Things to Do in India

Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India

Bahá'í Temple (Lotus Temple)

The Bahá'í Temple in Delhi is one of the most visited buildings in the world, attracting over 50 million people since it opened in 1986. Also known as the Lotus Temple for its distinct half-open lotus design, the belief behind the Bahá'í house of worship is that it should be open for all, regardless of denomination. There are however certain rules: no sermons can be delivered, no ritualistic ceremonies and no musical instruments can be played. There are also no religious images displayed.

Bahá'í temples must all be a nine-sided circular shape as set out in their scriptures, hence the solution of a lotus shape. Bahá'í is an independent religion founded around 1844. Their belief is in a mystic feeling with unites man with God and they do not dictate how that be done, hence their openness to other forms of worship within their temples.

The Lotus Temple was designed by Fariborz Sahba, and has won many awards. It was designed in 1976, opened in 1986, and largely built with moneys left by Ardishír Rustampúr of Hyderabad who, in 1953, bequeathed his life savings to the church to build a temple. The temple is made of white marble from Greece and sits on 26 acres (10.5 hectares) of land, which has nine ponds and extensive gardens.

Practical Info

Catch the bus to Nehru Place Bus Terminal and it is a short walk from there. You can go on a guided tour or self-guided tour of the temple. There is an information center showing films and regular daily prayer sessions in the hall. You must take off your shoes before entering - there is a shoe room. Also no photography is allowed inside.

Nehru Place, New Dehli, India

Apr - Oct: 9am - 7pm, Oct - Apr: 9:30am - 5:30pm. Closed Mondays

Free

From $ 12

Babulnath Temple

Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Great God, the 18th-century temple is a peaceful place full of limestone and marble where figures from Hindu mythology are intricately carved into the interior.

Overlooking Chowpatty Beach atop a small hill in South Mumbai, Babulnath Temple was built in 1780 after five buried idols were discovered in the area. Come on Mondays to see devotees of Shiva come to obtain blessings at this holy site. Pilgrims also flock to Babulnath Temple for the annual Maha Shivratri (Great Night of Shiva) Festival. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the night before a new moon because it’s said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and sin — a darkness symbolized by the new moon.

Practical Info

Opposite Bombay International School on Babulnath Road in the ritzy Malabar Hill district, Babulnath Temple is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5am to 10:30pm. Hours are extended to 4:30am to 11.30pm on Mondays for Somvar, the auspicious day of Lord Shiva when most devotees visit. If you don’t fancy making the pilgrimage up the hundreds of steps that will take you up to this sacred site, the elevator (halfway up the hill) to the temple costs 2 rupees.

16 Babulnath Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 58

Agra Fort

Within a stone’s throw of the Taj Mahal, the 16th-century Agra Fort serves as another testament to the immense wealth and power of the Mughal Empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Agra Fort was initially built by Akbar in 1565 on the same site as a previous fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. A succession of a half-dozen other emperors, including Humayun and Shah Jahan, has lived within the red sandstone walls.

While called a fort, the structures enclosed within 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of thick sandstone walls are more akin to a complex of exquisite palaces. Evidence of Shah Jahan’s time spent in the fort can be seen in the white marble structures he erected during his reign, and according to legend, he drew his last breaths on a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, the monument he built for his late wife.

As you pass through Amar Singh Gate into Agra Fort, you’ll see that the interior houses several smaller palaces, including the Jahangiri Mahal where the royal women lived, and Khas Mahal, where Shah Jahan made his residence. The beautifully worked Mussaman Burj tower was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son for the last seven years of his life.

Practical Info

Agra Fort is located in Agra, about 1.5 miles north of the Taj Mahal. The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance costs between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.

Agra Fort, Agra, India

Daily from sunrise to sunset.

Between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.

From $ 8

Banaras Ghats

Varanasi’s ghats (Banaras Ghats) descend from the city down the banks and into the waters of the holy River Ganges. There are almost 100 individual ghats lining the river’s edge in this region, their steep steps making access to the river possible during both the wet and dry seasons. The oldest and most famous ghats in the area are Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and Harishchandra. Others include Assi Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Lalita Ghat, and Kedar Ghat.

