Things to Do in New Delhi

Choose from 64 Fun Things to Do in New Delhi

Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan)

At the heart of New Delhi is one of its most remarkable buildings, the Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). The 320-acre (130-hectare) complex comprises a palatial 340-room main building and sprawling Mughal gardens. Many visitors come to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, complete with horses and a brass band.

The Basics

The palace was designed as a symbol of British colonial power and built in the early 20th century, after India’s capital was moved to Delhi from Calcutta. It became the president’s official residence shortly after independence. Until 2017, visitors were allowed inside only once or twice a year, though now the Bhavan is open to guests with prior registration. The Changing of the Guard is a regal affair worth witnessing.

Most half-day and full-day tours of Central Delhi at least stop for photos of the rectangular complex and its circular garden, and the Delhi hop-on hop-off bus allows for longer visits (which you book in advance).

Things to Know Before You Go

To visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, you must reserve a spot online in advance. See the palace’s website for details, and for the Changing of the Guard schedule.
All visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the palace is large and requires a lot of walking.

How to Get There

Rashtrapati Bhavan is located on the western end of Rajpath Marg, right in the heart of the leafy Lutyens’ Delhi neighborhood, where most of the city’s colonial-era buildings are situated. Directly opposite India Gate, it’s about a 25-minute walk (or a 7-minute drive) southwest of Connaught Place. The nearest Delhi Metro stop is Central Secretariat, which connects to both the Yellow and Violet Lines.

When to Get There

You can visit the palace throughout the year by booking in advance. If you’re coming for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, held on Saturday and Sunday, you may want to opt for a morning visit when temperatures are cooler—particularly if you’re in Delhi in the sweltering premonsoon season (roughly May and June).

Who Lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan?

India uses the parliamentary system of government, with a prime minister (who lives in a considerably humbler abode on nearby Race Course Road) as head of government. The president of India, who has lived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan since independence from Britain, has less power and clout than the PM, but is still the head of state and commander of the Indian military.

Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raisina Hills, New Delhi 110004, India

From $ 16

St James' Church

Situated in the northern reaches of Old Delhi, the pale-yellow St. James’ Church is a historic house of worship that's still used by the local Anglican community to this day. It was consecrated in 1836, making it one of the oldest churches in the city, and its adjacent cemetery contains the tombs of many important Raj-era officials.

The Basics

Also known as Skinner's Church after the British Colonel James Skinner, who commissioned it, St. James’ Church is an excellent example of Palladian architecture. Design elements of this pale-yellow structure include a cruciform plan, porticoed porches, and a big octagonal dome. It also contains a number of beautiful stained-glass windows brought in from Europe, plus art by Italian painter Pompeo Girolamo Batoni.

While it’s not the most popular Delhi attraction, some tours focusing on Raj-era history or spirituality stop by the church. You can also arrange to visit via a private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Remember to dress conservatively; dresses or trousers and shirts covering the shoulders are preferable to tank tops and shorts.
Services are held every Sunday at 8:30am (from Easter through September) or 9am (from October 1 through Easter).
The church’s non-service opening hours vary, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or go with an organized tour.

How to Get There

St. James’ Church is in Old Delhi, just north of Chandni Chowk. It's a 5-minute walk from Kashmiri Gate, Old Delhi's main long-distance bus depot. The Yellow, Red, and Violet lines of the Delhi Metro also stop here. For travelers coming by car, it's about a 15-minute drive to Connaught Place, New Delhi's de facto city center.

When to Get There

The church is open throughout the year, and the interiors are relatively cool, making it a good place to visit even during the hot season. Coming on a Sunday morning for service is the best way to get the full experience. There are also services and other events throughout the year; check the church’s website for the liturgical calendar.

Skinner’s Promise

James Skinner first decided to build St. James’ Church after lying wounded on a battlefield at Uniara, facing the potential of his death. According to legend, Skinner made a promise to God that if he survived, he would build a church. Today, Skinner's remains are interred in the church, with a gravestone just by the altar.

Church Road, Mori Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

From $ 27

Purana Qila

With a history dating back thousands of years, the city of Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times by numerous leaders. Purana Qila serves as a reminder of the capital’s turbulent past as one of the oldest structures in Delhi and its oldest surviving fort.

