Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
ShowingFilter 161-180 of 274 listings.
Marine Drive (Queen's Necklace)
Stretching along the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point in the south to ritzy Malabar Hill in the north, Mumbai’s Marine Drive is an iconic palm-lined promenade that makes for an especially popular sunset stroll among couples, families and friends. Hugging the Mumbai coast, the two-mile-long boulevard’s nickname, Queen’s Necklace, makes perfect sense as day turns to night and the avenue’s lights shine like a string of glittering pearls along the bay.
As you stroll north past the wealthy Walkeshwar district, home to Mumbai celebrities and five-star hotels, you’ll come to Marine Drive’s famous Chowpatty Beach. This is a popular place to devour that famous Mumbai speciality — Bhelpuri — which is a beachside snack of puffed rice and vegetables slathered in tamarind sauce. The best time to visit Chowpatty Beach? Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This celebration happens every August or September, and thousands come to the shore to submerge huge Ganesh statues in the water. Marine Drive is also famous for its art deco buildings. In fact, the only place on the globe with more art deco builds along its beachfront is Miami.
Practical Info
In the center of South Mumbai, which is the cultural and commercial heart of the city, there are public transport connections to Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace) along the bay.
Address: Marine Drive, Mumbai, India
From $ 9
Marina Beach
Located on the Bay of Bengal in the city of Chennai, natural Marina Beach extends for just over 8 miles (13 kilometers) from close to Fort St. George to Besant Nagar in the South, making it India’s longest natural urban beach.
While not an ideal swimming beach, Marina Beach makes an excellent spot for people watching in the cooler hours of the morning and evening, when the main stretch near Triplicane becomes a flurry of activity. You’ll see kids flying kites, locals playing cricket and munching on snacks from the food vendors, open air markets and fortune tellers hawking their trade to passersby. If you get there early enough in the morning, you can watch fishing boats heading out to sea.
Practical Info
The waters along Marina Beach have strong rip tides, making swimming quite dangerous.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 30
Mathura
Mathura is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh situated 50 kilometers north of Agra and 145 kilometers southeast of Delhi. It is considered the birthplace of the Hindu god, Krishna, and as such is one of the seven cities considered holy by Hindus. As a result, Mathura attracts pilgrims from all across India, particularly for the Holi festival and during Janmashtami, when Krishna’s birthday is celebrated.
The town is dotted with temples from various ages and the stretch of the sacred Yamuna River flows through it. The river is lined with 25 ghats, best seen at dawn, when many people take their holy dip, as well as just after sunset, when hundreds of candles are sent floating on the water during the evening aarti ceremony.
There are some beautiful sculptures recovered from ruins that are now on display in the archaeological museum in Mathura, and it’s worth seeking out the Keshav Dev Temple, which was built on the site of Krishna's birthplace.
Practical Info
Mathura can be easily reached from both Agra and Delhi by road and train. From Delhi, the journey should take around two to three hours, depending on the train type.
Address: Mathura, India
From $ 47
Marble Palace
The Marble Palace, one of Kolkata’s (Calcutta) odder landmarks, was constructed in 1835 by a wealthy merchant and art enthusiast by the name of Raja Rajendra Mullick. Made from more than 90 varieties of marble, the palatial mansion draws inspiration from nearly every cultural influence imaginable.
The Romanesque structure houses a collection of Buddhist, Catholic and Hindu religious relics as well as Ming Dynasty vases, Egyptian statues and works of art from more than 90 different countries, all lit by Venetian chandeliers. Authentic Rubens and Renoir pieces are said to adorn the walls. The neighboring Marble Palace Zoo is more of an aviary with several varieties of impressively feathered species with a few monkeys and deer as well.
The Marble Palace remains privately owned by Mullick’s relatives, and while admission is free, you’ll need to secure a permit at least 24 hours in advance. Be prepared to pay what you saved in admission on tips for everyone from the staff tour guides to the bathroom attendants.
The Romanesque structure houses a collection of Buddhist, Catholic and Hindu religious relics as well as Ming Dynasty vases, Egyptian statues and works of art from more than 90 different countries, all lit by Venetian chandeliers. Authentic Rubens and Renoir pieces are said to adorn the walls. The neighboring Marble Palace Zoo is more of an aviary with several varieties of impressively feathered species with a few monkeys and deer as well.
