The 15 most spectacular places to visit in India

India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see in India.

This is a land of Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, tiger-filled jungles and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas. All these facets jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such an incredible diversity of things to see and do, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick one area at a time – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause, soak up the atmosphere, and smell the rose petals as you work through our list of the top places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best city for lovebugs

This historically rich city often forms part of India's most popular tourist circuit: The Golden Triangle, linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Of course, the biggest reason to visit Agra is to see the Taj Mahal, one of the modern-day Seven Wonders of the World. Widely considered to be the greatest ever monument to love, it was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This ivory-colored marble mausoleum sits in a complex that also includes gardens, two mosques and a museum. Further down the river is the spectacular Agra Fort, an expansive red sandstone structure famed for its monumental Delhi Gate and private palaces and mosques.

Possibly the best view of the Taj is across the river, from Mehtab Bagh Park. Indeed, most of Agra’s historical landmarks are located close to each other on the banks of the Yamuna. The Taj is best seen at dawn, or sunset. Agra is also famous for its petha, a sweet treat made from candied white gourd and often bought as a souvenir.

Detour: An hour’s drive away is another amazing historic site, Fatehpur Sikri – a ghost-haunted ruined city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire under the emperor Akbar.

2. Delhi

Best for history and architecture buffs

India’s historic capital region forms the apex of the Golden Triangle. Delhi is a city and Union Territory, centred on Old Delhi – aka Shahjahanabad – and British-built New Delhi, India’s capital. Why visit? Well, if you walk almost anywhere in Old Delhi or New Delhi, you are likely to come across a historic building, ancient monument or timeworn tomb, mosque or fort.

Topping the shortlist of must-sees are Mughal and Delhi Sultanate-era buildings such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin, the Qutab Minar in south Delhi, the Jama Masjid and Red Fort in Old Delhi and the Jantar Mantar observatory in New Delhi. Also make time for the 1980s Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple) and India Gate, at the heart of Delhi's British-built government district.

Delhi is intense and chaotic but always interesting, and it's home to some of the finest cuisine (and street food) in the country. This is also a city that comes up trumps when it comes to entertainment – a visit to bars and cafes of Hauz Khas Village in the evening will prove that point. And Delhi's markets – Karol Bagh, Janpath, Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market and Chandni Chowk – are great for picking up souvenirs and affordable fashions.

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for tea and toy trains

The former summer capital of the British Raj, the hill station of Darjeeling is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Kanchenjunga (Khangchendzonga) – the world's third-highest mountain at 8586m (28,169ft) – looks benevolently over its colonial-era buildings, silver fir forests, meandering roads, lush tea plantations and plunging valleys.

As well as seeing relics of British India, you can take a camping trek to the Singalila National Park, check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (where Tenzing Norgay was once director), climb up to Tenzing Rock, shop and promenade on The Mall and sample some of India's finest brews at one of the city's many tea estates. For a more spiritual experience, find peace at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, the Ghum, Dali and Bhutia Busty Buddhist monasteries, or the Mahakal Temple on Observatory Hill (where Hindu and Buddhist deities reside together).

The pride of Darjeeling is the tiny "toy train" that travels along the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway runs downhill to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to connect with trains from Kolkata, but most tourists focus on the short trip by steam locomotive between Darjeeling and Ghum.

Detour: For a change of scene, there are more beautiful hill stations surrounding Darjeeling, such as Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik – all accessible by shared 4WD.

4. Goa

Best for relaxation

One of India’s smallest states, Goa is a top holiday spot thanks to its sun, sand, food, and vibes. Despite its small size, the state is culturally rich, with unique music, food, dance, and architecture, influenced by four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. Get a glimpse of this heritage at the ruined basilicas of Old Goa, and at centuries-old Goan homes such as Figueiredo House and Palácio do Deão, and at concerts of mando and fado music.

Goa is blessed with a long, sandy coastline, and many activities here are centered on the beaches, from water sports to yoga. Step away from the sand and the hinterland reveals quiet villages with interesting local customs and festivals. Goa is also growing as a culinary destination, offering a taste of many different Indian and world cuisines and exciting new interpretations of local food.

Local tip: When choosing a Goa beach, North Goa has the parties and night markets, hippie culture, surfing schools, buzzing beaches and hip new cafés and bars. South Goa is known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, wildlife sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir near Molem and Netravali near Palolem, and prehistoric sites such as Usgalimal.