As the religious capital of India among Hindus, Varanasi sees pilgrims and other visitors drawn to the Banaras Ghats in their droves. Visitors can absorb the atmosphere by taking a sunrise boat-ride along the river, while marveling at the colorful temples and religious activities lining the water’s edge.

Devout Hindus aim to travel to the Banaras Ghats at least once in their lifetimes, and most hope to die and be cremated within the city in order that their ashes be swept away by the Ganges. The cremation fires here burn all day every day, with the main cremation ghat being Manikarnika. Some ghats are simply used for prayers and bathing.

Practical Info

Travel between the Banaras Ghats by auto-rickshaw or on a boat trip along the river. Trips from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat are popular, although some boat operators begin at the most southerly ghat, Assi, and head north.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India

From $ 35

Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion (or haveli), situated by the water’s edge of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat in Udaipur. It was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar and served the royalty of Mewar before being left vacant for 50 years. The building has since been restored to its original architectural style and now features a museum.

This grand haveli features more than 100 rooms situated around pleasant courtyards. Some of the rooms have been set up to evoke the period in which the house was inhabited, including the private quarters of the royal ladies; their dressing rooms, bedrooms, living quarters, worship rooms, and recreation areas. Others serve as galleries, displaying an intriguing collection of photographs, royal costumes, unusual monuments, and even the world’s biggest turban.

Bagore Ki Haveli features intricate carvings and colorful glass and mirror work, with peacocks in the Queen’s Chamber created with small pieces of colored glass to dazzling effect.

Practical Info

Bagore Ki Haveli can be easily reached by bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi from the city. Nightly shows are held in the grounds, including cultural performances such as folk songs, dances, and puppet shows.

Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India 313001, India

Open daily 10am-5pm

30 INR

From $ 7

Ancestral Goa Center

The Ancestral Goa Center offers an excellent introduction to Goan life. This living history museum was set up by a local artist. Included are a typical 19th-century Goan village, featuring traditional homes, displays of handicrafts such as pottery and cobbling, and even a replica of a sacred spring, plus lots of activities for kids.

The Basics

This fun attraction, also known as the Big Foot Museum (owing to its dance floor shaped like a huge foot), features carved sculptural depictions of Goan life, including figurines of people engaged in traditional trades, from potters to vegetable sellers. Workshops for kids focus on nature and include painting with natural dyes and a theme park that brings local kids from across economic backgrounds to play together for the day.

Travelers can join a tour that includes a guided visit to the Ancestral Goa Center and other cultural highlights. Some tours may include a traditional lunch featuring regional ingredients.

Things to Know Before You Go

The museum is largely outside, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
The Ancestral Goa Center is well-suited to families with kids or anyone with an interest in local culture.
Don't miss the center’s Sant Mirabai statue, which, at 14 meters long, is the largest laterite sculpture in the country.

How to Get There

This attraction is located in the inland town of Loutolim, in South Goa. It's about an hour away from Panaji by car, or a half-hour from Vasco da Gama, where the airport is located. The closest city is Margao, a 15-minute drive south of the museum. It’s hard to get to the Ancestral Goa Center via public transportation, so travelers should arrive by taxi or join an organized tour.

When to Get There

Goa is a year-round destination, though it’s definitely less crowded during the rainy monsoon season. As the museum is largely outside, it’s best to visit when the weather is dry. Travelers may want to arrive early to avoid the midday.

Goan Handicrafts

Goa offers all sorts of traditional crafts, though many locals have taken up newer, sometimes imported trades (such as batik) to keep up with demand from tourists. You’ll also see plenty of merchants from the Himalayan region of Kashmir selling jewelry, papier-mâché crafts, and clothing. Popular finds include wooden toys and kitchenware, brass work, terracotta pottery, and coconut carvings.

Big Foot, Loutolim, Goa 403718, India

From $ 52

AP State Museum

The AP State Archeology Museum is Hyderabad’s oldest museum and home to some of the state’s most-prized artifacts that were excavated from the museum’s original site. And while these items certainly offer a glimpse into the ancient times of locals, it’s the Egyptian mummy exhibit and the expansive Buddha gallery that attract most visitors, plus an impressive collection of items from the Kakatiya dynasty. This museum is perfect for families traveling with children and ideal for history buffs looking to learn more about the rich history of this Indian state.