Purana Qila was built during the rule of Afghan ruler Sher Shah between 1538 and 1545 in the midst of a power struggle between him and Humayun, the son of Babur, the first Mughal emperor. Humayun had built his own fort in the same spot in the 1530s but was forced out by Sher Shah, who proceeded to destroy what Humayun had built and establish his own capital.

Practical Info

Today, all that remains of Purana Qila are the massive red sandstone ramparts with three gateways providing entrance. Within the old fort, only two buildings remain, Sher Shah’s personal mosque -- a pre-Mughal domed structure dating back to 1941, and a two-floor sandstone and marble tower used by Humayun as a library after he retook the city in 1555.

New Delhi, ND, India

From $ 5

Sarnath

Sarnath is a small town in Uttar Pradesh, situated 13 kilometers from the holy city of Varanasi. As the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and also where the original Sangha was formed, Sarnath is one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India.

It is said that the Buddha went from Bodh Gaya to the now famous deer park in Sarnath around five weeks after his enlightenment to give his first sermon to his five disciples, Kaundinya, Bashpa, Bhadrika, Mahanama, and Ashvajit.

Within the deer park complex is the large Dhamek Stupa, constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage there. It is said that this stupa marks the exact spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. There are also several other ancient Buddhist structures in the park, along with a museum – the Sarnath Archaeological Museum – which houses a small collection of artefacts exhumed from across the site.

Practical Info

Sarnath is easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Varanasi. If coming from further afield, the nearest train station is Varanasi Cantt, which is connected to most major cities in India (Sarnath does have a small train station, but very few trains stop there).

Sarnath, India

From $ 8

Safdarjung's Tomb

The 18th-century Safdarjung’s Tomb, though not as well known as some of New Delhi’s bigger, older Mughal-era tombs, is worth a visit for its beautiful Mughal architecture and pleasant lack of crowds. It’s a peaceful place to escape traffic noise, and its location at the border of Central and South Delhi make it a convenient spot for a visit.

The Basics

As its name suggests, Safdarjung’s Tomb is the final resting place of the Viceroy of Awadh—popularly known as Safdarjung. The Mughal-style structure was built in 1754, making it the newest of India’s closed garden tombs, and much of its architectural inspiration was drawn from the better-known Humayun’s Tomb to the east. Like many Indian tombs of its era, it features a char bagh (four-quarter) garden as well as an intricate interior featuring carved floral designs in marble and red sandstone.

Safdarjung’s Tomb is often visited independently or on a combined tour with the nearby Lodi Gardens. It also features on some full-day tours of Delhi.

Things to Know Before You Go

Safdarjung’s Tomb is a must for fans of history and Mughal architecture.
Bring sun protection and plenty of water on hot days, as there’s not much shade (except inside the tomb itself).
Wear good shoes here. The gardens surrounding the tomb aren’t well maintained, and the area gets dusty or muddy, depending on the season.

How to Get There

Safdarjung’s Tomb is located where Sri Aurobindo Marg and Lodhi Road meet, making it easy to access by road from Central or South Delhi. The Jorbagh metro station is a 4-minute walk from the tomb’s eastern entrance.

When to Get There

Safdarjung’s Tomb is open from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. It generally doesn’t get too crowded here, though to beat the heat—especially in May and June—opt for an early-morning visit. Best to avoid the tomb during the monsoon season, as the gardens and pathways get muddy.

Exploring Delhi’s Tombs

Delhi is full of fascinating tombs, from the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Humayun’s Tomb to smaller, Archaeological Survey of India–managed mausoleums of lesser-known nobility and rulers scattered throughout local neighborhoods and parks. Many city tours focus on these majestic tombs, allowing visitors to see the evolution of older constructions (such as those found in Lodi Gardens) to relatively young tombs, such as that of Safdarjung.

Lodi Estate, New Delhi, ND DL, India

From $ 14

Rajpath (King's Way)

Rajpath, or King’s Way, is a grand boulevard running through the heart of New Delhi from Rashtrapati Bhawan through India Gate and on to the National Stadium. The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of road, considered one of the most important in India, is home to some of Delhi’s top attractions, making it a perfect starting point for a walking tour of the new city.

Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (also responsible for India Gate), Rajpath was meant to offer an uninterrupted view of the new city from the Viceroy’s palace, today the residence of the President of India.

