Choose from 274 Fun Things to Do in India
ShowingFilter 141-160 of 274 listings.
Lake Pichola
Created in 1362, centuries before Udaipur was established, the freshwater Lake Pichola is surrounded by beautiful old palaces, temples, and homes, many dating back hundreds of years. The whitewashed Lake Palace that is situated on an island in the north part of the lake is now a hotel run by the luxury Taj Group.
The Basics
Lake Pichola sits at the heart of old Udaipur, and is accessible from various points along its shores. There are four islands within the lake, including the island where the Lake Palace is located; Jag Mandir, with a palace of the same name; the tiny Mohan Mandir; and Arsi Vilas. Virtually all city tours pass by the lake, and many feature boat rides or sunset cruises on their itineraries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lake Pichola is a must-visit for photographers and history lovers.
- Remember insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Boat rides may not be wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Lake Pichola sits at the heart of Udaipur's old town, and it's impossible to avoid seeing it if you're visiting major attractions such as the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, or Chand Pol Bazaar. Those who can afford it may want to consider spending the night at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, which is on a small island right in the middle of the lake and is accessible only by boat.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Udaipur is between November and February, when temperatures are lower. However, if you can stand a bit of heat and humidity and want to see Lake Pichola at its fullest, September is the best month to visit, just after the monsoon rains have subsided. The hottest months are May and June, while the monsoon from late June through August can make the city feel gloomy.
James Bond in Udaipur
Lake Pichola is perhaps best known as one of the shooting locations for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which is screened regularly in restaurants across Udaipur to this day. The Lake Palace figures prominently in the film, and it’s here that Octopussy’s lair is purportedly located.
Address: India
From $ 14
Kedar Ghat
Home to the Kedarnath Temple, not to mention serene scenes of the sun rising from the holy waters of the Ganges, Kedar Ghat in Varanasi is one of the most important and picturesque ghats in the region. Popular among Bengalis and South Indians, the Kedareshwar Temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Varanasi, and is a fine example of Hindu architecture. There’s also a Parvati Kund nearby, a small pool of water that’s believed to have highly medicinal properties.
The approach to Kedar Ghat is through a maze of narrow alleyways bustling with cattle, devotees, and operators organizing River Ganges boat rides. The steps down to the water are high and steep, with the upper steps brightly painted in stripes.
Practical Info
Kedar Ghat is situated around six kilometers from Varanasi’s city center and just over a kilometer from Bangali Tola. The ideal time to visit Kedar Ghat is early in the morning, when the entire area is filled with people praying and bathing in the sacred waters.
Address: Bangali Tola Road, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
From $ 35
Kerala Folklore Museum
The Kerala Folklore Museum opened to the public in 2009 as a space to showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of the southern Indian state. The 4,000-item collection spans three floors, each exhibiting a different architectural style, Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. The various items on display throughout center on art and dance and include masks, costumes, musical instruments, jewelry, sculptures, Stone Age artifacts and ancient astrological manuscripts.
In the evenings, a theater on the top floor hosts various cultural performances ranging from traditional dance to Kerala-style martial arts.
Practical Info
As with many museums in India, expect to pay an extra fee if you intend to take photographs inside the museum, even if it’s just with a mobile phone.
Address: Folklore Jn., Kochi, Kerala, India
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm
Admission: 200 rupees
From $ 55
Khooni Darwaza
Literally translated as ‘Bloody Gateway’, Khooni Darwaza is an ancient tiered archway located in the middle of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the road that connects New and Old Delhi. This Mughal-Afghan style structure has a long and bloody history, and legend has it that its ruins are eerily haunted.
Built by Sher Shah Suri in the mid-16th century, Khooni Darwaza would go on to be associated with a series of brutal murders and other atrocities throughout history. The most famous of these incidents involved the killing of three Mughal princes during the Indian Rebellion in 1857. The sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were brutally murdered here on the orders of a British major, and the story goes that the three princes still haunt the archway to this day, waiting patiently to avenge their killings.
Those looking for something a little different from a tour of the Indian capital can embark on a haunted places in Delhi private tour. This combines a visit to Khooni Darwaza with other eerie sites seeped in mystery, such as Sanjay Van, the Nicholson Cemetery, the Delhi Cantonment, and House No. W-3.
