Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
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Bharatpur
Bharatpur is an 18th-century fort city that primarily attracts visitors due to its proximity to Keoladeo National Park. However, it offers plenty in its own right, with a handful of historic heritage hotels along temples and the 18th-century Lohangarh Fort, reputed to be one of India's strongest.
The Basics
Though Bharatpur primarily serves as a jumping-off point for visiting the nearby bird sanctuary, visitors may want to stop to visit the Lohagarh Fort, with its imposing towers and elephant paintings. There are also a number of temples in the area, and wandering through the city's narrow streets can lend itself to some great photo opportunities. Tours to the nearby park sometimes stop in the city for lunch, but generally don’t make stops at the fort or local temples.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
- Bharatpur is good for history buffs and those interested in local culture.
- Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the bird sanctuary.
How to Get There
Bharatpur is popular with travelers en route from Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) to Delhi or Jaipur and is generally used as a base for visiting the nearby Keoladeo National Park. Trains from Delhi take around 3.5 hours, while it's closer to four hours by road. Agra is an hour or so away, and Jaipur takes 2.5 hours by car.
When to Get There
Bharatpur is a year-round attraction, although it can get quite hot in April and May. The best time to visit based on temperatures alone is during the cooler months of the year, from October through March, which also happens to be the best time to see migratory birds in the nearby bird sanctuary.
Rajastjani Food
If you have a little time to spare in Bharatpur, you may want to sample local cuisine. While you’re likely to find North Indian classics, you may also come across regional delights. Don’t miss the chance to try a raj kachori, round disks filled with lentils or other veggies often served at roadside stalls, or spicy laal maas, a quintessentially Rajasthani mutton curry.
Address: Bharatpur, India
From $ 154
Bharat Bhawan
This vast complex was opened in the early 1980s as an homage to India’s thriving art scene. In addition to a well-curated gallery, Bharat Bhavan is home to an open-air theater, studio, auditorium, library, music hall and a handful of other spaces to celebrate visual and performing arts. Travelers who make their way to this destination will find plenty of modern and tribal art, as well as a movie house for classic films and a center for Indian poetry. Bharat Bhavan attracts artists in residence from across the country, as well as tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the diversity, color and culture that’s present in India’s dynamic art scene.
Practical Info
Bharat Bhavan faces the Upper Lake and is located on Lake View Road in the Shymala Hills of Bhopal.
Address: Lake View Road, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India 462002, India
From $ 53
Bhuleshwar Bazaar
In a neighborhood of markets, south Mumbai’s bustling Bhuleshwar Bazaar has long been a popular shopping spot for locals and visitors alike. Here you'll find everything from vibrant textiles to shimmering costume jewelry, along with many stalls selling practical items such as fruits and vegetables and kitchenware.
The Basics
With its numerous shops and stalls and constant cacophony of activity, Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a great place to get deals on unusual souvenirs and local products. And even if shopping isn't your thing, the market is worth a visit for its great people-watching and photo opportunities. Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a popular stop on shopping tours, and a tour guide can be helpful when it comes to getting an idea of prices and bargaining.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a must-visit for photographers and shopaholics.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk among crowds.
Haggling is part of the shopping experience at the market, so always expect to make a counteroffer.
How to Get There
Bhuleshwar Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, in an area dominated by temples, shops, and residences. Just north of the Fort area, the market is about a 10-minute drive inland from Chowpatty Beach. The nearest commuter railway stations are Charni Road, Sandhurst Road, and Masjid, all of which are about a 15-minute walk away. It’s easiest to get here by taxi or visit as part of an organized tour, especially on hot and humid days.
When to Get There
Most of the shops and stalls at Bhuleshwar Bazaar are open from around 10am or 11am until 8pm or 9pm, though some close on Sundays. It's best to arrive first thing in the day, not only because cooler temperatures make walking around more pleasant, but also because shopkeepers will often give good deals to the first customer of the day for good luck.
