Ahmedabad’s Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati is a fascinating destination for Indian history enthusiasts and anyone interested in spirituality and concepts of nonviolence. The Indian freedom fighter was from Gujarat and spent many years living at the ashram with his wife. Now, visitors can stroll through the grounds, browse the museum, or even do historical research in the archives located here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dating back to the end of the 18th century, St. John's Church was the first Anglican cathedral in India. It was one of the earliest buildings set up by the East India Company, its construction funded largely by public lottery. The church served as the seat of the Anglican Church until the 1847 construction of St. Paul's Cathedral.
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.
At 1,017 feet (310 meters), Dudhsagar Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in India. At the base of the four-tiered falls is a huge swimming area—that’s as as far as most travelers go. A railway bridge crosses right under the falls, and if you happen to visit when a train is passing by you're sure to get some great photos.
A bargain hunter’s dream, this small yet buzzing market is full of energy, not to mention clothing, jewelry, and a whole range of other goods at astonishingly low prices. Popular with tourists due to its location and atmosphere, Janpath Market is busy and lively, making it an attraction even for those who just want to browse.
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.
Overlooking India’s holy city of Haridwar, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayas, the Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mansa Devi and is an ancient pilgrimage center. Millions of devotees and tourists visit annually to worship or simply absorb the powerful atmosphere of this revered site.
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.
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.