The Marble Palace remains privately owned by Mullick’s relatives, and while admission is free, you’ll need to secure a permit at least 24 hours in advance. Be prepared to pay what you saved in admission on tips for everyone from the staff tour guides to the bathroom attendants.
Address: 46 Muktaram Babu St, Kolkata, India
Hours: Open daily: 10am-4pm (closed Monday & Thursday)
From $ 49
Manu Temple
The ancient Manu Temple is dedicated to the Indian sage of the same name. It’s located up in the clouds in Old Manali, offering some wonderful views of the valley beyond it. According to Hindu legend, Manu was the creator of the human race and the writer of Manusmriti, with Manali believed to be the region where he meditated and dwelt.
The temple is considered to be the only Manu temple in existence, and as such it’s an important place of worship for locals and pilgrims. Inside, the temple is made up of some exquisite wood and stone architecture, with plenty of unique features and elaborate carvings. The grand vaulted ceiling and marble flooring were added in 1992.
Practical Info
Manu Temple is located around three kilometers from the main market at the end of a narrow road. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively, ensuring knees and shoulders are covered.
Address: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India 175131, India
From $ 600
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Reminiscent of the Mayan ruins in Central America, a complex of stone temples are all that remain of the eighth century Pallava dynasty along the coast two hours south of Chennai. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram’s (Mamallapuram) most iconic landmark, consists of two intricately carved towers standing watch over the Bay of Bengal. With shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, the temple is considered one of the oldest in India. The nearby Panch Pandava Rathas, five stone shrines each carved from a single piece of rock, clearly display the astounding talent of the ancient stonemasons who built them.
Besides the monolithic stone shrines and temples, the town of Mahabalipuram gives travelers a sun-and-sand escape from the clamor of nearby Chennai. Get an early start to tour the stone monuments in the morning before the heat and domestic tourists descend; and spend your afternoon lazing on the wide, sandy beach and snacking on freshly prepared seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Besides the monolithic stone shrines and temples, the town of Mahabalipuram gives travelers a sun-and-sand escape from the clamor of nearby Chennai. Get an early start to tour the stone monuments in the morning before the heat and domestic tourists descend; and spend your afternoon lazing on the wide, sandy beach and snacking on freshly prepared seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Address: India
From $ 11
Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the wishgranting goddess Mansa Devi. It’s located on the top of a hill in Haridwar, which is one of seven holy pilgrimage centers in India known as Sapta Puri.
Mansa Devi Temple is a hugely popular site, with hundreds of pilgrims flocking to it daily with their prasad (food offerings) for the goddess in the hopes of getting their wishes granted.
Visitors can either walk the one and a half kilometers up the hill to the temple, or take a cable car ride up instead. Along the way there’s always a large number of people selling everything from food and flowers to music and jewelry.
Once inside the temple, devotees offer some of their prasad to the Hindu priests and receive a blessing in return. Visitors are then encouraged into the inner sanctum where the idol of the Mansa Devi resides. It is here that the rest of the prasad is offered, pieces of coconut are received, and wishes are finally uttered.
Practical Info
Walking the 1.5 kilometers uphill to the Mansa Devi Temple can prove challenging in the hotter months. Many therefore take the cable car up and walk back down. Visitors should be wary of the monkeys on the walk up, as they are well-known for stealing food and other items!
Address: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401, India
Hours: Cable car opens: 7am April-October / 8am November-March
Admission: Rs.48 for return cable car ride
From $ 12
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
In the ornate terraced home where Mahatma Gandhi stayed while on trips to Mumbai from 1917 to 1934, the touching Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum tells the story of Gandhi’s life as one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures who peacefully led India to independence from the British through his peaceful campaign of Civil Disobedience.
The most moving part of any visit to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is seeing Gandhi’s simple room on the second floor. This is the spot where Gandhi developed his philosophy of nonviolent protest. Furnished only with a small mattress, a book, some low tables, and his iconic spinning wheel (immortalized in the center of India’s national flag), leaders including Barack Obama and Martin Luther King have visited Gandhi’s room to pay their respects to the father of the Indian nation.
Set on a leafy avenue a few streets north of Chowpatty Beach in South Mumbai, as you wander the rooms of the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum you’ll get to learn about Gandhi through dioramas, press clippings, documents, images, films, memorabilia, and letters he sent to a range of figures including Hitler and Roosevelt.
