Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
ShowingFilter 101-120 of 274 listings.
Har ki Pauri
Visitors seeking a truly Indian experience will find one at the ghat of Har ki Pauri. Each evening priests gather along the sacred Ganges River to participate in a ceremony known as Ganga Aari. Holy chants ring through the air as flaming lights and bowls of fire are set adrift in water while nearby temple gongs ring out.
During the day, travelers will find hundreds of pilgrims washing in the waters in an act of spiritual cleansing and visitors can choose to dip below the surface and participate, too. Locals warn it’s best to hold on tight to metal chains, since currents can be strong. Priests are happy to guide visitors through the process for a small fee, but those who prefer to stay dry will still find plenty of photo ops and make incredible memories.
Practical Info
Har ki Pauri is located on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Address: Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, India
From $ 12
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
Old Goa (Ela)
From the sixteenth to eighteenth century, Old Goa (Ela) served as the colonial capital of Portuguese-India and was one of the richest cities anywhere in Asia, with a population exceeding that of both Lisbon and London. While repeated cholera and malaria outbreaks eventually forced the capital to be moved to Panaji in 1843, the old, atmospheric churches, cathedrals and convents of Old Goa remain largely intact.
All the sites of Old Goa can be reached by foot, but give yourself at least a half-day to soak up the history and the atmosphere. Old Goa highlights include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of Francis Xaviar, patron saint of Goa, are kept. Another must-see attraction is St. Catherine’s Cathedral (Sé Cathedral), the largest church of those in Old Goa.
Food and accommodation options are rather limited in the Old Goa area, so it’s best to base yourself in nearby Panjim (or somewhere else in Goa) and either take a bus or hire a taxi for a day to Old Goa.
All the sites of Old Goa can be reached by foot, but give yourself at least a half-day to soak up the history and the atmosphere. Old Goa highlights include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of Francis Xaviar, patron saint of Goa, are kept. Another must-see attraction is St. Catherine’s Cathedral (Sé Cathedral), the largest church of those in Old Goa.
Food and accommodation options are rather limited in the Old Goa area, so it’s best to base yourself in nearby Panjim (or somewhere else in Goa) and either take a bus or hire a taxi for a day to Old Goa.
Address: Goa, India
From $ 18
Purana Qila
With a history dating back thousands of years, the city of Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times by numerous leaders. Purana Qila serves as a reminder of the capital’s turbulent past as one of the oldest structures in Delhi and its oldest surviving fort.
Purana Qila was built during the rule of Afghan ruler Sher Shah between 1538 and 1545 in the midst of a power struggle between him and Humayun, the son of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. Humayun had built his own fort in the same spot in the 1530s but was forced out by Sher Shah, who proceeded to destroy what Humayun had built and establish his own capital.
Purana Qila was built during the rule of Afghan ruler Sher Shah between 1538 and 1545 in the midst of a power struggle between him and Humayun, the son of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. Humayun had built his own fort in the same spot in the 1530s but was forced out by Sher Shah, who proceeded to destroy what Humayun had built and establish his own capital.
Practical Info
Today, all that remains of Purana Qila are the massive red sandstone
ramparts with three gateways providing entrance. Within the old fort,
only two buildings remain, Sher Shah’s personal mosque -- a pre-Mughal
domed structure dating back to 1941, and a two-floor sandstone and
marble tower used by Humayun as a library after he retook the city in
1555.
Address: New Delhi, ND, India
From $ 5
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
In 1953, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded in Darjeeling to celebrate sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s trip to the summit of Mount Everest alongside Edmund Hillary. The institute opened as a training school for mountaineers, and Tenzing served as the first director.
Today, the institute has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site for climbers, who come from around the globe to train in the boarding school or visit the Mountaineering Museum, which chronicles the history of mountaineering with an interesting collection of artifacts from early Everest expeditions. One of the more interesting displays is a powerful telescope, used to see detail in the Kanchenjunga range, which was a gift from Adolf Hitler to Maharaja Judh Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana of Nepal and eventually passed down to the institute.
Travelers looking to develop new mountain climbing skills can enroll in one of 16 courses scheduled at the institute each year, including basic and advanced mountaineering (28 days each).
Practical Info
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is located on the grounds of the zoo, so plan to combine your visits to maximize your time.
