India for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Delhi

Red Fort

Massive Mughal fort of red sandstone, allow 2 to 3 hours. Closed on Mondays, buy tickets online to skip the queue.

Jama Masjid

One of India's largest mosques. Remove shoes at the entrance, cover shoulders and knees, and note there is a small camera fee.

Humayun's Tomb

Garden tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal, beautiful in late afternoon light. Open sunrise to sunset every day.

Qutub Minar

73 meter medieval victory tower in a complex of ruins, a UNESCO site. Go early morning to beat both crowds and heat.

India Gate

War memorial arch at the heart of New Delhi. Best in the evening when it is lit up and locals come out for ice cream.

Lotus Temple

Bahai house of worship shaped like a lotus flower, free entry. Closed on Mondays, silence is required inside.

Chandni Chowk

Chaotic Old Delhi bazaar, best explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw. Try the street food around Paranthe Wali Gali and keep an eye on your belongings.

Agra

Taj Mahal

Arrive before sunrise at the east gate for the shortest lines and the softest light. Closed on Fridays, no tripods or food inside.

Agra Fort

Red sandstone fortress where you can see the Taj from marble pavilions. Combine with the Taj the same day, allow 2 hours.

Mehtab Bagh

Garden across the river from the Taj Mahal, the classic sunset viewpoint. Come an hour before sunset, entry closes early.

Fatehpur Sikri

Abandoned Mughal capital 40 km from Agra, crowned by the huge Buland Darwaza gate. Ignore self appointed guides at the entrance or agree on a fee first.

Rajasthan

Amber Fort

Hilltop fort palace 11 km from Jaipur, arrive at opening around 8 am to avoid the tour buses. Walk up in 10 minutes rather than taking an elephant ride.

Hawa Mahal

Iconic pink facade of 953 windows built so royal women could watch the street unseen. Best photographed from the cafe terraces across the road in morning light.

City Palace Jaipur

Still home to Jaipur's royal family, with courtyards, museums and the famous peacock gates. The basic ticket covers the highlights, allow 2 hours.

Jantar Mantar

18th century royal observatory with giant stone instruments that still work. A guide or audio guide really helps make sense of it.

City Palace Udaipur

Rajasthan's largest palace, towering over Lake Pichola. Go early to beat the tour groups, then exit at the jetty for a boat ride.

Lake Pichola

Udaipur's lake, best seen on the sunset boat ride from the City Palace jetty with views of the Lake Palace and the ghats. Sunset slots cost more, book ahead in season.

Mehrangarh Fort

One of India's most impressive forts, rising 120 meters above the blue city of Jodhpur. The audio guide included with the foreign ticket is excellent.

Jaisalmer Fort

A living fort where thousands still reside among havelis and Jain temples. Explore early morning and consider sleeping outside the walls to help preserve it.

Sam Sand Dunes

Desert dunes 40 km west of Jaisalmer, the classic spot for a camel safari and an overnight desert camp. Book a camp in advance and stay for the sunset.

Pushkar Lake

Sacred lake ringed by 52 bathing ghats in a holy town. Remove shoes near the ghats, no photos of bathers, and note that meat and alcohol are banned in town.

Ranthambore National Park

Some of the best odds of seeing wild tigers in India. Book a safari weeks ahead, zones 1 to 5 are preferred, and the park closes July to September.

Spiritual North

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Main ghat of Varanasi, home to the Ganga Aarti fire ceremony every evening around sunset. Arrive an hour early for a spot, or watch it from a boat.

Sarnath

Where Buddha gave his first sermon, only 10 km from Varanasi. The Dhamek Stupa and the excellent museum make an easy half day trip.

Golden Temple

Sikhism's holiest shrine, open to everyone and free. Cover your head, go barefoot, and do not miss the free community kitchen. Magical at night.

Laxman Jhula

Suspension footbridge over the Ganges in Rishikesh, India's yoga capital. Cross at dawn before the crowds, with cafes and ashrams on both banks.

Har Ki Pauri

Haridwar's holiest ghat, with a huge Ganga Aarti at dusk. Keep shoes well away from the water and hold the chains if you bathe, the current is strong.

Mahabodhi Temple

Temple marking the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment, beside a descendant of the original Bodhi tree. Phones must be deposited or a permit paid at the entrance.

Mumbai & West

Gateway of India

Mumbai's waterfront arch and the boarding point for Elephanta ferries. Very crowded on weekends, mornings are calmer.

Marine Drive

3 km seafront promenade known as the Queen's Necklace. Walk it at sunset and finish with street food at Chowpatty Beach.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Victorian Gothic railway station and UNESCO site, still Mumbai's busiest. Admire the facade at dusk when it is beautifully lit.

Elephanta Caves

Rock cut cave temples on an island one hour by ferry from the Gateway of India. Closed on Mondays, the last boats return late afternoon.

Ellora Caves

34 rock cut temples including the astonishing Kailasa temple, carved top down from a single rock. Closed on Tuesdays, base yourself in Aurangabad.

Goa & South

Basilica of Bom Jesus

16th century church holding the remains of Saint Francis Xavier, a UNESCO site. Dress modestly and combine with the other Old Goa churches nearby.

Palolem Beach

Calm crescent beach in south Goa, ideal for swimming and kayaking. Beach huts fill up fast in high season, November to February is best.

Anjuna Beach

North Goa beach famous for its Wednesday flea market and cliffside sunset bars. Swim with care, the rocky stretches have currents.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Giant cantilevered fishing nets on the Fort Kochi shore, best silhouetted at sunset. Fishermen may invite you to help pull the nets for a small tip.

Alleppey Backwaters

Gateway to Kerala's palm lined canals. An overnight houseboat is the classic splurge, a day shikara canoe or the public ferry is the budget way in.

Munnar Tea Plantations

Rolling hills of tea at 1600 meters, a cool escape from the plains. Hire a rickshaw for the viewpoints, mornings are clearest before the mist rolls in.

Virupaksha Temple

Living temple at the heart of Hampi's vast ruins, active for over a thousand years. Remove shoes at the gate and start at sunrise before the heat builds.