Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
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Bharatpur
Bharatpur is an 18th-century fort city that primarily attracts visitors due to its proximity to Keoladeo National Park. However, it offers plenty in its own right, with a handful of historic heritage hotels along temples and the 18th-century Lohangarh Fort, reputed to be one of India's strongest.
The Basics
Though Bharatpur primarily serves as a jumping-off point for visiting the nearby bird sanctuary, visitors may want to stop to visit the Lohagarh Fort, with its imposing towers and elephant paintings. There are also a number of temples in the area, and wandering through the city's narrow streets can lend itself to some great photo opportunities. Tours to the nearby park sometimes stop in the city for lunch, but generally don’t make stops at the fort or local temples.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
- Bharatpur is good for history buffs and those interested in local culture.
- Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the bird sanctuary.
How to Get There
Bharatpur is popular with travelers en route from Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) to Delhi or Jaipur and is generally used as a base for visiting the nearby Keoladeo National Park. Trains from Delhi take around 3.5 hours, while it's closer to four hours by road. Agra is an hour or so away, and Jaipur takes 2.5 hours by car.
When to Get There
Bharatpur is a year-round attraction, although it can get quite hot in April and May. The best time to visit based on temperatures alone is during the cooler months of the year, from October through March, which also happens to be the best time to see migratory birds in the nearby bird sanctuary.
Rajastjani Food
If you have a little time to spare in Bharatpur, you may want to sample local cuisine. While you’re likely to find North Indian classics, you may also come across regional delights. Don’t miss the chance to try a raj kachori, round disks filled with lentils or other veggies often served at roadside stalls, or spicy laal maas, a quintessentially Rajasthani mutton curry.
Address: Bharatpur, India
From $ 154
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
Besant Nagar
Besant Nagar, a popular neighborhood in Chennai most famous as the home of Elliot’s Beach, was named after British activist Annie Besant, founder of the Theosophical Society and staunch supporter of Indian self-rule. Located at the southern end of Chennai’s Marina Beach shore, Besant Nagar is home to many of the city’s wealthy citizens.
Besides Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar’s most popular attraction is the 247-acre (100-hectare) Theosophical Society, with its lovely grounds that include a mosque, church, Buddhist and Hindu temples and a sizable religious and philosophical library. Also of interest in the neighborhood are Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple.
If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, the cafes and restaurants of Besant Nagar serve excellent South Indian cuisine.
Practical Info
The cheapest way to get from central Chennai to the suburb of Besant Nagar is by bus. They depart frequently and drop off at the Besant Nagar bus depot.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 57
Bhangarh Fort
Madho Singh founded the town of Bhangarh in 1631, and at its peak it encompassed a seventeenth century fort and some 10,000 dwellings. Approximately 300 years ago, Bhangarh was deserted for no known reason, leaving behind a complex of well-preserved ruins. Today it’s widely regarded as the most haunted place in India.
While staying past dark in the fort is prohibited, a few brave souls who have managed it have reported several strange phenomena, including the sounds of footsteps or a woman screaming and the sensation of an unseen presence nearby.
Practical Info
The drive to Bhangarh Fort is along an muddy, pot hole-dotted road, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Address: Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India
Hours: Closes at sunset
From $ 42
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
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
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
Bharat Bhawan
This vast complex was opened in the early 1980s as an homage to India’s thriving art scene. In addition to a well-curated gallery, Bharat Bhavan is home to an open-air theater, studio, auditorium, library, music hall and a handful of other spaces to celebrate visual and performing arts. Travelers who make their way to this destination will find plenty of modern and tribal art, as well as a movie house for classic films and a center for Indian poetry. Bharat Bhavan attracts artists in residence from across the country, as well as tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the diversity, color and culture that’s present in India’s dynamic art scene.
Practical Info
Bharat Bhavan faces the Upper Lake and is located on Lake View Road in the Shymala Hills of Bhopal.
Address: Lake View Road, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India 462002, India
From $ 53
Bhaja Caves
The Bhaja Caves are located in a hill station in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. These Buddhist shrines were carved out of the mountain face here as far back as the 2nd century BC, providing a fascinating insight into Buddhist culture at that time.
The Bhaja Caves share architectural features with the Karla Caves situated nearby, but are usually less busy to stroll around and explore. The most impressive feature of the Bhaja Caves is its large chaitya (prayer hall), believed to be one of the earliest of its type and featuring a horseshoe-shaped entrance and depictions of Indian mythology.
