India attractions

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.

Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. Today, it’s a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all religious backgrounds and walks of life.

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.

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.

Located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the five-story-deep Adalaj Stepwell is considered a masterpiece of West Indian temple architecture and engineering. Like other stepwells found across the subcontinent, it was constructed as a means to collect and harvest monsoon rainwater for residents to use during dry times of the year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daria Daulat Bagh was built in 1784 in honor of Tipu Sultan's military victory over the British. This elegant palace, built almost entirely from fine teakwood, is an earlier example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which features a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements.

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.

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.

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.

The National Museum in Delhi is one of India’s largest museums. It’s in New Delhi, amid the spacious boulevards that are full of government institutions. The museum permanently displays items from a collection spanning 5,000 years of Indian civilization and also holds exhibits on Indian and international archaeological and historic themes.

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.

Chhatarpur Temple (Chhatarpur Mandir) is one of the largest such complexes in India, and it’s also relatively new by Indian standards, having been built in 1974. It’s dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of the warrior goddess Durga. The Hindu temple is made entirely of marble, and its intricately carved screens are especially impressive.

Tucked away deep in Rajasthan’s craggy Aravalli range, the 17th-century fortress town of Bhangarh has long been touted as the most haunted place in India. Many believe that the city was abandoned due to a curse, and rumors of ghoulish activity in Bhangarh has kept the place unoccupied for centuries.

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.

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.

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.

Known alternatively as Besant Nagar Beach, or “Bessie” for short, Elliot's Beach sits at the south end of the Marina Beach shore. A former expatriate enclave during Chennai’s colonial era, today the beach attracts throngs of twentysomethings, as well as families looking to avoid the crowds at the more popular Marina Beach.

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.

Sahakari Spice Farm provides an excellent first introduction to India's spice-growing and production. Here you'll get to see where your spices come from and learn about how they’re grown, dried, and processed. If they’re daring enough, guests can also try their hand at swinging from betel-nut palms.