Spanning almost 3,300,00 square kilometres, and with a population nearing 1.5 billion, India is a country of staggering size, and phenomenal beauty and diversity. From the dramatic Northern peaks to the idyllic beaches of the south, there’s such an incredible variety of geography and culture that you could spend months exploring, and still have only scratched the surface of what it has to offer.
That said, there are some stand-out sights and experiences that feature on the bucket-lists of most people who are planning their Indian travel itineraries.
Here are 11 of the most remarkable things to see and do in India.
1. Marvel at the Taj Mahal, Agra
It may be predictable, but the Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world for very good reason. This marble masterpiece was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, as a Mausoleum for his favourite wife and trusted confidant, Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically died in the aftermath of giving birth to their 14th child.
Its beauty and elegance is an architectural expression of his undying love and devotion to her, and that may be its real draw – it was built for true love, and that love can be seen and felt in every intricately carved detail and precious gemstone that adorns its milky white walls. If you have the time, try to see it at different times of day to observe how the sun’s position and strength can change the hue of the building from a dreamy pink to a cool blue.
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2. Visit Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Built in the early 18th century by the Maharaja Jai Singh II, this incredible astronomical observation site is made up of 19 stone, marble, and brass instruments used to observe and track celestial objects. The massive masonry tools are remarkably accurate at measuring time, predicting eclipses, observing planetary movements, and even gauging celestial altitudes.
Each of the instruments is impressive but, above all, you won’t want to miss the world’s largest sundial, the Samrat Yantra (at 27m tall, missing it would be difficult, so this shouldn’t be an issue). It’s an incredible feat of engineering that can tell the time to within two seconds accuracy. A true testament to India’s scientific and architectural heritage.
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3. Unwind in the city of Alleppey, Kerala
Known formally as Allapuhza but colloquially Alleppey, this southern city jewel is a charming maze of peaceful backwaters, palm trees, and pearl-white strands.
There are lots of things to see here, and we recommend a visit to the colourful Sree Subramanya Swami Temple – but Alleppey is undoubtedly a place to unwind in. Cruise the waterways in a charming houseboat, watch some local Kathakali dance performances, stretch out on some beautiful beaches, and fill your boots with the delicious local cuisine.
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4. Take a ‘Joy Ride’ on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The ‘Toy Train’ is what the locals playfully called the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway back in 1881 when it first began chugging along cliff tops and through hillsides and tea plantations in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
The beautiful trains still run today, and earned their UNESCO Heritage Site status at the turn of the millennium. You can take a two-hour ‘Joy Ride’ on one of these lovely locomotives to experience a true whistle-stop tour of this beautiful part of the country. And, while you’re in the area, why not pay a visit to one of the tea plantations to have a cup of darjeeling, right at the source?
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5. Explore Jaisalmer, The Golden City
A desert adventure in Jaisalmer delivers a lot more than just sand – you can visit this incredible place to see the glowing Golden City and its crowning fortress in the heart of the Thar Desert. Dominating the city’s skyline is Jaisalmer fort, which is known as a ‘living fort’. This means that it’s inhabited by the local population to this day; in fact it’s still home to around a quarter of the city’s people.
The fort has been standing since 1156, and is an enthralling place to visit with its massive honey coloured walls that provide ingenuous camouflage into the desert that surrounds it. It contains palaces, seven beautiful and ornate temples, lots of shopping and incredible restaurants. If you visit, don’t miss the sunset over the Gadisar Lake (or the light and water displays once it’s dark).
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6. Discover the unique importance of Mehrangarh, Jodhpur
Imposing and truly fit for purpose, the Mehrangarh fort was built out of pure urgency and necessity by the Maharaja Man Singh in 1808, after an invasion and cruising defeat at the hands of armies from Jaipur.
Mehrangarah is an impressive sight, high on a hill that itself dominates Jodhpur’s skyline, but the really impressive stuff is what you find when you get up close.