Bargaining 101
Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience at Indian markets and should be fun. While you may encounter some “fixed-price” shops at Bhuleshwar Bazaar and other area markets, most vendors will expect you to do a little haggling. If quoted a price, make a counteroffer lower than what you’d be willing to pay, say one-third of the quoted price. Ideally, the vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle.
Address: Mumbai, India
From $ 19
Besant Nagar
Besant Nagar, a popular neighborhood in Chennai most famous as the home of Elliot’s Beach, was named after British activist Annie Besant, founder of the Theosophical Society and staunch supporter of Indian self-rule. Located at the southern end of Chennai’s Marina Beach shore, Besant Nagar is home to many of the city’s wealthy citizens.
Besides Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar’s most popular attraction is the 247-acre (100-hectare) Theosophical Society, with its lovely grounds that include a mosque, church, Buddhist and Hindu temples and a sizable religious and philosophical library. Also of interest in the neighborhood are Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple.
If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, the cafes and restaurants of Besant Nagar serve excellent South Indian cuisine.
Practical Info
The cheapest way to get from central Chennai to the suburb of Besant Nagar is by bus. They depart frequently and drop off at the Besant Nagar bus depot.
Address: Chennai, India
From $ 57
Bhaja Caves
The Bhaja Caves are located in a hill station in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. These Buddhist shrines were carved out of the mountain face here as far back as the 2nd century BC, providing a fascinating insight into Buddhist culture at that time.
The Bhaja Caves share architectural features with the Karla Caves situated nearby, but are usually less busy to stroll around and explore. The most impressive feature of the Bhaja Caves is its large chaitya (prayer hall), believed to be one of the earliest of its type and featuring a horseshoe-shaped entrance and depictions of Indian mythology.
Also of interest at the caves are the numerous stupas situated both inside and outside. These are the relics of resident monks who died at Bhaja and their names and respective titles are inscribed upon them.
Practical Info
The Bhaja Caves are located in Maharashtra, approximately a two-hour drive from Mumbai. While many choose to visit the Bhaja Caves as part of a day tour from Mumbai, thereby also taking in the other significant caves in the area, they can also be reached via public transport; frequent local buses run from nearby Lonavala to the Karla and Bhaja caves, with the first of the day leaving at 6am.
Address: Maharashtra, India
From $ 75
Bapu Bazaar
Jaipur is one of the best places in India to shop for handicrafts items, and some of the optimal places to pick up great bargains are located right in the heart of the Pink City. Bapu Bazaar offers a particularly good selection, with everything from jewelry to traditional Rajasthani textiles displayed colorfully in this lively market street.
The Basics
Vendors at Bapu Bazaar specialize in textiles, and it’s the place to go if you’re in the market for bed sheets, scarves, or traditional Indian saris. Other popular finds include leather products, such as traditional shoes known as jootis, along with brass works, marble, precious stones, and a smattering of Rajasthani products, all at affordable prices. Even if you aren't into shopping, it's a great place to explore, with plenty of compelling photo opportunities.
Visit the bazaar independently or as part of a half-day group shopping tour or a private heritage walking tour that also explores the Albert Hall Museum, the New Gate, Anant Dev Temple, and other sights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared to bargain, as most prices here are flexible.
- Most vendors in the area know some English, but learning a few Hindi words can go a long way.
- Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared to jostle with crowds.
How to Get There
Bapu Bazaar is located in the heart of the Pink City, just south of the City Palace and Hawa Mahal and north of M.I. Road. Many Jaipur shopping tours stop here. If you come on your own, you’re best off asking your driver to drop you off at Sanganeri Gate and continuing your explorations on foot.
When to Get There
Most shops at Bapu Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday, usually from around 11am to 7pm. Arrive early to avoid crowds and to score “first customer of the day” deals (it’s considered lucky to sell something to the first person who visits your shop or stall in the morning).
Woodblock Printing
Jaipur is celebrated for preserving the millennia-old craft of woodblock printing. This method of decorating textiles involves using carved wooden stamps to print directly onto fabrics, and vendors throughout town sell everything from men's shirts to cloth napkins created using the technique. Some Jaipur tours also stop at nearby Sanganer, where visitors can watch woodblock printing in action.