You can also visit the library with its famous Mahatma Gandhi statue. Up the staircase, head to the photo gallery on the first floor to see photos from his childhood right up until his assassination in 1948.
Practical Info
On 19 Laburnum Road in South Mumbai, Mani Bhavan Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.
Address: 19 Laburnum Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
From $ 11
Maharaja Fatesingh Museum
Housed within a former school for the Maharaja’s children, the Maharaja Fatesingh Museum now houses and displays a collection of artwork collected by the Maratha Royal Family as well as Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who collected extensively during his travels outside of India.
While the paintings and sculptures within the museum span the globe from Europe to East Asia, the most notable segment are the collected works of Raja Ravi Varma, one of the most esteemed painters in the history of Indian art, who painted portraits of the Royal Family as well as scenes from Hindu mythology. The sculptures by Italian artist Fellicci are also a highlight.
Practical Info
While at the museum you can purchase tickets to the Maharaja’s palace as well.
Address: Nehru Rd, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, India
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 100 rupees
From $ 83
Little Mount & St Thomas Mount (Chinnamalai & Parangi Malai)
According to legend, St Thomas, a disciple of Christ, lived out the remainder of his days in a rocky cave, known as Little Mount (Chinnamalai). A small opening near the cave is supposedly the tunnel exit that St Thomas escaped from when fleeing from his assailants. He fled to St Thomas Mount (Parangi Malai), just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) away from Little Mount, where he was later martyred while praying on top of the hill in 72 AD.
Today, Little Mount is home to a Portuguese church dating back to 1551, as well as a small alter to St Thomas in the rocky cave opening and a palm print believed by some to be left by Thomas himself as he fled. Reaching the Church of Our Lady of Expectation, built in 1523 on St Thomas Mount, requires climbing 135 steps with the Stations of the Cross along the way. A stone cross that was excavated by the Portuguese in 1547 was inlaid into the wall of the church’s altar.
Today, Little Mount is home to a Portuguese church dating back to 1551, as well as a small alter to St Thomas in the rocky cave opening and a palm print believed by some to be left by Thomas himself as he fled. Reaching the Church of Our Lady of Expectation, built in 1523 on St Thomas Mount, requires climbing 135 steps with the Stations of the Cross along the way. A stone cross that was excavated by the Portuguese in 1547 was inlaid into the wall of the church’s altar.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 30
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 (and designed by British architect Major Charles Mant), Laxmi Vilas Palace still serves as the residence of the Vadorada royal family. The Indo-Saracenic architectural style of the facade features elements of European, Indian and Islamic traditions, and when it was completed, the palace ranked among the largest private residences in the world.
The equally elaborate interiors feature beautiful mosaics, including a Venetian mosaic floor in the Durbar Hall laid by the Murano Company of Venice over a period of 18 months. Carrara marble, Italian sculptures by Signor Fellicci, stained glass windows from England, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Venetian chandeliers put the finishing touches on this magnificent Raj-era palace. The landscaped gardens also house the small Maharaja Fatesingh Museum, worth a visit if you’re already at the palace.
Practical Info
Download an English audio tour on your smart phone before your visit for a self-guided Royal Tour of the grounds.
Address: J.N. Marg, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, India
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: 170 rupees
From $ 83
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi. It is the main cremation ghat in the area, with the bodies of devout Hindus being burned here before their ashes are carried away by the holy waters of the Ganges.
Hindu mythology links this ghat with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It’s said that those cremated here will attain moksha (salvation). Bodies are brought to Manikarnika Ghat via a stretcher made from bamboo and covered in red cloth, before being consigned to flames amid prayers that their souls rest in peace for eternity.
There is a sacred well at the ghat called the Manikarnika Kund, which is said to have been dug by Lord Vishnu at the time of creation. Lord Vishnu was said to have meditated for many years at the ghat, and it’s believed that his charana paduka (footprints) can be seen here in a circular marble slab. Manikarnika Ghat is also famous for the temple of the Lord Shiva and Mata Durga, which was built here in the mid-1800s.
Practical Info
Along with the other ghats of Varanasi, the best way to reach Manikarnika Ghat is by rickshaw or by taking a boat-ride along the river.
