Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
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Mubarak Mahal
The Mubarak Mahal, or Welcome Palace, was originally constructed in the late 19th century as a reception hall for foreign dignitaries. Today, this part of Jaipur’s City Palace houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which showcases royal family artifacts including weaponry and regal garments.
The Basics
This impressive structure sits on a raised platform and features an elegant blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural influences. Inside, on the ground floor, is a museum full of beautiful old textiles and costumes, including a number of brocaded and embroidered garments worn by kings and queens of days past.
The Mubarak Mahal is one of the most popular sections of the City Palace, and nearly all tours of Jaipur (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) and of the City Palace itself give visitors time to explore it. Going with a guide can be useful for those wanting a deeper understanding of the palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mubarak Mahal—and the entire City Palace complex—is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
- Photography is not allowed inside the Mubarak Mahal.
- Much of the City Palace is outdoors and can get sunny, so bring sun protection.
- The City Palace has many facilities, including multiple gift shops and eateries.
- Most of the City Palace is accessible to wheelchair users. For details, contact the site in advance or inquire at the ticket office upon arrival.
How to Get There
The Mubarak Mahal is inside the City Palace, one of the top sights in Jaipur’s Pink City and easy to access on foot; it’s situated right next to the Jantar Mantar observatory and a short walk from the iconic Hawa Mahal. Driving, it’s 30 minutes from Amber Fort (Amer Fort) and five hours from Delhi. Trains from Delhi take 4.5 to 6 hours to reach Jaipur.
When to Get There
Jaipur’s City Palace is open daily except for on the second day of Holi. In the hottest months of the year (April through October), come early in the day to avoid oppressive heat. Note that although Rajasthan stays relatively dry during India’s monsoon rainy season (late June through August), it’s still quite balmy.
Textiles of Rajasthan
The Mubarak Mahal features a lovely selection of old textiles, and a visit here may inspire you to go pick up some Rajasthani textiles of your own. You will find a huge assortment of local fabrics in the markets and shops around the City Palace. For something authentic and unusual, look for leheriya or bandhani items, both of which use tie-dye techniques to achieve a mix of white and colorful patterns.
Address: Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Mylapore
The heart of cultural life in Chennai, Mylapore is a charming neighborhood characterized by broad, tree-lined streets coupled with narrow roads and myriad temples, churches, and restaurants. Its star attraction is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, though it's also home to the San Thome Basilica, which houses the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.
The Basics
Most tourists visiting Chennai find themselves in Mylapore at some point, whether it’s to visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, or Ramakrishna Math. Many walking tours of the city include this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, and it's a great area for strolling when the weather permits. It's also a popular place to check out Carnatic music, as there are regular performances at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Auditorium and the Nageshwara Rao Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This area is a must-visit for travelers with an interest in history and/or the fine arts.
- Mylapore is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
- If you plan on entering churches or temples, dress modestly, with clothing that covers your shoulders and knees
How to Get There
Mylapore is bordered by Gandhi Beach to the east and Mowbrays Road to the west. The neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of Chennai by road and public transportation. Commuter trains run through the area, and the Mundakakanniamman Koil, Thirumayilai, and Light House train stations all serve the area.
When to Get There
Mylapore is a year-round destination, though exploring the area on foot may prove challenging during the extreme temperatures of April and May or the monsoon season of June through September. To avoid the heat, it's best to visit just after dark; this is also the time when the temples are at their liveliest.
The Peacocks of Mylapore
Mylapore has long been associated with peacocks, India's national bird. The area has been frequented by the birds for centuries, and images of peacocks can be found in statues at Kapaleeshwarar Temple; the peacocks represent Shiva's consort, Parvati, who was cursed to be incarnated as a peacock as punishment for being distracted by one of the birds while listening to spiritual discourse.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 23
National Chambal Sanctuary
Straddling three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the National Chambal Sanctuary protects 245 square miles (635 square km) of natural habitat where the Chambal and Yamuna Rivers meet.