Address: Jaipur, India
From $ 21
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, founded the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery in 1887 as a place to house the sizable collection of art and artifacts he’d gathered or commissioned during his travels. The museum building was completed in 1894 and the picture gallery in 1914 — both Indo-Saracenic structures were designed by English architects R.F. Chisholm and Major R.N. Ment.
The eclectic collection on display within features Mughal miniatures, Indian musical instruments, a blue whale skeleton, glazed ceramics, an Egyptian mummy and many paintings by classic and modern European masters.
Practical Info
Set aside at least half a day to take in the collections at the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery.
Address: Fatehgunj Main Road, Sayajibaug, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Hours: Open daily 10:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 200 rupees
From $ 83
Beas River
The Beas River rises in central Himachal Pradesh and is a natural attraction for those visiting Manali, a small tourist town situated along the banks of this gushing Himalayan river.
From Manali, the Beas River travels through dense evergreen forests and through the town of Kullu. The Beas covers some 470 kilometers in total, traveling through hills and valleys, towns and districts, before joining the Sutlej River at the southwestern boundary of Kapurthala in Punjab, before finally flowing into Pakistan.
With its mountain views, tranquil surroundings, and fresh clean water, the Beas River at Manali is a popular place to visit. Unfortunately, it’s also the site of a recent tragedy; in June 2014, 24 students and one tour operator were drowned when the floodgates of a dam suddenly opened, apparently without due warning, causing the river to surge.
Practical Info
The Beas River at Manali runs alongside a highway and is close to a wide range of accommodation. Visitors should note that during the winter months temperatures can drop to below freezing, so warm clothing is recommended.
Address: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India, India
From $ 131
Bombay High Court
South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.
The Basics
Bombay High Court is one of the oldest high courts in the country. While the court itself may be of interest to law buffs, it’s the architecture that attracts most visitors; the 19th-century building is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bombay High Court is a stop on some full-day tours of Mumbai, as well as on tours focused on the city’s architecture and colonial heritage. Most tours stop outside the building rather than leading participants inside, but you can enter independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Bombay High Court is free, and visitors may sit in on court cases.
- Visitors must pass through security to enter, and cameras are not allowed inside.
- The courthouse is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bombay High Court is located in South Mumbai's most touristy area, sandwiched between the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and overlooking the Oval Maidan, a popular cricket ground. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gateway of India and only five minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus).
When to Get There
Bombay High Court is open weekdays throughout the year, and entrance is free. However, many visitors come just to see the architecture from the outside, in which case it’s often best visited in the early morning when temperatures are cooler or after dark, when the building is illuminated with soft flood lighting.
The Sculptures of Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court is full of interesting sculptural work, including life-size statues of Justice and Mercy and tucked-away depictions of forest creatures. There's also a sculpture of a monkey holding the scales of justice unevenly; according to legend, an Indian subcontractor working on the building sued the English contractors for money they owed him. He lost and added the monkey in retaliation.
Address: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India
From $ 34
Banganga Tank
In the heart of Mumbai’s most exclusive district, Banganga Tank is one of the oldest and holiest sites in the city. First built in 1127 AD during the Silhara dynasty, this natural freshwater spring is surrounded by the stone-turreted temples and colorful shrines of Walkeshwar Temple Complex. As you sit on the pool’s surrounding steps, notice the wooden pole which appears like an arrow in the middle of the water. Said to point to the center of the earth, legend has it that, 5,000 years ago, while the Hindu god Ram was searching desperately for his kidnapped wife, Sita, he stopped at this spot and begged his brother Lakshmana for a little water. Lakshmana threw an arrow into the ground, and immediately an eruption of water burst forth.
Said to be a tributary of the Ganges, which flows 1,000 miles away, on a visit to Banganga Tank you may well see religious pilgrims bathing themselves in the spiritual healing waters. An especially good time to visit Banganga Tank is in January, when the annual two-day Banganga Festival celebrates classical music performed by Indian musicians from across the country.
