India holidays

Built as a celebration of love, the Taj Mahal dazzles with its marble minarets, semi-precious stone inlays and symmetrical gardens. It stands as both the ultimate romantic gesture and an enduring showcase of the Mughal Empire’s wealth. Watching the mausoleum change colour at dawn and dusk is one of the most memorable things to do in India.

Parallel to the Malabar Coast in southwestern India, Kerala’s backwaters form a peaceful network of canals and lagoons framed by rice fields, coconut groves and cashew farms. This is the rural side of India at its best, worlds away from the urban city bustle. Join a houseboat tour and admire the scenery and birdlife from the deck as you glide between villages.

Colour and celebration are everywhere in India, especially during its religious and cultural festivals. From the illuminations of Diwali and powder throwing of Holi to the camel trading of Pushkar Camel Fair, each has its own appeal. September to January is the height of festival season, with events happening almost daily. Whichever festival you attend, singing, dancing, fireworks and food are in abundance.

India’s temples are places of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and followers of other faiths. But they also showcase some of the country’s most fascinating art and architecture. Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is famous for its elaborate carvings, while Amritsar’s Golden Temple is Sikhism’s spiritual heart. Don’t miss Kedarnath Temple, set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas.

Trains are the heartbeat of India’s transport network, carrying millions of commuters and connecting fast-paced cities with remote villages. Every journey is an adventure, from epic cross-country routes to the scenic Kalka–Shimla and New Jalpaiguri–Darjeeling narrow-gauge mountain railways. Take your seat, share food and stories with locals and gaze out the window at the changing landscapes of daily life.

More than seven million people a year flock to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, with its sublime marble mausoleum and decorative gardens. At Jaipur’s hilltop Amber Fort, stories of Rajasthan’s regal past mix with Hindu and Muslim art and architecture. Witness sacred bathing rituals and puja ceremonies at Dasaswamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi.

Many of the best beaches in India are spread along Goa’s Arabian Sea coastline. Enjoy white sands and a laid-back vibe at Palolem Beach, or party at Baga Beach. Tarkarli Beach in Maharashtra has great diving and snorkelling. On the east coast, Chennai’s Marina Beach buzzes with food carts and street performers. Craving a tropical getaway? Head for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Whether you’re trekking in the Himalayas, exploring tea gardens in Darjeeling or riding a camel across the dunes of the Thar Desert, nature is everywhere in India. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to gawk at. The largest population of Bengal tigers lives amid the mangrove forests of Sundarban National Park. Spot the greater one-horned rhino and wild water buffalo at Kaziranga National Park.

The National Museum in New Delhi traces more than 5,000 years of history, making it a must-see museum in India. Explore architectural wonders representing centuries of royal heritage, including Agra Fort, Jaisalmer Fort and Mehrangarh Fort. At Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi comes to life. Find your zen at yoga and meditation retreats in Rishikesh.

The restaurants in India promise an explosion of flavours, from turmeric-infused curries to cinnamon-flavoured desserts. Start your day with a ‘dosa’ (rice and lentil-flour crepe). Then sample staples like ‘dhal’ (curried lentils) and biryani. Try ‘pani puri’ (chickpea and potato–filled dough balls) at street food carts around Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi and ‘pav bhaji’ (spicy vegetables with buttered bread) in Mumbai.