Did You Know? Khooni Darwaza has seen many more bloody and tragic incidents throughout the years. For instance, during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, many refugees were murdered here by rioting crowds while on their way to a camp at the Old Fort.
Practical Info
Located along the Bahadur Shah Zafar Road, Khooni Darwaza is easily accessible by taxi or rickshaw. The nearest metro stations are Pragati Maidan and ITO. If arriving with a taxi driver or asking for directions, note that the gateway is also referred to as Lal Darwaza.
Address: Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India
Hours: Sunrise
From $ 70
Lake Fateh Sagar
This manmade lake in the city of Udaipur is a destination for both locals and travelers looking to escape the energy of busy city streets. Home to three small islands, including Nehru Park, the picturesque blue waters and majestic green mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop to this quiet respite. Visitors can navigate the calm lake aboard tiny motorboats, which carry travelers to the each of the small islands. Nehru remains the most popular, thanks to a well-kept garden, boat-shaped restaurant and a slightly lackluster zoo. The Udaipur Solar Observatory, ranked top solar observing site in all of Asia, is located on one of the lake’s other islands and draws tourists eager to check out the sky, the sun and the stars.
Practical Info
Fateh Sagar Lake is located in Rajasthan in the city of Udaipur, just north of Lake Pichola. It is easily accessible via public transportation, including local bus, rickshaw or taxi.
Address: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, India
From $ 15
Kingdom of Dreams
The Kingdom of Dreams complex is pitched as India's first live entertainment, theater, and leisure destination. Spread over six acres, it’s a place where India’s art, heritage, cuisine, and performing arts are celebrated in one sprawling complex. It’s made up of three main areas – the Nautanki Mahal, the Showshaa Theatre, and a cultural and cuisine area known as Culture Gully.
Nautanki Mahal is a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 835. Designed like a grand palace, it stages elaborate Indian and international theater productions using the latest hi-tech equipment to bring the theater to life – including a hydraulic stage, a matrix sound system, and automated fly bars.
Showshaa Theatre is the latest addition to the Kingdom of Dreams. It’s a 350-seat amphitheatre where various theatrical performances take place, including productions based on Indian mythology. Meanwhile, Culture Gully is the arts and food boulevard at the complex. Here, themed restaurants and kitchens representing the cuisine and architecture of the 14 states of India are all contained under a sky dome.
Practical Info
The Kingdom of Dreams complex is located in Sector 29, Gurgaon, near the Leisure Valley Park. It’s open from 12:30pm to 12am. Very small children are not permitted to attend some of the shows, so be sure to check ahead.
Address: Sector 29, Gurgaon, India
Hours: Ties-Sun 12:30pm to 12am
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
If you’re looking for the quintessential Delhi bazaar experience, the vibrant Central Market area of South Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar might be your ticket. Here you’ll find everything from multihued bangles to umbrella repair shops, not to mention beautiful saris, discount shoe shops, and a huge variety of Indian street food carts.
The Basics
Popular with Delhiites in search of good deals, Lajpat Nagar’s Central Market is a great place to people-watch, take photos, or pick up inexpensive gifts. Lajpat Nagar features a solid mix of roadside stalls and brand-name shops, not to mention a cinema showing Bollywood and international flicks. Because the market caters to a local crowd, you won’t find too many handicrafts here, but it’s a great place to get affordable clothes, accessories, housewares, and snacks.
Going to Lajpat Nagar with a guide or as part of a shopping-themed tour may be helpful for finding your way around and for navigating bargaining customs, especially if it’s your first time here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a must for shopaholics.
- Be prepared for a friendly bout of haggling if buying from roadside vendors, but not in most retail shops, which tend to have fixed prices.
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Much of the market can get crowded and super hot.
- Lajpat Nagar is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Lajpat Nagar is in the eastern part of South Delhi. Most visitors to the neighborhood head straight to the Central Market, where the majority of shops and stalls are located—if you’re taking a taxi here, it’s a good idea to specify. The nearest metro station is Lajpat Nagar (a 5-minute walk) on the Violet Line, which connects to Connaught Place in the heart of Delhi.
When to Get There
Lajpat Nagar is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, but the crowds tend to be thinner when the market first opens, around 10am. This is also the best time to visit if you’re coming on a hot day, as early-morning temperatures tend to be more bearable.