From the iron entrance spikes (a kind of chevaux-de-frise designed to stop invading enemy’s elephants) to the devastating handprints left by the royal widows who committed Sati here, and the magnificent ramparts, you can easily get lost for hours in the stories told by this fascinating site.
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7. Glimpse tigers at Kanha Tiger Reserve, Mandla
For animal lovers who travel in India, the majestic and elusive tiger is usually high up on the list of ‘must sees’. And where better to try to catch a glimpse of one than in the beautiful, lush, and vast Kanha Tiger Reserve. A jungle safari might not always result in a tiger sighting but, even if they stay hidden, there’s still a host of wonderful wildlife to witness here.
Exotic birds including the majestic wild peacock, bears, boars, deer, panthers, wild dogs, and much more all call this jungle home. And with expert guides, you’re sure to have some unforgettable encounters in a reserve that’s well run and prioritises the welfare of its inhabitants.
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8. Find peace in Sikkim
North of Darjeeling and right on the border of Tibet, high in the breathtaking eastern Himalayas, you’ll find the state of Sikkim. It’s the least populated part of India, so if you’re looking for space and peace after the chaos of one of India’s bigger cities, or simply want to breathe that fresh Himalayan air, Sikkim is where to head.
You can really see the different culture here, with Buddhist temples and Chinese architecture throughout the area – but the real landmarks are the incredible mountains. Sikkim is home to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. The views of the mountains from here are truly special, and while they may be beyond climbing for most of us, there’s nothing stopping us from watching the sun slowly set fire to their snowy caps as it disappears.
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Heritage-Style Shimla Escape at the Base of the Himalayan Foothills with Valley Views & Lavish Indoor Pool*
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9. Soak in the beauty of Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Man-made in 1362, this shimmering glass-top lake has become a favoured movie and wedding location because of its idyllic and photogenic beauty. This is a place to relax, unwind, eat, stroll and shop. Sit on one of the sun-drenched ghats (terraced riverbanks or lakeside areas) and watch the world go by, or browse the nearby colourful bazaars for clothing and crafts.
You can take a sunset cruise out onto the lake to watch the lakeside palaces turn into silhouettes and get a closer look at Jag Mandir – the palace that appears to float like a mirage in the middle of the lake.
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10. Escape to the Andaman Islands
For an Indian island escape, you’ll find beach bliss on the Andaman Islands. The Andamans are an archipelago of pure paradise islands – 572 of them to be exact – in the Bay of Bengal.
Just a few of these islands are actually accessible to tourists, but those are more than enough to satisfy anyone in search of white-sand strands and crystal-clear waters. Snorkellers and divers, in particular, will be enchanted by the untouched coral reefs and kaleidoscopic marine life – don’t forget your mask and fins if you’re visiting the Andamans.
Away from the beaches, you can also enjoy a day spent exploring the Islands’ capital, Port Blair. Here, you can tour the infamous British colonial prison, the Cellular Jail, and learn about India’s struggle for independence – a stark contrast to the idyllic peaceful beauty of the beaches, but every bit as much a part of the Andaman’s history.
11. The Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka
Stretched across a vast, rocky landscape that’s almost lunar at times, the ruins of Hampi date back to the 1300s when the city was the capital of the mediaeval Vijayanagara Empire. Conquered and then abandoned in 1565, the city slowly crumbled. Today, what’s left is an incredible collection of golden monuments, temples, tombs and other ruins that’ll give you a visceral sense of the grandeur and sophistication of this ancient empire.
For those who like a bit of a trek, you can make your way up Matanga Hill for a panoramic view back down over the whole ancient city. Be warned, though, there are lots of boulders and some tough routes to the top that are popular with the bouldering crowd… But you can make your way up a little more smoothly via the stone steps that are as old as the city itself.
Final thoughts…
We could write pages upon pages more about the incredible sights you can expect to see throughout India, from the chaos of big cities to the idyllic Goan sunsets. It’s a remarkable country with endless places to explore, which is why so many backpackers spend months on end discovering its beauty…
The trick is figuring out how much time you have, and just how much you want to pack into your holiday.
Have you been to India? Or are you planning a trip? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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