Address: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling 734101, India
Hours: Wed-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 1,379
Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple is located within dense cedar forest in the small tourist town of Manali. It was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh and is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba Devi, who features in the Mahabharata. A heritage site steeped in mythology, visitors come from far and wide to visit the site.
This ancient cave temple was built over a large rock jutting out of the ground, which was where Hidimba was said to meditate. Built in a pagoda style, the structure is made of wood, with a three-tiered roof crowned by a cone-shaped brass tower known as a shikhara. The temple door features intricately carved figures, including the goddess Durga, whom Hidimba was believed to be an incarnation of.
Inside the temple is a stone idol of Hidimba Devi measuring approximately 60 centimeters tall, and not far from the main building is a shrine dedicated to Hadimba’s son, Ghatotkacha.
Practical Info
The Hidimba Devi Temple can be found on the way to Old Manali, around two kilometers from Mall Road.
Address: Hadimba Temple Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India 175131, India
Hours: Daily 8am-6pm
From $ 145
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
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is easily one of Jaipur’s most iconic attractions. This stunning red and pink sandstone structure in the heart of the Pink City features rows of carved screens and more than 900 lattice-worked windows that allow in just the right amount of breeze to keep the 5-story complex cool.
The Basics
With unusual Rajput architecture often likened to a honeycomb, this structure was artistically built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a safe place for royal ladies to watch street scenes unfold without being seen (in those days, royal women were traditionally kept out of the public eye). It’s called palace of winds because of its layout, which allows air to circulate throughout the complex, keeping temperatures cool.
Most group and private tours of Jaipur (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop outside for photo opportunities, and a few include tours of the simpler interior, where there are a small museum and unparalleled views from the top. Composite tickets that allow access to a number of sights—including Amber (Amer) Fort, Albert Hall, Nahargarh Fort, and the Jantar Mantar—are available at the ticket counter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hawa Mahal is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen—the sun can be powerful.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, as there are lots of ramps to climb if you want to visit different sections and floors of the palace.
- Bathrooms are located just outside of the complex, before the ticket gate.
- The Hawa Mahal is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Hawa Mahal is situated in Jaipur’s Pink City, near Tripolia Gate and due north of Badi Chaupar. It’s a few minutes’ walk from here to both the City Palace (the official residence of the royal family) and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Driving, Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is about 30 minutes away.
When to Get There
This popular tourist spot is open 9am to 4:30pm daily; the museum is closed Friday and Saturday. If you’re visiting the palace interior during the hotter months of the year (approximately April through October), come early in the day, when temperatures are lower and gentle sunlight streams into the rooms through the hundreds of windows.
Why Pink?
Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of its salmon-hued walls and edifices located in the old part of town. The city center was first painted this hue to impress Prince Albert, who visited India in 1876. The color stuck, so to speak, and to this day local businesses and residences within the walled part of town are required to retain the color.
Address: Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Hanging Gardens (Ferozeshah Mehta)
Also known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, Mumbai's Hanging Gardens is a beautifully manicured park known for its extensive topiary, primarily carved into animal shapes. Due to the park’s location atop Malabar Hill, it's long been a popular spot to take in views of the Arabian Sea, particularly at sunset.
The Basics
These gardens date back to the 1880s and sit atop a reservoir that supplies much of the municipal water supply to local residents. With an abundance of flowers, topiary, sprawling lawns, and whimsical features, including a house shaped like a boot, the gardens are among the top attractions in Mumbai and feature on many city tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hanging Gardens are great for nature lovers and families.
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
- The gardens are not easily accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Hanging Gardens are located at the top of Malabar Hill, a 15-minute walk from Chowpatty Beach. If you're coming by car, take Walkeshwar Road or Ridge Road; if you’re taking public transportation, catch a train to Grant Road (on the Western Railways line) and either walk half an hour to the gardens or take a taxi, which cuts down the trip to about 10 minutes.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily from early in the morning until a little after sunset, and are best visited either first thing in the day or after nightfall, when temperatures are coolest. Dawn and dusk can bring mosquitos, except during the dry months of December through February, which are ideal for watching sunsets over the sea from the gardens. Avoid June through August, which are known for their torrential monsoon rains and consequent mud.