Delhi Street Food
Lajpat Nagar is a great place to sample Delhi’s famous street food snacks, known collectively as chaat. Popular items include momos, Tibetan steamed dumplings filled with meat or veggies, and aloo tikki, hash-brown–like potato patties covered with chutney. Adventurous eaters may want to try pani puri, crisp deep-fried flour balls filled with spiced water.
Address: Lajpat Nagar Part II, South Delhi, India
From $ 57
Kaveri River
Known also by its English name Cauvery, this large river holds significance in Indian culture and history and provides extensive irrigation to southern India. The river covers a distance of about 475 miles (765 km) and flows through the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emerging in the Bay of Bengal.
Many legends exist about how the Kaveri came into being. It is believed to meet up with the Ganges River and is considered sacred by many who believe it also has the power to wash away sins. There are many tributaries and pilgrimage sites, with the Talakaveri, or start of the river, being one of the most significant.
Dams such as the Krishna Raja Sangara and Mettur store water collected during monsoons and release them during the dry months. The Kallanai Dam, constructed by King Karikala Chola over 1,600 years ago, was originally built of mud and stone, and is one of the oldest dams still in use today. The old city of Srirangapatna, home to the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace), is also located on an island on the river.
Practical Info
The Kaveri River flows throughout southern India and is accessible via both Bangalore and Mysore. The roads to many of the towns along the river’s course have been recently improved, and driving is the best way to reach most of them.
Address: India
From $ 64
Korai Village
Visitors to Agra who want to experience the culture, color, traditions and diversity of real India, not just the iconic Taj Mahal, will find all of this and more in Korai Village.
Travelers can escape the tourist route and venture into old world India as they wander the dirt roads of this picturesque village. Learn about local life, interact with villagers, and gain an insider’s look at the rituals of daily life for dozens of families living here.
Practical Info
Korai Village is located off the Fatehpur Sikri Highway in Agra.
Address: Korai Village, Uttar Pradesh, India, India
From $ 47
Khan Market
Recognized as the most expensive shopping district in Delhi, travelers in search of glitz and glam will find it inside the confines of Khan Market. What started as a complex of roughly 150 stores and half as many apartments eventually transitioned from a Mecca for the middle class to a costly commercial real estate locale.
Visitors can wander the storefronts of popular brands like Nike and Reebok, comb through silver shops, books stores, electronic depots and cloth houses. Afterwards, tuck into savory plates of upscale local cuisine at one of the well-known restaurants like Salim’s Kebabs.
Practical Info
The market is close to India Gate and is accessible using the Delhi Metro Violet Line to the Khan Market underground station. It is closed Sundays.
Address: New Delhi, India
Hours: Closed Sundays
From $ 22
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Spread across 240 acres (97 hectares) full of plants and flowers, not to mention dozens of types of birds, the sprawling Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is one of Bangalore's best green spaces and a big part of how the city got its nickname: the Garden City. It's as popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great place for a morning jog.
The Basics
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens offers much more than just plants and flowers. Popular attractions within the palace include the greenhouse; a replica of South London's Crystal Palace and Lalbagh rock, a granite hillock with a tiny temple at its precipice. Many group and private tours of the city stop in the gardens, and visitors willing to wake up early Sunday mornings can join a local naturalist, Vijay Thiruvady, to learn about the flora in the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gardens are great for families with young kids.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- The gardens are not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The gardens are located in the southern part of Bangalore and can be accessed via four different entrances at Lalbagh Road, Double Road (where there's also a parking lot), Jayanagar, and Basavanagudi. The Lalbagh metro station is located on the western side of the garden, near the lake. It’s about a 10-minute ride to the Krishna Rajendra Market stop, near Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Bangalore Fort.
When to Get There
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset every day and is a popular year-round attraction, though visitor numbers peak during the biannual Lalbagh Flower Show held on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). If you do come in August (or at any point during the June–September monsoon season), make sure to bring a raincoat and some shoes that you don't mind getting muddy.
Lalbagh Flower Show
Held twice a year on Independence Day and Republic Day, the Lalbagh Flower Show features all sorts of floral displays both within the greenhouse and out in the main part of the garden. The shows often have themes, ranging from the local film industry to the Indian Armed Forces, while various musical and educational events complement oftentimes grandiose botanical displays.
