Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
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Paharganj
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Pushkar
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes; Pushkar is sunny most of the time and a good part of the town is pedestrian-only.
- Most Pushkar temples are not open to foreigners or non-Hindus.
- Pushkar’s dusty roads and many steps make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
- Beware of “special lassis” in restaurants; they may contain a legal cannabis-based mixture known as bhang, which has psychedelic effects.
- Some priests wait by the lake here and try to get unsuspecting tourists to pay for rituals. If someone clad in white offers you a flower to throw into the lake, you may wish to decline.
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
- The gardens are great for families with young kids.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- The gardens are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Ramoji Film City
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Qutub Minar
The superb buildings in this complex date from the onset of Islamic rule in India. The Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar or Qutab Minar) itself is a soaring 240 foot (73 meter) high tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. At its base is Quwwat ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam Mosque), India's first mosque.
The tower has 5 distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony, and it tapers, like something out of a fairytale, from a 50 ft (15 m) diameter at the base to just 8 ft (2.5 m) at the top. The first 3 stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The stairs inside the tower coil so steeply that they're enough to make the hardiest climber dizzy and claustrophobic, and it was no surprise when a stampede during a school trip in 1979 resulted in a number of deaths. The inside of the tower has since been closed to visitors.
An inscription over the mosque's eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing 27 idolatrous (read Hindu) temples. A 23 ft (7 m) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and it's said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be unfulfilled; however, the pillar is now protected by a fence.
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Qutub Minar is located 10 mi (16 km) from Connaught Place in southern Delhi. Catch bus 505, take an organized tour or a taxi to reach Qutub Minar.
Rajarajeshwari Temple
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Ranthambore National Park
- Ranthambore National Park is a must for nature lovers, wildlife-watchers, and families with kids.
- Safaris are available every morning and afternoon.
- The government limits safari seats to protect the area, so it’s wise to prebook or join an organized tour. Jeep safaris tend to sell out faster than cantar trips.
- Make sure to bring your passport; all safari participants must carry ID.
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
- Keoladeo National Park is great for nature lovers and anyone wanting a break from noisy Indian cities.
- Bring a pair of binoculars to make bird-watching easier.
- The park can get hot and muggy, so remember to wear sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Red Fort (Lal Qila) traces its roots back to the middle of the 17th century, when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan moved his base from Agra to Delhi. For the two centuries that followed, this gargantuan sandstone complex served as the royal residence of the Mughal Empire. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, often visited in tandem with nearby Chandni Chowk.
The Basics
One of the best-preserved architectural sites in Delhi, the Red Fort provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of India’s former Mughal Empire. Highlights of this octagonal complex include the Diwan-i-Aam, where emperors and prime ministers once addressed the public, plus the Mumtaz Mahal, which hosts a Mughal history museum, complete with six halls full of artifacts ranging from old manuscripts to astronomical tools. Don’t miss the Diwan-i-Khas, a small hall full of decorated archways and topped with regal chhatris (domed canopies).
The Red Fort is a highlight on most group and private sightseeing tours of Old and New Delhi, many of which also include stops at the nearby Chandni Chowk market, India Gate, and the Jama Masjid. Evening tours may include admission to the Red Fort sound and light show along with dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Red Fort is huge, spanning over 120 acres (49 hectares). Make sure you set aside at least two hours for your visit.
- The complex is wheelchair accessible, featuring wide pathways and limited steps.
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat or a parasol, as much of the fort is uncovered and open to the elements.
- The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
The Red Fort is located in bustling Old Delhi, just north of the Jama Masjid, on the western banks of the Yamuna River. It’s right next to the Lal Qila metro station on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro and about a 10-minute walk from the Old Delhi Railway Station. Most visitors arrive by car or metro or as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The Red Fort is open throughout the year, Tuesday to Sunday, from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is in winter, when the weather is comfortably cool. If your Delhi trip coincides with the sweltering summer season of May and June, consider arriving early in the day when temperatures are at their coolest and crowds are smallest.
Regal Circle
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Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple
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Rajpath (King's Way)
Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (also responsible for India Gate), Rajpath was meant to offer an uninterrupted view of the new city from the Viceroy’s palace, today the residence of the President of India.
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Raj Ghat
At the site of Mahatma Ghandi's cremation in 1948 is a memorial. In black marble, surrounded by lawn and with an eternal flame burning, Raj Ghat remembers the man who is known as the Father of India for his tireless and pacifist work to reclaim India's independence from Britain. The memorial has the words 'He Ram,' which translates as 'O, God,' said to be the last words spoken by Ghandi after his assassination. Every Friday, the day of his death, a memorial ceremony is held.
'Raj Ghat' loosely translates as 'Kings Bank' and Ghandi's memorial is not the only one here. There are also many others to India's Prime Ministers since independence, including Indira Ghandi, similarly assassinated, and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India.
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Located across the road from the National Ghandi Museum, the easiest way to get to Raj Ghat is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. As a sign of respect, visitors are required to take off their shoes before approaching the memorial.
Reis Magos Fort
- The fort is a must-visit for history lovers and photographers.
- Bring sunscreen and bottled water, as the fort and the area around it can be hot and sunny.
- Wear good walking shoes, because access to the fort requires ascending a steep, mossy staircase.
Lake Pichola
- Lake Pichola is a must-visit for photographers and history lovers.
- Remember insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Boat rides may not be wheelchair accessible.
Lake Fateh Sagar
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Ripon Building
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Kedar Ghat
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Kerala Backwaters
- A must-do for couples and those interested in local culture.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
- Cruises are generally calm, and most travelers prone to motion sickness shouldn’t have any issues.