Practical Info

Begin your explorations of Rajpath at Rashtrapati Bhawan, flanked by the two nearly identical Secretariat buildings. As you make your way toward India Gate, you’ll pass the National Museum on your right. Just past India Gate on the right sits the National Gallery of Modern Art, another worthwhile attraction on Rajpath.

Rajpath Rd, New Delhi, ND, India

From $ 34

Sai Baba Temple

Situated on a busy road at the border of Central and South Delhi, this temple is dedicated not to a deity but to Shirdi Sai Baba, a 19th-century saint who was renowned for teaching compassion, charity, and pluralism. He's one of the most revered saints in Hinduism today, and his temple is one of the busiest in this part of town.

The Basics

Sai Baba of Shirdi was a saint whose teachings incorporated philosophical underpinnings from devotional Hinduism and Sufism. He's respected by Hindus and Muslims alike, but whether he was of Hindu or Muslim origin is uncertain. What is known is that he taught compassion, charity, and the importance of eliminating communitarianism and divisions between caste and religions. As such, adherents of all faiths and cultural backgrounds are welcome in his temples.

The Sai Baba Temple is part of Mughal heritage tours or sightseeing tours of Central Delhi’s spiritual sites. A Golden Triangle trip takes you to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, while a short trip from Jaipur is great for those with limited time.

Things to Know Before You Go

Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Out of respect for local customs, your knees and shoulders should be covered.
Expect crowds, especially if you’re visiting on a Thursday evening, when the temple is at its busiest.

How to Get There

The Sai Baba Temple is in the Lodhi Road Institutional Area, south of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Lodhi Road in New Delhi. It's conveniently close to a number of attractions, including Lodhi Gardens and Humayun's Tomb, each about five minutes away by car. The closest metro stop is at Jangpura, but it's still about a 20-minute walk away, so you may be better off coming by taxi or as part of an organized tour.

When to Get There

Thursday is dedicated to Sai Baba, so this is when you’re likely to see the most crowds here. In general, this temple is at its most crowded around sunset, when devotees come en masse to make offerings and pray. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, come earlier in the day.

Sab Ka Malik Ek

Sai Baba is most famous in India for saying, “Sab Ka Malik Ek,” which roughly translates to “everyone’s lord is one.” In his eyes, and in the eyes of his devotees, while different religions may have different practices and philosophies, they’re all worshiping the same divine God. It’s not uncommon to see this phrase on windshield stickers in India, indicating that the car’s owners are devotees of Sai Baba.

India

From $ 27

Sarojini Nagar Market

Sarojini Nagar Market is one of Delhi’s most popular markets, predominantly specializing in export brand names at extremely low prices. Located to the southwest of the city center, this bustling spot is popular with locals and tourists looking for bargains they can’t get elsewhere.

The market has a vibrant energy about it, and the sheer variety of merchandise on offer means you could easily spend half a day rummaging around its numerous shops and stalls. Discount western-style clothes aren’t the only thing on offer either, with home furnishings, bags, cosmetics, footwear, jewelry, and other accessories all a part of the market’s mix too.

Sarojini Nagar Market is the ideal place for keen shoppers, and can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour of Delhi's markets. As well as having an expert's opinion as you shop and haggle for bargains, this offers the added benefit of being privately transported to several of the city’s other popular markets.

Insider’s Tip: Sarojini Nagar Market is one of the best places in the city to try out your bargaining skills. Haggling for a better price is expected, with savings of up to 50 percent off the asking price to be had, so don’t always accept the first price you’re offered. The first rule of haggling is to keep the exchange positive – a friendly smile can go a long way.

Practical Info

If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach this market by taking the metro to the newly-built Sarojini Nagar station.

Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi, India

Open Tues-Sun 11am-8pm

From $ 28

Qutub Minar

The superb buildings in this complex date from the onset of Islamic rule in India. The Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar or Qutab Minar) itself is a soaring 240 foot (73 meter) high tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. At its base is Quwwat ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam Mosque), India's first mosque.

The tower has 5 distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony, and it tapers, like something out of a fairytale, from a 50 ft (15 m) diameter at the base to just 8 ft (2.5 m) at the top. The first 3 stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The stairs inside the tower coil so steeply that they're enough to make the hardiest climber dizzy and claustrophobic, and it was no surprise when a stampede during a school trip in 1979 resulted in a number of deaths. The inside of the tower has since been closed to visitors.

