. Now is the time to visit this quickly changing neighborhood while it still retains some of its old charm.
Address: College Street, Kolkata, India
From $ 40
City Palace
One of Jaipur’s top attractions and the official residence of the titular royal family, the City Palace is a historic complex that masterfully blends Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural influences. Within its walls you’ll find striking courtyards, elegant pavilions, royal halls, an armory, and an art gallery.
The Basics
The palace was constructed from 1729 under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Many visitors begin their tours of the palace at the Mubarak Mahal (the Welcome Palace), which houses a museum full of textiles, weapons, and artifacts. Other major draws include the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Public Audiences), a beautiful domed chamber that houses a twin set of gargantuan silver vessels—some of the largest in the world.
Almost all group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi), particularly those focusing on top attractions and Pink City heritage, stop at the City Palace complex.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The City Palace is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
- Photography is not allowed in the Chandra Mahal section of the palace.
- Much of the complex is outdoors, so bring sun protection.
- Meals, snacks, and drinks are available at the Palace Cafe, located within the complex.
- The City Palace is mostly accessible to wheelchair users. For details, contact the site in advance or inquire at the ticket office upon arrival.
How to Get There
City Palace is located in Jaipur’s Pink City, in the heart of the city center, next to the Jantar Mantar observatory and a few minutes’ walk from the Hawa Mahal. Due to congested traffic, getting around the Pink City is easiest on foot or by rickshaw, though cars are allowed in. If you’re driving, it’s about a half hour from Amber (Amer) and five hours from Delhi. Trains from Delhi to Jaipur take 4.5 to 6 hours.
When to Get There
The palace is open daily except for on the second day of Holi. In the hotter months of the year (roughly April through October), you may want to visit earlier in the day, before it gets too hot, as much of the royal complex is outdoors.
Gayatri Devi
You can’t go far inside the City Palace complex without seeing books for sale about the life of Gayatri Devi. This glamorous princess was known for her movie-star good looks and her successful political career as a member of India’s Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament). Although she left politics in the 1970s, Devi continued to be a beloved public figure until her death in 2009.
Address: Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Agra Fort
Within a stone’s throw of the Taj Mahal, the 16th-century Agra Fort serves as another testament to the immense wealth and power of the Mughal Empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Agra Fort was initially built by Akbar in 1565 on the same site as a previous fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. A succession of a half-dozen other emperors, including Humayun and Shah Jahan, has lived within the red sandstone walls.
While called a fort, the structures enclosed within 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of thick sandstone walls are more akin to a complex of exquisite palaces. Evidence of Shah Jahan’s time spent in the fort can be seen in the white marble structures he erected during his reign, and according to legend, he drew his last breaths on a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, the monument he built for his late wife.
As you pass through Amar Singh Gate into Agra Fort, you’ll see that the interior houses several smaller palaces, including the Jahangiri Mahal where the royal women lived, and Khas Mahal, where Shah Jahan made his residence. The beautifully worked Mussaman Burj tower was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son for the last seven years of his life.
Practical Info
Agra Fort is located in Agra, about 1.5 miles north of the Taj Mahal. The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance costs between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.
Address: Agra Fort, Agra, India
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.
From $ 8
Bombay High Court
South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.
The Basics
Bombay High Court is one of the oldest high courts in the country. While the court itself may be of interest to law buffs, it’s the architecture that attracts most visitors; the 19th-century building is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bombay High Court is a stop on some full-day tours of Mumbai, as well as on tours focused on the city’s architecture and colonial heritage. Most tours stop outside the building rather than leading participants inside, but you can enter independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Bombay High Court is free, and visitors may sit in on court cases.
- Visitors must pass through security to enter, and cameras are not allowed inside.
- The courthouse is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bombay High Court is located in South Mumbai's most touristy area, sandwiched between the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and overlooking the Oval Maidan, a popular cricket ground. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gateway of India and only five minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus).