5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert romance

Jaisalmer is India's city of gold, thanks to the gleaming color of its undulating sand dunes and sandstone buildings touched by the rays of the setting sun. The biggest attraction here is the living city inside Jaisalmer Fort. Inside, you will find havelis (grand merchant's homes), royal palace buildings, timeless Hindu and Jain temples, and stalls selling an assortment of locally-made artifacts, accessories, jewelry and paintings.

Away from the fort, Jaisalmer’s heritage can be explored in opulent historic homes such as Patwa’s Kotha Haveli (and museum), and on visits to the five-story Tazia Tower in the Mandir Palace complex. Also make time for the sandstone cenotaphs at Vyas Chhatri, and the ancient stone buildings around the Gadisar and Amar Sagar Lakes.

Planning Tip: The famous sand dunes are located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar desert. The Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri are the most popular spots, but overnight camel safaris that travel deeper into the desert will take you away from the crowds. For a comfortable overnight desert stay, book a night at one of the tented desert camps around Jaisalmer.

6. Kerala

Best for backwaters and beaches

A lush paradise following India’s western coast, Kerala is blessed with beautiful beaches, placid backwaters, unique geography, rich wildlife, myriad art forms and a diverse culture that more than justifies its celebrity status. But this steamy southern state offers more than just Ayurvedic massages. Onam, Vishu and other local festivals give a glimpse of the state’s rich culture, in the form of dance and music, cuisine, handicrafts and martial art forms. Try to catch a performance of Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance.

If you're lured to Kerala by the sand, the west coast is dotted with unspoiled beaches such as Kovalam and Varkala, while Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the gateway to backwater cruises by houseboat. To the east are hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady, where tea, coffee and spice plantations grow luxuriantly across the hillsides. Sloth bears, Indian bison and tigers can be found in wildlife sanctuaries such as Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Aralam, Neyyar, and Begur, and in national parks such as Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Planning Tip: If visiting the historic port city of Kochi (Cochin), go during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a popular contemporary arts festival.

7. Leh, Ladakh

Best for a taste of the mountain life

A mystic land secreted away in the high Himalayas, Ladakh is blessed with stunning vistas, clear skies, and dramatically picturesque mountain valleys. It is the ideal spot for anyone looking to rewind, digitally detox or connect with nature.

You'll find adventure aplenty. You can trek into the lofty Markham and Nubra Valleys or attempt the climb up the highest trekkable peak in India, 6153m (20,187ft) Stok Kangri. Ladakh’s twisting roads offer a uniquely thrilling experience to those seeking an epic road trip, especially the crossing over the Khardung La Pass on the highest motorable road in the world.

Most people visiting Ladakh's ‘Little Tibet’ begin the journey in Leh – a capital city blessed with a cool, dry climate and significant religious sites such as the Shanti Stupa and towering Leh Palace. You can learn about Tibetan and Buddhist culture at Ladakh's many monasteries (try timeless Thiksey Gompa near Leh) or warm up with some traditional Ladakhi food – a unique mix of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese culinary traditions.

Planning tip: Bear in mind that while summer is the best season to visit Ladakh, it is also the most crowded time in Leh. During winter, many parts of Ladakh are closed. Road travel to Leh from Manali or Srinagar is usually only possible from April to November when the high passes are clear of snow.

8. Madhya Pradesh

Best for glimpses of tigers

Madhya Pradesh sits in the heart of India – a vast territory known as the "tiger state" because of its tiger-stalked national parks, sanctuaries and reserves. It's tough to choose between the state's parks, which are famed for their successful conservation efforts. As well as tigers, Kanha Tiger Reserve is a good spot to see the endangered barasingha (swamp deer). Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is famous for tiger sightings and Pench – which many believe was the inspiration for The Jungle Book – has rare black leopards. Indian giant squirrels find a home in Satpura, while Panna is home to seven endangered species of vultures.

Definitely set aside time to visit the heritage site of Khajuraho, whose architecturally rich temples are famous for their erotic sculptures. Other worthy stops include the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sanchi, and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, showing traces of early life in India. 

A traditional living tree root bridge near Nongriat village in Meghalaya. Abhijeet Khedgikar/Shutterstock

9. Meghalaya

Best for natural beauty  

This ‘abode of the clouds’ in India’s often-overlooked Northeast States region is a testament to India's natural beauty. Meghalaya is blessed with thundering waterfalls, green hills and an extensive network of caves and lakes.

It’s a region ideal for those who love adventure, enjoy trying new and exciting cuisines, and want to understand India's Adivasi (tribal) culture. Definitely stop by the village of Mawlynnong near the Bangladesh border, billed as one of Asia's cleanest villages.