An inscription over the mosque's eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing 27 idolatrous (read Hindu) temples. A 23 ft (7 m) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and it's said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be unfulfilled; however, the pillar is now protected by a fence.

Practical Info

Qutub Minar is located 10 mi (16 km) from Connaught Place in southern Delhi. Catch bus 505, take an organized tour or a taxi to reach Qutub Minar.

Delhi-Gurgaon Rd, Mehrauli, New Delhi, India

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Rs 250. Filming permission: Rs 25

From $ 8

Shankar's International Dolls Museum

Equal parts kitschy and cute, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum was founded by political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai to house one of the largest collections of dolls anywhere on the planet. Shankar received a single doll as a gift from the Hungarian Ambassador during the early 1950s and quickly developed a fascination. He began collecting them on his frequent trips abroad until his collection numbered more than 500.

When the museum was opened in 1965, the collection had grown to about 1,000, and another 5,000 were gifted over the next two decades. Today the colorful museum, located within the Children’s Book Trust, displays more than 6,500 dolls from 85 different countries — everything from Spanish flamenco dancers to Japanese geishas. The India exhibit — a highlight of the museum — has 500 dolls dressed in traditional costumes from around India.

Practical Info

Access to Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is through a dedicated entrance of the Children’s Book Trust on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.

4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India

Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm

17 rupees

From $ 18

Paharganj

Paharganj is a neighborhood in the middle of New Delhi known for its atmosphere and cheap shopping. Always chaotic, crowded, and noisy, Paharganj is filled with budget hotels, travel agents, and a wide range of low-cost restaurants, making it a popular haunt with backpackers.

Main Bazaar Road runs through the most popular and chaotic part of town. This is lined with shops filled with clothes, shoes, books, incense, jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and more. While far from being the most scenic place in the city, Paharganj’s cheap accommodation, international restaurants, and close proximity to the railway station and Connaught Place make it a common first stop for many on their arrival into Delhi.

Paharganj is the ideal place for those looking to pick up a bargain, and can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour of Delhi's markets. As well as having an expert's opinion as you shop and haggle for items, this offers the added benefit of being privately transported to several of the city’s other popular shopping areas. Brief visits to the area are also included on some bike and walking tours, with one unique tour offering the opportunity to visit a shelter for street children and witness what life is like on the streets.

Practical Info

Paharganj is located right near New Delhi Railway Station and at the gateway to Connaught Place. As you step out of the station, cross the road and you’ll find yourself at the entrance to Paharganj’s Main Bazaar.

Did You Know? Paharganj was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s by those on the hippie trail, and only since then has the area become a hub for backpackers and other low-budget travelers.

Paharganj, New Delhi, India

From $ 50

Nizamuddin Dargah

The shrine of a renowned Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Dargah is a stunning architectural gem of Delhi, a dome and series of arches rising up from the middle of the crowded city. Containing several tombs, it is surrounded by courtyards and latticed screens called jalis, enhanced by candlelight and the smell of incense. Famous poets and a Mughal princess have been buried inside, and you will find many worshippers that come here to pray. Thousands visit daily and people with all religious affiliations are welcome.

It’s close to Humanyun’s Tomb, one of Delhi’s top sites, and they are often visited together in tours. Don’t miss the qawwali (Sufi devotional songs) singers if it’s a Thursday evening — the live performance is accompanied by traditional Indian musical instruments. The dome becomes spectacularly lit up at night. Many call their visit to the mausoleum spiritual, especially when accompanied by a qawwali performance.

Practical Info

Found in the neighborhood of Delhi that shares its name, Nizamuddin Dargah. You'll want to dress respectfully (something to cover your head, if you choose) and you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering. Crowds during the daytime can be heavy; sunset is a great time to visit. The nearest metro stop is JLN Stadium.

Old Nizamuddin Bazaar, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, India

Open 24 hours

From $ 59

Swaminarayan Akshardham

One of Delhi’s biggest, newest, and most grandiose attractions, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a gorgeous temple complex. The vast grounds house not only a place of worship, but also an animatronics experience, an IMAX-style theater showing a film about the temple’s namesake, and a theme park–style boat ride.

The Basics

Opened in 2005, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a sprawling complex featuring a 108-foot-tall (33-meter) main temple made from 6,614 tons (6,000 metric tons) of pink sandstone and full of intricate carvings. Along with the temple, there are all sorts of facilities here, including a sprawling food court serving vegetarian food, a gift shop selling books and religious paraphernalia, and a variety of Vedic-themed exhibitions and attractions.