When to Get There
Bombay High Court is open weekdays throughout the year, and entrance is free. However, many visitors come just to see the architecture from the outside, in which case it’s often best visited in the early morning when temperatures are cooler or after dark, when the building is illuminated with soft flood lighting.
The Sculptures of Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court is full of interesting sculptural work, including life-size statues of Justice and Mercy and tucked-away depictions of forest creatures. There's also a sculpture of a monkey holding the scales of justice unevenly; according to legend, an Indian subcontractor working on the building sued the English contractors for money they owed him. He lost and added the monkey in retaliation.
Address: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India
From $ 34
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. At Ajanta, there are 29 Buddhist cave temples dating from 2nd century BC. Meanwhile, the 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 6th century AD.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to take an Ajanta and Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad, and it’s possible to explore both sites on a full-day tour. Those in Mumbai can also opt for a multi-day tour that includes transfers to and from Aurangabad Airport, an overnight stay in Aurangabad, and a visit to nearby attractions such as Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and the Taj Mahal–inspired Bibi Ka Maqbara shrine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The best views of the Ellora Caves are from the hills above the Kailasa Temple—wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to climb the hillside.
- Both sites have visitor centers that are equipped with restaurants, shops, restrooms, and parking.
- Bring a flashlight to the Ajanta caves—many are dark and poorly lit.
How to Get There
The caves are located in northern Maharashtra, around 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai. The closest railway stations are Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (around 45 minutes from the station) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (around 1.5 hours from the station); you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the caves. You can rent a car and drive between the two sites, which are about two hours away from each other, but most visitors opt for a guided tour.
When to Get There
The caves are open to visitors year round, but the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and dryer. The caves can get busy, especially on weekends and national holidays, so plan a weekday visit and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re hoping to visit both in one trip, be aware that the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, while the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.
Exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves
At Ajanta, rock-cut caves are set around a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Sahayadri hills—an astonishing feat considering that they were created by hand with only a hammer and chisel. The Buddhist caves are adorned with ancient Indian art, including paintings and sculptures that chronicle the life of the Buddha. At Ellora, you’ll find the massive Kailasa Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and flanked by life-size elephant statues.
Address: Aurangabad, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 44
Anjuna Beach
Popular among international backpackers, Anjuna has long been associated with the hippie lifestyle. It's more laid-back than some of the livelier beaches a few miles south, though. Its big draw is the numerous beachfront shacks serving delicious, affordable Indian and international fare well into the wee hours.
The Basics
Anjuna was once the heart of hippie life in Goa. Later this beach morphed into ground-zero for the electronic music party scene that prevailed in the state, and now it's more of a relaxed beach destination. Anjuna is also well-known for its Wednesday flea market, where Indian and international vendors sell festival fashion, hash pipes, and more. Visit Anjuna as part of a private tour of Goa attractions, including Fort Aguada and other area beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re visiting the Anjuna flea market, remember to bargain.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat, as the sun here can be powerful.
- Access to this beach requires walking down a narrow pathway with lots of steps.
How to Get There
Anjuna is situated in North Goa, a little more than an hour’s drive from Goa International Airport near Vasco de Gama, and 45 minutes from the capital city, Panaji. Visitors who are not traveling as part of an organized tour will need a car or motorbike, as public transportation is time-consuming and unreliable, and taxis are overpriced. There are regular direct flights from most major Indian cities to Goa throughout the year.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Anjuna is Wednesday mornings, when the weekly Flea Market takes place. It’s held every week from the beginning of October through the end of May. Evenings are also popular, especially during the winter months, when beach shack restaurants (notably Curlies and Shiva Valley) hold regular live electronic music events that sometimes last well into the night.
Goa Trance Music
Goa is known by Electronic Dance Music lovers around the world as the birthplace of Goa trance, a type of EDM that’s characterized by faster tempos than are found in other popular electronic genres. Popular artists include Goa Gil (considered by many as the genre's godfather), Infected Mushroom, Juno Reactor, 1200 Micrograms, and Hallucinogen (of the popular electronic group Shpongle).
Address: Goa, India
From $ 35