Topiary through the Ages
Topiary, the art of pruning plants to create shapes, has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. It went through numerous revivals throughout the centuries, gaining favor in the 16th and 17th centuries before falling out of fashion again. These days, it's a rare site outside of historic houses and castles—and, of course, Disney theme parks.
Address: Malabar Hill, Mumbai, India
From $ 34
Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman Temple in New Delhi is thought to date back to the 18h century, making it one of the oldest of its kind in India. Dedicated to the deity, Hanuman, the Hindu monkey who aided Rama in his mission against Ravana, the temple’s main idol is of the child Hanuman holding a gada in his hand.
To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb the 570 steps of Anjanadri Hill. The hike up is a pleasant one, and you’ll be rewarded with some exceptional views beneath you once you reach the top. Unusually, the temple building features a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) on its spire instead of the usual symbol seen on most Hindu temples. Inside, the ceiling of the main temple hall reveals some spectacular embossed artwork depicting stories from the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
A visit to New Delhi’s Hanuman Temple can be enjoyed on a half-day Connaught Place tour, including Bangla Sahib and India Gate. Many people choose to get a traditional henna tattoo while visiting the temple complex, and then take a scenic tuk-tuk ride to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Insider’s Tip: If you want to see the temple at its liveliest, visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, when devotees congregate here in large numbers.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach the temple by taking the metro to Rajiv Chowk station.
Address: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India
Hours: Dawn to dusk
From $ 26
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Although Feroz Shah Kotla isn't as famous as some of Delhi's better-known UNESCO World Heritage sites, these ancient ruins provide a fascinating insight into what life was like in the area centuries ago. At the heart of the fort is a third-century sandstone pillar, known as the Ashoka Column, which stands 43 feet (13.1 meters) high.
The Basics
Feroz Shah Kotla was constructed in the 14th century under Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, who created the city of Firozbad as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate. Although much of the complex has fallen to ruins, many of its most important structures remain intact, including an enormous mosque (the Jami Masjid) and a circular stepwell (baoli).
Although the fort is one of Delhi’s lesser-known archaeological sites, it’s sometimes visited on tours that focus on off-the-beaten-track Delhi attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes; the terrain here is rocky and uneven in places.
- Make sure to bring lots of water and wear sunscreen, as there isn’t a lot of shade here.
- The fort is not wheelchair accessible.
- Nearby points of interest include the Gandhi Museum and Raj Ghat.
How to Get There
Feroz Shah Kotla is in the eastern part of Delhi, right on the border of New Delhi and Old Delhi and is adjacent to the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, a cricket stadium used for international matches. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Connaught Place and under a 10-minute drive south of Gandhi Museum and Raj Ghat. It’s a couple of minutes' walk from the Delhi Gate station on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro.
When to Get There
This fort is open every day from sunrise to sunset, though it's best to visit early morning if you want to avoid the strong midday sun. Thursdays are the most popular day for local visitors, as it's believed that genies (djinns) come to the fort on this day of the week to grant wishes.
The Djinns of Kotla Fort
According to local legend, the fort is haunted, and since the 1970s, people have been visiting here in large numbers on Thursdays to leave letters to djinns. You'll likely see letters written to the head djinn, named Waale Baba, tied to the railings around the Ashoka Pillar.
Address: Ferozabad, New Delhi, India
From $ 36
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
If you’re looking for the quintessential Delhi bazaar experience, the vibrant Central Market area of South Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar might be your ticket. Here you’ll find everything from multihued bangles to umbrella repair shops, not to mention beautiful saris, discount shoe shops, and a huge variety of Indian street food carts.
The Basics
Popular with Delhiites in search of good deals, Lajpat Nagar’s Central Market is a great place to people-watch, take photos, or pick up inexpensive gifts. Lajpat Nagar features a solid mix of roadside stalls and brand-name shops, not to mention a cinema showing Bollywood and international flicks. Because the market caters to a local crowd, you won’t find too many handicrafts here, but it’s a great place to get affordable clothes, accessories, housewares, and snacks.
Going to Lajpat Nagar with a guide or as part of a shopping-themed tour may be helpful for finding your way around and for navigating bargaining customs, especially if it’s your first time here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a must for shopaholics.
