Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 274 listings.
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
Chor Bazaar
One of Mumbai's largest markets, gritty and loud Chor Bazaar is packed to the brim with second-hand items, from old furniture to antique bric-a-brac. Its name translates to "thieves market" and according to a local running joke, anything you lose in Mumbai will eventually make its way here. Rest assured, though: Most of the goods aren't actually stolen.
The Basics
A maze of narrow streets crammed with storefronts, Chor Bazaar is an oftentimes packed market full of all sorts of items and the fast-moving wooden hand carts that transport them. Out-of-town visitors are unlikely to want to purchase huge pieces of furniture, but many smaller items here could make unusual souvenirs. Bargaining is a must, and while plenty of travelers visit independently, it’s possible to join an organized tour to help navigate the hectic market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress conservatively, covering your legs and shoulders, as the market is located in a predominantly Muslim area.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; wheelchair users might find getting around this market a challenge.
- Don’t hesitate to haggle. It’s part of the Indian shopping experience and expected in this market.
How to Get There
Chor Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, just north of the Bhuleshwar Market and a 15-minute walk west of the Sandhurst Road railway station. The market is easiest to get to by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By car, it's about 20 minutes from the tourist hub of Colaba or about 15 minutes from Chowpatty Beach.
When to Get There
Many of the shops and stalls at Chor Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday around 11–8, though Muslim-owned shops sometimes close on Fridays for prayers. It’s best to visit first thing in the day when temperatures are cooler. You’re also likely to get good bargains if you’re the first customer of the day, which is considered auspicious according to local tradition.
How the Market Got Its Name
While many believe that Chor Bazaar was once a resale spot for stolen goods, its unsavory name may have come from a simple misunderstanding. The market may have been called "Shor Bazaar" (noisy market), but British settlers mispronouncing its name consequently morphed it into "Chor Bazaar" (thieves’ market).
Address: Mutton Street, Mumbai, India
From $ 21
Calangute Beach
The largest beach in North Goa, Calangute is a lively, popular beach town that attracts domestic tourists and international visitors alike. The beach is lined with hotels and shacks serving seafood, Indian fare, beer, and cocktails, while the adjacent town offers a mix of handicraft shops and bars.
The Basics
Goa's "Queen of Beaches" is a great place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports. It's not the best place for swimming due to a strong undertow, but it's great for windsurfing and wakeboarding. While there are many concessions on the beach offering water sports, it's best to prebook with a reputable company that gets good peer reviews. You can visit Calangute as part of a guided tour of Goa that includes historical and recreational highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and a hat; there’s not much shade here.
- Swimming can be dangerous at times, particularly during monsoon season.
- It’s unsafe for women to walk alone on the beach after dark.
How to Get There
Calangute is located in North Goa, about an hour's drive from Goa International Airport near Vasco de Gama and a half-hour from Goa’s capital city of Panaji. Goa is well-connected by air and rail to most major Indian cities, and some charter flights fly directly from Europe to Goa, especially during high season.
When to Get There
Goa is increasingly enjoyed as a year-round destination, particularly as it gains popularity with domestic travelers. However, its high season peaks around Christmas and New Year’s, particularly in the north, when people travel from all over the world to party their way through the holidays. April and May can get hot, and the monsoons during the summer months deter a lot of visitors, though some prefer the quietness of this season.
Dine like a Goan
Goa has a rich culinary traditional all its own, blending traditional coastal Indian ingredients (including lots of seafood) with culinary elements brought in by the Portuguese, Goa’s former colonial rulers. Popular foods include fried fish, cashew-heavy curries, and pao, a sweet bread that’s more similar to Portuguese buns than to Indian flatbreads.
Address: Goa, India
From $ 35
Cholamandal Artists' Village
Occupying 10 acres (4 hectares) of land just outside of Chennai, Cholamandal Artists’ Village is the largest self-supporting artists’ village in India and an excellent place to feel the pulse of Chennai’s contemporary arts scene. Starting in the 1950s, the commune played a fundamental role in the Madras Movement of Art which helped bring the modernist movement to South India.
Tucked away in a quiet wooded area, the Village is home to two dozen artists, who all help maintain galleries, a performance space and an intimate cafe. For collectors of modern art, there are few better places to buy pieces directly from the artists who made them.
