Attractions of India

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognised, admired and magnificent buildings in the world. It was built between 1631 and 1648 by the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum in memory of his third and favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to his 14th child. It's estimated that 20,000 workers were employed in its construction, including masons, marble workers, mosaicists and decorators. The Taj Mahal stands before a vast Mughal garden, laid out in perfect symmetry, with the canals providing an exquisite reflection of the building. It is a study in architectural precision, combining elements and styles from Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. The white marble exterior is inlaid with thousands of pieces of coloured and semi-precious stones, decorative bands and calligraphic inscriptions. The Taj Mahal is best visited at sunrise or sunset when the sun casts the building in different lights, but many hours should be spent here admiring one of the world's great sights.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Taj Mahal

Red Fort of Agra

The Red Fort of Agra was a centre of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. Construction was begun by Emperor Akbar and continued by his successors Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Its red sandstone walls stretch for 2.5km and enclosed the imperial city of the Mughal rulers, comprising ornately decorated palaces such as the Jahangit Palace and Khas Mahal, the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and numerous audience halls, courtyards and fountains. The Fort reflects a fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles leading to a distinctive new Indo-Muslim art. There are great views of the nearby Taj Mahal from Agra Fort.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Agra Fort

Red Fort of Delhi

The Red Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as his palace fort and represents the zenith of Mughal creativity, a fusion of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Central Asian influences. The red sandstone walls stretch for 2.5km and are 33 metres high, enclosing palaces, gardens and pavilions and remains a powerful symbol of India.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Red Fort Complex

Humayun's Tomb

The tomb of Humayun, second Mughal Emperor of India, was built in 1569-70 by his widow, 14 years after his death. Later used to bury various members of the ruling family, it has been called the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty. Located in the centre of a garden laid out in char baah style, it inspired several architectural innovations which would culminate in the construction of the Taj Mahal a century later.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 as the capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar but abandoned a mere 14 years later when he moved his capital to Lahore to fight against Afghan tribes. Today, the deserted city is a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal citadel and architecture. Its buildings include Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India accommodating 10,000 worshippers, as well as palaces, public buildings and residences that served the entire population of the capital.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fatehpur Sikri

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the 'Pink City' since its buildings were painted for the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876. Jaipur was designed as a planned city, though today it exhibits the colourful chaos and bustle of many Indian cities, with streets packed with pedestrians, bicycles, cars, buses, camels and cows. Inside its old city walls, the City Palace now contains a museum for royal garments, miniatures, carpets, manuscripts and armour. The 18th century observatory of the astronomer Jai Singh, known as Jantar Mantar, contains a series of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elsewhere the pink sandstone facade of the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) is a famous Jaipur landmark. 11km north of Jaipur lies the spectacular Amber Fort, a hillside complex containing many courtyards and fine decorated palaces, halls, gardens and temples. The massive gateway can be reached by riding an elephant into the fort.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Jantar Mantar

Udaipur

Known variously as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' or 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is widely regarded as Rajasthan's most beautiful city and one of the most romantic in India. The city is set around the vast Lake Pichola and is renowned for its sumptuous palaces and the atmospheric narrow lanes of its Old City. On the east shore of the lake lies the spectacular City Palace, founded in the 16th century which is now both a museum and still the residence of the Maharaja. The views from the palace across the lake are stunning, including the two island palaces - Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas, the latter now being the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I and contains a huge black stone image of Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu. The whitewashed buildings and bazaars of the Old City are perfect for exploration in search of souvenirs like tie and dye fabrics and miniature paintings.

Jodhpur

At the edge of the Thar desert lies Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second largest city. Jodhpur is known as the Blue City due to the large number of pale indigo painted houses in the Old City, which signify that they are the home of Jodhpuri Brahmins, the high caste Hindus. Founded in 1459 by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is dominated by the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, which sits on steep escarpment overlooking the city, with magnificent views of Jodhpur and the surrounding desert. Inside the walls and gateways of the Fort lie many palatial buildings and courtyards of classic Mughal style, once home to the Jodhpuri Maharajas but which now house one of Rajasthan's best museums. Elsewhere in the Old City, the narrow alleys around the famous Clock Tower are very atmospheric and renowned for their bazaars selling textiles, silver and handicrafts while the immense 16th century wall which still surrounds the city is almost 10km long.