Practical Info

The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month. Entry is 20Rs per person with an additional fee for those who want to take photos.

5-10-193, I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, Near Control Room, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 500004, India

20Rs

From $ 77

Art of Living International Center

The Art of Living ashram, located 22 miles south of Bangalore, is a 65-acre haven of peace and tranquility, with its beautiful, lush gardens, soothing water fountains and waterfalls, and a picturesque lake. At the center of the campus is the spectacular mediation hall, a magnificent six-tiered building topped with a glass dome.

This is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, which has chapters in over 150 countries around the world. The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru who has an international following and whose philosophy is “unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”

The Art of Living Foundation is well-known for its stress-elimination programs which combine yoga and meditation with breathing techniques to help people achieve mental and physical well-being. The Foundation is also one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, promoting many humanitarian activities and projects working on rural development, education and the empowerment of women.

Visitors are welcome to visit the campus for the day and enjoy the peaceful, pleasant surroundings by taking a stroll around the grounds and joining the daily Satsang (spiritual discourse) session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 6:30pm to 8pm (4:30pm to 6pm on Sundays). Those who would like to learn more about the Art of Living and attend a course can be accommodated on campus. There’s also an Ayurvedic spa, pharmacy and wellness center located on site as well as a bookstore and handicraft shop.

Bengaluru, India

From $ 71

Adlabs Imagica

Adlabs Imagica, located outside of Mumbai, is an international standard theme park with 21 rides and attractions spread across various themed zones. Adrenaline junkies have three coasters to choose from, including India’s biggest roller coaster as well as a space-themed dark coaster. The park also has a vertical drop ride and a giant rotating pendulum to satisfy thrill seekers.

Bumper boats, spinning tea cups, dark rides, a flume and a 4D motion simulator cater to visitors of all ages, while little ones will find their own selection of pint-sized attractions. In-park dining options include everything from an Indian buffet to an American diner. Adlabs Imagica is also home to a waterpark and India’s largest snow park.

Practical Info

For an additional fee, you can take an air-conditioned bus directly to the park and back from Mumbai, Pune or Thane.

Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Mumbai 410206, India

9:30am to 8pm

1,999 rupee

From $ 17

Amber Fort

High on a hilltop, towering majestically over the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, this 16th-century fort palace is worth visiting for its grand architecture that blends Muslim Mughal and Indian Hindu (Rajput) elements. Here, you’ll find labyrinthine passageways, elegant royal halls, and fabulous views of desert landscape.

The Basics

Dating from around 1592, Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's top tourist attractions and a standard stop on most North India itineraries. This enormous complex built under Raja Man Singh I blends red sandstone and white marble in four stories of magnificent architecture.

Highlights in the main palace include the Sheesh Mahal (or mirror palace), a small room covered with mirrored mosaics, and the Zenana, a maze of fresco-covered rooms that once served as a residence for royal concubines.

Visit as part of a full-day or multi-day tour, or book a package for Amber Fort’s light and sound show that includes dinner and private transportation. An excursion to the fort can also be paired with lunch and a camel ride.

Things to Know Before You Go

Carry a hat or parasol and wear sunscreen. The sun here is powerful, and there’s not much shade.
Bring water, as it’s not available for sale inside the fort gates.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as getting up to the fort and around the grounds requires a lot of walking.
Travelers with mobility concerns can take a jeep up to the top of the palace for an extra fee.
Amber is pronounced “ah-meer.”

How to Get There

Amber Fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Pink City, just past Maota Lake, near Jaigarh Fort, on the road that leads out of town toward Delhi and Agra. Most visitors come here as part of a larger day tour, although those wanting to see the fort can always hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to drop them off.

When to Get There

Amber Fort is open throughout the year. However, its high elevation, lack of shade, and desert location can lead to some oppressively hot and sunny conditions, so it’s a good idea to arrive at sunrise to avoid the worst heat of the day. This is especially advisable if you’re visiting during the hot months of April–June.