Practical Info
On the southern tip of Malabar Hill, in Walkeshwar Temple Complex, Banganga Tank and the temple complex is around a 10-minute walk from Walkeshwar Bus Depot. Entrance is free, and the holy site is open year-round.
Address: Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: Year-round
From $ 18
Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan)
Officially known as the Laxminarayan Temple in honor of the god Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) and his consort Lakshmi, the beautiful Birla Mandir complex centers around one of the most significant temples in the Indian capital. Though built in the 1930s, it remains one of the finest local examples of modern temple architecture.
The Basics
Spread out over seven acres (three hectares), this large temple complex was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1939, and was groundbreaking for its time in that it allowed people of all castes and backgrounds to enter. Although the main 3-story temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, it features shrines to numerous deities, including Shiva and the Buddha. The grounds are a fun place for families, with large plaster animals that are big enough for kids (or small adults) to climb on.
Birla Mandir is a popular stop on many group and private Delhi tours, particularly those focused on temples and religious sites. Some time their visits to coincide with the morning and evening aarti, a traditional Hindu ritual.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Birla Nadir is a must for lovers of religious and temple architecture.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temples but is permitted in the surrounding gardens.
- Secure lockers are available by the main entrance.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Birla Mandir is located about a 10-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride west of New Delhi’s Connaught Place. The closest metro stop, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, is a 20-minute walk away. Generally it’s easiest to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Birla Mandir complex is open daily from 4:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 9pm. Like all Delhi attractions, it’s often more pleasant to spend time here during the cooler winter months. Especially if you’re visiting in the hot season (particularly May and June), you may want to get up early or visit after sunset to avoid the heat—and to catch an aarti ceremony.
The Birla Family Legacy
This temple (or mandir) is the oldest of many similarly named and equally grand Birla Mandirs built by one of India’s most prominent industrial families, the Birlas. Although there are Birla Mandirs dedicated to a variety of deities—from Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, to the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati—a good number are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, including the landmark Birla Mandir in Jaipur.
Address: New Delhi, India
From $ 15
Bhangarh Fort
Madho Singh founded the town of Bhangarh in 1631, and at its peak it encompassed a seventeenth century fort and some 10,000 dwellings. Approximately 300 years ago, Bhangarh was deserted for no known reason, leaving behind a complex of well-preserved ruins. Today it’s widely regarded as the most haunted place in India.
While staying past dark in the fort is prohibited, a few brave souls who have managed it have reported several strange phenomena, including the sounds of footsteps or a woman screaming and the sensation of an unseen presence nearby.
Practical Info
The drive to Bhangarh Fort is along an muddy, pot hole-dotted road, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Address: Bhangarh, Rajasthan, India
Hours: Closes at sunset
From $ 42
Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a Hindu charitable organization founded in 1917, operates ashrams throughout the world, but their headquarters are in Kolkata. Visitors to the temple and ashram in Ganga Sagar can learn about the organization’s humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief, healthcare, education, tribal welfare, vocational training programs and spiritual outreach.
While not as religiously significant as Kapil Muni Temple (also in Ganga Sagar), the Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple is actually larger, comprising three giant towers built in 1979.
Practical Info
The Bharat Sevashram Sangha Temple and Ashram maintains a few guest rooms which they typically offer for free to visiting pilgrims, though donations are appreciated.
Address: Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Rajbalhat, West Bengal India, India
From $ 280
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Built at the turn of the 17th century by Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini, this red-stone church is one of the oldest in India. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it's dedicated to the baby Jesus, many people choose to visit because the basilica holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa.
The Basics
While the exterior of the Basilica de Bom Jesus is impressive, with an imposing facade made of red sandstone pulled from the sea, the interiors are particularly striking as well. Inside you'll find gold-gilded altars, white marble floors with stone inlay, and lots of paintings of St. Francis Xavier. The saint's tomb sits to the right of the altar, and his remains are displayed once per decade.