Practical Info
It’s possible to visit the Cholamandal Artists’ Village on your own, but visiting with a guide familiar with the arts who can explain more about what you’re seeing and help facilitate communication with the artists will enrich the experience.
Address: East Coast Road, Near Spencers Daily Injambakkam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600115, India
From $ 53
Chowpatty Beach
One of the top spots to watch the sunset in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a busy expanse of sand and sea that's fun to visit, day or night. People watching is one of the main draws here, because this beach attracts Mumbai residents from all walks of life, from multigenerational families to canoodling couples.
The Basics
Though Chowpatty Beach is more about strolling than sunbathing, it's a fun spot to walk around, especially at dusk when the beach fills up with locals taking evening strolls and vendors selling everything from food to LED toys. It’s a popular spot on night tours of the city, and with its numerous food stalls and wandering snack merchants, the beach makes for a great place to try out street food.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a parasol or a hat if you’re visiting during the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes or beach-friendly flip-flops, and be prepared for plenty of walking.
- The beach isn’t very clean, so it’s less than ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Modest clothes are the norm in India, and women should stick to 1-piece swimsuits or put T-shirts over bikinis out of respect for local culture.
How to Get There
Chowpatty Beach is located on Marine Drive. It’s just north of South Mumbai's Colaba neighborhood, about 15 minutes’ drive from the Gateway of India and less than 10 minutes from Fashion Street. It’s a 15-minute walk south of the Hanging Gardens. The nearest municipal railway station is on Charni Road, a 5-minute walk from the sand.
When to Get There
Chowpatty Beach is fun to explore anytime, but it’s at its most animated around sunset, when people of all ages crowd onto the beach to watch the sunset. If you are in Mumbai for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations (September or October) and don't mind crowds, it can be worth coming to the beach to watch tens of thousands of pilgrims parade idols of the elephant-headed god Ganesh down to the sea.
Bhelpuri: The Quintessential Chowpatty snack
Chowpatty beach is famous for its bhelpuri, a popular Indian street-food snack made of puffed rice mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes, spices, and chutney, and usually topped with fresh coriander and sev (tiny crisp noodles made from chickpea flour) along with chaat masala spice mix and a squeeze of lemon. Hawkers sell this popular treat all over the beach, often in cones made from recycled newsprint.
Address: India
From $ 18
Chand Baori
Chand Baori, one of the deepest and largest step wells in the world, is also one of India’s most overlooked and incredible sights. An Escher-like maze of 3,500 symmetrical stone steps descent 100 feet (30 meters) into the ground, culminating in a well where locals once came to draw water. The well is so deep, the temperature at the bottom is often several degrees cooler than on the surface.
The well, along with nearby Harshat Mata Temple, were built between 800 and 900 AD by King Chand Raja, and was believed to be dedicated to Hashat Mata, the Hindu goddess of joy and happiness. Stone sculptures carved into the walls of the well depict scenes from Hindu mythology. A popular filming location, the well featured in scenes from The Dark Knight Rises, The Fall and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Practical Info
Chand Baori is best visited from Jaipur, 59 miles (95 kilometers) away. If you’re not going with a guided tour, you can take a bus to Sikandra and then hire a taxi from there.
Address: Abhaneri, Rajasthan, India
Hours: 59 miles (95 kilometers) outside of Jaipur
From $ 42
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
Chowmahalla Palace
Built more than two centuries ago, Chowmahalla Palace was once the epicenter of Hyderabad. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and where the Nizams entertained their royal visitors and other esteemed guests.
Widely believed to be modelled on the Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran, Chowmahalla Palace is a unique blend of various architectural styles and influences, such as its Mughal domes and Persian-influenced stucco work.
The palace complex has been considerately restored and is well-maintained throughout. It is made up of two courtyards, the northern and the southern, which consist of grand palaces, the Khilwat Mubarak (or Dharbar Hall) with its stunning chandeliers, gardens with fountains, and a clock tower presiding over the main gate at the palace’s entrance.
One of the buildings within the palace grounds is also used as a car museum for all the vehicles imported by Nizam at the turn of the last century. The collection includes vintage Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and a range of well-maintained American cars.
Practical Info
Chowmahalla Palace is open to visitors throughout the day from Saturday to Thursday. It is located on Khilwat Road, not far from the Mecca Masjid mosque.