The 15th century Kumbalgarh Fort is regarded as one of the finest defensive structures in Rajasthan, its vast fortified ramparts stretch for 36km and protect palaces, temples and farms.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is one of the jewels of Rajasthan, a medieval walled city that is perched on a sand-coloured rocky hill in the middle of the Thar desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer became a major trading post on the southern Silk Road routes from Central Asia. Merchants grew wealthy from the passing camel caravans and built many beautifully carved wooden and sandstone havelis which are still present in the city today, including the Patwon Ki and Salim Singh Ki Havelis. The narrow cobbled lanes of the old city also numerous packed Jain temples, forts and palaces built from sandstone, giving Jaisalmer a wonderful medieval atmosphere and earning it the name 'The Golden City'. The thick city walls are over 10 metres high and include 99 bastions, while the fort contains the palace of the Maharawal.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Bikaner

Bikaner was once a great trading centre on the ancient camel caravan trading routes from Central Asia. It is dominated by the Junagarh Fort, built in the 16th century by Raja Rai Singh and was the home of the famous Camel Corps. Its high defensive walls and huge towers ensured though it was frequently attacked, it was never captured. Inside the fort are many beautifully decorated palaces and temples. The bazaars of the old town and the Bhandasar Jain and Deshnoke (Rat) Temples are also worth exploring.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India, covering over 400 km². The main attraction here is the Bengal tiger, a critically endangered species in India, with about 40 present in the park. Game drives in the park offer a good chance at spotting this magnificent creature, particularly between September and May when the dry season forces the animals to stay close to the lakes and rivers. Ranthambore is unusual in that amidst the wildlife lie the ruins of ancient forts and temples, making for a very picturesque setting. The 10th century Ranthambore Fort is one of the oldest in the country and offers spectacular views from its hilltop location. Other animals in the park include antelopes like the nilgai, sambar and chital, the sloth bear, cats such as the caracal, leopard and striped hyena as well as crocodiles and many bird species including crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfishers. Ranthambore is open between the months of October and June.

Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the hills and plains beneath the Vindhyan Mountains in central India, a former hunting ground of the Rewa kings which was donated to the state in 1968. Covering some 450 km², the park boasts the highest density of tigers of any of India's reserves, with an estimated 60-70 animals. An ancient fortress, believed to date back some 2,000 years, lies on a clifftop overlooking the park. Aside from tigers, the park boasts leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, wild pig, muntjac, chinkara, barking deer and up to 150 bird species including green pigeon, crested serpent eagle, hornbills, drongoes, fly- catchers, barbets, bee-eaters and parakeets. Bandhavgarh also offers the chance to view game whilst riding an elephant. Bandhavgarh is open between the months of October and June.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are located in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains, comprising five clusters that display rock painting dating from the Mesolithic to historic periods. The cultural traditions represented by the paintings are reflected by those of adjacent villages.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

The ruins of Golconda Fort lie just outside the city of Hyderabad. Built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century, the impregnable fortress was used in battles against the Mughal dynasty and is noted for its hot and cold water system, natural air conditioning and Turkish Baths. Nearby lie 10 tombs of the Qutb Shah dynasty constructed from black granite or greenstone, including that of King Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad.

The town of Bijapur is famous for the Gol Gumbaz, the vast mausoleum of its 17th century ruler Mohammed Adil Shah. The mausoleum has a vast dome 38 metres in diameter, second only to St. Peter's in Rome, which has a famous whispering gallery. The Jami Masjid Mosque with graceful, slender minarets is regarded as one of the most beautiful in India.

