From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover a trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures.
To help you make the most of your time in this amazing country, often refer to our list of the top tourist attractions in India.
1. The Taj Mahal, Agra
1. The Taj Mahal, Agra
Perhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal, is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen until 1648 to complete.
The Taj Mahal is largely constructed of white marble, incorporating many elements of Islamic design, including arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance. Adding to its splendor are delicate inlaid floral patterns and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.
The best time to visit is either at dawn or dusk when the atmosphere is brilliantly altered by the change in lighting. If possible, try to catch a view of the Taj Mahal's reflection from the far bank of the Yamuna River-it makes for a memorable (and safe) selfie.
Location | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
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Area | 17 hectares[1] |
Height | 73 m (240 ft) |
Built | 1632–53 |
Built for | Mumtaz Mahal |
Architect | Ustad Ahmad Lahauri |
Architectural style(s) | Mughal architecture |
Visitors | 6,532,366 (in 2019) |
Governing body | Government of India |
Website | www.tajmahal.gov.in |
2. The Holy City of Varanasi
Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, this holy city has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious symbols.
Varanasi offers many reasons to visit.
Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance to Hindus, and numerous locations known as "ghats" feature stairways leading to the water where the faithful bathe before prayers. The largest is Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers, is considered particularly holy. Not least of them is the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges, where you'll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple, with its seven separate temples, is also interesting.
Also worth seeing is Banaras Hindu University, established in 1917 and noted for its massive library with more than a million books, and the superb Bharat Kala Bhavan museum featuring fine collections of miniature paintings, sculptures, and palm-leaf manuscripts, and local history exhibits.
Country | India |
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State | Uttar Pradesh |
District | Varanasi |
Government | |
• Type | Municipal Corporation |
• Body | Varanasi Municipal Corporation |
• Mayor | Mridula Jaiswal (BJP) |
• Divisional Commissioner | Deepak Agarwal, IAS |
• District Magistrate | Kaushal Raj Sharma, IAS |
• Inspector General, Varanasi Range | Suvendra Kr. Bhagat, IPS |
• Commissioner of Police | A. Satish Ganesh, IPS |
Area | |
• Metropolis | 82 km2 (32 sq mi) |
• Metro | 163.8 km2 (63.2 sq mi) |
Elevation | 80.71 m (264.80 ft) |
Population
(2011)
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• Metropolis | 1,212,610 |
• Rank | 31st |
• Metro | 1,432,280 (32nd) |
Demonym(s) | Banarasi |
Language | |
• Official | Hindi |
• Additional official | Urdu |
• Regional | Bhojpuri |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Website | Varanasi |
Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, which opened in 1604 and is still often referred to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration.
The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was built in a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its lower marble section features such flourishes as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of purity to Sikhs.
In addition to its splendid design, visitors are equally impressed with the temple's spiritual atmosphere, an effect enhanced by the prayers continuously chanted from the Sikh holy book and broadcast throughout the complex.
Part of the overall experience – and visitors are welcome to participate – is the chance to enjoy one of the 50,000 free meals the attraction serves visitors daily.
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Golden Temple | |
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ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Harmandir Sahib Durbār Sahib |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Sikhism |
Location | |
Location | Amritsar |
State | Punjab |
Country | India |
4. The Golden City: Jaisalmer
So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, today the city is filled with splendid old mansions; magnificent gateways; and the massive Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a daunting 12th-century structure that rises high above the town.
In addition to its palaces, temples, and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 bastions along with massive gates leading to its main courtyard, where you'll find the seven-story-tall Maharaja's Palace. Starting in the early 1500s and added to by successive rulers until the 19th century, the palace offers sections open to the public, including beautifully decorated with tiles from Italy and China and intricately carved stone doors.
Several Jain temples dating from the 12th to 16th centuries, each decorated with fine marble and sandstone images, palm-leaf manuscripts, and brightly painted ceilings. Check out the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and antiquities.
Jaisalmer
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City
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Nickname(s):
The Golden city
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Country | India |
State | Rajasthan |
District | Jaisalmer |
Founded by | Rawal Jaisal |
Government | |
• Member of Parliament | Kailash Choudhary |
• Member of Legislative Assembly | Rooparam |
• District Collector & District Magistrate | Ashish Modi, IAS |
• Superintendent of Police | Dr. Ajay Singh, IPS |
Area | |
• Urban | 62.38 km2 (24.09 sq mi) |
Elevation | 225 m (738 ft) |
Population
(2011)
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• City | 65,471 |
Languages | |
• Official | Hindi and Rajasthani |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN |
345 001
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Telephone code | 02992 |
ISO 3166 code | RJ-IN |
Vehicle registration | RJ-15 |
Website | jaisalmer |
5. The Red Fort, New Delhi
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power – a role it maintained until 1857 – the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by a large moat.
