India attractions

Among Bhubaneswar's oldest attractions, the Khandagiri Caves are a grouping of 15 rock-cut cave temples that date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The caves were built by Kharavela, who was the ruler of the Meghavahana Dynasty at the time, as a refuge for Jain monks.

Situated at a height of 10,300 feet (3,140 meters) above sea level, near the source of the Ganges River (the Gaumukh Glacier), the Gangotri Temple is an important pilgrimage site that’s dedicated to the Ganges River, personified as the Goddess Ganga. It holds special significance in this part of India, and draws in large numbers of religious pilgrims every year.

The Solang Valley, north of Manali, is one of several smaller valleys stretching off the long Kullu Valley. Travelers come here to hike, ski, camp, paraglide, and ride the cable car for great mountain views, depending on the season. The valley is also the starting point for the Beas Kund Trek, which leads to a high-altitude lake.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is a beautifully preserved collection of ancient palaces and temples dating primarily from the 14th through 16th centuries. It stands as a testament to the Kingdom of Vijayanagar, a Dravidian kingdom that once had its capital in Hampi.

Spread out across 32 square miles (83 square kilometers), the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary provides a refuge not only for sloth bears, but for all sorts of other creatures, from porcupines to monitor lizards. The sanctuary is also home to more than 70 different bird species and lots of butterflies.

Dating to around the second century BC, the Udayagiri Caves is a grouping of Jain temples and monastic dwellings commissioned by King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. They’re often grouped together with the adjacent Khandagiri Caves, built by the same king at around the same time; most people visit both sets of caves in one visit.

Built in 1562, when Hyderabad was under the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, Hussain Sagar Lake is among the largest artificial lakes in Asia. It was originally designed as a means to store water for irrigation and urban use; today it's a popular spot for boating and lakeside picnicking.

Metro Walk Mall in Delhi’s Rohini is the ultimate destination for a fun day out. Spanning a whopping 221,000 square feet (20,500 square meters), the mall features over 100 national and international brands, as well as outlet stores and a sprawling food court. On top of this, Adventure Island, the adjoining amusement park, offers rides, attractions, and kid-friendly entertainment.

While Elephant Beach on Havelock Island might only be accessible by foot or boat, its lack of road access only adds to the allure of its beautiful white sands, crystalline waters, and countless opportunities for water sports. No wonder this scenic spot is one of the most popular beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In one of India’s largest cities, it’s hard to find natural places to escape the honk of traffic and press of humanity, but at Kolkata’s New Town Eco Park you can do just that. This 480-acre (194-hectare) urban park has cycling and walking trails, a lake for kayaking and boating, themed zones, and many other activities and facilities.

Among Hindu temples in India, Shree Narayani Dham is a relative novice, built around 2010. Yet this religious complex spread over 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares), roughly the size of four American football fields, is a major spiritual retreat in Lonavala. Its modern hall with marble floors fans out to a rose garden, dining halls, and enough housing for dozens of guests and devotees.

Overlooking the Daya River in the southern part of Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Hill is known for its Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also called the "peace pagoda." It's one of many sites across India with an "edict of Ashoka," an inscription attributed to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who was instrumental in spreading Buddhism across the subcontinent.

Located in the lush town of Thekkady, the Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation is dedicated to all things Ayurveda. India’s traditional form of ancient medicine relies on nature-based healing and a variety of plants for medicine and oils, many of which are grown right here in this tranquil medicinal garden, along with cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more.

Officially known as Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway is a major artery in South Mumbai, connecting the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods. Part of the street is lined with shops and stalls selling everything from nautical-instrument reproductions to budget fashion, and many visitors to Mumbai stay in the general area.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Mukteswara Temple draws in visitors for both its historical and spiritual significance. It's dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and many devotees come to seek his blessings, while others visit to admire the Kalinga architecture for which the temple is known.

On the outskirts of the Rajasthani city of Mount Abu, the Dilwara Jain Temples are a group of five beautiful temples made of expertly carved white marble. Most date back to the 11th–13th centuries. The temples are a Jain site of worship to this day, but they're also open to non-Jain visitors who come to admire the artistry.

Built in the early 1950s, not long after India’s independence, this gravity dam is a major source of hydroelectric power in Kerala. Matupetty Dam sits on Mattupetty Lake, a greenery-flanked reservoir that provides year-round refuge to birds and animals. You can walk or drive across it; lookout points provide pretty views.

As the name suggests, Commercial Street is one of the main shopping areas in Bangalore. It's a great place to visit if you like shopping, and you'll find everything from clothing boutiques to electronics shops on this central drag.

Also known as Beach No. 7, Radhanagar is among the prettiest and most popular beaches on Havelock Island (officially known as Swaraj Dweep) in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its white sand and generally calm waters make it a great place for swimming and sunbathing, but it does attract large crowds.

Believed to be around 500 years old, Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage spot dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. It’s often busy with Hindu devotees, who come here to pray for success with visa applications. Travelers interested in Indian spirituality may enjoy visiting, even if their own visa applications have already been successful.

If dams are among your travel interests, you’re unlikely to find one more interesting in the state of Kerala than Banasura Sagar, a marvel of earthen engineering built across a tributary of the Kabini River—and a tourist go-to in its own right. Travelers visit to hike through the forests of the Banasura Hills, and try various outdoor activities from boating to camel riding.

In the heart of Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is an active place of worship that has been continuously operating since the 7th century. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Sri Virupaksha and is part of the larger Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating back at least a millennium ago, Gwalior Fort is a gargantuan structure made of golden sandstone and lime. It looks over the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and is the main draw for most visitors to the city.

The points where two rivers meet—the confluence, or sangam in Hindi and other South Asian languages—are considered holy in Hinduism. But you don’t need to be religious to enjoy the beauty of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, surrounded by mountains. A lookout point just off the Srinagar–Ladakh Road west of Leh is a great place to stop and admire the view.

Situated atop Jakhu Hill, Shimla’s highest peak, sits the Jakhu Temple, which is dedicated to the half-monkey god Hanuman. While the historic temple is the main draw, many people come here to see the temple’s 108-foot (33-meter) Hanuman Statue, possibly the largest statue of the god in the world.

Located in Kerala’s Wayanad region, the Edakkal Caves are famed for the archaeologically important petroglyphs found inside. The caves themselves are formed by a boulder that’s wedged between two other large boulders, so it’s not technically a cave, but rather a shelter. Visitors come to see the fascinating carvings of humans and animals, and to admire the views of the Ambukuthi Mala Hills.

Officially known as the Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir, the Pushkar Brahma Temple is one of the city’s main draws for religious pilgrims. Dating back to the 14th century, this temple is dedicated to Brahma, the creator in the Hindu trinity, and is believed to be one of only a few Brahma temples on earth.

If you’ve ever paused mid-meal in India to admire the plates and bowls you’re eating from, check out Ahmedabad’s Veechar Cultural and Heritage Museum for Utensils. Located in a village hut-like setting, the museum was established in consultation with an anthropologist and presents an exciting array of antique vessels and utensils that reflect traditional Indian life.

On the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, the Vishnupad Temple is a historic temple that attracts Hindu pilgrims interested in performing rituals honoring their ancestors. It gets its name because of a footprint that's believed to mark where the Lord Vishnu first set foot on the earth.

Many people visit Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village for the nightlife, but beside the popular urban enclave is Deer Park, a more tranquil natural spot. Next to Hauz Khas Fort, the sprawling park extends far beyond the atmospheric ruins and is a significant patch of greenery within the city.