Many operators offer private and small-group temple tours to the complex, which can be particularly useful for visitors looking to learn about Hinduism. Some more general Delhi city tours stop here as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a must-see for architecture buffs—and is entertaining for kids, too.
Cameras, mobile phones, umbrellas, and other large items must be left in the free cloakroom.
Wear clothing that covers your shoulders, upper arms, and knees. If you are not dressed modestly, sarongs are available with a deposit.
The complex is accessible to wheelchair users, and loaner wheelchairs are available with a deposit.

How to Get There

Akshardham is just off the NH 24 on the eastern banks of the Yamuna River, making it less convenient for independent travelers to visit than many of the more centrally located attractions located west of the river. That said, it’s only a 15-minute ride on the metro’s Blue Line from Rajiv Chowk station in Connaught Place to Akshardham station, right in front of the complex. If driving, on-site parking is available for a fee.

When to Get There

The main temple (mandir) and various Indian culture exhibitions and attractions are open 9:30am to 8pm (last entry at 6:30pm) Tuesday through Sunday year-round. Prayer ceremonies (aartis) are held daily at 10am and 6pm, and there’s a water show just after sunset every night.

Who Was Swaminarayan?

This impressive temple was named after Swaminarayan, also known as Neelkanth, an Indian yogi born in the late 18th century. He became an ascetic at the age of 11, and spent seven years traveling throughout the country before going to study with a guru and later becoming a prominent Hindu leader in his own right. Neelkanth was radical for his time in that he believed that women, like men, deserved education and a life free from abuse or oppression.

National Highway 24, Near Noida More, New Delhi, ND 110092, India

Tue-Sun 9:30am-6:30pm, closed Mondays.

From $ 13

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

For those who’ve ever wondered about the fascinating history of the toilet, Delhi’s Sulabh International Museum of Toilets showcases a seemingly endless array of artifacts, pictures, stories and examples of one of the modern world’s most ingenious inventions. Three separate spaces examine ancient, medieval and modern toilets, covering the most mundane to the most surprising details.

Visitors can wander detailed exhibits that showcase the chronology of toilets spanning almost all of the last five thousand years. From pit latrines and stone structures to ultra-modern Japanese models complete with heat, massage and music, the museum leaves no stone unturned when it comes to bringing the marvels of the modern toilet to the masses.

Practical Info

The museum is free to enter and guided tours are available at no cost. It is open from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. November 1 through March 30, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through October 30.

Sulabh Bhawan, Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri Marg, New Delhi, India

Open daily Nov-Mar: 10:30am-5pm and April-Oct: 10am-5pm

From $ 37

Parliament House

Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan) is a striking sandstone building and home to both houses of the Parliament of India. This round building was inspired by the Great Stupa of Sanchi and the Ashoka Chakra—the same circular symbol found in the center of the Indian flag.

The Basics

With its impressive architecture featuring sandstone colonnades and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, the Parliament House is worth a visit on aesthetic value alone. However, if you have an interest in political history, you may want to drop into the Parliament Museum, which features interactive exhibits detailing the history and democratic heritage of modern India.

Many private and small-group tours of Delhi and of New Delhi stop at the building, and some provide time for you to go inside and explore the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Parliament House is ideal for architecture and political history fans.
To enter the Parliament House itself, foreigners must apply through their embassies or high commissions.
There’s a computerized resource center on the premises for researchers and scholars.
Backpacks and large bags must be checked at the cloakroom.
Photography is not permitted within the museum.

How to Get There

Parliament House is located in the heart of the Raj-era neighborhood of Lutyens’ Delhi, near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and India Gate. The nearest metro stop is Central Secretariat, a 5-minute walk away, on the Yellow and Violet Lines.

When to Get There

The Parliament Museum is open 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking around the Parliament House’s exterior, come early in the day—when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn’t as abrasive—or during the winter months.

A New Parliament?

The Parliament House dates back to the 1920s, and there have been concerns in recent years about the structure’s safety as well as its ability to accommodate modern audiovisual technology. While it's unlikely that the current building will be demolished due to its heritage status alone, the Parliament of India may find a new home in the years to come.

