45 of the best places to visit in India: temples, tigers, Taj Mahal—oh, my!

With 28 states, 23 official languages, and 1.4 billion people, India is as vast as it is diverse. That means there’s no shortage of sites to see on our India tours. Whether you’re connecting with the nation’s spiritual roots, responsibly spotting wildlife, or eyeing iconic palaces from every angle, these are the essential places to visit in India.

1. Taj Mahal

Grand mausoleum in the city of Agra

One of the seven wonders of the modern world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The premier example of Mughal-era architecture. There’s no way of overstating the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, which Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned in memory of his wife in 1632. You’ll take a sunset tour of this nearly symmetrical mausoleum on our India trips to know why it’s one of the best places to see in India.

2. Kerala Backwaters

Peaceful lagoons in the state of Kerala

There’s no better way to slow down than by spending a night on a houseboat in Kerala. On our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour, you’ll float through narrow canals to experience the tranquil rhythms of rural Kerala—all while eating meals cooked by private chefs and being lulled to sleep by the slow rock of the water. With moments like these it’s easy to see why this area is one of the best places to visit in India.

3. Hawa Mahal

Pink-hued palace in the city of Jaipur

Pass the honeycombed facade of the Hawa Mahal, meaning the Palace of the Winds, on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour. Its architect dotted the exterior with 953 small windows. Besides allowing the royal ladies within to observe the streets below, they also created a gentle wind tunnel, ensuring a constant breeze that made the sweltering Rajasthani summers bearable.

4. Ranthambore National Park

Wildlife reserve in the state of Rajasthan

Once upon a time, the dense forest of Ranthambore served as the royal hunting grounds for the kings of Jaipur. Nowadays, it’s one of the top responsible travel destinations for wildlife experiences. Set out on a game drive in Ranthambore National Park on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour. In addition to its famous tigers, the preserve is home to more than 270 species of birds and 300 species of trees, as well as ancient forts and Jain temples.

5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

Hindu temple in the city of Madurai

When it comes to sights to see in India on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour, the rainbow-hued Meenakshi Amman Temple can’t be missed. It’s an icon of Dravidian architecture and notable for its towering gopurams (gateway towers), carved pillars, and prismatic sculptures depicting deities and mythological tales.

6. Ganges River

Sacred river worshipped by Hindus

The Aarti—a ceremony of light devoted to Ganga, goddess of the river—takes place every night on the banks of the Ganges River. Head to the Varanasi ghats (bathing steps) to experience it for yourself on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour. Look on as sadhus (Hindu ascetics) and pujaris (dedicated priests) perform the ritual. As it draws to a close, watch devotees send diyas (candlelit flower bowls) floating down the river as a final offering to Ganga.

7. Humayun’s Tomb

Mughal mausoleum in the city of New Delhi

Rising from an urban green space, the red sandstone walls of Humayun’s Tomb pay homage to the 16th-century Mughal ruler. This tomb is just one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can visit when you book a guided tour. Enter the mausoleum, a prime example of Islamic architecture, on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour.

8. Spice plantations

Fragrant farmsteads in Southern India

Embark on a sensory journey through the abundant spice plantations surrounding Periyar National Park, where the air’s infused with the tantalizing aromas of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. On our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour, you’ll set off on a walk through the verdant grounds as you learn about the flavors that makes up India’s culinary scene and the secrets of spice cultivation.

9. Sadhna

Women’s cooperative in the state of Rajasthan

Sadhna empowers Rajasthani women through textile work. Gain a better understanding of its mission, try your hand at block printing, and browse Sadhna’s wares—some of the finest hand-embroidered goods in all of India. It’s one of the best places to see in India if you want to get to the heart of the county’s contemporary culture. Best of all, we take you there on the Nagda Temple & Women’s Cooperative Workshop excursion offered on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour.

10. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Sikh temple in the city of New Delhi

Enter one of the holiest places in the Sikh faith, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour. Sikhism, the fifth-largest religion and one of the youngest in the world, emphasizes the concept of seva: selfless service. You’ll see it in action at the langar (community kitchen) where free meals are served.