The main attraction in the state is visiting the living root bridges created by the Khasi people, who coaxed the roots of Indian rubber trees to intertwine, forming natural bridges across rivers. Reaching these bridges, especially the famous double-decker root bridge near Nongriat, requires some cardiovascular exercise. You can find these beauties in Nongriat, Sohra, Dawki and Cherrapunji.

Planning tip: Meghalaya is best explored towards the end of the monsoon when the rain is receding but waterfalls are still in full flow. Public transport isn’t great, so hire a car and driver to get around. 

The chariot-shaped Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha (Orissa) is an architectural marvel. Sumit Kumar/Shutterstock

10. Odisha

Best for temples, arts and crafts

Odisha (formerly Orissa) is a state of many merits. As well as a rich religious heritage, it boasts good (if little-known) food, Indigenous arts and crafts, natural beauty, thriving wildlife and fascinating tribal culture. The history of Buddhism in India is also on display at more than 100 sacred sites and historic monuments.

The highlights of any visit are the state's temples. Chief among them is the chariot-shaped Sun Temple at Konark, which is a marvel of Kalinga architecture. The coastal town of Puri is also home to major temples, including the Jagannath Temple, setting for a vast chariot festival known as Ratha Yatra in June or July.

Different regions are popular for their arts and crafts. Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work, Raghurajpur for pattachitra (cloth painting), and Pipili for appliqué-work. Wildlife sanctuaries here offer different treasures – Gahirmatha is home to Olive Ridley turtles; Bhitarkanika shelters endangered saltwater crocodiles and herons; and Nandankanan has white and black (pseudo-melanistic) tigers.

Planning tip: There’s always a festival or fair happening in Odisha. Puri's Ratha Yatra attracts the biggest numbers, but the Konark Dance Festival in February and the Puri Beach Festival in November are popular too.

The salt flats of the Rann of Kachchh (Kutch) create a truly otherworldly landscape. Shutterstock

11. Rann of Kachchh (Kutch), Gujarat

Best for desert colors and silence

This vast area of salt flats in the Thar Desert is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, and ideal for those who love photography and soaking in some untouched natural beauty. The Rann of Kachchh (Kutch) is also where you go to find wildlife such as migrating flamingos and the endangered Indian wild ass. Both can be seen in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Learn about the Kutchhi people who live here and their embroidery traditions, and explore the archaeological site of Dholavira. Each winter, the government hosts the Rann Utsav festival – a carnival of arts, folk dance and music.

Detour: Another major festival in Rajasthan is the Pushkar Camel Fair in November, a huge annual camel fair accompanied by a multi-day cultural fête, held in the sacred town of Pushkar near Ajmer city.

There's a mesmerizing quality about the light at Udaipur's Lake Pichola. Pete Seaward for Lonely Planet

12. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Best for some lake therapy

Rajasthan loves its titles. If Jaipur is the Pink City, and Jodhpur is the Blue City, then Udaipur is both the White City and the City of Lakes. It’s a befitting title for a city surrounded by seven lakes. 

There’s so much to do in this vibrant city. Take in the city view from the City Palace and trek up to the Sajjan Garh Monsoon Palace overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Or take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to admire the city's floating palaces – it may be touristy, but it is highly recommended. Udaipur also has its own ghats, of which Gangaur is the most popular.

To see the city's spiritual side, marvel at the intricate sculptures at the Jagdish Temple or take the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple, high above the lakeshore. By the water at Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is a museum by day, and performance venue by night – come here in the early evening to see traditional dances.

Billed as a romantic city, Udaipur is a popular site for weddings, and if you're lucky, you may catch a baraat (wedding procession) or two while you're in town. 

Planning Tip: Udaipur is chock full of murals on its whitewashed walls. Set some time aside to wander the narrow streets and take in the intricate and colorful artwork and graffiti.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi. Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island, but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

4. Ladakh

Best for an extraordinary taste of Tibet

In the far northwest of India, sheltered from the monsoon by the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh is culturally and geographically closer to western Tibet than anywhere in India. In this high-altitude moonscape, towering Tibetan monasteries melt into a landscape of barren rock and wind-sculpted hoodoos (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thiksey on the road linking Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh).

Most visitors start in the atmospheric capital, Leh, before roaming to neighboring valleys for homestay treks and trips to view turquoise salt lakes and colorful masked dances at ancient monasteries. Ladakh wasn't touched by China’s Cultural Revolution, so this is perhaps the closest independent travelers can come to experiencing the original culture of Tibet.