Address: Khilwat, 20-4-236, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 002, India
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 10am-5pm
Admission: Rs. 200
From $ 42
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
Chinese Fishing Nets
Fort Cochin’s Chinese Fishing Nets have been a beach installation for centuries, well before the coming of the Portuguese colonizers.
It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He, way back in the early 15th century.
The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. Teams of up to six fishermen operate the nets, but the catch is usually quite modest.
For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun. If you’re feeling hungry, you can buy freshly netted fish and crabs, and have them cooked up for your dinner at a roadside stall.
It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He, way back in the early 15th century.
The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. Teams of up to six fishermen operate the nets, but the catch is usually quite modest.
For the best views, come at dusk with your camera to capture that quintessential shot of Kerala’s fishing nets and calm seas backlit by the setting sun. If you’re feeling hungry, you can buy freshly netted fish and crabs, and have them cooked up for your dinner at a roadside stall.
Practical Info
The
Chinese Fishing Nets line the sands north of Fort Cochin Beach and the town’s
historic churches, off River Road.
Address: Vasco da Gama Square, Fort Cochin, India
From $ 30
Bull Temple (Dodda Ganeshana Gudi)
The Bull Temple (Dodda Ganeshana Gudi) was built in the 16th century in typical South Indian Dravidian style, and is one of Bangalore’s oldest temples. The locals call it “Dodda Basavana Gudi” (Big Bull Temple), named after the gigantic 15-foot high and 20-foot long statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull.
Visitors to the temple first pay their respects to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god at the base of the hill before climbing the many steps to worship the huge monolithic statue of Nandi at the top. Carved from a single enormous slab of granite, this is one of the largest statues of Nandi in the world.
One of the most important annual festivals celebrated at the Bull Temple is the “Peanut Festival” which happens every November. Peanut farmers from villages on the outskirts of the city come to the temple to offer their first crop of peanuts to Nandi the bull before selling the rest. The streets adjoining the temple are closed to traffic and take on a festive atmosphere: huge piles of peanuts are bought and sold and a variety of vendors sell trinkets, balloons and snacks to the crowds of people who come to take part.
Visitors to the temple first pay their respects to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god at the base of the hill before climbing the many steps to worship the huge monolithic statue of Nandi at the top. Carved from a single enormous slab of granite, this is one of the largest statues of Nandi in the world.
One of the most important annual festivals celebrated at the Bull Temple is the “Peanut Festival” which happens every November. Peanut farmers from villages on the outskirts of the city come to the temple to offer their first crop of peanuts to Nandi the bull before selling the rest. The streets adjoining the temple are closed to traffic and take on a festive atmosphere: huge piles of peanuts are bought and sold and a variety of vendors sell trinkets, balloons and snacks to the crowds of people who come to take part.
Practical Info
The temple is located on Bull Temple Road in
Basavanagudi, South Bangalore, next to Bugle Rock Park. It is open daily
from 6am–1pm and 4pm-9pm. Bugle Rock Park next door to the temple is
also worth a visit for its beautiful majestic trees.
Address: Bull Temple Road, Bassavanagudi, Bangalore, India, India
Hours: 6am–1pm; 4pm–9pm daily
From $ 55
Chhatarpur Temple
Chhatarpur Temple is one of the largest such complexes in India, and it’s also relatively new by Indian standards, having been built in 1974. It’s dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of the warrior goddess Durga. The Hindu temple is made entirely of marble, and its intricately carved screens are especially impressive.
The Basics
Chhatarpur Temple is a mix of North Indian and South Indian temple architecture, making it an interesting place to visit in Delhi—a city full of Mughal tombs. While it honors Katyayani, other shrines throughout the 60-acre complex are dedicated to other important Hindu gods, like Shiva, Ganesha, Krishna, and Rama. Chhatarpur was considered the biggest temple in India until 2005, when Akshardham Temple—also in Delhi—was built. But, that doesn’t take away from Chhatarpur’s magnificence.
Visitors can explore Chhatarpur Temple on a variety of half- or full-day Delhi sightseeing tours. Select a private or group tour and travel on foot, by tuk tuk, or air-conditioned vehicle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to Chhatarpur Temple is a must for architecture fans and history buffs.