The basilica can be viewed as part of a day trip to Goa; visitors may choose a dedicated cultural heritage tour, or combine historical sights with beaches, markets, and more. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the basilica.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress modestly out of respect for local culture, with your knees and shoulders covered.
- The basilica is arguably the most important church in Goa and it’s a must-visit for history buffs.
- If you come during Mass, stay in the pews and wait until the service is over before you walk around or take photos.
How to Get There
The basilica is situated in the heart of Old Goa, or Velha Goa as it's known locally, and virtually all tours of Old Goa stop here. It's about 20 minutes’ drive to Old Goa from Panaji, the state capital, or about 40 minutes from Calangute. If you're coming from farther north—such as from Anjuna or Chapora—give yourself at least an hour to get here.
When to Get There
The basilica is open Monday through Friday and on Sunday. It's closed Saturday, except during special religious services. Mass is held twice every morning on weekdays, and again once in the evening, with Sunday services in English and Konkani. The church also offers special programs for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3.
St. Francis Xavier: The Patron Saint of Goa
Francis Xavier was one of the founders of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He traveled to India in 1542 as a missionary and is celebrated for the work he did to spread Catholicism in India, particularly in the South. However, he was also behind the Goa Inquisition, which led to severe punishments of Catholic people who were suspected of practicing Hinduism in secret.
Address: Old Goa, India
From $ 8
Bangalore Fort (Kempegowda's Fort)
Also known as Kempegowda's Fort after the founder of Bangalore (Kempe Gowda), this landmark construction was originally built in 1537 out of mud and converted to stone in 1761. It was later captured by the British East India Company in 1791. Today, only two bastions and one gate remain, along with gardens and a Ganesh temple.
The Basics
While much of Bangalore Fort has since gone to ruin, spending time here provides an excellent glimpse of what life was like under the city's famous founder, Kempe Gowda. It’s still a popular stop on many city tours, and going with a guide can help provide some context, especially if you’re interested in understanding how large the fort once was (before parts of it were destroyed to make way for roads and buildings).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bangalore Fort is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, along with comfortable shoes.
- The fort is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The fort is located on Krisnarajendra Road in Chamrajpet, a short walk from the City Market and right behind the KR Market Metro station, which connects to Lalbagh Gardens via the Green Line. It's about a 5-minute walk from Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, and the two attractions are often visited together.
When to Get There
Bangalore is a year-round destination, with a moderately warm climate throughout the year, even in the cooler winter months of November through January. Things begin to heat up around April, and temperatures peak in mid-May before the rainfall of the monsoon. Rains continue through August or September, but usually do not bring the city to a halt.
Kempe Gowda and the Birth of Bangalore
Kempe Gowda ruled during the Vijayanagara Empire, which had control over much of present-day South India in the 17th century. According to legend, during a hunting trip he had a vision of a large city, leading him to conquer the surrounding areas and eventually form Bangalore, starting with what was then an 8-gate fort.
Address: Krisnarajendra Road, Chamrajpet, Bangalore, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 59
Bangalore Palace (Bengaluru Palace)
Among the most stunning landmarks in the city, Bangalore Palace is one of many homes of the Wadiyar family, who ruled much of South India for centuries. Portions of this palace have been open to the public since 2005, though one of the Wadiyars still lives in a private wing of the gargantuan structure to this day.
The Basics
Spread out on more than 450 acres (182 hectares), including a large landscaped garden, this huge palace complex is one of the most popular attractions in Bangalore and a frequent stop on cultural tours. It features an impressive mix of Tudor, Gothic, Victorian, and neoclassical architectural elements.
Visitors are allowed access to a large part of the palace, including gloriously decorated bedrooms, royal halls, and a ballroom. It also houses one of Bangalore's first elevators, which is operated by hand.
Things to Know Before You Go
- An audio tour is included with admission.
- Travelers must pay extra if they want to use their cameras.
- A visit to Bangalore Palace is an excellent choice for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Wheelchair users might find it challenging to get around the palace.