Address: India
Admission: Varies
From $ 33
Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Hyderabad. It is situated along one of the four main streets that lead out from the iconic Charminar monument. Long before the city became a hive of business activity, the bangle market industry emerged here, and it still thrives today with locals and tourists coming from far and wide to browse the market’s colorful creations.
The production of the bangles involves painstakingly encrusting tiny stones and crystals into a mixture of resins. ‘Lac’ bangles, which are handcrafted from an insect secretion encrusted with dazzling stones, are a particular Hyderabadi specialty, although visitors to Laad Bazaar will also find accessories, perfumes, and saris among its many shops and stalls. The market is a one-stop shop for wedding items and accessories.
Practical Info
Laad Bazaar can be found on the road running west from the Charminar monument and mosque. It is easily accessible from most parts of Hyderabad via taxi and public bus.
Address: Laad Bazaar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Hours: 9am-11pm daily.
From $ 45
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is an enormous citadel situated deep in the desert outside of Udaipur. It was built in the 15th century and took over a decade to complete—unsurprising given that its walls stretch some 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) in total. Second in length only to the Great Wall of China, it is sometimes dubbed the "Great Wall of India."
The Basics
Built under Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, this gargantuan fortress played an important role in keeping rulers safe during times of conflict and war. Udai Singh II, the 16th-century maharana of Mewar who founded Udaipur, was smuggled here from Chittorgarh as an infant.
Kumbhalgarh Fort makes for a quiet getaway from the city of Udaipur. Most day tours to the fort depart from Udaipur, and many tours combine a stop here with a visit to the nearby Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture aficionados.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The fort is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajasthan desert, about a 2.5-hour drive from Udaipur or four hours from the state's most famous fort, Chittorgarh. It's not well connected by public transportation but is a convenient spot to break the journey if traveling by car between Jodhpur and Udaipur. From the fort, it takes about four hours to reach Jodhpur.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is between November and February, the coldest months in Rajasthan. Temperatures begin to rise in March and continue to do so until they peak in late May and into June. Monsoon rains from late June through September help cool things down a bit.
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
In 2013, UNESCO declared six of Rajasthan's forts, including Kumbhalgarh, a collective World Heritage Site. The other forts that received the honor were Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur (near the Ranthambore National Park tiger reserve), Gagron Fort in Jhalawar, Amer Fort on the outskirts of Jaipur, and Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer.
Address: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
From $ 12
Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters refers to a large region spanning some 558 miles (900 kilometers) consisting of an interconnected network of brackish lagoons, lakes, and canals. The best way to truly experience this beautiful area is aboard a traditional houseboat; journeys last anywhere from a few hours up to a few nights.
The Basics
Most visitors to Kerala make a point of cruising its backwaters aboard a houseboat, which are traditionally made of locally harvested coir, or coconut fiber. This sprawling region consists of hundreds of miles of waterways flanked by jungles and rice paddies, with ample opportunities to take photographs of local wildlife, from water birds to otters. Many tours of the region include short jaunts on houseboats, and some even feature multi-night backwater journeys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for couples and those interested in local culture.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
- Cruises are generally calm, and most travelers prone to motion sickness shouldn’t have any issues.
How to Get There
Most people start their cruise from Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, a short drive from the Kochi/Ernakulam area. You can also take a prepaid taxi from one of two area airports: Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum Airport.
When to Get There
If you want to go on a backwater cruise, it’s best to avoid the rainy season (June through November) and instead opt to come during the cooler, dryer winter months of December, January, and February. March through May tend to be the hottest months in Kerala, but if you’re willing to brave the heat, you can often get good offseason discounts.
Kerala Cuisine
If you spend more than a couple of hours on a backwater cruise, chances are you’ll get to sample some of Kerala’s traditional cuisine, which is quite different from the North Indian cuisine usually associated with the country. Much of the food here is cooked with coconut milk and oil, giving it a sweeter taste, and instead of the wheat-based naans and chapatis served up north, rice and various rice-based pancake-style breads dominate.
Address: India
From $ 22
Khari Baoli Spice Market
One of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia, Old Delhi’s Khari Baoli is well worth a visit for the intensity of its sights and smells alone. Along with fresh spices of all shapes, sizes, and colors, this market sells myriad nuts, herbs, dry fruits, and grains—often displayed in heaping, photo-worthy mounds.
