India's largest amusement park, Essel World offers all sorts of rides for both children and adults, ranging from cute and gentle to intense and thrilling. The park is spread out over 64 acres (26 hectares), which it shares with a neighboring waterpark, Water Kingdom.
On the banks of Hussain Sagar, the sprawling Jalavihar water park features multiple pools and slides along with a variety of rides for the whole family. It's a great place to go to keep kids happy on sweltering summer days and features attractions geared towards visitors of all ages, including the smallest of children.
Believed to be the oldest church in Chennai, Luz Church (Shrine of Our Lady of Light) was built in 1516 by Franciscan missionaries from Portugal. The Gothic and baroque structure, besides being one of the oldest European monuments in India, is also a classic example of Portuguese colonial church architecture.
Touting itself as Asia's largest aquatic theme park, Water Kingdom is an expansive water park spread in the northern outskirts of Mumbai, right by the sea. As the name suggests, attractions here are centered around water, with all sorts of pools and slides—one of which features a 7-story drop and reaches speeds of up to 40 mph (64 kmp).
Situated a couple of hours outside of Mumbai, this Mykonos-themed waterpark is a fantastic place to cool off on a hot summer's day. Here you'll find everything from a wave pool to a splash areas for little kids, along with costumed entertainers and a variety of dining options serving food from around the world.
Situated in the Shibpur suburb of Kolkata, this 269-acre (109-hectare) expanse of greenery dates back to the late 1700s, when it was used to study and develop commercial plants for trade under the British East India Company. Early tea-growing experiments here led to the thriving industries in Darjeeling and Assam that remain to this day.
Overlooking Bundi in India’s desert state of Rajasthan, Taragarh Fort is a 14th-century fortification where you’ll see ancient architecture while taking in fantastic city views. The fort gets its name for its starlike shape—tara means star and garh means fort.
Spread across a coastal hilltop in the Andhra Pradesh city of Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, Kailasagiri is an expansive park offering great views of the city and the Bay of Bengal. Highlights of this 350-acre (102-hectare) expanse include manicured gardens with a flower clock, giant statues of Lord Shiva and his consort Paravati, and an aerial ropeway offering scenic views.
Next to Alwar's City Palace, the Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is a two-story cenotaph (memorial site) erected in honor of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, one of the former rulers of Alwar, and his wife Moosi. It's characterized by a mix of red sandstone and white marble architecture, and features an intricately decorated ceiling covered with scenes from mythology and royal life.
Some of Bollywood’s most famous productions have come out Mumbai’s S.J. Studios, one of the city’s premiere filming locations. Bollywood films are shot here 365 days a year, and with eight full-sized sets open to guests, chances are high that visitors will spot a Bollywood star or catch a glimpse of a filming taking place.
A landscaped garden that combines Mughal and Rajput styles, peaceful Vidyadhar Garden (Vidhyadhar Bagh) has terraced lawns, lakes, fountains, and pavilions. Visitors can admire pavilions decorated with mirror mosaics and murals from Hindu mythology and spot peacocks and monkeys throughout the grounds.
Situated in Noida, a suburb of Delhi, Worlds of Wonder is a popular spot for families looking for some theme park fun. It consists of a ride-filled amusement park with more than 20 rides, a water park full of slides and pools, and plenty of special attractions geared toward even the smallest of guests.
Also known as Bundi Palace, Garh Palace was constructed in the 13th century as a royal residence, which has since housed many generations of maharajas and maharanis. Appearing to emerge from the rocky hillside, parts of the structure are decaying, but there are plenty for visitors to see, from the intricate architecture to colorful murals.
Formally known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan and often referred to simply as the "Ajmer Jain Temple," this 19th-century temple is dedicated to Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara (sage). Its key feature is a massive sculptural depiction of the city of Ayodhya gilded in brilliant and shining gold.
The Auto World Vintage Car Museum, located on the eastern outskirts of Ahmedabad, houses a large collection of classic automobiles, some from the early 20th century. Set in a crenelated building, which resembles a castle on a large private estate, the museums’ collection was once privately owned by local automobile enthusiast Pranlal Bhogilal. Car fans won’t want to miss this niche-interest museum if visiting Ahmedabad.
