India Attractions

India is possibly the most thrilling tourist destination of them all. It contains an astounding diversity of people, landscapes, sights and sounds. From lush jungles to sun-bleached deserts, from soaring mountain peaks to golden beaches, India has something to offer all her visitors. The difficulty is just in deciding what you want to see and do in this vast and complicated country.

Famous sights such as the Taj Mahal, Amber Palace and old Goa seldom fail to instil a sense of wonder in visitors, while the modern face of India, evident in the crowded cities and chaotic traffic, is also thrilling. It is the people, however, that live longest in the memory. They are renowned for their warm welcome, engaging conversation and obsessive-compulsive love of bargaining.

Visitors seem to be divided between those on organised tours, seeking to make the most of their time in relative comfort, and backpackers on six-month visas with flexible agendas. Despite isolated terrorist incidents and the occasional flare-up with Pakistan, India is one of the safest countries to visit, and it remains one of the best-value travel destinations in the world.

India's vibrant culture remains distinctive and unique despite years of colonial and western influence. One reason for this is the centrality of religion to Indian life, so that wherever you go, the sacred and profane exist side by side in perfect harmony. The real key to enjoying India is to go there with an open mind and an open heart.

Amber Palace

Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037…

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Chandni Chowk

No trip to Delhi would be complete without a visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square)…

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Fatehpur Sikri

The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was built under the…

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Golden Temple of Amritsar

Considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world - and the veritable heart of the Sikh religion - it's no wonder…

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Jain Temples of Ranakpur

Forty miles (60km) north of Udaipur are the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. It is the largest temple complex of its kind in…

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Old Goa

Old Goa was the state's capital city until 1843, when it was moved down river to Panaji. Once a byword for splendour,…

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Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)

The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction. Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City…

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Red Fort

The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old…

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Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognisable and evocative sights, and despite the incredible hype, a visit…

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The Backwaters of Kerala

One of the most memorable experiences for many travellers in Kerala is a boat journey on the state's famous backwaters.…

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Victoria Memorial

This astounding marble building is probably the most impressive colonial structure in India; in a city known for several…

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