Dine Like a Royal Inside Amber Fort

For a special, romantic, and regal experience, book a table at 1135 AD, housed in an elegant series of rooms right inside Amber Fort, just off the main courtyard. The menu here features rich Rajasthani dishes, many of which date back generations. However, it’s the ambience that really makes 1135 feel special, with elegant purple-and-gold chairs, crystal chandeliers, and archways and pillars covered with intricately detailed frescoes.

Devisinghpura, Rajasthan 302001, India

Varies

From $ 8

Adalaj Stepwell

This striking Hindu water building located in the quiet village of Adjalaj was constructed in 1499 and stretches five stories deep. Built by a Muslim king for Queen Rani Roopba, this top religious attraction was once the site of holy rituals and brightly colored festivals, and served as not only relief from droughts, but a destination for saints and holy pilgrims.

Travelers who visit the stepwell will get not only an up-close look at Gujarat culture and tradition, but also a taste of iconic Indo-Islamic architecture, complete with ornate carvings, detailed decorations and nods to religious gods and deities.

Practical Info

The stepwell is located about 18 kilometers north of the city of Ahmedabad, approximately 5 kilometers from the capital of Gujarat. The city is accessible by rail and roadway, making it an easy visit for travelers. Locals say early morning crowds are sparse, making it an ideal time to visit.

Adalaj, Gujarat 382421, India

From $ 32

Aurangabad

Situated in the state of Maharashtra, Aurangabad sees a steady flow of international visitors due to its rich culture and history, particularly at the world heritage sites, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. In fact, visitors to Aurangabad and its surrounding regions will find a history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when the Satavahana dynasty established their capital in what is known today as Paithan.

It was around this time that the monasteries were carved out of caves in what is now Ajanta. Meanwhile, the carvings in the Ellora caves track the ebb and flow of three major religions between the 5th and 10th centuries – Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

In the mid-1600s the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, made Aurangabad his capital city, but after his death it quickly began to decline. However, the city’s reign of glory can still be seen within its fascinating monuments, including a must-see Taj Mahal replica (the Bibi-qa-Maqbara).

The train station and a cluster of hotels and restaurants are located to the south of the town along Station Road East and Station Road West. There’s also a bustling old town in Aurangabad made up of winding narrow streets that are home to the Muslim quarters of the city.

Practical Info

Buses leave regularly from the MSRTC bus stand in Aurangabad heading to Pune and Nasik, while Aurangabad train station, which sits on the southern edge of town, runs two direct daily trains to Mumbai. There’s also an airport located 10 kilometers from the city.

Aurangabad, India

From $ 38

Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Epic bridges are a hallmark of big cities. From the Golden Gate to the Brooklyn Bridge, these concrete and steel structures have become the icons of urban skylines. India’s expansive Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which connects the western suburbs of Mumbai to the well-heeled neighborhood of Bandra, is no exception.

This eight-lane bridge opened to the public in 2009 and cost some $250 million dollars to construct. But locals say that despite a steep price tag the bridge was worth the expense, since it’s finally possible to escape old road bottlenecks between north and south. Travelers love the epic views that await them as they ascend from the color and chaos of Mumbai into the calm, open road. Colorful lights and cool evening breezes make for an ideal evening drive, but visitors agree it’s still worth a trip any time of day.

Practical Info

Nearly 40,000 vehicles traverse the Bandra-Worli Sea Link each day. Travelers should expect to spend upwards of an hour on the drive from Bandra to Worli during peak hours. Cars are expected to pay a minimal toll to access the bridge.

Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, India

From $ 50

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Established in 1885, the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (often referred to as Vandalur Zoo) is the oldest public zoo in India. It’s been transformed and relocated over the years, and today the zoo can be found in Vandalu, just over 30 kilometers from Chennai. It’s home to hundreds of species of wild animals, many of which are considered endangered, and serves as a wildlife sanctuary and center for rehabilitating rescued animals.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a large and well-maintained space with plenty of plant and wildlife out in the open. Visitors can tour the expansive grounds on bicycles or by using one of the zoo’s electric vehicles to zip around. Most of the main attractions are located along the park’s inner pathways, where the large animals such as tigers, panthers, and elephants live. There are a whole host of other mammals, reptiles, birdlife, fish, and butterflies to visit throughout the rest of the park too.