On the outskirts of Gurugram in India’s National Capital Region, Sultanpur National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Within a short drive of the city, its wide-open spaces and lake are home to a wealth of migratory and resident bird species, which you’ll spot either from observation towers dotted around the site or as you wander its grounds.
Built in 1699, Raniji ki Baori is the largest stepwell in Bundi—and the most popular. It measures around 151 feet (46 meters) deep and features masterfully carved interiors complete with numerous tiny elephants, gods, and goddesses hewn from stone.
Just off the coast of Diu, the Fortress of Panikotha is a 500-year-old stone fortification that was used to protect the coastline and control merchant ship activities. It was built as a reinforcement of the Diu Fort on the mainland, which was constructed a couple of decades earlier.
Just west of the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Jayadev Vatika is a sprawling park that spans 96 acres (39 hectares). Highlights include water features, shaded picnic areas, a playground, and hundreds of types of plants.
Ahmed Shah’s Mosque—also known as Shahi Jam-e-Masjid Bhadra and Juni Juma Masjid—is one of Ahmedabad’s oldest mosques, built in the early 15th century in the city’s original walled area. It reflects a Gujarati Islamic style of architecture that developed independently of the dominant strands in Mughal Delhi, with Hindu and Jain influences, too.
Although Prayagraj (Allahabad) is better known these days as a major Hindu pilgrimage city, it has a rich Islamic history. This can be seen in the beautiful Khusro Bagh, a walled garden containing the early 17th-century tombs of Khusro Mirza, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, and others. Anyone who’s seen Agra’s Taj Mahal or Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb will recognize the architectural continuity.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indian freedom fighter and the first Deputy Prime Minister of the independent nation, hailed from Gujarat and the state is immensely proud of his work and legacy. Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is a museum and exhibition center dedicated to him, housed in an elegant 17th-century Mughal palace, the Moti Shahi Mahal.
On the northern outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park is among the largest zoos in the country. The zoo is home to all sorts of creatures from India and beyond, including big cats, elephants, primates, and a huge range of birds.
Built by a Gujarat Sultan to unify rival states through a marriage pact, Delhi Darwaja (Delhi Gate) is the oldest and longest of the gates marking the boundaries of the walled old city of Ahmedabad. It is one of Ahmedabad’s most historic landmarks, which is today typically lined with traffic, street food vendors, and market stalls.
Also known as the Shri Gyanodaya Tirth Kshetra, the Nareli Jain Temple is an important pilgrimage site for members of the Digambar Jain community. As it’s located near the tourist destinations of Ajmer and Pushkar, it’s a popular sight for travelers from all different backgrounds as well.
The Hindu Patalpuri Temple stands within—or, rather, beneath—the grounds of the 16th-century Mughal Allahabad Fort, and is one of the only parts of the fort that’s always accessible, as the rest is controlled by the Indian Army. Prayagraj (Allahabad) is a major Hindu pilgrimage destination and the Patalpuri Temple is one of the holiest places in the city.
On the eastern side of Havelock Island, Govind Nagar Beach draws in a good number of visitors, owing partly to its proximity to the Havelock Jetty. There are lots of restaurants and hotels nearby, as well as dive centers, and the beach’s convenience adds to its appeal.
One of Bikaner's most recognizable landmarks, Kote Gate is considered the gateway to the Old City and acts as the de facto border between the old and new parts of town. While many visitors simply pass through, it's worth taking your time to check out the architecture of this massive entryway.
Overlooking Jait Sagar Lake in the northern reaches of Bundi, the Sukh Mahal is an elegant 18th-century palace that was commissioned as a summer home for the royal family. It’s characterized by beautiful Rajput architectural features, including domes known as chhatris and arched windows, plus lovely views across the water.
West of Ooty, Pykara Lake's big enticement is its clear-blue waters and forested surroundings. It's also a prime spot for travelers wanting to go on boat rides. A variety of options are available, from zippy speedboats to larger, slower vessels that can accommodate groups.