Also of interest at the caves are the numerous stupas situated both inside and outside. These are the relics of resident monks who died at Bhaja and their names and respective titles are inscribed upon them.
Practical Info
The Bhaja Caves are located in Maharashtra, approximately a two-hour drive from Mumbai. While many choose to visit the Bhaja Caves as part of a day tour from Mumbai, thereby also taking in the other significant caves in the area, they can also be reached via public transport; frequent local buses run from nearby Lonavala to the Karla and Bhaja caves, with the first of the day leaving at 6am.
Address: Maharashtra, India
From $ 75
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
According to local Sikh belief, a boy prophet by the name of Sri Guru Hari Krishan Sahib moved among poor Hindu and Muslim communities during a time of small pox and cholera in New Delhi in the seventeenth century, distributing sanctified water to the sick which was believed to cause miraculous healing. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib his dedicated to his memory.
The most important place of worship for Sikhs in New Delhi, this golden-domed gurudwara still distributes sanctified water to devotees who come from around the world seeking its healing properties. Unlike many Hindu temples, non-Sikhs are welcome into the gurudwara, where it’s possible to listen while hymns are sung from the Granth Sahib (the Sikh scriptures) or take prasad, the Sikh equivalent to Communion.
Practical Info
Visitors to the gurudwara are required to remove their shoes and socks and cover their heads. The gurudwara has head scarves for use free of charge.
Address: Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh 110001, India
Hours: 4am to 9pm
Admission: Free; donations appreciated
From $ 15
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is one of nine iconic gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) in Delhi. Situated in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, this gurdwara was built to commemorate the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, who was beheaded by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on this site in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam.
One of the guru's disciples managed to recover his body and cremate it, while the ‘sis’ (head) was taken to Anandpur Sahib by another devotee, where it was cremated by the Guru's son (later to become the 10th and last Guru of the Sikhs).
The present gurudwara structure was built in 1930. The trunk of the banyan tree under which the Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded still stands, as does the well where he bathed while imprisoned. Adjoining the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is the Kotwali (police station) – the actual place where the Guru was imprisoned and his disciples tortured.
This active place of worship is regularly visited by Sikh devotees, although everyone is welcomed, regardless of religion or caste.
Practical Info
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is open all day, every day and is free to enter. As it’s a place of worship, visitors should ensure they dress respectfully.
Address: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, India
From $ 7
Bhuleshwar Bazaar
In a neighborhood of markets, south Mumbai’s bustling Bhuleshwar Bazaar has long been a popular shopping spot for locals and visitors alike. Here you'll find everything from vibrant textiles to shimmering costume jewelry, along with many stalls selling practical items such as fruits and vegetables and kitchenware.
The Basics
With its numerous shops and stalls and constant cacophony of activity, Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a great place to get deals on unusual souvenirs and local products. And even if shopping isn't your thing, the market is worth a visit for its great people-watching and photo opportunities. Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a popular stop on shopping tours, and a tour guide can be helpful when it comes to getting an idea of prices and bargaining.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a must-visit for photographers and shopaholics.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk among crowds.
Haggling is part of the shopping experience at the market, so always expect to make a counteroffer.
How to Get There
Bhuleshwar Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, in an area dominated by temples, shops, and residences. Just north of the Fort area, the market is about a 10-minute drive inland from Chowpatty Beach. The nearest commuter railway stations are Charni Road, Sandhurst Road, and Masjid, all of which are about a 15-minute walk away. It’s easiest to get here by taxi or visit as part of an organized tour, especially on hot and humid days.
When to Get There
Most of the shops and stalls at Bhuleshwar Bazaar are open from around 10am or 11am until 8pm or 9pm, though some close on Sundays. It's best to arrive first thing in the day, not only because cooler temperatures make walking around more pleasant, but also because shopkeepers will often give good deals to the first customer of the day for good luck.
Bargaining 101
Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience at Indian markets and should be fun. While you may encounter some “fixed-price” shops at Bhuleshwar Bazaar and other area markets, most vendors will expect you to do a little haggling. If quoted a price, make a counteroffer lower than what you’d be willing to pay, say one-third of the quoted price. Ideally, the vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle.