How to Get There
Bangalore Palace is located on the Palace Grounds, off Jayamahal Road in the Vasanth Nagar area, about a 20-minute walk from the Bangalore Cantonment railway station. Getting to Cubbon Park takes around 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or auto rickshaw, traffic permitting, while Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Bangalore Fort take about a half-hour to reach by car.
When to Get There
Bangalore Palace is a year-round destination, though it’s partially outside so weather might be a consideration for some visitors. Bangalore’s climate is pleasant throughout the year, with mild winters and slightly cooler summers than many parts of the subcontinent. The monsoon rains that start in early June and continue through August or September can make getting around a bit of a soggy experience, while October through March tend to be cooler and drier.
Concerts at the Palace
For many years, the palace grounds doubled as a concert venue, with huge international acts, such as Elton John, The Prodigy, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and even the Rolling Stones, performing here. However, the grounds stopped hosting concerts in 2012 due to legal issues, leaving the city without a venue capable of hosting huge crowds. Whether the palace will eventually open up again for concerts or not remains unclear.
Address: Bangalore, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 33
Banke Bihari Temple
The 19th-century Banke Bihari—one of India’s most famous temples—in Vrindavan houses an idol of Lord Krishna that devotees believe will cause them to faint if they look into its eyes. As such, the idol is kept behind a curtain that’s swiftly opened and closed, allowing worshipers to catch quick glimpses of the god safely.
The Basics
Worship at this temple, founded by Shri Swami Haridas in 1846, is divided into three different acts of service (sewas) to the deity: Shringar (in which the idol is bathed and dressed); Rajbhog (the feeding of the idol); and Shayan (preparing the idol for sleep). Thousands of devotees visit Banke Bihari—one of many names for Lord Krishna—every day for worship. Most international visitors who come here do so as a stopover between Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and Delhi, or during day tours from Delhi with stops in Vrindavan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is in a pedestrianized area with lots of little shops and narrow lanes, so be prepared to do some walking.
- Watch out for monkeys in the area; they’re known to steal glasses right off of the heads of unsuspecting visitors.
- Remember to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- You must remove your footwear before entering the temple.
- If you come during Holi, the annual festival of colors held throughout Northern India, be prepared to be covered with powdered colors by passing revelers—and wear clothes you don’t mind ruining.
How to Get There
The Banke Bihari Temple is located in the heart of the holy city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, just off the road that runs between Delhi and Agra. It's about a 10-minute drive from Vrindavan’s other major temple attraction, the ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple, and about a 25-minute drive from the town of Mathura, Vrindavan’s twin city. Many visitors come as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The Banke Bihari Temple is open throughout the year, though it's at its busiest around sunset. One of the most auspicious times to visit is for the special aarti (prayer ceremony) on Krishna Janmashtami, usually in September, which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna is one of the most recognizable—and most loved—Hindu deities, and many believe that he once lived in the Vrindavan-Mathura area. An avatar of the preserver god Vishnu, Krishna is depicted in various forms. His skin is usually a light blue and he’s often depicted with playing a flute. He’s also sometimes shown as a plump baby with his hand in a butter jar (owing to a legend about him stealing butter).
Address: Mathura District, Vrindavan, India
From $ 47
Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple & Museum
Often referred to simply as the Birla Mandir, the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.
The Basics
Open to visitors of all faiths, this peaceful temple features marble carvings of various gods and historical figures, from Jesus Christ to Socrates. Unusual for a Hindu temple, the Birla Mandir contains stained glass windows depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a small museum containing personal items from the wealthy Birla family, who are behind the temple’s construction.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours as well as Golden Triangle tours that also visit Delhi and Agra) stop at the Birla Mandir.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Birla Mandir is ideal for those with an interest in architecture and Hindu traditions.
- Out of respect, cover your knees and shoulders before entering the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
How to Get There
The Birla Mandir is located right below the Moti Dungri Fort, about a 15-minute drive from Jaipur’s City Palace and Pink City, and 10 minutes by car from Albert Hall. There’s plenty of parking here (for a small fee) just outside of the temple. Some visitors combine their visit with a stop at a popular Ganesh temple next door.