Practical Info

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is open from 9am until 5pm and can be easily reached from Chennai city center by bus; visitors should alight at the Vandalur Zoo bus stop. Vandalur railway station also sits just one kilometer from the zoo.

Vandalur, Near Crescent Auditorium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600048, India

Open daily 9am-5pm

From $ 8

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Situated near Elliot's Beach, the colorful Ashtalakshmi Temple was constructed in the mid-1970s to honor the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. The multitiered structure features images of the goddess in her eight forms, with shrines spread over four floors accessible by steep and narrow staircases.

The Basics

Towering over Elliot's beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple can be visited as part of a half-day excursion from nearby Chennai. This colorful edifice is around 65 feet high and 45 feet wide. Eight forms of the goddess Lakshmi are depicted across four levels, as well as a shrine to Dhanalakshmi, associated with financial wealth, on the top floor. The temple also features 32 kalasams, pointed tips frequently seen at the top of temple towers.

Things to Know Before You Go

This colorful temple is a must-visit for photographers.
Remember to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered, out of respect for local culture.
The temple is primarily an outdoor attraction, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
Access to the top of the temple requires climbing steep and narrow stairs, which could prove challenging for those with mobility concerns.

How to Get There

The temple is located on Beach Road, at the southernmost tip of Elliot's Beach in southern Chennai. It's about a 20-minute drive to Mylapore, where many of the city's major attractions are located. The nearest commuter railway station is Indira Nagar, which is 10 or 15 minutes away by taxi or auto rickshaw.

When to Get There

The temple is open from 6:30am until noon, and again from 4pm to 9pm daily, with extended hours until 1pm on Friday and Sunday mornings. During the hotter months of April through June, travelers may want to visit during the early morning hours, before temperatures peak.

The Eight Forms of Lakshmi

Ashtalakshmi literally means “eight Lakshmis,” symbolizing the goddess of wealth in eight different manifestations. The types of wealth associated with the goddess include financial wealth, agricultural wealth (associated with crops), animal wealth (such as owning livestock), the wealth of having children, the wealth of knowledge, the wealth of having courage, and the wealth of being victorious in battle.

Near Beach Seashore, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600090, India

From $ 57

Bandstand Promenade

Every city has its prime people-watching spot, and in Mumbai, that spot is the Bandstand Promenade. Just over a half mile (1 kilometer) long, this stretch of pedestrian walkway hugging the coast has become one of the city’s most popular hangout spots. On any given day, you’ll see locals jogging or relaxing in the park and young couples sneaking in displays of affection away from the prying eyes of parents.

On weekends and evenings, the promenade’s amphitheater hosts concerts and performances, as well as the annual Mumbai Festival and Celebrate Bandra Festival.

Many of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Shahrukh Khan, own flats just across the road from the promenade. In 2012, a Walk of the Stars opened on the promenade, featuring life-sized brass tributes to Bollywood legends, each likeness lounging on a park bench.

Byramji Jeejeebhoy Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India

From $ 46

Anjuna Beach

Popular among international backpackers, Anjuna has long been associated with the hippie lifestyle. It's more laid-back than some of the livelier beaches a few miles south, though. Its big draw is the numerous beachfront shacks serving delicious, affordable Indian and international fare well into the wee hours.

The Basics

Anjuna was once the heart of hippie life in Goa. Later this beach morphed into ground-zero for the electronic music party scene that prevailed in the state, and now it's more of a relaxed beach destination. Anjuna is also well-known for its Wednesday flea market, where Indian and international vendors sell festival fashion, hash pipes, and more. Visit Anjuna as part of a private tour of Goa attractions, including Fort Aguada and other area beaches.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re visiting the Anjuna flea market, remember to bargain.
Wear sunscreen and a hat, as the sun here can be powerful.
Access to this beach requires walking down a narrow pathway with lots of steps.

How to Get There

Anjuna is situated in North Goa, a little more than an hour’s drive from Goa International Airport near Vasco de Gama, and 45 minutes from the capital city, Panaji. Visitors who are not traveling as part of an organized tour will need a car or motorbike, as public transportation is time-consuming and unreliable, and taxis are overpriced. There are regular direct flights from most major Indian cities to Goa throughout the year.