11. Raj Ghat

Moving homage to Mahatma Gandhi

One of the best things to do on our India tours is see the eternal flame of Raj Ghat, a tribute built where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated—honoring the legacy of the “Father of the Nation.” This site, which sits just on the outskirts of the walled city of Old Delhi, served as the capital of Mughal India for more than 200 years.

12. Khajuraho monuments

Jain and Hindu temples in the state of Madhya Pradesh

The 1,000-year-old Khajuraho temples are some of the best places in India to see Nagara-style architecture, which is typical of Hindu and Jain structures in Northern India. Roam through the temples on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour, taking in thousands of sculptures depicting scenes from daily life and other, more sensual moments.

13. Jama Masjid

Grandiose mosque in Old Delhi

Immediately recognizable by its twin sandstone minarets and three onion-like domes, this Mughal mosque is one of Old Delhi’s most iconic sites. So, it might not be a surprise to hear that coming here is one of the top things to do in Delhi. View this elegant building from within the grand courtyard and enjoy a reverent moment with your thoughts on our India tours.

14. Periyar National Park

Mountainous reserve in the state of Kerala

Join a naturalist guide on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour for a nature walk through Periyar National Park. The renowned wildlife sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in India. Experience the park’s biodiversity up close and keep your fingers crossed for an Asian elephant sighting.

15. Amber Fort

Hilltop palace in the city of Jaipur

Standing sentinel atop a hill, the 16th-century Amber Fort complex is a paragon of Rajput architecture. Climb into a 4x4 Jeep on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour and make the drive up the fort’s slopes. Then, take off on a Tour Director-led tour through gardens, under ornate archways, up serpentine staircases, and past beautifully patterned walls.

16. Chandni Chowk

Buzzy market in Old Delhi

Split into groups and get ready to crank up the volume—and speed—on a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. Since opening in the 16th century, this market has ballooned into one of the largest in India. Zip through the streets on our India tours, letting the sights, smells, and sounds of this bustling bazaar captivate you.

17. Varanasi

Holy city in the state of Uttar Pradesh

Venerated as one of the Sapta Puri (the seven chief Hindu pilgrimage sites), the city of Varanasi is one of the holy places to go in India. On our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour, you’ll see why it’s the home of Hindu spirituality as you boat on the Ganges, wander through bazaars, pass temples, and stroll by ashrams—spiritual hermitages that are said to emit positive energy.

18. Madurai

Ancient city in the state of Tamil Nadu

Madurai is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is often referred to as the Athens of the East. This is one of the unique places to go in India if you love uncovering the surprising links between destinations throughout history. Madurai is mentioned in Greek and Roman texts and we take you here on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour.

19. Sarnath

Buddhist temple in the city of Varanasi

This temple is where Siddhartha Gautama—better known as the Buddha—delivered his first sermon to five former companions, laying out core tenets of what would come to be known as Buddhism. Explore the temple complex, one of the best places to visit in India, and admire its different stupas and abbeys on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour.

20. Panna Tiger Reserve

Essential Bengal tiger game reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh

Panna Tiger Reserve was once ravaged by illegal poaching, but intense conservation efforts helped the local tiger population rebound from zero—and you might just spot one of these regal creatures on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour. Hop aboard an open-air safari vehicle and set off into the reserve, one of the must-visit places in India, keeping your eyes peeled for tigers, birds, and leopards.

21. Kochi

Seaside city in the state of Kerala

Discover why Kochi is considered the finest jewel in Kerala’s crown on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour. You’ll explore some of the best places to see in India, like the seaside area of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace. Then, stop at the oldest European church in India, St. Francis, and walk into Paradesi Synagogue where members of the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations gather.

22. Orchha Fort

Fortified complex in the state of Madhya Pradesh

If you’re looking to visit truly off-the-beaten-path places on our India tours, Orchha Fort certainly checks that box. This complex is perched atop a river island and connected to land by an elegant, arched bridge. It contains a collection of 16th-century palaces, temples, and gardens. On our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour, take in the forms of its Mughal-inspired architecture and beautifully preserved murals.