Address: Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
From $ 7
Mattancherry
Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. It was a time when many different nationalities and religious communities were welcomed to Mattancherry to trade and make it their home. Slowly the traders moved on to Ernakulam, but Mattancherry remains a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Churches, mosques, and a synagogue happily coexist in Mattancherry, alongside buildings of the colonial era – another nod to the area’s fascinating past. Mattancherry Palace is one of the top attractions here. It was presented by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in the mid-1500s as a gesture of goodwill (or more likely as a bribe to secure trading privileges). The Dutch then renovated it in the 1600s, hence its alternative name – the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry is also well-known for having “Jew Town” at its heart – the place where ancient Jewish communities settled and began trading, and where antique shops, the Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Palace are the main attractions today.
Practical Info
There are frequent bus and boat services to Mattancherry from Ernakulam Town. The easiest way to get there is to catch the boat from Main Boat Jetty near Subash Park.
Address: Mattancherry, Kerala, India, India
From $ 15
Malabar Hill
Mumbai’s most exclusive neighborhood, Malabar Hill sits at the northern end of Marine Drive and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the city. An eclectic mix of modern buildings and old colonial mansions, Malabar Hill is where Mumbai's rich and famous reside.
Yet Malabar Hill is an area you wouldn’t visit unless you knew about it beforehand, or if you happened to extend a walk to the very end of Marine Drive; its exclusivity comes not only from accommodating Mumbai’s rich and elite then, but from having a location that is simply not on the way to anywhere else.
At the north end, in the crook of Malabar Hill, lies the infamous Chowpatty Beach, a long stretch of grey-white sand and a focal point in Mumbai for locals and tourists alike. While strolling up the hill, be sure to stop to admire the views of Marine Drive and take a photo or two. Malabar Hill is also home to a smattering of tourist attractions, including Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar Temple, and the Hanging Gardens.
Practical Info
Malabar Hill is located at the northern end of Back Bay in South Mumbai. It can be reached via both Walkeshwar Road and Napean Sea Road. The nearest train station is Grant Road (on the Western Railways line).
Address: Mumbai, India
From $ 34
Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the 16th-century structure as a gift to the then king of the Kochi dynasty, though it underwent significant remodels under Dutch rule, earning it its current moniker: the Dutch Palace. It's celebrated for its stunning murals, many of which depict scenes from Hindu epics, notably the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The Basics
Though it doesn't look very palatial from the outside, this 2-story structure has gems of art inside, including beautiful coconut-shell floors, portraits of former rulers, and numerous intricate tempera murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The palace also hosts a number of old royal artifacts, ranging from ceremonial costumes to palanquins.
Many Kochi city tours stop at the palace. Visiting with a guide can be useful, if you want in-depth information about the palace's history. Half- and full-day tours that visit the palace may also include a Kerala backwater boat cruise, Kathakali dance show, village visit, Chinese fishing nets, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History lovers and art fans won’t want to miss a visit to this palace.
- Parents may want to note that some of the murals depict explicit lovemaking scenes.
- Most of the palace is difficult to navigate by wheelchair, as there are plenty of stairs.
How to Get There
Mantacherry Palace is located right next to the Mantacherry Boat Jetty, from where travelers can take ferries to Ernakulam, the main city on the mainland where many of the city's larger chain and business hotels are located. It's right in the heart of historic Kochi, and the city’s famous Jew Town and its synagogue are a short walk way.
When to Get There
Mattancherry Palace is a year-round attraction, though if you're sensitive to heat or humidity, you may want to visit in the dryer season, from around December through the end of February. However, this is also the most popular season for tourists, so attractions can be crowded. The hottest months of the year are from March through May, while June through November can get rainy.
Kerala Murals
Kerala has a long tradition of mural painting that dates back to at least the eighth century. While the relatively newer murals at the Dutch Palace provide a great intro to the traditional local art, there are plenty more in the area, from the frescoes to the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple to the murals of the rock-cut Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Address: Bazaar Road, Fort Cochin, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Maota Lake
Situated in the town of Amber (Amer) in the outskirts of Jaipur in Rajasthan, Maota Lake was the main water source for the formidable Amber Fort (Amer Fort) back in its heyday. At the center of the lake is an island covered with lush gardens—including a saffron garden—planted by a 15th-century maharaja, Kesar Kyari Bagh.