Highlights include its two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the fort's main entrance) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.
A fun part of a visit is exploring Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar selling everything from jewelry to silk garments, souvenirs, and food items. While you can explore the fort yourself, guided tours are offered and provide a fascinating insight into the life and times of the Shah, including a peek into the stunning white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) where he received his subjects.
Hot Tip: Try to stick around for the sound and light show each evening featuring important events in the fort's history.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
6. Mumbai: The Gateway of India
Standing an impressive 26 meters tall and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see in Mumbai. Built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary in 1911, this stunning piece of architecture was opened with much pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest structure in the city.
Constructed entirely of yellow basalt and concrete and notable for its Indo-Saracenic design, the Gateway of India was also the scene of a rather less jubilant procession of British soldiers in 1948 when India gained its independence. These days, the huge archway provides a stunning backdrop that is as popular among locals as tourists.
Gateway of India | |
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General information | |
Type | Triumphal arch |
Architectural style | Indo-Saracenic |
Location | Mumbai, India |
Construction started | 31 March 1913 |
Completed | 1924 |
Inaugurated | 4 December 1924 |
Cost | ₹21 lakhs |
Owner | Archaeological Survey of India |
Height | 26 m (85 ft) |
Dimensions | |
Diameter | 15 meters (49 feet) |
Design and construction | |
Architect | George Wittet |
Architecture firm | Gammon India |
Renovating team | |
Architect | George Wittet |
Website | |
gatewayofindia.org |
7. Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad
Construction of Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid, one of the world's largest mosques – and one of the oldest in India – began in 1614 during Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah's reign and took almost 80 years to complete.
Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this beautiful mosque's 15 enormous arches and pillars were each wrought from single slabs of black granite dragged to the site by huge cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls.
Taking its name from the bricks above the central gate of Mecca, these impressive complex features highlight its main gateway, a huge plaza, and a large manmade pond. There's also a room that houses the hair of Prophet Mohammed.
Other notable features include inscriptions from the Quran above many of the arches and doors, the exquisite roof of the main hall, and the cornices around the entire mosque structure. Look out for the exquisite floral motifs and friezes over the arches.
Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
8. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort (often also spelled "Amber") was built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and has long served as the capital of Jaipur. Carved high up into the hillside, the fort is accessible on foot via a steep climb or shuttle rides from the town below (better still, let an elephant do the work).
Highlights include Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard with its many decorated elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also of note is the adjoining Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am) with its finely decorated walls and terraces frequented by monkeys.
Other highlights include Sukh Niwas (the Hall of Pleasure) with its many flowerbeds and a channel once used to carry cooling water, and the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), notable for its many decorative panels, colorful ceilings, and excellent views over the palace and the lake below.
Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh and featuring tall lookout towers, formidable walls, and the world's largest wheeled cannon. Be sure to also spend time wandering the walled Old City of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and splendid bazaars and the delightful City Palace, a massive complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
Long known within India as the "go-to" destination for those seeking a great beach holiday, Goa's beautiful western coastline, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has only recently been discovered by tourists from overseas. Goa's more than 60 miles of coastline is home to some of the world's loveliest beaches, each with a particular appeal.
For those looking for peace and quiet, isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice, while Calangute Beach is by far the most commercial and crowded. For those in search of posh resorts, yoga getaways, and spa vacations, the beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are fashionable among wealthy Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is another one of Goa's popular beaches in a beautiful setting.
While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This superb attraction is home to thick forests and plenty of fauna, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, black panthers, India's famous king cobras, and some 200 species of birds.
Also worth a visit is Divar Island, accessed by ferry from Old Goa. Highlights include Piedade, a typical Goan village and home to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its interesting stucco work, Baroque plaster decorations, and altars, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
One of South India's most popular tourist attractions, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, is centered around a lake built by British engineers in 1895 to irrigate and provide water to the city of Madurai.
Established in 1934, this beautiful park is home to numerous species of mammals, including a large free-roaming Indian elephant population, wild boar, otters, the lion-tailed macaque, and more than 20 Bengal tigers. Bird-watching is popular with frequent sightings of species such as darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos, along with a wide interesting variety of butterflies.
The best ways to enjoy the park's splendid mountain scenery are to take a lake cruise or guided jungle walk. The latter allows visitors to meet with elephant herds and observe other wildlife from watchtowers and viewing platforms.
Hot Tip: Be sure to visit one of the nearby spices, tea, or coffee plantations for a tour.