Planning tip: Getting to Ladakh is half the fun. Flights run to Leh even in the depths of winter, but the most enjoyable way in is overland, by road from either Srinagar in Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Buses and shared 4WDs run as long as the passes are open from June to the end of September, or you can tackle the route on a rented Enfield motorcycle.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal

Best for culture vultures

The capital of colonial British India until 1911, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is India’s third-biggest metropolis and the country's intellectual and artistic capital. Spend a few days exploring the energetic bazaars, cultured museums and British-era landmarks, and you’ll soon fall in love with Kolkata’s irrepressible energy.

To really get to know Kolkata, sign up for a Bengali cooking course and visit the revered temple at Kalighat, where the goddess Kali is appeased with sacrifices. With more time to spare, book an overnight wildlife-watching tour to the nearby Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, a legendary stalking ground for royal Bengal tigers.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the festival of Durga Puja in September or October, when vividly colorful effigies of the goddess are displayed in pandals (ceremonial tents) all over the city.

6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert drama

The desert state of Rajasthan shows India at its most romantic and soft-filtered. Expect a mirage of camel caravans, ornate palaces, mighty forts, turbaned traders and intense colors, set against a backdrop of shifting desert sands. It’s unbelievably photogenic, but also firmly on the tourist map, so expect to share the experience with a crowd.

The pink-sandstone monuments of Jaipur, the ice-white lakeside palaces of Udaipur, and views of blue-hued Jodhpur from its lofty fort are all stunning experiences, but the city that delivers the biggest jolt to the senses is Jaisalmer, seeming sculpted from the living rock of the desert.

Its tangled lanes, towering fortress and beautifully ornate haveli (traditional houses) could have been plucked from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights, and the surrounding desert is the evocative setting for overnight camel safaris.

Planning tip: While it is possible to stay inside the fortified city, visitor numbers are having an impact on Jaisalmer’s historic heart. We recommend staying outside the walls instead – there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses within strolling distance of the fort.

7. The Kerala Backwaters

Best for lovers of slow travel

After the dusty, densely populated northern plains, tropical South India offers a lusher, more laid-back travel experience. The quintessential trip here is a slow-paced canal cruise through the emerald-green backwaters of Kerala, a 900-mile network of languid, coconut-fringed waterways, offering views of an ever-changing tableaux of South Indian life.

Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha for a multiday trip, then settle in for a succulent Keralan seafood curry prepared by your personal chef as the sunset blushes over shimmering waters and silhouetted palm fronds. Post-cruise, it’s just a short hop up the coast to historic Kochi (Cochin), with its cantilevered fishing nets and Kathakali dance theaters.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Best for budding Buddhists

As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (plus countless smaller faiths), India is defined by sacred geography. Even here, however, few places resonate more powerfully than the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (Awakened One).

The town that has grown up around this sacred spot is home to dozens of Tibetan and Southeast Asian–style temples and monasteries, with a busy program of Buddhist teachings and courses. It’s the ideal destination for any spiritual explorer.

To get a feel for Bodhgaya’s rhythms, come early to the Mahabodhi complex and settle in beside chanting Tibetan pilgrims to meditate on the nature of impermanence. Travel experiences don’t get much more profound than this.

Planning tip: Bodhgaya is just one stop on the so-called "Buddhist circuit," taking in key locations from the life of the historical Buddha. Local buses run to nearby Rajgir, the site of one of the first Buddhist monasteries, and Nalanda's ancient Buddhist university complex.

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for a premium cup of tea with a view

Fanned by the cool breezes of the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by manicured tea estates and basking in front of epic Himalayan views, Darjeeling is easy to fall for.

For a perfect day, watch the dawn break over 8586m (20,169ft) Kangchenjunga, learn the difference between first-flush and white teas on a plantation tour, linger over an afternoon cuppa at the Windamere Hotel, then learn about the Tibetan experience at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre.

The classiest way to arrive is via the nostalgic, narrow-gauge toy train; book tickets in advance and check to see if the steam service is running (the diesel train follows the same route, but has less charm). Don’t miss the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) dotted around the city. Below Darjeeling on the fringes of Ghum, historic Yiga Choeling Gompa has a special magic.

Planning tip: Darjeeling isn’t the only interesting stop in the area. Shared 4WDs buzz from Darjeeling to Kalimpong, another historic township with colorful Buddhist monasteries, Himalayan views and pretty flower nurseries.

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Best for a full immersion in history

Between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi was home to half a million people, but this ancient metropolis was almost completely abandoned, leaving 3700 stone monuments scattered across a surreal plain of boulders.

This is a place to linger, strolling between the boulders to find carved masonry, forgotten shrines and the handsome remains of some of South India’s most dramatic stone temples.