Established in 1979 to protect the endangered Gharial crocodiles, the park is now home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Ganges River dolphin, marsh crocodile, smooth-coated otter, Indian wold, Indian striped hyena and eight species of turtles. More than 300 species of resident and migratory birds have been spotted within the sanctuary.
Visitors hoping for a glimpse of river dolphins, crocodiles and other wildlife can do so on guided boat tours of the Chambal River. Nature trails wind along the river, offering further wildlife observation opportunities.
Practical Info
The National Chambal Sanctuary is located 43 miles (70 km) southeast of Agra. The best way to get there is by guided tour or private car.
Address: Mau Road, Rajasthan, India
Hours: 5am-7pm
From $ 38
National Gandhi Museum
Known as the father of the nation for his leading role in India’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi is among the most important activists of the 20th century. The National Gandhi Museum was inaugurated in his honor in 1961, and today attracts visitors interested in Gandhi, the Independence Movement, and the struggle for peace.
The Basics
This small museum houses numerous artifacts related to Gandhi’s life, including old documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and personal effects. The museum also houses 23 models of spinning wheels in honor of Gandhi’s devotion to self-sufficiency through weaving. The museum’s library houses a huge collection of documents of academic interest; you can search the entire catalog online ahead of your visit.
Most visitors go to the museum before or after paying their condolences at Raj Ghat across the street, where Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Private and small-group Gandhi-themed tours stop here and at Raj Ghat, as well as at the Gandhi Smriti, where the leader was killed.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Gandhi Museum is a must for fans of history, politics, social justice, and Gandhi himself.
- Still photography is permitted in the museum.
- There’s a small on-site bookshop with many hard-to-find books.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The museum is located just west of the Yamuna River, across the street from Raj Ghat. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Purple Line’s Delhi Gate Station and a 15-minute drive from Connaught Place and Old Delhi. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The museum is open 9:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. It’s always a good time to visit, though Sundays can be quieter due to the absence of school groups. If you plan to pair a trip to the museum with the outdoor Raj Ghat, you may want to avoid hotter months such as May and June, or come earlier in the day, before the heat reaches its full intensity.
India’s Many Gandhi Museums
This museum is just one of many dedicated to Gandhi located across the country. Others include the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, South India; the Mani Bhavan in Mumbai; three museums in East India; and the Mahatma’s own ashram in his home state of Gujarat. Also in New Delhi, the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum is housed in the Gandhi Smriti, where the leader was assassinated, and features all sorts of audiovisual materials and exhibits that tell Gandhi’s story by mixing computer-generated imagery with physical objects.
Address: Raj Ghat, New Delhi 110 002, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, as well as being one of the largest in the world. Construction of the mosque began in 1617 by the city’s founder, Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, but wasn’t complete until 1694 under the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
This ancient mosque is a listed heritage building. It’s constructed from granite and features exquisite interiors that few visitors get to see; its large prayer hall can accommodate more than 10,000 men, but women are not allowed inside and tourists can only hope to catch a glimpse from outside. Female visitors may not even be permitted into the mosque’s vast courtyard area if their clothing is not deemed conservative enough.
Several bricks embedded above the main prayer hall's central arch are made with soil from the holy city of Mecca (hence the mosque's name), and verses of the Quran are inscribed on the arches of the building. It is also believed that a strand of the Prophet Mohammed’s hair is kept preserved in a room in the mosque’s courtyard.
Practical Info
Mecca Masjid is situated in the heart of Hyderabad, close to Laad Bazaar, the Charminar monument, and not far from Chowmahalla Palace. It’s easily accessible from various parts of the city by taxi or public bus.
Address: Laad Bazaar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Hours: 4am-9:30pm daily
From $ 42
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace—the former home of the Wodeyar family, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 until India’s independence—is an architectural marvel with equally stunning interiors. Though a fire destroyed most of the palace at the end of the 18th century, it was restored in 1912, and today is among the most visited attractions in India.