When to Get There
This temple is open throughout the year, from 6am in the summer season and 6:30am in the winter. It closes for a few hours each day around lunchtime, then for the night around 8:30pm. A lovely time to visit is first thing in the morning, when crowds are thin and the bright-white temple complex is wonderfully photogenic—it can appear overexposed if shot under the midday sun.
Makrana Marble
Many of India’s temples, hotels, and even some homes are full of beautiful white marble, much of it sourced from Rajasthan. Makrana produces the best-known white marble, which was used in a number of famous buildings including the Birla Mandir in Jaipur, the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, and India’s most iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal.
Address: J Nehru Marg, Jaipur, India
From $ 13
Belur Math Shrine
The Belur Math Shrine in Kolkata is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, based on the religious movement founded in 1898 by Swami Vivekanada. The Swami was a longtime disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the man who inspired the movement with his teachings on the unity of faith among all religions, and the ashes of Sri Ramakrishna are housed within the shrine.
The Belur Math Shrine is also a physical symbol of such unity, as it includes architectural elements borrowed from Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist motifs. Depending on your vantage point, the Shrine manages to resemble a church, mosque or temple.
The serene grounds of Belur Math along the riverbank include a handful of smaller shrines that seem to be scattered across the manicured gardens. If you want to appreciate the serenity the shrine is meant to embody, visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds of picnickers that sometimes take over the lawn. At 5:30pm each day, visitors can listen to the aarti: religious chants being sung in the prayer hall.
The Belur Math Shrine is also a physical symbol of such unity, as it includes architectural elements borrowed from Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist motifs. Depending on your vantage point, the Shrine manages to resemble a church, mosque or temple.
The serene grounds of Belur Math along the riverbank include a handful of smaller shrines that seem to be scattered across the manicured gardens. If you want to appreciate the serenity the shrine is meant to embody, visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds of picnickers that sometimes take over the lawn. At 5:30pm each day, visitors can listen to the aarti: religious chants being sung in the prayer hall.
Address: Belur rd, Howrah, Kolkata, India
Hours: Apr-Sept: 6am-11:30am & 4pm-7pm; Oct-Mar: 6:30am-11:30am & 3:30pm-6pm
From $ 42
Bannerghatta National Park
One of India's largest wildlife areas, the enormous Bannerghatta National Park spans more than 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) and features tons of hiking trails, villages, and temples. The highlight of the reserve is the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which features an animal rescue center, a zoo, safaris, and a butterfly park.
The Basics
Forests and scrubs cover the hilly park, which plays home to all sorts of wild creatures, including elephants, deer, leopards, and even bears. It also offers an interesting variety of plant life, including tamarind, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. This off-the-beaten-track attraction makes for an excellent day trip from Bangalore, and private tours from the city are available for those who don't want to figure out bus schedules or book taxis and tickets independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bannerghatta National Park is great for families with young kids.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- Book ahead or go with a tour to guarantee a seat in a safari vehicle.
How to Get There
Bannerghatta National Park is located south of Bangalore, about an hour's drive from the city center or an hour and a half by bus. Mysore is a 3-hour drive away, and the park can be visited as a stop off between the two cities, if traveling by car or taxi.
When to Get There
The park is open throughout the year, except Tuesdays. Weekdays can be busy with school groups, while weekends get lots of families. However, the biggest consideration for many travelers is weather. While the climate is generally mild in the region, with warm winters and not-too-hot summers, monsoon rains fall from June through September and can put a literal damper on outdoor activities.
Safaris
Many travelers come here for safaris, and the park offers three different experiences: lion and tiger safaris, bear safaris, or even herbivore safaris, which focus on all sorts of native deer (though you may even spot an elephant). Visitors travel in special secure vehicles and are joined by local guides who are experts in animal spotting.
Address: Karnataka, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 62