Glance up as you wander and you’ll see rock climbers tackling bouldering routes using chisel marks made by ancient masons. Rent a motorcycle or scooter and you can roam further afield, taking in the hilltop temple marking the spot where the monkey god Hanuman first met Lord Rama.

Planning tip: Hampi is a short bus ride from the town of Hosapete – get here by overnight train from Goa’s beaches, historic Hyderabad or the cosmopolitan southern city of Bengaluru.

11. Arunachal Pradesh

Best for stepping off the map

Tucked away near Bangladesh, the eight Northeast States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim – are India’s wild frontier. Until the 1990s, this region of rugged mountain valleys was mostly off-limits to foreigners, and visitor numbers are still small – people who travel here earn the right to call themselves proper explorers.

Sikkim is the most famous destination in the Northeast States, but we’d encourage you east towards the forested foothills and jagged mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, where tribal communities follow a diverse range of traditional belief systems, from the Buddhist Monpa people of Tawang to the animist Apatani people of the Ziro valley.

Planning tip: Travel takes a bit of effort in Arunachal Pradesh; you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter the state, and local transport is patchy. By far the easiest way to explore is with a chartered 4WD and driver (easily arranged in Guwahati in Assam).

12. Amritsar, Punjab

Best for experiencing the power of devotion

India has pilgrimage destinations to spare, but few come close to the vibrant energy of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The most sacred site for the Sikh religion is a gleaming jewel box, floating in a mirror-like sacred pool, thronged day and night by an unbelievable mass of pilgrims. You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to feel its powerful rhythms.

Joining devotees at the Sri Harmandir Sahib – the gold-paneled shrine at the heart of the complex – is incredibly moving. Staying overnight in the pilgrims' hostels that flank the temple compound only adds to the intensity. A donation is much appreciated for accommodation if possible, though pilgrims of all means will be accommodated if space is available. You can also sit down for meals at the temple langar (kitchen), which provides cost-free nourishment to a staggering 100,000 people per day (again, a donation is appreciated if you have the means).

Planning tip: Don’t limit your explorations to the Golden Temple – the surrounding bazaars buzz with energy and atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from embroidered chappals (sliders) to brass and polished steel pots and pans.

13. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Best for feeling like a Maharaja

The atmospheric South Indian city of Mysuru has multiple charms: towering temples, one of India’s most evocative marketplaces, and the almost impossibly extravagant crib that is Mysuru Palace, the ancestral home of the Wadiyar maharajas. No building conjures up the extravagant lives of India’s royal rulers quite so vividly – every room is a fantasy, every ornament an heirloom.

Around the palace are busy bazaars, rewarding museums and a string of Hindu temples in the classic Dravidian (Southern Indian) architectural style. Devote several days to wandering the streets, hiking up to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill and feasting on fiery vegetarian thalis (plate meals) in Mysuru’s restaurants.

14. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best for tiger encounters

The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are some of the best places on the planet to get close to royal Bengal tigers. Seeing one of these striped superstars loping out of the jungle will stay with you for a lifetime – as well as leaving you heartbroken at the thought of how few tigers still survive in the wild.

Everyone has their favorite tiger reserve, but we rate Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve near Jabalpur for the density of wildlife in its central Tala range. Around 70 tigers roam these dry forests, alongside leopards, monkeys, deer and gaur – India’s gigantic wild buffalo. There’s a high likelihood of sightings if you devote several days to 4WD safaris (elephant safaris should be avoided as riding can be harmful to these vulnerable animals).

Planning tip: The best time to see tigers is first thing in the morning – safaris start at 5:30am to catch tigers before they stake out a shady spot in the undergrowth to sleep through the heat of the day.

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Best for religious splendor

South India's Hindu temples are a joyous celebration of the divine, decorated inside and out with vividly colorful depictions of deities and supernatural beings, both fearsome and sublime. In the southern city of Madurai, the towering gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple provide a three-dimensional guide to the main deities of the Hindu pantheon.

The current temple was constructed in the 17th century, but the site has been sacred to Meenakshi, the queen of the Pandya kingdom and an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, for at least 2000 years. Come early in the morning to watch sunrise bring the temple to life, then pop to the nearest branch of Murugan Idli Shop for some of the south’s best idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes).

Detour: A short bus or train ride from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli – aka Trichy – is another top spot for temple enthusiasts. The looming Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines, covering 155 acres (63 hectares) and topped by 21 deity-encrusted towers. More temples crown the rocky outcrop at the heart of the city, offering epic views over the rooftops.