Sansad Marg, New Delhi, India

From $ 19

Ranthambore National Park

One of the biggest national parks in North India, Ranthambore National Park is particularly popular with travelers hoping to spot an elusive tiger in the wild. Although tigers are the main draw here, the reserve is home to other critters—including sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and hundreds of bird species—and a 10th-century fort.

The Basics

This 150-square-mile (392-square-kilometer) park is best known for its wild tiger population— around three dozen of the big cats live here—and nearly everyone who visits takes part in a 3.5-hour tiger-spotting safari, managed by the government. Both jeep and cantar (open-air 20-seat minibus) safaris are available. If you want to up your chances of seeing a wild tiger, go on a couple of safaris; some multi-day park tours offer the opportunity to partake in both a morning and an afternoon tiger-spotting adventure.

Ranthambore is a popular stop on many Rajasthan itineraries, amongst independent travelers and private and small-group tours alike. Independent travelers can prebook safaris through the Rajasthan Forest Department, though it's much easier to go through a travel agent.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ranthambore National Park is a must for nature lovers, wildlife-watchers, and families with kids.
Safaris are available every morning and afternoon.
The government limits safari seats to protect the area, so it’s wise to prebook or join an organized tour. Jeep safaris tend to sell out faster than cantar trips.
Make sure to bring your passport; all safari participants must carry ID.

How to Get There

Ranthambore National Park is just outside of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. If driving, it’s about eight hours from Delhi (245 miles/395 kilometers), five hours from Agra (158 miles/255 kilometers), or four hours from Jaipur (96 miles/155 kilometers). All three major cities are connected to Sawai Madhopur, by train; most trains from Agra or Delhi take about 4.5 hours, while those from Jaipur do the trip in as few as two hours.

When to Get There

Until 2017, Ranthambore National Park closed annually from July to September (the monsoon season). Now it is open year-round, though the best months for spotting tigers tend to be March and April. Note that May and June can be particularly hot here, though the forest shade and abundance of trees help make temperatures feel less intense.

Tiger Conservation in India

The Bengal tiger is India’s national animal, and tiger conservation is taken very seriously here. At the forefront of the movement is Project Tiger, which launched in 1973 to protect Bengal tigers from extinction. Tiger censuses are carried out every four years, and it’s currently estimated that there are around 3,000 of the animals in the wild.

Sawai Madhopur, India

Varies

From $ 42

Raj Ghat

At the site of Mahatma Ghandi's cremation in 1948 is a memorial. In black marble, surrounded by lawn and with an eternal flame burning, Raj Ghat remembers the man who is known as the Father of India for his tireless and pacifist work to reclaim India's independence from Britain. The memorial has the words 'He Ram,' which translates as 'O, God,' said to be the last words spoken by Ghandi after his assassination. Every Friday, the day of his death, a memorial ceremony is held.

'Raj Ghat' loosely translates as 'Kings Bank' and Ghandi's memorial is not the only one here. There are also many others to India's Prime Ministers since independence, including Indira Ghandi, similarly assassinated, and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Practical Info

Located across the road from the National Ghandi Museum, the easiest way to get to Raj Ghat is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. As a sign of respect, visitors are required to take off their shoes before approaching the memorial.

Raj Ghat, Delhi 110 002, India

Free

From $ 61

Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

Nicknamed the Baby Taj, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra was built from 1622 to 1628 by the daughter of Mizra Ghiyas Beg, the Persian nobleman entombed within the marble structure. While not as jaw-dropping as the Taj Mahal, this smaller tomb has many connections to its more famous counterpart. As a forerunner to the Taj Mahal, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah was innovative for its time -- it was the first Mughal structure made entirely out of marble.

The two structures also have a personal connection. Mizra Ghiyas Beg was the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built.

While smaller than the Taj, this tomb is arguably more delicate and ornate. The inlays, mosaics and marble lattice screens likely served as inspiration to Shah Jahan, and it’s possible to see them up close without the crowds that often plague the Taj Mahal. It’s a place most travelers to Agra never see, but it’s well worth a visit.

Agra, India

Daily Sunrise to Sunset

From $ 28

Taj Mahal

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and certainly one of India’s most famous landmarks, the Taj Mahal is a living testament to the grandiose and the romantic. Lovingly built from white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the structure is decorated with carvings of flowers and inlays of precious stone arranged into intricate patterns that can be admired both from its impressive exterior and interior. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for every traveler to northern India.

