Dreamer's Destinations.

1. Agra

Perhaps the nation’s number one tourist destination is the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra with its Mughal monuments, heritage forts and, oh yes, an imperial palace known as the Taj Mahal. Founded on a bend in the sacred Yamuna River, Agra awakens in utmost majesty at sunrise, with its collection of marble mausoleums, attractions and lively chowks (markets) becoming ever more chaotic and hazy as the day wears on. Expect rickshaw-wallahs, touts and audacious vendors to line your path to the famed palace, a site lying two kilometres from the UNESCO-listed fort in the heart of the city.

You might think you know the Taj Mahal but secrets remain, such as the tragic truth behind its creation as a tomb for the Mughal’s loyal consort who died in childbirth. Taking two years of work by the empire’s most skilled craftsmen, the Taj Mahal was finally completed in 1648, with additional cloisters added thereafter. For the best views of this famed complex, make your way across the river to Mehtab Bagh gardens at sunrise or sunset for memorable photo opportunities and optional boat hires. As well as visiting the Taj, also worthwhile is Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, the lesser-known Sikandra fort and various other homages to the Mughal empire, in particular, the Musamman Burj, a tower and architectural marvel with views over the city.

2. Delhi

Colourful capital New Delhi is India’s most chaotic and crowded city, but don’t let that stop you jumping in and savouring its wonders. Most tourists to New Delhi love how the city melds both tradition and modernity; in the centre sits Old Delhi with its heritage attractions and market fare, while sprawling out from there you’ve got showy towers and high-end restaurants set apart from the urban mayhem. The streets, commandeered by humble locals pushing food carts and honking auto-rickshaw drivers (with a fair amount of cows, cars and scooters thrown into the mix), can be a pain to navigate but once you relax into the task, every corner offers a new opportunity. A city of eight layers, with each new era, laid upon the ruins of the old, Delhi’s history is a joy to untangle. The modern-day citadel is said to be haunted by djinns, with the various monuments and temples harking back to a city of old, from the ruins of Purana Qila and Shahjahanabad to the tombs of historical figures, all in proximity to the shrines, mosques and temples still popular among devotees and spiritual seekers alike.

Moving out from the Red Fort in the old centre, converge on winding alleys offering all kinds of regional cuisine, from South Indian idly and Punjabi kulcha for brunch, before richer tastes of Mughlai curry come dinnertime. Of the most famous foods, Dilli-ka-chaat – or street food snacks – are sure winners. Grab a kebab, aloo tikka patty or sweet deep-fried jalebi at any time on the move, pausing for a side of cardamom kheer rice pudding. Besides Delhi’s array of flavours, the city also holds much in the way of handicrafts, clothes and other winning souvenirs. Visit any of Delhi’s emporiums for the gift-buying experience of a lifetime, where India’s best regional arts and crafts come together to fill multiple storey emporiums as well as alleyways and outside bazaars with puppets, paintings, brightly dyed shawls, cheap electronics and more. Discover more of the city with our full Delhi travel guide

3. Rajasthan

Romanised as the Land of Kings, Rajasthan is surely every history buff’s dream destination. The state harks back to a time of maharajas and opulent palaces, where kings and queens of past centuries went about their stately business protected within medieval, mountain-top forts and the surrounding Thar desert. Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur is a key stop on the popular Golden Triangle route through India’s best cultural attractions (a route which also covers Delhi and Agra), a city beloved for its wild jewellery bazaars and pink-hued buildings centred by the City Palace. Rajasthan’s outlying cities are equally worthy of exploring, including blue-tinged Jodhpur and its Mehrangarh fort, or the romantic Udaipur and its living royal heritage. If time allows, take a day in Jaisalmer too, where sandstone structures and old haveli mansions will fulfil your every Arabian Nights fantasy.

Once home to the medieval elites known as the Rajputs, Rajasthan bears the scars of century-old battles among its many preserved palaces, many of which are open to tourists for accommodation or as museums displaying the city’s heritage arts and culture. As well as staying in a palace, do as the Rajputs do and barter for a camel ride along the dunes of the Thar desert, where safaris, desert camping and moonlight dinners are all up for grabs. Back in the capital, pick up fine handicrafts from the countless bazaars and street stalls lining the streets, or come during one of the region’s many festivals, such as Diwali or Holi, when, amongst explosions of colour, you’ll see garishly adorned camels and the odd painted elephant leading the festivities. Other attractions unique to Rajasthan include the Ranthambore National Park where tigers roam semi-wild and nature takes centre stage. See more with our article on things to do in Rajasthan.

 

4.Mumbai

The centre of Bollywood and India’s underworld, Mumbai signifies both the dream and the struggle, full as it is with starlets, artists, servants, millionaires and every hustler in between. Push through the crowds of the city centre to unveil a world which is at once India’s financial and fashion capital, as well as the site of various religious tensions. Though not threatening, Mumbai’s energy can be overpowering for some. Make your visit easier by first understanding the city’s weak points, such as the air pollution and lack of public transport, arming yourself with a mask and bartering skills so as to move through the city with ease. Once weaving through traffic in style, make your way past grandiose colonial-era architecture and hidden temples, stopping at hipster neighbourhoods such as Colaba and Bandra to refuel at gourmet restaurants and glam rooftop bars.

Of your Mumbai India best destinations, the ordered chaos of Thieves Market is an authentic choice, followed by a luxury cruise down Marine Drive to best appreciate the scenic coast and its façade of Art Deco residences. Outside of the city proper, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, allows visitors to breathe easy once more in amongst wild surroundings where 2,000-year-old rock carvings lie deep within Kanheri Cave.

Mumbai | Photo: Sonika Agarwal

5.Amritsar

Another home from home for history lovers is the holy land of Amritsar where the Sikh Gurdwara complex has lain since its founding by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. One of India’s most peaceful and significant sites, centred by the astounding Golden Temple, the Gurdwara is the top lure of Amritsar for good reason. Though the city’s urban landscape is far beyond what you can expect from Mumbai or Delhi, with its pedestrianised areas and modern planning, old Amritsar is never far from reach down any of the olden alleyways where you’ll find vibrant bazaars packed with people, colours and spices.

Nicknamed the Jewel of Punjab on the border to Pakistan, Amritsar is very much a sacred place for Sikhs, where worshipers must undergo a series of cleansing rituals to gain entry to the temple complex, such as covering your hair and washing your feet. Once inside, follow the marble path clockwise past the man-made lake and into the gilded inner sanctum where holy leaders chant songs and community volunteers dish out free vegetarian meals in their thousands daily. After touring the Gurdwara, consider staying in Amritsar a day or so longer to experience the Beating Retreat Ceremony on the border at dusk, an event preceded by Bollywood dance-offs in the streets among locals.

Amritsar | Photo: Harshara