The Best Things to Do in India

Many of the most beautiful sights in India are cultural monuments. There’s the instantly recognisable Taj Mahal – a global symbol of love and devotion – but outside of Agra you’ll also find plenty of other notable Indian landmarks. In Delhi you can visit the 17th-century Red Fort, while Mumbai is home to the Gateway of India. The main cities in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) also boast an impressive collection of palaces and forts.

Need to know: To get a bit farther off the beaten track, head east of Udaipur to visit the incredibly intricate temple complex of Khajuraho.

Indian culture is a blend of various traditions and religious beliefs, and the best way to understand this is to visit its holiest sites. Varanasi is a great place to start; considered the country’s spiritual capital, it holds significance in Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism and is set on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. To learn more about the Sikh faith in particular, head to the pilgrimage site of Amritsar, with its shimmering Golden Temple.

Need to know: some of the best cultural experiences in India also touch on its complex colonial history, and Fort Cochin is among the best places to learn about this part of its past.

If you’re the kind of traveller who designs their days around food, India will be a dream come true. There’s simply so much delicious Indian cuisine to discover, from national icons like khichdi (a savoury porridge) to regional specialties like Keralan seafood in Kerala and the hearty soups of Ladakh. In fact, some of our favourite tourism activities in India are centred around food, including cooking classes, market tours and tastings.

Need to know: We can organise an authentic street food tour in Delhi, a culinary workshop with a local family, a farm visit in Kerala or even an entire tour based around biryani.

Beyond its bustling cities and man-made attractions, India is also packed with natural wonders. If you’re hoping for world-class hiking and awe-inspiring vistas, head to the Himalayan peaks of Ladakh and Kumaon. In nearby Rishikesh you can go white water rafting and ziplining through the wilderness, among many other outdoor adventures. The Keralan backwaters offer a different kind of beauty, with labyrinthine rivers flanked by lush green fields and coconut palms.

Need to know: Kerala is also home to Munnar: one of the most naturally beautiful and picturesque places in India thanks to its mist-shrouded slopes, waterfalls and tea estates.

Bordered by thousands of miles of coastline, India is brimming with beautiful beaches. One of our favourites is Marari Beach in Kerala, near Fort Cochin. This tranquil stretch of sand boasts warm waters and gorgeous sunsets; keep an eye out for dolphins while you snorkel, surf or sunbathe. Farther north on the west coast lies Goa, a small state with tropical beaches and Portuguese influences evident in its architecture and cuisine.

Need to know: If you’re in Goa between October and March, head to Morjim Beach for the chance to see nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles. The eggs usually hatch in April or May.

One effect of India’s coexisting cultures and religions is a calendar full of all sorts of celebrations. Festivals in India range from nationwide holidays like Diwali to local events like the Pushkar Camel Fair. One of the most famous and visually striking celebrations is Holi, with its clouds of brightly coloured powder. Many festivals are rooted in Hinduism, but others are secular celebrations of local and regional heritage.

Need to know: If you’re hoping to experience a particular festival, keep in mind that the exact dates of some holidays may vary from year to year and even from city to city.

Some of the best experiences in India can be found at its stunning historic hotels. In Udaipur you can stay at Taj Lake Palace: a former royal residence set right in the middle of Lake Pichola. Varanasi boasts the opulent 18th-century BrijRama Palace and Kerala is home to Vismaya, a 300-year-old lakeside villa. We also love the iconic Imperial in Delhi and Six Senses Fort Barwara, which is set in a 14th-century fortress in Rajasthan.

Need to know: India has far more heritage hotels than we can list here; speak with one of our travel designers to find the ideal accommodation for each leg of your itinerary.

You can spot extraordinary animals all over India, from Bengal tigers to Indian elephants. Head to Ranthambore National Park in southeastern Rajasthan to see tigers roaming among ancient temples and forts. These majestic felines can also be spotted in Bandhavgarh and Kanha Tiger Reserve, along with plenty of other rare species. Gir Forest National Park is known for its Asiatic lions, while Panna National Park is home to leopards, wild dogs and more.

Need to know: Stay at the secluded SUJÁN JAWAI in Rajasthan for the chance to spot leopards on scenic safari drives – it’s one of our favourite hotels in the world.