Aurangabad

Much of the old city of Aurangabad was built by the last Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1682. Its main draw is the majestic Fort Daulatabad, dating to the 12th century, which towers 250 metres above the Deccan plain on a volcanic lava rock. It is one of the best preserved medieval forts in the world with ingenious defences and excellent architecture. Close to Aurangabad lies Bibi-ka-Maqbara, built by Aurangzeb as a mausoleum for his wife, which is an imitation of the Taj Mahal.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a collection of largely unexcavated historic properties which includes prehistoric sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital and the remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat. The ruins of numerous buildings dating from the 8th to the 14th century are present while Kalikamata Temple on top of Pavagadh Hill remains an important site of pilgrimage.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is one of the more spacious and attractive cities in India. With a history stretching back 2,000 years, it has hosted the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British, all of whom have left their mark. Its attractions include the 17th century Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church (the oldest British church in India), Marina Beach and the 18th century Government Museum. George Town, to the north of Fort St George, is an area of small, crowded streets with numerous mosques and Hindu and Jain temples. To the south, Mylapore has many temples including the Kapalishvara temple.

Mahabalipuram is famous for rock-carved monuments created by the Pallava dynasty between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. These are located on a rocky outcrop along the Coromandel coast. They include the Shore Temple overlooking the beachfront with shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, the temple of Rivage with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva, giant open-air reliefs such as Arjuna's Penance, the world's largest, which tell the story of the 'Descent of the Ganges', five ratha temples in the form of chariots and mandapa rock sanctuaries covered in bas-reliefs. Amidst the historic monuments, Mahabalipuram is a coastal retreat famed for its sandy beaches and delicious seafood.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Thanjavur was capital of the once great Chola Empire, which ruled southern India and Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries AD. The Brihadisvara Temple here is testament to this civilisation, built between 1003-10 by King Rajaraja I. The temple is richly endowed with carvings and sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga and its tower, at 76 metres, is one of the highest in India. The Rajaraja Museum has a collection of magnificent Chola bronzes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Great Living Chola Temples

Kochi is set on a cluster of peninsulas and islands in the Indian Ocean, forming an excellent natural harbour. Fort Kochi is the historical part of the city, the site of the first European colonisation in 1500 and a mix of English, Dutch and Portuguese influences. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century but later renovated by the Dutch - it has well preserved murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Mattancherry Jewish synagogue, dating from the 16th century, is a reminder of the Jewish population which first arrived in the 6th century BC, with a small group remaining today. St Francis Church is the oldest Christian church in India, built by Portuguese Franciscans in 1503. Elsewhere, the famous cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, dating from the 14th century, line the entrance to the harbour and are a reminder of Kochi's trade links with the rest of the world. Kochi is also famous for its Kathakali dancers with their elaborately painted faces, who portray events from the Indian epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The city of Mysore has numerous historical and cultural attractions. The huge and opulent Maharaja’s Palace was originally built in the 14th century but has been rebuilt and restored since. Chaumundi Hill outside the city has an enormous monolithic sculpture of the sacred bull Nandi dating to the 17th century and a temple dedicated to Durga. Srirangapatnam Palace to the north-west of Mysore contains murals of Tipu Sultan's battles against the British and the French, along with the ruins of the fort and the family mausoleums. Mysore is famous for its sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and furniture which can be purchased in the city's many bazaars.

The monuments at Pattadakal date from the Chalukya dynasty of the 7th and 8th centuries and comprise a series of nine Hindu temples, notably the Temple of Virupaksha, as well as a Jain sanctuary.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

The city of Hampi was capital of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, which reigned between the 14th and 16th centuries, and was noted for its extraordinary temples and palaces that made Hampi one of the most beautiful cities of the medieval world with a population of half a million people. Buildings of note include the temples of Ramachandra and Hazara Rama, the elephant stables, Queen's Bath and Lotus Mahal, as well as the stone chariot pulled by two small elephants which is found in the courtyards of the temple of Vitthala. After the Battle of Talikota in 1565, Hampi was conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy, pillaged and abandoned.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Group of Monuments at Hampi