- Be prepared for a friendly bout of haggling if buying from roadside vendors, but not in most retail shops, which tend to have fixed prices.
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Much of the market can get crowded and super hot.
- Lajpat Nagar is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Lajpat Nagar is in the eastern part of South Delhi. Most visitors to the neighborhood head straight to the Central Market, where the majority of shops and stalls are located—if you’re taking a taxi here, it’s a good idea to specify. The nearest metro station is Lajpat Nagar (a 5-minute walk) on the Violet Line, which connects to Connaught Place in the heart of Delhi.
When to Get There
Lajpat Nagar is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, but the crowds tend to be thinner when the market first opens, around 10am. This is also the best time to visit if you’re coming on a hot day, as early-morning temperatures tend to be more bearable.
Delhi Street Food
Lajpat Nagar is a great place to sample Delhi’s famous street food snacks, known collectively as chaat. Popular items include momos, Tibetan steamed dumplings filled with meat or veggies, and aloo tikki, hash-brown–like potato patties covered with chutney. Adventurous eaters may want to try pani puri, crisp deep-fried flour balls filled with spiced water.
Address: Lajpat Nagar Part II, South Delhi, India
From $ 57
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
Hauz Khas Village
Hauz Khas Village in South Delhi mashes together the best of old and new India, and the result is absolutely charming. A neighborhood dominated by ancient domed tombs and medieval stone buildings is today populated by upscale boutiques, art galleries and a variety of restaurants, with a few well-manicured gardens scattered within the narrow lanes of the warren.
By day, the trendy neighborhood attracts shoppers to its range of boutiques, selling an assortment of designer furniture, jewelry, handicrafts and glitzy Indian clothing. Tucked between the expensive boutiques, you’ll also find quirky vintage stores selling all sorts of curios, like classic Bollywood movie posters.
At night, the neighborhood transforms into one of the city’s hippest nightlife spots -- a popular place to come have dinner and some drinks to the sounds of live music at a rooftop bar.
By day, the trendy neighborhood attracts shoppers to its range of boutiques, selling an assortment of designer furniture, jewelry, handicrafts and glitzy Indian clothing. Tucked between the expensive boutiques, you’ll also find quirky vintage stores selling all sorts of curios, like classic Bollywood movie posters.
At night, the neighborhood transforms into one of the city’s hippest nightlife spots -- a popular place to come have dinner and some drinks to the sounds of live music at a rooftop bar.
Practical Info
Since Hauz Khas Village sits quite far from the city center, consider
combining it with a visit to nearby Qutb Minar to save yourself
commuting time.
Address: Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India
From $ 42
Fatehpur Sikri
Set 25 miles (40 km) west of Agra lies the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), built by Akbar in the late 16th century to serve as the new capital of the Mughal Empire. For 14 years from 1571 to 1585, the red sandstone-fortified city served as the dynasty’s seat of power, and at its peak, Englishman Ralph Fitch found it to be considerably larger and grander than even London.
This grandeur was short-lived, however, as in 1585, Akbar moved the capital to Lahore in his campaign against Afghan tribes. By 1619, the city had been completely abandoned and would remain so until archaeologists began exploring it in 1892.
Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a ghost town of beautiful sandstone arches, buildings and courtyards exhibiting Persian, Hindu and Jain design elements. Since Akbar was the only emperor to reside in the city for a significant amount of time, it’s considered one of the purist examples of the great emperor’s design aesthetic. Most visit the city on a day trip from Agra, but spending a night in nearby Fatehpur allows you to visit the city at dawn or dusk, when it is at its most peaceful and beautiful.
Practical Info
Located 25 miles from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is easily accessible from the city. The Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station can be found less than a mile from the site. Entrance costs 485 Rs for foreigners, and the city is open daily.
Address: Fatehpur Sikri, India
Hours: Daily
Admission: 485 Rs for foreigners
From $ 11
Modhera Sun Temple
In 1026 King Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty commissioned the building of a grand monument dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya, God of the Sun. Built on the banks of the Pushpavati River in Modhera, the Sun Temple was built with three axially-aligned elements, a step well, an assembly hall and a sanctum where an idol of the Sun God was once housed.