- The temple’s official name is the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir, but it is known as Chhatarpur Mandir as it’s located in the Chhatarpur area of the city.
- The collection of fees for profit is banned within the temple. Entrance is free, but there is a donation box.
- The temple is near the popular Qutub Minar and the lesser-visited Mehrauli Archaeological Park, so combine these sites for a good day trip in this part of Delhi.
How to Get There
Chhatarpur Temple is in South Delhi, and can be reached by car or taxi. Or, take the Delhi Metro to Chhatarpur station.
When to Get There
Chhatarpur Temple is busiest during October, when Navratri is celebrated. This 10-day festival celebrates the goddess Durga, so is an especially big deal at the temple. At this time, the temple is at its most beautiful, decorated with colored lights and full of happy worshippers.
Visiting the Katyayani Shrine
While the whole complex is dedicated to goddess Katyayani, the special shrine devoted to her is only open for worship during the full moon and the Navratri festival. Inside that shrine is a golden image of Katyayani wearing elaborate clothes and flower garlands. It’s a sight worth seeing, so time your visit for a full moon or Navratri festival, if possible.
Address: Main Chhatarpur Rd, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, DL 110074, India
From $ 30
Chandni Chowk
One of India’s oldest markets, Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk (Hindi for moonlight square) is a perpetually busy area filled with narrow, congested lanes, each specializing in a different product such as spices, jewelry, hardware, and stationery. It’s also a great spot to practice your haggling skills—and the photo opportunities are extraordinary.
The Basics
Chandni Chowk can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, though the excitement of wandering through its wholesale markets and narrow lanes lined with centuries-old buildings can be fun. Aside from its myriad bazaar vendors hawking everything from shawls to sweets and books to baubles, it’s also known for its street food. Daring visitors may want to stop at the Gali Paranthe Wali for some famous deep-fried flatbread (parantha), though the famous Bikaner Sweet Shop may be a safer bet for those with sensitive tummies.
The market area is often visited in conjunction with other nearby attractions including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Jain Bird Hospital. Many Delhi tours and nearly all Old Delhi tours pass through Chandni Chowk, and often feature bicycle rickshaw rides through its narrow streets. Foodies can enjoy private and group walking tours that focus on the market’s wonderfully overwhelming flavors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chandni Chowk is a must for first-time visitors, shopaholics, foodies, and those looking for an unforgettable Old Delhi experience.
- Remember to bargain. Most shops here—and throughout India—expect it.
- The streets in this part of Delhi are uneven and dusty, so wear good footwear.
- Be prepared for crowds. While the area is safe, travelers with small children should hold their hands at all times to avoid separation.
- The area’s lanes are narrow, congested, and uneven, making Chandni Chowk virtually inaccessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Chandni Chowk is located due south of the Old Delhi Railway Station, just west of the Red Fort and north of the Jama Masjid. From New Delhi, take the metro’s Yellow Line to the Chandni Chowk stop; the Violet Line’s Lal Quila (Red Fort) stop is about a 12-minute walk away. Most visitors arrive either by car or metro, or stop here as part of an Old Delhi walking or cycle rickshaw tour.
When to Get There
While Chandni Chowk is popular throughout the year, it’s best to visit in the cool winter months. If you do come in the peak heat of May or June, visit in the morning or after nightfall to avoid the abrasive sun. Most of the shops in Chandni Chowk are closed on Sunday.
Chandni Chowk’s Old Havelis
Chandni Chowk is full of old private mansions, known as havelis, many of which date back hundreds of years. Most havelis continue to operate as private homes, often with multiple generations of joint families living under one roof—and they aren't easy to find if you don’t know where to look. Many private tours take travelers to these havelis, and some even include a sit-down meal in one of the restored homes.
Address: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi 110 006, India
Admission: Free
From $ 7
Charminar
The most famous building in Hyderabad, Charminar is an iconic monument and mosque situated in the heart of the old city. This grand square structure was built at the end of the 16th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi to celebrate the end of a plague that had swept the region.
The Charminar is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with some other influences evident, such as its Persian inspired stucco elements. It features four grand arches that face out towards wide roads leading off in each direction. There are four fluted minarets built into each corner of the monument, which are crowned with a dome and feature intricate designs at their base. A small mosque sits on the western side of the top floor of the building, facing the holy Muslim city of Mecca.