23. Agra

Famous city in the state of Uttar Pradesh

Agra is among the nation’s most well-known cities as it’s home to one of the most famous places in India: the Taj Mahal. On our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour, you’ll whizz here via a first-class car aboard the Gatimaan Express, India’s first semi-high-speed train.

24. Elephanta Caves

UNESCO-listed cave complex in Mumbai Harbour

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Mumbai, set your sights toward the Sea of Oman. Here, on an island six miles northeast of Mumbai, sits Elephanta Caves. Inside is a labyrinthine collection of rock-cut cave temples dating back to 450 and 750 A.D. You’ll enter the main cave complex, which is bedecked in rock art linked to the cult of Shiva, on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour.

25. Puducherry

French colonial city in the state of Tamil Nadu

Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, was a French colonial settlement until 1954, and remnants of its French heritage are still evident. See saffron-hued sites in the French Quarter, stop by the experimental township of Auroville, and admire the candy-colored facades in the Tamil Quarter on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour.

26. Dhonk

Women-run social enterprise near Ranthambore National Park

A workshop that provides jobs to ex-poachers’ wives? Check. A place where female artisans learn handicraft skills? Check. A company that supports the indigenous Moghiya and Bawariya tribes? Check, again. Step inside Dhonk on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour to hear how the enterprise furthers responsible animal tourism and, if you’d like, support their mission by buying their wares.

27. New Delhi

Sprawling capital of India

This capital city was built across 20 years and inaugurated as the country’s capital in 1931. It contains some of the nation’s most significant cultural sites. Some of the best things to do in New Delhi include seeing India Gate, a triumphal arch honoring fallen soldiers. Don’t miss out on viewing Qutub Minar on our India tours, either. It’s a 240-foot-high minaret flaunting intricate engravings and geometric patterns.

28. Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

European-inspired palace in the city of Madurai

Our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour takes you inside Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, where detailed stucco work and 82-foot-tall pillars recall Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. Take your time walking through the palace, which was designed as King Tirumala Nayaka’s residence.

29. Lake Pichola

Man-made lake in the city of Udaipur

Step aboard a private boat and push out onto the waters of Lake Pichola for a sunset cruise on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour. Floating palaces dot this lake, as do picturesque islands. Dock at one of these isles for an included drink as golden hour glams up the lake and surrounding former royal residences.

30. Nagda Temple

Hindu temple in the state of Rajasthan

Nagda was the first capital of the Mewar Kingdom, but it’s now a village that’s home to about 230 people—and a pair of ancient temples that underline its former glory. If you want to visit one of the must-see places in India, add the Nagda Temple & Women’s Cooperative Workshop excursion on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour.

31. Taj Nature Walk

Verdant park in the city of Agra

Taking a yoga lesson led by an Indian yogi in view of the famed Taj Mahal may just be the ideal way to start your day on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour. You’ll travel via golf cart through the Taj Nature Walk—one of the most calming places to visit in India. Arrive at your outdoor yoga class, during which you’ll stretch out and center yourself. Savasana never felt so good.

32. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Hindu temple in the city of Varanasi

Your Tour Director-led exploration of Varanasi on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour takes you past one of the holy places to see in India: Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Look on as your jaunt takes you past Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It’s one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines venerating Shiva’s different manifestations and is thought to be the holiest house of worship in Hinduism.

33. Mehtab Bagh

Immaculately designed garden in the city of Agra

Across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal sits the Mehtab Bagh garden complex. Sure, the view is simply stunning, but there’s more to this garden than meets the eye. It’s a perfect square—and it not only matches the exact width of the Taj Mahal, but it's perfectly aligned with the iconic mausoleum, too. Head here on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour to see why it’s one of the most unique places to see in India.