The Basics
Mysore's star attraction, and a popular stop on most city tours, Mysore Palace, aka Amba Vilas, is a gargantuan complex featuring seven palaces, all interconnected by a series of secret tunnels. The Indo-Saracenic architecture that dominates here is eye candy enough, but it's the interiors that really stand out, with their colorful stained-glass panels, intricately carved wooden doors, and ample mirror and mosaic work, not to mention a large collection of paintings and royal artillery.
Arrive with a guide as part of a Mysore day tour or as part of longer multi-day excursion from Bangalore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mysore Palace is a must-visit for architecture lovers and history buffs.
- The palace grounds are free to visit, but entering the interior requires a ticket.
- Sound-and-light shows are held every night, except Sundays.
- Note that photography is prohibited inside the palace.
- Shoes must be taken off before entering, though lockers are available at the gate.
How to Get There
The entrance to Mysore Palace is located at the southern end of the complex on Purandara Dasa Road. It's about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the city's main railway station, Mysuru Junction, making it easy to visit as a day trip via train from Bangalore (or Bengaluru) (the journey can take as little as two hours, via the Shatabdi Express). Many tour operators also offer day trips from Bangalore to Mysore specifically to visit the complex.
When to Get There
While Mysore is great throughout the year, with its warm winters and mild summers, travelers wishing to explore the exteriors of the palace should be prepared to get wet should they visit during the monsoon season, which runs from June through August or September. The best time to see the palace is during the annual Mysore Dasara festival in September or October.
Mysore Dasara
One of the most important festivals in Mysore, the annual Mysore Dasara is a 10-day affair featuring all sorts of celebrations, including special royal assemblies, processions of elephants and idols, and a huge fair full of food and handicraft booths. Mysore Palace is also illuminated on evenings throughout the festival, thanks to nearly 100,000 light bulbs.
Address: Purandara Dasa Road, Bangalore, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 90
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi is home to the crumbling ruins of tombs and palaces that date back to early medieval times and up to the 19th century. The park is sprawled across 200 acres and is an atmospheric site that is less crowded than the Qutub Minar World Heritage site nearby.
One of the main attractions at the park comes in the form of two monuments that sit together – the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. The intricately chiselled ceiling of the mosque is well worth a peek inside. There is also a striking 16th-century stairwell within the park, along with the crumbling tombs of Balban and Quli Khan.
Practical Info
The nearest metro station is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line. There’s no official sign for the park, just one that reads “Delhi Development Authority” outside the main entrance gate.
Address: Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, New Delhi, India
From $ 18
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is a huge ancient fort located in Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. It's one of the largest forts in India and was built in the mid-15th century by Rao Jodha. The fort sits on a rocky hill presiding some 125 meters above the city, with the structure merging with the rock on which it stands. Still run by the Jodhpur royal family to this day, Mehrangarh Fort is filled with a strong sense of history and legend.
Enclosed by thick, imposing walls, the fort complex contains a museum, courthouses, gardens, and several magnificent palaces with vast courtyards and elaborate architecture. Among the royal residences are the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), which was used for dance performances and features beguiling stained-glass windows, and Jhanki Mahal (Queen’s Palace), where there’s a colorful display of the cradles of former rulers.
The approach to the fort is guarded by a series of seven giant gates, some more famous than others. The main entrance is Jai Pol (or Gate of Victory), which was built by Maharaja Man Singh at the beginning of the 19th century to celebrate his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Past the cafe and museum ticket office, the Dodh Kamgra Pol still bears the marks of cannonball attacks, before the route leads through Imritia Pol, and then Loha Pol, with its palm imprints made by the widows of Maharaja Man Singh when they left the palace to commit sati on his funeral pyre.
Practical Info
It’s about a 300-meter walk or a very winding auto-rickshaw journey from the old city to the entrance of Mehrangarh Fort.