Practical Info
Charminar is located in the heart of Hyderabad’s old city, close to Laad Bazaar and not far from the Mecca Masjid mosque. It’s easily accessible from various parts of the city by taxi or public bus.
Address: Pathergatti Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm daily
Admission: Rs. 100
From $ 39
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is one of the most prestigious and extensive art and history museums in India. Located near the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, the museum is set in a domed Grade I Heritage listed building, built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.
The museum itself is home to an impressive collection of more than 60,000 artifacts, encouraging visitors to take a journey through India’s rich history and varied culture. Its vast collection includes such items as ancient artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and some spectacular Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.
As well as its permanent collection and rotating exhibits, CSMVS hosts regular cultural activities and educational programmes. There’s a cafe at the building’s entrance, as well as an excellent museum shop.
Practical Info
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located at 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road in South Mumbai. The museum is open daily from 10:15am to 6pm.
Address: 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: Open daily from 10:15am to 6pm
Admission: Adults: 300 rupees
From $ 28
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus (and still called "VT" by many), this train statio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known for its over-the-top Indo-Saracenic architecture, which blends neo-Gothic elements with Mughal and Indian features. It's Asia's busiest train station—one you may have seen in the film Slumdog Millionaire.
The Basics
Although Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a working railway station, with thousands of passengers passing through every day, many people come simply to check out its ornate exterior, which features a jungle theme covered with monkeys, peacocks, and other critters. (There was once a statue of Queen Victoria on the central dome, but it's since been removed.) It's an easy spot to visit on your own, but a tour guide can point out intricacies in the architecture that you might not otherwise notice.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You may be asked to present a ticket before entering the station.
- Photographers should bring a good wide-angle lens to get the best shot.
- The station is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the railway station is, naturally, by train, and there are connections from all around the country. However, if you’re already in Mumbai you may be more interested in seeing the exterior than stepping inside; fortunately, many tours stop here and if you’re taking a taxi to Colaba or anywhere south of the station, you’ll likely drive right by.
When to Get There
The railway station, a year-round attraction, is beautiful both day and night, so there's really no ideal time to visit. However, weather may play a role in when you come; Mumbai is best avoided in its damp monsoon season and can be too hot for some people's comfort between April and June.
Indo-Saracenic Architecture Around the World
While Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the world's most important examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, it's certainly not the only one. The style is found across India, from the Madras High Court in Chennai to the Albert Hall in Jaipur. It even crops up outside of the Subcontinent from time to time, in spots like the Brighton Pavilion in England and the Old Town Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Address: India
From $ 11
Central Museum (Albert Hall)
Considered one of the world’s best examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, Albert Hall houses the Government Central Museum (the oldest museum in Rajasthan). Inside this striking building, you’ll find an extensive collection of international art, miniature paintings, and artifacts—there's even an Egyptian mummy.
The Basics
Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, an English architect who created Rambagh Palace, also designed this gorgeous building situated in Ram Niwas Gardens. He drew his inspiration for the Albert Hall from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It was originally built to be a town hall, but instead serves as a museum filled with all sorts of jewelry, marble art, musical instruments, and paintings.
It’s possible to prebook admission tickets, some of which include round-trip transfers. Many Jaipur tours—including private car, walking, and biking excursions—stop here. The exterior alone is worth checking out, even if you don’t opt to go inside. A visit to the Central Museum is often paired with Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort, and other sights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is not allowed inside Albert Hall Museum.
- Drive by at night to see Albert Hall beautifully lit up.
- Parking is limited near the museum, though tour buses and cars can stop for a few minutes near the front for photo opportunities.
How to Get There
Albert Hall Museum is located south of the Pink City, about a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the City Palace and Jantar Mantar or a 15-minute drive from the Bani Park neighborhood, where many of Jaipur's hotels are located. Most Jaipur city tours pass by the museum, though not all stop for those who want to go inside.
When to Get There
Albert Hall is open daily throughout the year, making it a good attraction to visit year-round. Many travelers who want to go inside the museum opt to come here later in the day, when bright sunlight makes visiting outdoor attractions and markets uncomfortable. Albert Hall’s façade is usually illuminated at night, making it a popular stop on night tours.
