Discover
India
A sensory explosion of colors, spices, palaces, and the majestic Taj Mahal.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It stands as a profound symbol of eternal love and is universally admired as a masterpiece of world heritage.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Visit at sunrise to avoid...
Amber Fort
Located high on a hill, Amber Fort is a magnificent and sprawling palace complex built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble. This principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area is known for its artistic style elements, blending Hindu and Rajput architecture. The fort is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard, offering a deep dive into royal history.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Stay for the evening sound...
Ganges River
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, sits on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. The riverfront is lined with a continuous stretch of ghats (steps leading down to the water) where daily rituals, ceremonies, and cremations take place. It is the spiritual heart of India, offering an intense, unfiltered view of Hindu traditions.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Hire a private boat at...
Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala Backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. This serene labyrinth of canals, rivers, and inlets is lined with lush palm trees and small, vibrant villages. Traditional thatched-roof houseboats, known as kettuvallams, slowly navigate these calm waters, offering a tranquil escape.
Best Time
September to March
Insider Tip
Opt for a smaller, traditional...
Goa Beaches
Goa is India's premier beach destination, boasting a long coastline along the Arabian Sea dotted with palm-fringed sandy shores. The state blends Indian and Portuguese cultures, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle. While North Goa is famous for its vibrant nightlife and busy markets, South Goa offers pristine, secluded beaches and luxury resorts.
Best Time
November to February
Insider Tip
Visit the less crowded beaches...
Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the spectacular ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, set against a surreal landscape of giant boulder-strewn hills. The vast area is dotted with ancient temples, monolithic sculptures, and remnants of grand palaces. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a once-prosperous civilization that was one of the largest cities in the world during the 15th century.
Best Time
October to February
Insider Tip
Rent a bicycle or a...
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore is one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, famous for its significant population of Bengal tigers. The park is characterized by dense jungle, ancient ruins, and picturesque lakes. The imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort sits atop a hill within the park, adding a unique historical dimension to the wilderness.
Best Time
October to June (especially April to June for tiger sightings)
Insider Tip
Book safaris well in advance...
Golden Temple (Amritsar)
The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest Gurdwara and the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism. It is a stunning structure covered in real gold, situated in the center of a large sacred pool (sarovar). The complex embodies a deep sense of peace, equality, and devotion, welcoming visitors of all faiths from around the world.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Visit during the early morning...
Udaipur (City Palace)
The City Palace of Udaipur is a sprawling complex of palaces built over nearly 400 years on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, featuring an amalgamation of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. The intricate peacock mosaics, mirror work, and sprawling courtyards provide a vivid illustration of Mewar's royal grandeur.
Best Time
September to March
Insider Tip
Take an evening boat ride...
Ellora & Ajanta Caves
These two UNESCO World Heritage sites represent the pinnacle of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. Ajanta features exquisite 2nd-century BCE Buddhist cave monuments adorned with masterful frescoes. Ellora consists of 34 monasteries and temples representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, most notably the colossal Kailasa temple, carved entirely from a single rock.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Start early at both sites...
Ladakh (Pangong Lake)
Pangong Tso is a stunning high-altitude endorheic lake situated at an elevation of 4,225 meters in the Himalayas. Spanning across the borders of India and China, it is famous for its ever-changing shades of blue, ranging from azure to deep navy. The stark, barren mountains surrounding the lake create a dramatic and surreal contrast with the vibrant waters.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Stay overnight in a premium...
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Affectionately known as the 'Toy Train', this narrow-gauge railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site built between 1879 and 1881. It zigzags its way up the steep mountains from New Jalpaiguri to the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling. The journey offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, lush tea gardens, and misty valleys.
Best Time
March to May and October to December
Insider Tip
Book the short 'Joy Ride'...
Jaisalmer Fort
Emerging like a mirage from the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort is a massive sandcastle-like structure built in 1156 AD. Unlike most forts in India, it is a 'living fort' with a quarter of the city's population still residing within its walls. The narrow, winding alleys are lined with exquisite havelis (mansions), temples, and shops.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Enjoy a rooftop dinner within...
Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is an incredibly opulent structure serving as the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Rebuilt in 1912, its Indo-Saracenic architecture blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. The interiors are lavishly decorated with stained glass, mirrors, carved wooden doors, and vibrant mosaic floors.
Best Time
September to February
Insider Tip
Visit during the Dasara festival...
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD, the Khajuraho temples are world-renowned for their stunning Nagara-style architectural symbolism and intricate erotic sculptures. Only about 25 of the original 85 temples survive today, standing in a well-manicured park landscape. They are a celebration of life, love, and divine worship in sandstone.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Attend the spectacular Sound and...
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple situated on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. It is the geographic and ritual center of Madurai, characterized by its towering gopurams (gateway towers) covered in thousands of colorful stucco figures of gods, demons, and animals. The sprawling complex acts as a vibrant, living city within a city.
Best Time
October to March
Insider Tip
Visit the temple at night...
Rishikesh
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the Ganges, Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' It is a magnet for spiritual seekers, surrounded by ashrams, temples, and forested mountains. In addition to its spiritual significance, it has become a premier hub for white-water rafting and trekking.
Best Time
September to November and February to May
Insider Tip
Cross the iconic suspension bridges,...
Andaman Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago of over 500 islands, known for their stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is frequently ranked among the best beaches in Asia. The islands are mostly covered in dense tropical rainforests, offering a truly secluded and pristine environment.
Best Time
October to May
Insider Tip
Take a scenic ferry from...
Munnar
Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats, formerly a resort for the British Raj elite. It is characterized by endless expanses of manicured tea plantations that blanket the undulating hills in a vibrant shade of green. The cool climate, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls make it one of South India's most idyllic retreats.
Best Time
September to March
Insider Tip
Visit the Tea Museum to...
Mahabalipuram
Located on the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram is a historic town known for its UNESCO World Heritage group of sanctuaries carved out of rock along the coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. The site includes intricate bas-reliefs, monolithic rathas (chariot temples), and the iconic Shore Temple that overlooks the Bay of Bengal. It was a major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom.
Best Time
November to February
Insider Tip
Visit the Shore Temple at...
Travel Tips for India
- 1.
Dress modestly at temples
- 2.
Drink bottled water only
- 3.
Bargain at local markets