Address: Fateh Pol Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Hours: 9am-5am daily
Admission: Fort entry: free / Museum entry: Rs. 400
From $ 21
Nehru Museum & Planetarium
The Nehru Museum and Planetarium in New Delhi commemorates India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, with exhibits and galleries displaying the history of India's independence. The colonial-style building is surrounded by green and served as Nehru’s official residence for many years. Inside, you'll find high ceilings, teak panels, and large verandas looking out over well-manicured gardens, as well as the former prime minister’s bedroom, drawing room, and study, which have been left exactly as they were at the time of his death. There’s also a library, plus additional galleries featuring everything from old photographs to various gifts Nehru received during his political career.
The planetarium is the newest addition to this attraction, and is always active with programs and workshops for students and others interested in astronomy. Daily shows are held in the planetarium from 11:30am to 3pm.
To learn about India’s fascinating cultural and political history, book a private full-day museums tour in Delhi, which will combine a visit to the Nehru Museum and Planetarium with other important museums in the city.
Practical Info
The Nehru Museum & Planetarium is located in the Teen Murti Marg area of New Delhi. It is accessible by taxi or by taking the metro to the Race Course station. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays.
Did You Know? On the lawn in front of the museum, there is a huge granite rock inscribed with Nehru's first speech given on the eve of the Independence of India.
Address: Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi 110011, India
Hours: Tues—Sun: 10am—5pm
From $ 35
Mount Mary Church
One of the most famous churches in Mumbai and arguably all of India, Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic Basilica known for being the site of feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the subsequent Bandra Fair. The tall steeples sit on a hill overlooking the sea and draws in thousands of pilgrims and devotees of all faiths. Once a simple shrine, it is now a semi-Gothic structure with stone pillars and twin bell towers. It is unique to see such a central house of worship for Christianity in a country that has a large Hindu majority.
The church’s interior has a nave with teak-wood detailing and Mangalore tiles, as well as altars and a domed sanctuary. In one of the world’s busiest and most bustling cities, the church is a respite of peace and calm for many.
Practical Info
Mount Mary Church is located in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Mass takes place four to six times daily, and is free to all to enter. The closest railway stop is the historic Bandra Station. The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place annually on September 8th, with the Bandra Fair taking place the week after.
Address: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount,, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Hours: 8am-8:30pm
From $ 95
National Rail Museum
India is home to the largest rail network in the world, and the National Rail Museum in Delhi is one of the best of its kind on the planet. Indoor and outdoor exhibits spread over 10 acres (4 hectares) of land feature dozens of authentic locomotives and old carriages, including the private saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore dating back to 1899 and the 1855 Fairy Queen, the oldest functioning steam engine in the world.
Train lovers will appreciate the collections of model trains and vintage railway maps, while a train ride that takes passengers in a loop around the site is always a hit with kids.
Train lovers will appreciate the collections of model trains and vintage railway maps, while a train ride that takes passengers in a loop around the site is always a hit with kids.
Practical Info
The National Rail Museum is located in South Delhi near Lodi Gardens in
Chanakyapuri. The museum is closed on Mondays and has shortened hours
during the winter.
Address: Shanti Path, Near Bhutan Embassy, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays
From $ 18
National Gallery of Modern Art
Located just across the traffic circle from India Gate along Rajpath, the National Gallery of Modern Art was opened in 1954 as a place to feature contemporary Indian art. Housed within the former palace of the maharaja of Jaipur, the museum houses a collection of works by Indian and British artists from 1850 onward.
One of the most fascinating things about visiting the museum is seeing how differently modern art developed in India compared to the United States or Europe. With a collection spanning 150 years, browsing the galleries is akin to a crash course in modern Indian art history. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby National Museum to complete the picture.
One of the most fascinating things about visiting the museum is seeing how differently modern art developed in India compared to the United States or Europe. With a collection spanning 150 years, browsing the galleries is akin to a crash course in modern Indian art history. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby National Museum to complete the picture.
Practical Info
While the museum’s collection is dominated by painting, you’ll also find
exhibits on modern sculpture, print making and photography. Don’t miss
the collection of colorful paintings by Amrita Sher-Gil and the works of
British artist Thomas Daniell.