The Basics

Tours are available year-round and at all times of the day, and can be customized to your interests and the timing of your visit. The easiest and most popular option for travelers wanting to see the Taj Mahal is to visit on a full-day group tour or in a private car with an English-speaking tour guide and driver, plus roundtrip transportation. Guided tours from both Jaipur and New Delhi abound and often also visit other interesting sights and attractions around Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, such as Agra Fort, the Red Fort, Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, and Fatehpur Sikri. Guided photography tours are a popular option at the Tah Mahal and generally take place either at sunset or sunrise. Other excursions, known as Golden Triangle tours, visit Jaipur, New Delhi, and Agra all in one go.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Taj Mahal is incredibly popular; it’s best to purchase tickets in advance to save time.
There is no formal dress code, though it is recommended to dress respectfully.
The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors every Friday, except for those attending prayers.

How to Get There

Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is easily accessible from New Delhi on a journey of about three hours by road. Agra also has its own airport set just four miles (6.4 kilometers) from the city center that receives domestic flights on a regular basis. The city can be reached from New Delhi by train, but you will need additional local transportation to reach the Taj Mahal from the train station.

When to Get There

The Taj Mahal is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Both sunrise and sunset Taj Mahal tours are extremely popular, given that at these times of day, the sun creates an exquisite reflection upon the palace’s white marble, drenching its surface in red, orange, pink, and golden hues. It’s even possible to see the palace at both sunrise and sunset as part of a full-day tour of Agra that starts and ends at the Taj. Northern India can be hot in summer, so October to March, when the weather is mildest, are considered the best months to visit. Early morning is often the least crowded time of day to see the Taj Mahal.

Photographing the Taj Mahal

Though there is no substitute for seeing the famous Taj Mahal with your own two eyes, it’s a popular spot for photography. Raised on a marble platform, the monument’s only backdrop is the sky, and white minarets flank each of its corners, giving it a three-dimensional effect from each of its perfectly symmetrical sides. The photogenic structure also resides within a pristine Mughal garden. In the center is a raised reflecting pool positioned on a north-south axis so that when its fountains are not flowing, the Taj is perfectly reflected in its waters. Head to Yamuna River for a unique shot of the water in the palace’s foreground.

Dharmapuri, Agra 282001, India

Sunrise to sunset (closed on Fridays)

Rs 1000

From $ 22

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Red Fort (Lal Qila) traces its roots back to the middle of the 17th century, when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan moved his base from Agra to Delhi. For the two centuries that followed, this gargantuan sandstone complex served as the royal residence of the Mughal Empire. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, often visited in tandem with nearby Chandni Chowk.

The Basics

One of the best-preserved architectural sites in Delhi, the Red Fort provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of India’s former Mughal Empire. Highlights of this octagonal complex include the Diwan-i-Aam, where emperors and prime ministers once addressed the public, plus the Mumtaz Mahal, which hosts a Mughal history museum, complete with six halls full of artifacts ranging from old manuscripts to astronomical tools. Don’t miss the Diwan-i-Khas, a small hall full of decorated archways and topped with regal chhatris (domed canopies).

The Red Fort is a highlight on most group and private sightseeing tours of Old and New Delhi, many of which also include stops at the nearby Chandni Chowk market, India Gate, and the Jama Masjid. Evening tours may include admission to the Red Fort sound and light show along with dinner.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Red Fort is huge, spanning over 120 acres (49 hectares). Make sure you set aside at least two hours for your visit.
The complex is wheelchair accessible, featuring wide pathways and limited steps.
Wear sunscreen and bring a hat or a parasol, as much of the fort is uncovered and open to the elements.
The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.

How to Get There

The Red Fort is located in bustling Old Delhi, just north of the Jama Masjid, on the western banks of the Yamuna River. It’s right next to the Lal Qila metro station on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro and about a 10-minute walk from the Old Delhi Railway Station. Most visitors arrive by car or metro or as part of a guided tour.

When to Get There

The Red Fort is open throughout the year, Tuesday to Sunday, from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is in winter, when the weather is comfortably cool. If your Delhi trip coincides with the sweltering summer season of May and June, consider arriving early in the day when temperatures are at their coolest and crowds are smallest.

Netaji Subhash Marg, New Delhi, India

Varies

From $ 9