The Sabha Mandap, or assembly hall, once held religious gatherings and ceremonies and is characterized by its 52 intricately carved pillars, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This gathering hall leads into the inner sanctum, designed so that the sun would shine on the idol of the Sun God at dawn on the equinox. Twelve niches within the sanctum depict the 12 different facets of Surya — one for each month of the year.
Surya Kund, the stepped tank in front of the temple, was once used to store water. Today, the rectangular stepped well is known for the more than 100 carved shrines lining its walls.
Practical Info
The most convenient way to visit the Modhera Sun Temple is by hiring a taxi from Ahmedabad, which can include a visit to Patan as well. It’s more expensive than the bus but much easier.
Address: Modhera, India
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 100 rupees
From $ 48
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
Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan)
At the heart of New Delhi is one of its most remarkable buildings, the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). The 320-acre (130-hectare) complex comprises a palatial 340-room main building and sprawling Mughal gardens. Many visitors come to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, complete with horses and a brass band.
The Basics
The palace was designed as a symbol of British colonial power and built in the early 20th century, after India’s capital was moved to Delhi from Calcutta. It became the president’s official residence shortly after independence. Until 2017, visitors were allowed inside only once or twice a year, though now the Bhavan is open to guests with prior registration. The Changing of the Guard is a regal affair worth witnessing.
Most half-day and full-day tours of Central Delhi at least stop for photos of the rectangular complex and its circular garden, and the Delhi hop-on hop-off bus allows for longer visits (which you book in advance).
Things to Know Before You Go
- To visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, you must reserve a spot online in advance. See the palace’s website for details, and for the Changing of the Guard schedule.
- All visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace is large and requires a lot of walking.
How to Get There
Rashtrapati Bhavan is located on the western end of Rajpath Marg, right in the heart of the leafy Lutyens’ Delhi neighborhood, where most of the city’s colonial-era buildings are situated. Directly opposite India Gate, it’s about a 25-minute walk (or a 7-minute drive) southwest of Connaught Place. The nearest Delhi Metro stop is Central Secretariat, which connects to both the Yellow and Violet Lines.
When to Get There
You can visit the palace throughout the year by booking in advance. If you’re coming for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, held on Saturday and Sunday, you may want to opt for a morning visit when temperatures are cooler—particularly if you’re in Delhi in the sweltering premonsoon season (roughly May and June).
Who Lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan?
India uses the parliamentary system of government, with a prime minister (who lives in a considerably humbler abode on nearby Race Course Road) as head of government. The president of India, who has lived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan since independence from Britain, has less power and clout than the PM, but is still the head of state and commander of the Indian military.
Address: Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raisina Hills, New Delhi 110004, India
From $ 16
Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Hyderabad. It is situated along one of the four main streets that lead out from the iconic Charminar monument. Long before the city became a hive of business activity, the bangle market industry emerged here, and it still thrives today with locals and tourists coming from far and wide to browse the market’s colorful creations.
The production of the bangles involves painstakingly encrusting tiny stones and crystals into a mixture of resins. ‘Lac’ bangles, which are handcrafted from an insect secretion encrusted with dazzling stones, are a particular Hyderabadi specialty, although visitors to Laad Bazaar will also find accessories, perfumes, and saris among its many shops and stalls. The market is a one-stop shop for wedding items and accessories.
Practical Info
Laad Bazaar can be found on the road running west from the Charminar monument and mosque. It is easily accessible from most parts of Hyderabad via taxi and public bus.
Address: Laad Bazaar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Hours: 9am-11pm daily.
From $ 45
Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura
The Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura, a 49-building complex where the Maharaja of Kochi once lived, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The palace was built in 1865 on 52 acres (21 hectares) of landscaped grounds. In 1980 the Kochi royal family handed over the estate to the Kerala government, and in 1986 it opened as a museum.
The museum’s ethno-archaeological collection includes murals, sculptures, oil paintings, coins, manuscripts, furniture and other items that once belonged to the local royal family. Particularly notable is the collection of some 200 pieces of pottery from Japan and China. The surrounding gardens, recognizable from many Malayalam films, include a deer park and horse riding facilities.
Practical Info
The easiest way to visit the Hill Palace Museum is by hiring an autorickshaw in Ernakalum.
Address: Kochi, Kerala, India
Hours: 9am to 12:30pm & 2pm to 4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: 30 rupees
From $ 41