The Basics
Maota Lake played an integral role in the development of Amber, acting as a primary source of water for Amber Fort and for the common people of the desert community, filling with rainwater from nearby hills during the monsoon. These days its role is more ornamental, though it is still used during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi processions, during which an idol of the elephant-headed deity Ganesh is submerged in the lake’s waters.
Most tours of Jaipur and the Golden Triangle visit Amber Fort, and many stop at the lake for photos before heading up to explore the fort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Swimming and bathing are not allowed in the lake.
- Wear lots of sunscreen and a sun hat.
- You can get great photos of the lake from the interior of Amber Fort just above it.
How to Get There
Maota Lake is located at the base of Amber Fort, west of Jaigarh Fort and approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Jaipur’s Pink City and the City Palace—about a 20-minute drive. Nearly all visitors come here as part of an excursion to Amber Fort or a larger Jaipur sightseeing tour.
When to Get There
You can visit the lake throughout the year, though Jaipur and Amber get very hot during the months of April through June. As such, the lake and its surrounding attractions are best visited early in the day, before it get too balmy, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer season.
Amber Attractions
Although Jaipur is now the capital of Rajasthan, the town of Amber was originally a stronghold of power and the ruling seat of Maharaja Man Singh. While the main attraction here is the Amber Fort, the area is home to a number of historic attractions, including the Jaigarh Fort, the Anokhi Museum, and, of course, Maota Lake.
Address: Amer, India
From $ 43
Mahalakshmi Temple
Dating back to 1785, Mahalakshmi Temple is among Mumbai's most popular Hindu places of worship, attracting pilgrims from around the world. While it's at its busiest during the annual nine-day celebration Navratri, dedicated to the goddess, a visit any time of year will give you a good introduction to Hindu beliefs and prayer.
The Basics
Sometimes combined with a trip to the nearby Haji Ali Shrine, the Mahalakshmi Temple attracts more devotees than tourists, and people often come here to give offerings to the goddess in the form of jewelry, coconuts, and flowers. Inside the temple sit three idols to the Tridevi (triple goddess) in the forms of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), Kali (the goddess of destruction), and Saraswati (the goddess of music and education).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mahalakshmi Temple is a must-visit for those interested in Hinduism.
- Be prepared to leave your shoes at the door.
- Dress conservatively, with knees and shoulders covered.
- This temple gets crowded, and lines to give offerings are often long.
How to Get There
The Mahalakshmi Temple is located in the southern part of Mumbai, right on the coast and about a 10-minute drive or half-hour walk north of the Hanging Garden. The nearest railway station is Mumbai Central, a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride inland. The train journey from Mumbai Central to the Churchgate station (near the Oval Maidan and Bombay High Court) takes about 10 minutes.
When to Get There
This temple is open early in the morning, just before sunrise, until well after dark. If you visit during the annual Navratri Festival, which is usually in September or October and honors the goddess Durga, be prepared for huge crowds (upwards of 100,000). If weather is your biggest concern, visit between December and February, when temperatures are mild by local standards. Mumbai is best avoided during the monsoon season (June through August).
The Dream of Mahalakshmi
Legend has it that the temple was constructed when a British engineer who was struggling to complete a seawall had a prophetic dream in which the goddess Mahalakshmi told him the whereabouts of a sacred idol and instructed him to build a temple in her honor. He did as instructed, and the seawall was finally built successfully.
Address: K.K Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400034, India
From $ 46
Lodi Gardens
Spread out over 90 acres (36 hectares), Lodi Gardens is a gorgeous and lush park full of meandering pathways, beautiful greenery, and four Lodi dynasty tombs. Many locals and visitors alike find refuge here from the dust and noise of Delhi, and you’re likely to come across picnickers, joggers, and elderly Delhiites on morning walks.
The Basics
Lodi Gardens (also spelled Lodhi Gardens) is one of the best maintained parks in Delhi, with lots of benches and plenty of green space for spreading out picnic blankets. For many visitors, the biggest draw is the park’s four beautifully maintained domed tombs, including the mausoleums of Mohammed Shah (which dates to 1444) and Sikander Lodi, and the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb. The gardens are also popular with runners, as the grounds are laced with meandering trails.
