India attractions

The 19th-century Banke Bihari Temple (Banke Bihari Mandir)—one of India’s most famous temples—in Vrindavan houses an idol of Lord Krishna that devotees believe will cause them to faint if they look into its eyes. As such, the idol is kept behind a curtain that’s swiftly opened and closed, allowing worshipers to catch quick glimpses of the god safely.

Mathura is a holy town located about 30 miles north of the Taj Mahal city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It's a hub of religious activity, owing to the fact that the Hindu god Krishna was allegedly born here, and most visitors to the city are devout Hindus or tourists stopping by on their way between Delhi and Agra.

Rising from the banks of Kolkata’s River Hooghly, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is held sacred by millions of Hindu faithful. Built in 1855, the 9-spired temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali and offers an insight into the city’s religious life and culture.

Chennai’s most famous temple, the 7th-century Kapaleeshwar Temple honors the god Shiva with shrines dedicated to many other deities in the South Indian pantheon. The working temple offers a good example of classical Dravidian architecture, with a stepped pyramid design blanketed in colorful statues of gods, demons, warriors and royalty.

Located in the heart of Kolkata, the MP Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia and second-largest in the world. The single-story dome houses a working observatory equipped with a Celestron C-14 telescope. The outer ring of the structure is home to an astronomy gallery with a large collection of paintings and models from some of the world’s most renowned astronomers.

Construction of the red sandstone Old Fort (Purana Qila), Delhi's oldest surviving fort, was begun in the middle of the 16th century under Sher Shah of the Sur Empire. The fort was later the location of Dinpanah, built by rival Mughal Emperor Humayun and destroyed by Sher Shah. Purana Qila’s location may also have been the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha.

A must for art and history lovers, this sprawling palace complex in Tamil Nadu was first constructed by the Nayak dynasty in 1535. After being captured by Maratha rulers 150 years later, the palace’s new owners added their own unique contributions. The result is an eclectic mix of temples, towers, and halls, now home to several museums.

The Indo-Portuguese Museum was set up by the late bishop of Kochi to preserve and showcase the significant influence of the Portuguese Catholic community in Fort Kochi and its surroundings. A popular attraction, it depicts the art, architecture, and culture of this community and gives visitors a glimpse of the original fort’s foundations.

Delhi’s ISKCON Temple is a large, contemporary temple complex that features a modern take on an eclectic array of traditional Indian architectural styles. It's the local hub of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (aka the Hare Krishnas) and provides a good introduction to Vedic beliefs, especially for Westerners.

Just over a half mile (1.2 kilometers) long, this stretch of pedestrian walkway hugging the coast has become one of the city’s most popular hangout spots. On any given day, you’ll see locals jogging or relaxing in the park and young couples sneaking in displays of affection away from the prying eyes of parents.

Part of South India's UNESCO-listed Western Ghats region, this compact national park protects the endangered Nilgiri tahr species of mountain goat, along with all sorts of other mammals and birds. The park is also known for its purple neelakurinji flowers, which only bloom once every 12 years.

Dating back to the 17th century, the landmark Mecca Masjid (also spelled Makkah Masjid) is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, not to mention one of the largest mosques in the world. It’s made of granite and features exquisite interiors, including a large prayer hall that can accommodate more than 10,000 people.

Known as the father of the nation for his leading role in India’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi is among the most important activists of the 20th century. The National Gandhi Museum was inaugurated in his honor in 1961, and today attracts visitors interested in Gandhi, the Independence Movement, and the struggle for peace.

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 seat of the Diocese of Calcutta of the Church of North India, St. Paul's Cathedral was built in 1847, effectively shifting the hub of Anglicanism in the city from St. John's Cathedral. Though its main function is as a house of worship, the imposing cathedral also features a decent library with numerous books on theology and general interest.

