India
A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour



Over one billion people and 23 major languages — India is one of the world's most diverse places. You could visit every year for a lifetime and still not see all of it.
Many come for its colourful history and tongue-tingling food, or to find themselves at the feet of a Yogi. However, the list of adventures in India is never-ending. You can trek in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, hunt for tigers deep in the jungle, head out to watch a desert sunset on camelback or get lost in aeons-old temples — many of which are still used for worship today.
The contrasts in this kaleidoscopic world can be extreme, particularly in the cities where you'll see sleek skyscrapers on one street and people sleeping on pavements on the next. It's the kind of destination that you have to respond to: the intensity of the experiences will challenge and enthral you. Some find it a little overwhelming, but many more get utterly hooked and come back time and again.
Hidden gems in India
Bundi
Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri
PlaceBuilt in the 17th century by Rao Raja Anirudh for his foster brother Deva as a dome-shaped memorial, this cenotaph is famous for its 84 pillars (although legend says you can’t count them all). The cenotaph has several ornate sculptures and a linga (a form of Shiva) built in the centre.
Read moreBundi
Raniji Ki Baori Stepwell
PlaceStepwells are an architectural feature of Rajasthan and Gujarat. With water being a scarcity, stepwells were designed not only as sources of drinking water, but also places to bathe, pray and relax. Often sculpted as temples with gates, arches and pillars, there are about 50 stepwells in Bundi, but most of them are in ruins. The Raniji Ki Baori is the best known, built in the 17th century by Queen Nathavati, wife of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh. It is 46m (150ft) deep and each level has carvings of deities.
Read moreBundi
Sukh Mahal and Jait Sagar Lake
PlaceBuilt along the banks of the Jait Sagar Lake in the 18th century during the reign of Ummed Singh, the Sukh Mahal was home to Kipling and inspired him to write Kim. Meaning the palace of bliss, the Sukh Mahal is home to Mughal art and statues, a marble cenotaph and gardens.
Read moreJodhpur
Mandore
PlaceThe former capital of the Rathore clan lies in ruins amidst a beautiful garden filled with a fort, cenotaphs, temples, rock terraces and sculptures. Don’t miss the cenotaph of Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, which combines Jain and Buddhist architecture. This chattri also commemorates the ritual suicide of his 64 queens and concubines, who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in 1724. Located 9km from Jodhpur, visit for the Hall of Heroes (dedicated to folkloric characters), the Temple of Gods and the many monkeys roaming around.
Read moreUdaipur
Bagore Ki Haveli
PlaceLocated at Gangaur Ghat on the banks of Lake Pichola, this 18th-century palace belonged to the then prime minister of Mewar, Amar Chand Badwa. The Rajput architecture has been preserved and there is a museum dedicated to Mewar culture, including jewellery boxes, royal clothing and mural paintings.
Read moreUdaipur
Saheliyon Ki Bari Park
PlaceA beautiful park filled with sculptures and statues, Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of Maidens) was created by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her 48 female attendants as a refuge from court life. It’s now a popular meeting spot. Look out for the lotus pond and elephant fountains.
Read moreUdaipur
Monsoon Palace
PlaceAnother beautiful royal palace, the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh Palace) sits atop the Aravalli Hills overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Built in the 19th century as a refuge from the annual monsoon, the palace was also used as a hunting lodge. Visit the palace in the evening for sunset views, or head here during the monsoon and watch the clouds float over Udaipur.
Read morePushkar
Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake
ExperienceOther notable temples include the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, which is one of the few in India dedicated to Brahma. This Hindu god was said to be cursed with having no places of worship on earth. Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake before offering your prayers in the temple.
Read moreRajasthan
Delwara Temple Complex
PlaceRajasthan’s temples date back to the 4th century, although more ornate and architecturally interesting temples began to develop from the 9th century. These typically had sculptures and marble carvings, such as the stunning Delwara complex at Mount Abu.
Read moreJaisalmer
Explore ornate havelis
ExperienceHavelis (mansions) were the homes of rich merchants and traders in Rajasthan’s cities. Decorated with stone carvings and interiors of murals and frescoes, each merchant tried to outdo the next to show their importance and wealth. Every major city in Rajasthan will have havelis worth visiting, but Jaisalmer is a particular hotspot. Look out for the Patwon Ki haveli and the elephants of Nathmal Ki haveli.
Read moreJaisalmer
Rajasthan's chattris and baoris
ExperienceThe history of Rajasthan is shown through its many forts, palaces and historical buildings. Almost every major city — and many minor ones — will have some form of architectural wonder to explore Built to commemorate the region’s maharajas and nobles, chattris (cenotaphs) are a frequent feature of Rajasthan’s architecture. Chattri literally translates as umbrella, which references the dome-like structure that covers the cenotaph. Originally built as a garden complex, the yellow sandstone domes of Jaisalmer's Bada Bagh cenotaphs are an excellent example. Rajasthan’s desert location means that conserving water has always been a major issue. Baoris are stepwells that were traditionally built to provide drinking water. Over time, they became meeting places and temples, decorated with sculptures and carvings. The 46m deep Ranji Ki Baori in Bundi is a fine example, showcasing carvings of Lord Vishnu.
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Chaurasi Khambon Ki Chhatri
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Raniji Ki Baori Stepwell
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Sukh Mahal and Jait Sagar Lake
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Mandore
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Bagore Ki Haveli
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Saheliyon Ki Bari Park
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Monsoon Palace
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Karni Mata Temple
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Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake
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Delwara Temple Complex
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Explore ornate havelis
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Rajasthan's chattris and baoris
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Fort Palace Museum
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Patwon Ki Haveli
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Desert Cultural Centre and Museum
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Explore Rajasthan's hill forts and palaces
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Jaigarh Fort
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Jaipur
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Safari in Ranthambore National Park
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Explore Ranthambore Fort
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Spot tigers in Sariska National Park
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Birdwatching in Keoladeo National Park
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See Bundi art in Chitrashala
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Bundi Palace (Garh Palace)
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Bundi
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Jaswant Thada
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Umaid Bhawan Palace
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Jodhpur
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Take a day trip to Chittorgarh
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Jag Mandir Island
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Cruise around Udaipur Lake Palace
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Udaipur
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Visit Jaisalmer's Jain temples
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Camel rides on Sam Sand Dunes
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Gadisar Lake
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Jaisalmer
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Jal Mahal
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Hawa Mahal
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Nahargarh Fort
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Taragarh Fort
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Mehrangarh Fort
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City Palace
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Jaisalmer Fort
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Visit the Golden Triangle & Taj Mahal
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Amer Fort
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Goecha La
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Chadar Frozen River trek
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Markha Valley trek
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Tosa Maidan trek
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Parang La trek
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Pin Valley
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Bedni Bugyal & Bagwawasa
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Nanda Devi East & Milam glacier
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India itineraries



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