Address: C-Hexagon, Delhi High Court, India Gate, New Delhi, ND 110001, India
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Admission: Indian: INR10; Foreign National: INR150; Student/Child: INR1
From $ 36
Nahargarh Fort
Situated in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills, not far from Amber Fort (Amer Fort), Nahargarh is the oldest of three forts built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (Jai Singh II). Dating to 1734, this majestic fort—aka the Tiger Fort—is largely in a state of ruin, but is still worth a visit for its amazing view of Jaipur city below.
The Basics
Nahargarh Fort was originally built to help defend nearby Amber Fort, though it was later expanded under Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. Highlights include a palace with nine apartments (one for each of Ram Singh’s nine wives), many of which contain original frescoes, and the spectacular views. The fort also features an underground system of rainwater harvesting tanks, which allegedly could hold enough water to keep the fort going for a couple of years.
Many tours of Jaipur and the Golden Triangle stop here. Composite tickets that allow access to a number of Jaipur sights are accepted here, but are sold only at Amber (Amer) Fort, Albert Hall, the Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nahargarh is great for those with an interest in military history.
- The fort features a small café serving snacks and meals at reasonable prices.
- Wear comfortable footwear, as the ground here can be uneven in spots.
- If visiting in the middle of the day, be sure to wear sun protection.
How to Get There
Nahargarh is located just outside of Jaipur’s Pink City area, about a 20-minute drive from the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. The fort is also directly connected to Jaigarh (also a 20-minute drive) via a back road. Getting to the fort is arduous for travelers coming on foot from the base of the hill—it’s easiest to hire a taxi or visit as part of an organized sightseeing tour. Delhi is a 5-hour drive away or between 4.5 and six hours by train.
When to Get There
Nahargarh is open from 10am daily throughout the year, though temperatures are at their most pleasant during the cooler (but still warm) winter months. Visit around sunset to truly appreciate the fort’s great views and light for photography.
The Ghost of Nahar Singh Bhomia
According to local legend, the fort stands on land that was once haunted by a prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia. The ghost kept causing problems during the construction of the fort, and he agreed to stop causing a ruckus only if the fort was named after him; a temple in his honor sits within the fort to this day.
Address: Jaipur, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
Modhera Sun Temple
In 1026 King Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty commissioned the building of a grand monument dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya, God of the Sun. Built on the banks of the Pushpavati River in Modhera, the Sun Temple was built with three axially-aligned elements, a step well, an assembly hall and a sanctum where an idol of the Sun God was once housed.
The Sabha Mandap, or assembly hall, once held religious gatherings and ceremonies and is characterized by its 52 intricately carved pillars, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This gathering hall leads into the inner sanctum, designed so that the sun would shine on the idol of the Sun God at dawn on the equinox. Twelve niches within the sanctum depict the 12 different facets of Surya — one for each month of the year.
Surya Kund, the stepped tank in front of the temple, was once used to store water. Today, the rectangular stepped well is known for the more than 100 carved shrines lining its walls.
Practical Info
The most convenient way to visit the Modhera Sun Temple is by hiring a taxi from Ahmedabad, which can include a visit to Patan as well. It’s more expensive than the bus but much easier.
Address: Modhera, India
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 100 rupees
From $ 48
Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden)
Directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) offers a stunning perspective on Agra’s most beloved monument. While the views are the big draw of this 16th-century garden, it’s also worth a visit in its own right for its elegant landscape design and quiet ambiance.
The Basics
Spread out over 25 acres (10 hectares), this garden dates back to 1530, when it was commissioned by Babur, the first emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India. At the time it was filled with flowers and orchards, and though flooding over the years has led to some loss of plant life, it’s still wonderfully landscaped.
Many Agra city tours, plus multi-day tours from Delhi and elsewhere that include Agra, stop at this riverside garden for photos. Generally this happens at sunset, when the view of the Taj Mahal reflecting on the river is spectacular.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mehtab Bagh is a must for photographers and all first-time visitors to Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Wear sun protection—there’s not much shade in the garden.
- Bring bug spray in the rainy season, as the garden can get muggy and attract mosquitoes.