The Basics
Dating back to the 17th century, this gargantuan market in the Chandi Chowk neighborhood is a must-explore for anyone who wants to pick up spices, herbs, chutneys, tea, and other edibles to take home to friends and families. (Despite it being a wholesale market, you can buy in small quantities.) With its piles of colorful spices as far as the eye can see, it’s also a great place for photography—rivaled only by the colorful textile market nearby.
Khari Baoli market is a popular stop on most tours of Old Delhi, and having a guide on hand can make identifying and purchasing items easier than if you go at it alone.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Khari Baoli is essential for foodies, market lovers, and first-time visitors to Old Delhi.
- You don’t need to bargain. Spices at this wholesale market are sold by weight and their prices are generally as marked.
- Wear comfortable footwear—most Old Delhi visits require a fair bit of walking.
- If you have allergies or are sensitive to scents, you may want to wear a mask, as all of the spices can cause people to sneeze and cough.
- The market is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Khari Baoli is in the western end of Chandni Chowk, just south of Old Delhi Railway Station and west of the Red Fort. By metro from New Delhi, take the Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk station, a 10-minute walk from the market.
When to Get There
The Khari Baoli spice market is open year-round, though you’re better off visiting in the winter months or first thing in the morning to avoid the heat—particularly in May or June. Like the rest of the markets in Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli is closed on Sunday.
DIY Masala Chai
While cooking with fragrant spices can be daunting to those new to Indian food, one of the most popular Indian treats, masala chai (spiced tea), is also one of the easiest things to make. Simply heat black tea leaves in a pot of water with some cinnamon, cardamom pods, and a few pieces of clove. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat, add milk and a bit of sugar, and serve.
Address: Khari Baoli Road, New Delhi, India
From $ 22
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
Keoladeo National Park (AKA Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a former royal duck-hunting spot that today hosts some 350-odd of species of migratory birds throughout the year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lush and expansive; depending on when you visit, you may spot everything from pelicans to osprey to elusive Siberian cranes.
The Basics
Keoladeo is a wide, flat expanse with multiple ponds and marshes and lots of thick deciduous plant life. While the park can be explored on foot, many visitors opt to hire a bicycle rickshaw to take them on a ride through the park; the drivers, who are quite adept at spotting birds, often act as de facto guides. Many Golden Triangle tours also stop here, and going with a guide can be particularly useful if you aren't an experienced birdwatcher yourself.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Keoladeo National Park is great for nature lovers and anyone wanting a break from noisy Indian cities.
- Bring a pair of binoculars to make bird-watching easier.
- The park can get hot and muggy, so remember to wear sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.
How to Get There
The park is located in the Rajasthani city of Bharatpur, right off the main strip where many of the area’s mid-range hotels are located. Getting to the Taj Mahal city of Agra takes an hour to 90 minutes, while Delhi is around 3.5 hours by train or four hours by road. Jaipur is a 2.5-hour drive away.
When to Get There
The park is open throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on what type of birds you want to see. Local species tend to hang around the park in August and September, while migratory bird season starts in October and continues through March. Note that May and June can get very hot—for people and birds alike.
The Animals of Keoladeo National Park
No matter when you visit the park, you're likely to see birds: lots of them, from hornbills to warblers to eagles and cranes. However, there are also plenty of other non-avian species that call the park home. There are all sorts of turtles here along with frogs, lizards, bats, and porcupines. Like most natural areas in Rajasthan, there are also plenty of monkeys, along with civets, mongooses, deer of various varieties, hyenas, and even leopards.
Address: Bharatpur 302001, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
Karla Caves
A popular day trip from Mumbai, the Karla Caves are carved out of a hillside situated in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. These Buddhist shrines were developed thousands of years ago in ancient India and depict the Buddhist architecture and culture of that time.
The Karla Caves feature a collection of intricately carved chaityas (prayer halls) with the largest measuring 45 meters and dating all the way back to the 1st century BC. It has an exquisitely carved teak-wood roof and rows of pillars decorated with sculptures of human couples, elephants and horses. (Despite its Buddhist origins, the Karla Caves in fact contain very few representations of the Buddha.) A large window at the entrance of the main prayer hall deflects rays of sunlight towards the rear, impressively illuminating the stupa situated there. The smaller of the Karla Caves feature viharas (monasteries) created for the Buddhist monks, who used to gather here to live and pray.