Down a small, unsuspecting street in the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, a throng of eateries selling Indian stuffed bread (paratha draws in locals and visitors in their droves. Gali Paranthe Wali is a bustling narrow lane lined with stalls and shops selling this flatbread street food favorite straight from a hot plate (tawa.

Central Kolkata’s College Street is the heart of intellectualism in a city that prides itself on its esteemed academic traditions. Thousands of second-hand book stalls line the street to either side where you can find nearly any book ever sold in the city, including rare titles at bargain basement prices.

Not far from the Taj Mahal, Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center is best-known as the venue that stagesMohabbat the Taj, a theatrical performance that tells the story of the Taj Mahal’s origins. There’s also a large shopping emporium filled with jewelry and handicrafts from Agra and across India.

Stretching around 8 miles (13 kilometers) along Chennai, Marina Beach is India’s longest natural urban beach. While not an ideal swimming beach, Marina Beach makes an excellent spot for people watching in the cooler hours of the morning and evening, when the main stretch near Triplicane becomes a flurry of activity.

South Delhi's hip Hauz Khas Village is popular among tourists and locals alike, appealing to a younger crowd with its myriad restaurants, bars, and trendy boutiques. It's a good place to shop for Bollywood posters and designer jewelry, explore old tombs and monuments, or eat and drink your evening away.

High on a hilltop in the north of Bangalore, the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple Bangalore (also called the Sri Radha Krishna Temple) is one of the organization's largest complexes on earth, and one of Bangalore's most popular Hindu places of worship. Unlike many of the temples in the city, this one features contemporary architecture and modern interiors.

Delhi’s National Science Centre, indirectly run by the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture, is one of the largest science-themed complexes in India. It’s a fun place to visit, especially with kids, thanks to the many exhibits and shows in its numerous galleries. From Indian heritage to model dinosaurs to nuclear power, there’s something for everyone.

The government-sponsored Dilli Haat market has long been popular with tourists as well as locals. You'll find handicrafts from across India, as well as food booths showcasing regional specialties. Dilli Haat is also a calmer alternative to the more hectic markets across South India, because admission fees keep crowds at bay.

Founded in 1814, Kolkata’s Indian Museum is India’s oldest and largest museum, and hosts a vast collection of historical artifacts and natural history specimens. Located near the Maidan park, the colonnaded museum is a must-see for visitors interested in India’s past.

Sitting in the Tripunithura district of Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum was built in 1865 as a palace for local maharajahs. Now a museum housing Keralan archaeological and royal artifacts, its building remains an architectural gem, with classical Keralan columns and courtyards standing in 52 acres (21 hectares) of gardens.

Sitting on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mount Mary Church is one of the most important churches in the city. It attracts people of all faiths, particularly during the annual Bandra Fair, which is held every September. The church is a great place to escape the hectic city and take a little time for peace and quiet reflection.

Rajpath is a grand boulevard running through the heart of New Delhi from Rashtrapati Bhavan through India Gate and on to the National Stadium. The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of road is home to some of Delhi’s top attractions, making it a perfect starting point for a walking tour of the new city.

A popular day trip from Mumbai, the Karla Caves is a series of Buddhist shrines that were carved from a hillside thousands of years ago, with many dating back to the first century BCE. Here you'll find beautifully preserved prayer halls and monasteries, many decorated with intricate sculptures of elephants, horses, and people.

Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso) is a bright blue brackish lake sitting at 14,270 feet (4,350 meters) above sea level. It spans the border between Ladakh (India) and Western Tibet (China), and the majority of travelers visit from Leh, Ladakh’s capital. Despite its very remote location, the sight is especially popular with Indian tourists, as it featured in the 2009 Bollywood hit 3 Idiots.

Delhi’s Jantar Mantar is a complex of 18th-century astronomical instruments set in peaceful parkland near the center of New Delhi. It was constructed under the instruction of Jaipur’s Maharaja Jai Singh. The 13 instruments look more like sculptures to the modern eye, but reflected the most up-to-date knowledge about science and the planets at the time they were made.