Address: Mumbai, India
From $ 19
Haji Ali Mosque
Dating back to the 15th century, this white-marble mosque and shrine (dargah) is among Mumbai's most important sights for Muslim pilgrims. It was built to honor a Muslim saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was known for spreading knowledge of Islam. Today worshipers and tourists come from across India to pray and learn about the mosque.
The Basics
One of Mumbai's most iconic structures, and a popular stop on many city tours, Haji Ali Mosque sits on an islet, a half-kilometer from the shore. It's a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with towering pillars and domed cupolas, plus a main hall filled with mirror inlay work. Women were banned from the sanctum sanctorum from 2012 until 2016, when the Bombay High Court ruled the ban unconstitutional. Visits to the mosque are including on many half- or full-day Mumbai walking or biking tours. Some visitors also arrive as part of a multi-day excursion from New Delhi that also explores Agra and Jaipur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for those with an interest in local culture and religion.
- Remember to dress conservatively, with clothes covering the shoulders and knees. All visitors should also cover their heads before entering.
- Check the tides before going, as the causeway leading to the shrine can get submerged during high tide.
How to Get There
The shrine is located at the tip of a jetty that goes out into the Haji Ali Bay, a five-minute walk from Mahalakshmi Temple. The nearest railway stations are Mumbai Central and Mahalakshmi, each of which is about 20 minutes’ walk, or 10 minutes away by taxi or auto rickshaw. Getting to the Gateway of India takes about 15 minutes by road.
When to Get There
The shrine is open from sunrise until late in the evening, though it can be difficult to reach during high tide, when water levels sometimes submerge the causeway that leads out to the shrine. There are often traditional Qawwali (South Asian devotional music) performances held Thursday and Friday evenings, so those are popular times to visit.
Qawwali Music
The highlight for many visitors to the shrine is the chance to witness a live qawwali performance. This traditional form of Sufi music originated in the northern reaches of the subcontinent and features a mix of instrumental performance (usually harmonium and drums, such as tabla or dholak), accompanied by rhythmic clapping and devotional singing.
Address: Dargah Road, Mumbai, India
From $ 46
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
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
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
Fashion Street
One of the best places to score bargains in all of Mumbai, Fashion Street is a stretch of shops and market stalls selling inexpensive clothing and accessories, with a focus on international women's wear. While most people come here to bargain hunt, the people watching and abundant street food options make it worth a visit for everyone.
The Basics
Fashion Street has long been popular with local fashionistas and students on a budget, but its South Mumbai location near many of the city's major attractions makes it equally appealing to international tourists who love to shop. Few city tours stop here, but it's easy enough to stop by if you are visiting one of the many area attractions, such as the Bombay High Court or Victoria Terminus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget sunscreen and water, as the market can get hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.
- Be prepared to bargain—shopkeepers will expect it and quote you high prices accordingly.
How to Get There
Fashion Street spans a 1.4-mile (2-kilometer) section of South Mumbai's MG Road, across from Azad Maidan. It’s easy to reach by train: it’s about a 10-minute walk each to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus) and to the Churchgate station. Alternatively, it’s a 5- to 10-minute drive to the Gateway of India.
When to Get There
Most of the shops on Fashion Street are open daily from 11 to 9. You’re best off visiting first thing in the morning, as selling to the first person who browses at your shop is believed to bring good luck. While the market is a year-round destination, monsoon rain in July and August can make this largely outdoor shopping experience uncomfortable.
Brand-Name Discounts
While it’s not unheard of to find knockoffs of major international brands at Fashion Street, many of the items here, particularly those with labels from major high-street brands, are authentic. Many of the items here are simply factory surplus or have slight manufacturing defects, making them unsuitable for export but good enough to sell at rock-bottom prices at the market.
Address: MG Road, Mumbai, India
From $ 44
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
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
Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a Hindu charitable organization founded in 1917, operates ashrams throughout the world, but their headquarters are in Kolkata. Visitors to the temple and ashram in Ganga Sagar can learn about the organization’s humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief, healthcare, education, tribal welfare, vocational training programs and spiritual outreach.
While not as religiously significant as Kapil Muni Temple (also in Ganga Sagar), the Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple is actually larger, comprising three giant towers built in 1979.
Practical Info
The Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple and Ashram maintains a few guest rooms which they typically offer for free to visiting pilgrims, though donations are appreciated.
Address: Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Rajbalhat, West Bengal India, India
From $ 280