11. Agra Fort
Built as a military structure in 1565 by Emperor Akbar and later additions by Shah Jahan, the stunning Agra Fort (also known as Agra's Red Fort) is an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim influences.
Located more than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, the fort is entered through Amar Singh Gate, with its low outer wall and dogleg design built to confuse attackers. Once inside, you'll see two large interlinked sandstone buildings, Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private residence in the complex.
Other highlights include the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its splendid copper roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-patterned Mughal garden with numerous wonderful fountains and water channels as well as screens that once offered a private area for the emperor and his entourage. Also of note is the octagonal Musamman Burj tower, which later served as Shah Jahan's prison until his death.
Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
12. The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
The famous monumental Ellora Caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks and make for an excellent excursion from Mumbai, some 300 kilometers to the west.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable collection of 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples – 12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five belonging to the Jain faith – were built near each other, a reflection of the religious tolerance that existed during this period of Indian history.
The highlights of the Buddhist monastery caves include several shrines featuring carvings of Buddha and saints dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, as well as the stunning Carpenter's Cave, considered one of the finest in India.
The Hindu caves are much more complex and were carved from the top, so scaffolding was unnecessary. Of these, the best is the Kailasa Temple, an enormous rock-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and requiring the removal of 200,000 tons of rock.
Dominating the old city of Jodhpur, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest fortifications in India, was built in the 15th century to safeguard the people of the famous "Blue City." Jodhpur is still known by this name, derived from its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to deflect the heat.
Built on top of a towering outcrop, Mehrangarh is an amazing feat of construction, its massive walls all but impenetrable. Access is via one of seven splendid gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter still bears scars from cannon attacks).
Highlights of a visit include exploring the fort's fascinating network of courtyards and palaces and a museum housing a splendid collection of artifacts related to the Maharajas. Be sure to spend time in the historic center of Jodhpur itself, famous for its eight city gates, a lovely old clock tower, and numerous bazaars selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
Official site: www.mehrangarh.org
Mehrangarh | |
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Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India | |
Type | Fort |
Site information | |
Controlled by | H H Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur |
Open to the public |
Yes |
Site History | |
Built by | Rathore dynasty of Jodhpur |
14. The Ganges River
The Ganges River, or "Ganga" after the Hindu goddess, has long been one of India's most revered natural wonders. It's also one of the country's leading attractions, drawing crowds of Indian nationals to partake in its religious ceremonies and tourists to enjoy this mighty river's splendor.
While many cities dotted along the river, it's to the city of Varanasi that most tourists will travel to experience the Ganges and the cultural attractions that have sprung up along its banks. Although relatively small by Indian standards – its population is around 1.2 million people – the city is chock-full of temples and other important religious sites, many of them focused on the worship of (or on) the Ganges.
Numerous "ghats" are set along the river banks, making it easy for worshippers and tourists to get up close. Made up of sometimes steep steps leading directly into the water, 88 of these entry points to the Ganges are, in fact. While most are many centuries old, they were extensively reconstructed and improved in the 1700s, and with their often vibrant, colorful ceremonies and celebrations are some of the most beautiful places to photograph in India.
If you've time, opt for one of the Ganges river tours available in the city from any of the ghats. The most memorable is the early morning sunrise cruises. Top the experience by purchasing one of the small, floating offerings available from a vendor and set it off down the river (camera at the ready, of course).
15. Mysore Palace
The sprawling city of Mysore is a delight to explore, thanks to its eclectic mix of fine old colonial architecture, regal Indian palaces, and lush, well-manicured gardens. While those inclined towards shopping will enjoy spending time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood bazaars, the main attraction is the magnificent Mysore Palace.
Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this beautiful three-storied palace features highlights such as its elegant square towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and pillars in Durbar Hall; and the splendid Marriage Pavilion, with its glazed floor tiles, stunning stained glass, artworks, and displays of jewelry. It's also where, on special occasions, the exquisite Golden Throne is exhibited.
For a real treat, catch one of the splendid light displays held each Sunday and during holidays, when the palace is illuminated by more than 90,000 lights. A fun way to explore the palace's massive grounds and gardens is as part of a cycle tour, available free once inside.
Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
Mysore Palace | |
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Alternative names | Amba Vilas Palace |
General information | |
Architectural style | Indo-Saracenic |
Location | Chamarajapura |
Town or city | Mysore |
Country | India |
Current tenants | Government of Karnataka |
Construction started | 1897 |
Completed | 1912 |
Owner | Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar |
Design and construction | |
Architect | Henry Irwin |
Designations | Royal Seat of the Maharajas of Mysore |
Website | |
https://mysorepalace.gov.in |