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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.
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 and 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.
Red Fort
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the power and prosperity of the Mogul Empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to... see full details
Chandni Chowk
No trip to Delhi would be complete without a visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square) in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a wonderful array of goods, and offer a pungent and colourful insight into everyday... see full details
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognisable and evocative sights, and despite the incredible hype, a visit here cannot disappoint. Set overlooking the River Yamuna, visible from Agra Fort in the West, the Taj was built by Shah Jahan to... see full details
Amber Palace
Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls, and a further wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding... see full details
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 Palace complex overlooking one of the city's bustling main streets, and was constructed to offer the women of the court a... see full details
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 India, and boasts some truly staggering marble work - easily on a par with any in Asia. The main temple was... see full details
The Ghats
There are over 100 bathing and burning ghats (literally 'steps') at Varanasi, but the most sacred is the Manikarnika Ghat, which is the most auspicious place that a Hindu can be cremated. Outcasts, known as chandal, carry the bodies through the alleyways of the... see full details
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, with a population of several hundred thousand, Old Goa was virtually abandoned from the 17th century, as the river silted up... see full details
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. The best-known of these areas is Kuttanad, situated between the hills in the west and the Arabian Sea, and stretching for 50 miles... see full details
Fatehpur Sikri
The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was built under the personal supervision of the Emperor Akbar. The story goes that the emperor was childless and, having tried all sorts of solutions... see full details
Victoria Memorial
This astounding marble building is probably the most impressive colonial structure in India. It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria and only completed in 1921, after 20 years of solid work. Inside is a fascinating museum of Indian history, including some wonderful sculptures. The... see full details
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 that tourists come from all over the globe to see the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Situated in the middle of... see full details