Reaching the Karla Caves involves a walk up a steep flight of 350 steps from the base of the hill (or nearly 200 steps from the car park half way up the hill). The steps are usually lined with vendors selling religious paraphernalia plus snacks and drinks and there’s even a vegetarian restaurant in the car park.
Practical Info
The Karla Caves are located above the village of Karla in Maharashtra. Karla is located just off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is approximately a two-hour drive from Mumbai. While many choose to visit the Karla Caves as part of a day tour from Mumbai, also taking in the other significant caves in the area, they can also be reached via public transport, with frequent local buses running from nearby Lonavala from 6am daily.
Address: India
From $ 75
Kapaleeshwar Temple
Near the San Thome Cathedral in the Tamil Nadu capital of Chennai sits the Kapaleeshwar Temple (spelled Kapaleeshwarar or Kapaleshwar too). The most impressive temple in the city by far, Kapaleeshwar honors the god Shiva with shrines dedicated to many other deities in the South Indian pantheon.
The working temple offers a good example of classical Dravidian architecture, with a stepped pyramid design blanketed in colorful statues of gods, demons, warriors and royalty. The detailing makes the temple exterior busy to the point where you don't quite know where to rest your eyes, but the structure is quite photogenic.
You're likely to see many more devotees than tourists at the temple, so you'll get a realistic insight into what modern temple worship looks like, particularly during the weekly Friday worship services. To avoid the crowds, show up at 6am when the temple first opens. If you want to see the temple at its most festive, plan your trip to coincide with the Arupathumoovar Festival in early March.
The working temple offers a good example of classical Dravidian architecture, with a stepped pyramid design blanketed in colorful statues of gods, demons, warriors and royalty. The detailing makes the temple exterior busy to the point where you don't quite know where to rest your eyes, but the structure is quite photogenic.
You're likely to see many more devotees than tourists at the temple, so you'll get a realistic insight into what modern temple worship looks like, particularly during the weekly Friday worship services. To avoid the crowds, show up at 6am when the temple first opens. If you want to see the temple at its most festive, plan your trip to coincide with the Arupathumoovar Festival in early March.
Address: North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai, India
Hours: Daily 5am-12pm & 4pm-8pm
From $ 22
Karol Bagh
Karol Bagh is a residential and commercial neighborhood of New Delhi that’s particularly well-known for its markets. One of the earliest shopping hubs in the city, today the streets of Karol Bagh boast eye-catching shops that sell everything from from inexpensive clothing and cotton yarn, to dusty second hand books and gleaming golden jewellery.
As the markets here have grown, both large-brand retailers and local street stalls have spilt over to areas like Padam Singh Road, Gurudwara Road, and Beadonpura. A shopper’s paradise, you’ll find clothes, shoes, handbags, underwear, and cosmetics, as well as more traditional Punjabi items such as extravagantly embroidered garments and colorful spices.
Karol Bagh 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: If you get hungry while visiting the markets of Karol Bagh, make a stop at Bikanervala Angan for a delicious South Indian snack. You’ll find it at 82 Arya Samaj Road.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can take the blue line of the metro to Karol Bagh station.
Address: Karol Bagh, New Delhi, India
Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7pm Tues-Sun
From $ 35
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small town located in the Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh that is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples. The temples, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, depict incredibly intricate (and erotic) rock sculptures of the Kama Sutra and other Hindu art.
The Vindhya mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop to the town, although the ‘Khajuraho Group of Monuments’ are undoubtedly the star attraction here. These temples are of Indo-Aryan architecture and were built between 950 and 1050 AD, during the Chandela dynasty. After the decline of the Chandela in the 13th century, the structures were left under a thick cover of date trees for many years before they were rediscovered, giving the town of Khajuraho its name. (Khajur in Hindi means “date.”)
The site features 85 of the original temples, divided into three sections. The western group are the largest and best known, containing the most impressive temple of all – the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev.
Practical Info
The Khajuraho Railway Station is five kilometers from Khajuraho Town, with trains arriving from New Delhi. Khajuraho also has its own domestic airport. A good time to visit is during February and March when the western group of temples becomes the stage for the week-long Festival of Dance.
Address: Khajuraho, India
From $ 29