- Wear comfy shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. It’s a long walk from the garden’s gate to the Taj viewpoint.
How to Get There
Mehtab Bagh is in Agra, across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. From the Taj it’s a 20-minute drive; Agra Fort is about a 10-minute drive away.
When to Get There
Mehtab Bagh is open from sunrise to sunset every day, but the best time to visit is closer to sunset, when the Taj Mahal reflects on the river. If you happen to be in Agra on a Friday, when the Taj Mahal is closed to the public, you’ll definitely want to head here for the views.
The Legend of the Black Taj
According to local legend, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan planned a mausoleum to be built across the river from the Taj Mahal, identical but made entirely of black marble. However, the emperor was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb, and the project never came to fruition. Some have postulated that the presence of black marble ruins in Mehtab Bagh were foundation stones for the legendary tomb, but historians have largely dismissed the theory.
Address: Nagla Devjit, Etmadpur, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Mysore
The former capital of the Mysore Kingdom, which ruled over South India for more than five centuries, Mysore (officially Mysuru) is a charming little city known for its delicious food, ample yoga centers (Ashtanga yoga has its roots here), and its stunning Amba Vilas Palace, one of the most spectacular palaces in all of India.
The Basics
The name Mysore comes from the word "Mahishuru," or abode of Mahisha, a demon who was defeated here after a drawn-out battle with the goddess Chamnudeshwari. While a temple to the goddess stands to this day, the big draw for most visitors is the city's huge palace complex, one of the most popular attractions in all of South India.
Mysore can easily be visited as a day trip from Bangalore, though, unsurprisingly, most organized tours focus primarily on Mysore Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don't forget comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Mysore is a must-visit for history buffs and lovers of art and architecture.
- If you're coming from Bangalore, take a Shatabdi Express train—it's faster than going by car or bus.
How to Get There
Mysore is easy to get to from Bangalore, with regular train services linking the two cities in two to three hours. Alternatively, the journey from Mysore to Bangalore takes around three and a half hours on National Highway 275 (or four hours from the airport), though expect to spend more than four hours in transit if you go by bus due to multiple stops. Alternatively, take a tour from Bangalore that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
Mysore is a year-round destination, with mild summers (by Indian standards) and warm winters. The hottest months are April and May, while the monsoon rains drench the city from June through August or September. The festival season starts in September or October with the annual Mysore Dasara festival, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil; Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of tiny lights throughout the duration of the festival.
Flavors of Mysore
Mysore is known across India for its food, notably Mysore pak and Mysore masala dosas. Mysore pak is a popular sweet consisting of chickpea flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, often with a touch of cardamom. The Mysore masala dosa is the city’s version of a popular South Indian crepe stuffed with potatoes; in Mysore, a spicy red chutney is spread on the interior of the crepe to add some heat.
Address: Mysore, Karnataka, India
From $ 67
Nakhoda Mosque
The Nakhoda Mosque, the largest Mosque in Kolkata (Calcutta), was styled after the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar in Agra. The behemoth red sandstone structure, built in 1926, can accommodate 10,000 worshippers in its main prayer hall. The mosque’s green rooftop includes three domes and two large minarets with an additional 25 smaller minarets.
The mosque itself is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, but the main draw of the mosque is the market surrounding it. The tightly packed stalls of the bazaar sell everything from prayer mats and Korans to the best kebabs and biryani, a spiced rice dish, to be found in the city.
If you plan to visit the mosque between prayer times, be sure to wear conservative clothing, including long pants and covered shoulders, or you likely won’t be allowed in. The mosque is located in one of the most congested areas of the city, so leave plenty of time to get there and out again.
The mosque itself is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, but the main draw of the mosque is the market surrounding it. The tightly packed stalls of the bazaar sell everything from prayer mats and Korans to the best kebabs and biryani, a spiced rice dish, to be found in the city.
If you plan to visit the mosque between prayer times, be sure to wear conservative clothing, including long pants and covered shoulders, or you likely won’t be allowed in. The mosque is located in one of the most congested areas of the city, so leave plenty of time to get there and out again.