34. Mumbai

Populous city in the state of Maharashtra

The list of the best things to do in Mumbai is expansive—it’s the commercial capital and largest city in India, after all. When you come here on our India tours, you’ll be wowed by the architecture. The city’s home to the second-largest collection of Art Deco-style buildings in the world, as well as colonial-era facades that pull in Victorian, Dutch, and German aesthetics.

35. Jagdish Temple

Hindu temple in the city of Udaipur

Recognizable by its bulging grey towers, Jagdish Temple has venerated the god Vishnu since 1651. While visiting on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour, you’ll learn about Hindu prayer practices and watch the Jagdish’s langar in action. These community kitchens, which Hindu temples operate just like their Sikh counterparts, serve delicious vegetarian dishes free of charge. This selfless act of hospitality is one of the best things to see in India.

36. Udaipur

Romantic city in the state of Rajasthan

Whether you call it the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East, the lakeside city of Udaipur is your introduction to Rajasthan, India’s largest state. Famous for its hill forts, palaces, and wildlife, Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in India if you want to dig into the country’s royal roots.

37. Deogarh region

Royal area within the state of Odisha

The mountainous Deogarh region is draped in forests and punctuated by waterfalls. You’ll come here on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour and stay overnight at a historic heritage property that was once a royal residence.

38. Jaipur

Bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan

The Pink City of Jaipur, named for the dusty rose hue of the buildings in its Old City, contains architectural marvels and markets galore. Feel the all-consuming buzz of Indian marketplaces as you sip masala chai and see traders offering everything from handmade jewelry to traditional textiles on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour.

39. Ranakpur Temple

Jain temple in the state of Rajasthan

The mesmerizing spires of Ranakpur Temple mark one of the oldest and holiest Jain shrines in India. Enter the 48,000-square-foot, marble-hewn structure and marvel at its 1,444 intricately carved pillars on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour. Once you pick your jaw up off the ground, you’ll get the chance to learn about Jain religious practices at one of the top places to visit in India.

40. Rajasthani artisan village

Crafts village in the Deogarh region

When it comes to must-have cultural moments on tour, visiting the Rajasthani artisan village on our India’s Royal Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jaipur & Agra tour tops the list. You’ll watch craftspeople make pottery using a manually operated wheel before visiting a jeweler and learning about the art of designing Rajasthani bangles.

41. City Palace

Royal residence in the city of Jaipur

Scope out the City Palace on our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour. It was built following the traditional system of Vastu Shastra, an ancient manual describing the precise architectural principles Hindu sites should follow. Then, explore its museum, peeking into the lives of the royals who lived there in the 18th century.

42. Mahabalipuram

Coastal city in the state of Tamil Nadu

Think of Mahabalipuram as India’s version of Tulum, Mexico. Here, holy structures from the Pallava dynasty stand against the orange sunsets on the Bay of Bengal. You can see why this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. Hit the travel trifecta by visiting the seaside Shore Temple, rock-cut Pancha Rathas monuments, and intricate Arjuna’s Penance bas-relief on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour.

43. I’timad-ud-Daulah

Sandstone mausoleum in the city of Agra

This site was built as a loving tribute from daughter to father, and its name derives from the title bestowed upon Ghiyas Beg by the emperor he served: I’timad-ud-Daulah, or “Pillar of the State.” Walk across its manicured gardens, set out in a perfect cross, and enter the mausoleum on our India tours. You’ll understand why it’s called the “Baby Taj” and is one of the underrated sites in see in India.

44. Red Fort

Storied fort in the city of Agra

Hewn from rust-colored stone accented by splotches of cream, the Red Fort has kept watch over Agra since the 16th century. Enter through its imposing gates on our Highlights of Northern India: Delhi, Varanasi & Agra tour and stroll along its grounds, learning about the fort’s importance to successive Indian dynasties.

45. Coir factory

Eco-friendly coconut husk processing plant

During a visit to a coir factory on our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour, you’ll discover how coconuts husks are turned into eco-friendly handicrafts. Products made of coir (think: mats, ropes, and brushes) are shipped worldwide and play a vital role in the local economy. Plus, they help support Kochi’s commitment to environmental conservation.