When to Get There

The most popular time to visit Anjuna is Wednesday mornings, when the weekly Flea Market takes place. It’s held every week from the beginning of October through the end of May. Evenings are also popular, especially during the winter months, when beach shack restaurants (notably Curlies and Shiva Valley) hold regular live electronic music events that sometimes last well into the night.

Goa Trance Music

Goa is known by Electronic Dance Music lovers around the world as the birthplace of Goa trance, a type of EDM that’s characterized by faster tempos than are found in other popular electronic genres. Popular artists include Goa Gil (considered by many as the genre's godfather), Infected Mushroom, Juno Reactor, 1200 Micrograms, and Hallucinogen (of the popular electronic group Shpongle).

Goa, India

From $ 35

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. At Ajanta, there are 29 Buddhist cave temples dating from 2nd century BC. Meanwhile, the 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 6th century AD.

The Basics

Most visitors opt to take an Ajanta and Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad, and it’s possible to explore both sites on a full-day tour. Those in Mumbai can also opt for a multi-day tour that includes transfers to and from Aurangabad Airport, an overnight stay in Aurangabad, and a visit to nearby attractions such as Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and the Taj Mahal–inspired Bibi Ka Maqbara shrine.

Things to Know Before You Go

The best views of the Ellora Caves are from the hills above the Kailasa Temple—wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to climb the hillside.
Both sites have visitor centers that are equipped with restaurants, shops, restrooms, and parking.
Bring a flashlight to the Ajanta caves—many are dark and poorly lit.

How to Get There

The caves are located in northern Maharashtra, around 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai. The closest railway stations are Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (around 45 minutes from the station) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (around 1.5 hours from the station); you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the caves. You can rent a car and drive between the two sites, which are about two hours away from each other, but most visitors opt for a guided tour.

When to Get There

The caves are open to visitors year round, but the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and dryer. The caves can get busy, especially on weekends and national holidays, so plan a weekday visit and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re hoping to visit both in one trip, be aware that the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, while the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.

Exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

At Ajanta, rock-cut caves are set around a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Sahayadri hills—an astonishing feat considering that they were created by hand with only a hammer and chisel. The Buddhist caves are adorned with ancient Indian art, including paintings and sculptures that chronicle the life of the Buddha. At Ellora, you’ll find the massive Kailasa Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and flanked by life-size elephant statues.

Aurangabad, India

Varies

From $ 44

Ajmer

The city of Ajmer is a whirlwind of activity and excitement tucked between the quiet Ana Sagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli Hills. The fifth largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is known as an important hub for Islamic history, culture and early Muslim architecture, as well as a destination for followers of the Jain religion. For this reason, travelers will find a number of noteworthy religious structures, like the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is visited by some 125,000 people each year.

History lovers can check out Taragarh Fort, which once guarded the city and is believed to be among the oldest forts in the world. Ajmer’s main museum, known as Magazine, is a shining example of Mughal architecture that dates all the way back to 150. Visitors can also explore the Digambara Jain Temple and Lake Foy Sagara, a man-made lake that’s ideal for evening bird watching.

Practical Info

Ajmer is located 13 kilometers from Pushkar. Travelers who want to avoid the electricity, energy and overwhelming crowds of Ajmer may prefer to stay in Pushkar and only visit on a day trip. Buses and taxis allow easy access for travelers, and private cars can enter the city via the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway 8.

Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, India

From $ 21

Auroville

Auroville was birthed in the late 1960s by Mirra Alfassa, known to her followers as The Mother, as a universal town where unity and spirituality would be celebrated. Today, the town has a population of over 2,000 people from 45 different countries and a range of age groups, backgrounds and social classes.

At the center of Auroville sits Matrimandir, the gold-domed Temple of the Mother, where residents come to meditate. The Auroville Visitors Centre offers an introductory video about the project, and travelers willing to spend more than a day passing through can sign up to participate in meditation, yoga, dance, martial arts and inner healing workshops. Many projects happening around town welcome volunteers, some for as little as a day and others for a week or month at a time.

Practical Info

Auroville welcomes the most tourists from December to February. While this means a wider variety of available activities, it also means that guesthouses will be booked, so make your plans well in advance.

Auroville, India

From $ 49