Address: Kolkata, India
Hours: Open daily: Sunrise - 8pm
From $ 100
Mother House
In 1950 Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity (MOC) in the city of Kolkata (Calcutta) to lend aid to the poor, disabled and infirm. What started out as a small community of 12 Sisters has grown to include more than 4,500 volunteer Sisters working worldwide.
Mother House, the headquarters of the MOC, was Mother Teresa’s home for 44 years during her time in Kolkata, and visitors come here to pay respects at her tomb. The room where she slept has been preserved, and you can look in on the simple camp bed where she slept. A photo above the bed shows her meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1986, 11 years before her death in 1997. The neighboring museum houses her threadbare sandals and chipped ceramic bowl.
Since Mother House is still a working missionary center, visiting hours are strictly adhered to, so double check the latest times before you head over. If you want to dig deeper and really get a sense for the work being done, consider volunteering for a day or two during your visit to Kolkata.
Mother House, the headquarters of the MOC, was Mother Teresa’s home for 44 years during her time in Kolkata, and visitors come here to pay respects at her tomb. The room where she slept has been preserved, and you can look in on the simple camp bed where she slept. A photo above the bed shows her meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1986, 11 years before her death in 1997. The neighboring museum houses her threadbare sandals and chipped ceramic bowl.
Since Mother House is still a working missionary center, visiting hours are strictly adhered to, so double check the latest times before you head over. If you want to dig deeper and really get a sense for the work being done, consider volunteering for a day or two during your visit to Kolkata.
Address: 54a Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Kolkata, India
Hours: Open: 8am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm (closed Thursday)
From $ 71
National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai
Occupying a former auditorium popularly known as Sir C. J. Hall, the National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai opened to the public in 1996 and has since become the most notable modern art museum in India. Notable German art historian Herman Goetz curated the museum’s first exhibition — a collection of sculptures by prominent Indian and international artists — and today the collection some 17,000 works dating from 1850 onward. Highlights include works by lauded Indian painters Raja Ravi Varma, M. F. Husain and Tyeb Mehta.
As worthwhile as the permanent collection are the museum’s rotating exhibitions, which often highlight prominent Indian or international artists.
Practical Info
The National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai maintains an updated calendar of current and upcoming exhibitions, so give it a look before you visit to see what might be showing.
Address: M G Road, Mumbai 400032, India
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: 150 rupees
From $ 42
Mumbadevi Temple
One of Mumbai’s most ancient temples, Mumbadevi Temple also happens to be in based in one of the city’s liveliest spots. Surrounded by the bustling bazaars, flower shops, and cloth markets of South Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar district, Mumbadevi Temple remains serene. Worshipped by Mumbai’s native Koli fishermen for many centuries, Mumbadevi is the eight-armed Hindu goddess this temple was built for, and she is also the deity that Mumbai gets its name from.
Thought to have been built in 1675, travelers are welcome at Mumbadevi Temple. Mornings and evenings are an especially beautiful times to visit the famous temple, as this is when devotees come to attend religious aartis, when candles are offered to the goddess. But the highlight of a visit to Mumbadevi must be seeing the great deity on her altar, replete with a silver crown, golden necklace, and garland made of brilliant marigolds. Look out for the stone idol of Annapurna seated on a peacock, and a particularly fearsome-looking sculpture of a wild tiger too.
Right outside the temple is Zaveri Bazaar. Its liveliness can be quite a shock after enjoying the peacefulness of Mumbadevi Temple, but on this narrow street you can buy all kinds of Hindu religious objects including incense, saffron, and paintings of the gods.
Practical Info
To get to Mumbadevi Temple, head to the northern end of Zaveri Bazaar in the Bhuleshwar district of South Mumbai. The station nearest to the bazaar is Charni Road, from which you can take a cab or auto rickshaw to get to the market area. The temple is open every day but Monday.
Address: Mumbai, India
Hours: Tues-Sun
From $ 18