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Albert Hall is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, a grandiose style that blends Mughal, Gothic Revival, and Hindu themes. Other popular examples of this architecture include Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Madras High Court in Chennai, South India; and the Brighton Pavilion in England.
Address: Ram Niwas Gardens, Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 4
Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa is an important Buddhist stupa originally built as a terraced temple to mark the place where the Buddha and his first disciples met when traveling from Bodhgaya to Sarnath.
Built during the Gupta period (4th-6th centuries), the stupa’s octagonal top tower was said to be added much later by Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, in 1588 during the Mughal era. He built the additional tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun, the great Mughal ruler.
The stupa stands amid beautifully maintained gardens and serves as the gateway to the Buddhist city of Sarnath. It is just a short walk from the structure to the Sarnath Museum nearby, and also close to the other sites and attractions of Sarnath.
Practical Info
Being located just a 20-minute drive from Varanasi city, it’s easy to take a taxi to reach Sarnath to visit the Chaukhandi Stupa.
Address: Rishpattan Road, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India
Hours: Daily 6am-5pm
Admission: Indian citizens: Rs. 5, Int'l visitors: Rs. 100, Child 15 & Under Free
From $ 21
Chandra Mahal
The 7-story Chandra Mahal, situated within Jaipur’s City Palace complex, serves as the official residence of the descendants of Jaipur’s titular royal family. Beyond the inner courtyard and its magnificent gates representing the four seasons, visitors may explore the palace’s ground floor, a museum of carpets, manuscripts, and portraits of past maharajas.
The Basics
One of the oldest buildings in the City Palace, the Chandra Mahal was built between 1727 and 1734. Its impressive exterior comprises various domes and balconies, while the interiors are beautifully adorned with floral decorations. The palace’s Peacock Gate, with a stunning motif depicting India’s national bird and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is one of the most famous parts of the palace.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop at the City Palace, and entering the Chandra Mahal with a guide can be useful if you want more historical context. English-speaking guides are available for hire at the City Palace entrance. A special ticket is required for the Royal Grandeur tour, which offers exclusive access to private rooms in the Chandra Mahal with a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Chandra Mahal—and the entire City Palace complex—is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
- Photography is not allowed inside the Chandra Mahal.
- Much of the City Palace is outdoors, under direct sunlight, so bring sun protection.
- Meals, snacks, and drinks are available at the Palace Cafe, located within the complex.
- The Chandra Mahal 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
The Chandra Mahal is located within the City Palace in Jaipur’s Pink City, next to the Jantar Mantar observatory, and a few blocks from the Hawa Mahal. Navigating the Pink City is easiest on foot or by rickshaw, as the roads are congested. Driving, it’s about a half hour from Amber (Amer) and five hours from Delhi; trains to Delhi take 4.5 to 6 hours.
When to Get There
The City Palace is open daily except for on the second day of Holi. In the hotter months of the year (roughly April through mid-October), you may want to visit earlier in the day, before it gets too hot out, as much of the royal complex is outdoors.
What’s on the Other Floors?
Unfortunately only the ground floor of the Chandra Mahal is open to the public (except for those on the Royal Grandeur tour), but each floor has its own look and feel. The second floor is painted in hues of whites and blue, while the third floor features lots of mirror work. On the seventh floor is a crown-shaped pavilion with great views of the city.
Address: Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 98
Calico Museum of Textiles
This stunning museum in the heart of Gujarat is home to one of the most impressive collections of Indian textiles on earth. With a wide array of modern pieces, as well as a number dating back more than 500 years, the Calico Museum of Textiles is a must-
see attraction for visitors in search of a deeper understanding of one of India’s oldest traditions.
Tours take place twice during most days of the week and offer travelers an exclusive look at either the main galleries or the Sarabhai Foundation’s extensive collection of religious tapestries and textiles. While visitors say seeing the private collections and
residence is a truly unique experience, it’s best to book well in advance since spots are limited and fill up quickly.
Practical Info
The Calico Museum is located in the state of Gujarat in western India. Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Photography is not allowed and museum does not admit children. It is accessible by foot or using a local rickshaw.
Address: The Retreat, Opposite Under Bridge, Gujarat, India
Hours: Entry restricted to 20 visitors (by prior appointment only)
Closed on Wednesdays.
From $ 813