While the Archaeological Society of India has provided signboards with details about the tombs, the park is best explored with a guide. Many Delhi sightseeing and heritage tours visit the park, walking tours offer in-depth details about the gardens’ history, and yoga and meditation tours give an energetic boost to your morning.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lodi Gardens is ideal for picnickers, joggers, and anyone seeking a green oasis within the crowded city.
- Bring comfortable footwear for exploring the tombs, as the stairs leading up to them can be uneven.
- There are usually plenty of vendors selling chips, ice cream, and bottled water in the park. Other services include well-maintained public toilets.
- Lodi Gardens is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, though some tombs are not due to stairs.
How to Get There
The gardens’ main entrance is on Lodhi Road, about a 15-minute walk from Khan Market, and a 5- to 10-minute walk east of Sri Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung’s Tomb (which is often visited on tours in conjunction with the garden). The nearest metro station is Jorbagh, a 12-minute walk away, which connects to Central Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) on the Yellow Line. Parking is limited here, so it’s best to ride public transport, take a taxi, or visit with a tour.
When to Get There
Like all outdoor attractions in New Delhi, it’s best to visit Lodi Gardens during winter and avoid the hottest months of the year (May and June). It can get muggy and muddy here during the rainy season (July and August). If you come to jog, come at sunrise or sunset when the temperatures are more manageable; just note that you’ll likely be sharing the paths with plenty of local runners.
The Birds of Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is home to a huge variety of avian species. A signboard at the park’s southern entrance details the birds you might see, including green parakeets, woodpeckers, swifts, common hawks, pigeons, and bulbuls. If you're lucky, you may also spot species such as the white-breasted kingfisher or even the Indian grey hornbill, named for their strikingly bulbous beaks.
Address: Khan Market, New Delhi, DL, India
From $ 14
Madras High Court
Inaugurated in July of 1892, the Madras High Court is one of only three (along with Mumbai and Kolkata) in modern India that was established by royal charter under Queen Victoria. Architecturally, it’s one of the city’s most stunning examples of the Indo-Saracenic aesthetic, displaying Moorish, European, Islamic and Hindu elements in its red sandstone facade.
The domes, minarets and other decorative elements of the building’s exterior are matched in grandeur within, where guided tours take visitors through the various court rooms, many appointed with stained glass windows and exquisite works of art.
An interesting note: The Madras High Court is one of the few buildings in India to have been damaged by a German attack during the early years of World War I.
Practical Info
The Madras High Court is open Monday through Saturday and is located just north of Fort St. George.
Address: N Fort Rd, Parrys, George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, India
From $ 8
Mandawa
One of the most charming towns in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is celebrated for its numerous havelis (traditional mansions) and its fort, which is adorned with intricate frescoes. The 18th-century town feels like something out of a Rajasthani fairytale, and its havelis are often collectively referred to as the "open-air art gallery" of Rajasthan.
The Basics
Mandawa's main draw is its frescoes, many of which portray scenes from local history or religious stories. Visiting with a guide can be helpful, particularly for travelers not versed in Hindu mythology, in gaining greater insight into the significance of the works on display here. That said, it’s not the most popular stop on fixed-itinerary Golden Triangle tours, so travelers looking to spend time here may want to visit on a daytrip from Jaipur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as Mandawa can get hot.
- This is great for history buffs and art and architecture fans.
- Wheelchair users might find getting around Mandawa challenging.
How to Get There
Mandawa is located in the Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan, about a 4-hour drive from Jaipur or a 5-hour drive from Delhi. It’s frequently visited by people traveling between the two cities, usually in conjunction with other area attractions, such as the nearby city of Jhunjhunu, a 45-minute drive away. Although there are busses connecting Mandawa to all major cities in the region, it’s much easier to come here by car or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
While Mandawa is a year-round attraction, it’s best visited from October through March, when temperatures are cooler. April and May can be oppressively hot; June through September aren’t always much cooler—they’re just more humid due to the monsoon season, and the area can get some heavy downpours in June and July. Most of the havelis in Mandawa are open daily during daylight hours.
Mandawa Fort
One of Mandawa's major attractions is its 18th-century fort, now a heritage hotel. It's full of beautiful old frescoes, many focused on Lord Krishna, and it’s worth visiting even if you don't plan to spend the night. They’ll even waive the admission fee if you come for a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Address: Mandawa, India
From $ 180