India
Beyond The Golden Temple: More Things to Do in Amritsar
The stunning Golden Temple, the spiritual heart of Sikhism, is typically what draws visitors to Amritsar, a city of 1.1 million people situated at the edge of the country. But there are a surprising amount of other things to do around Amritsar, including museums, quirky temples, and the spectacle-like Wagah Border Ceremony. To see everything
How to Visit Amritsar’s Stunning Golden Temple
Amritsar’s glistening Golden Temple is the spiritual heart of Sikhism, a religion with nearly 30 million adherents. But visitors of all faiths and nationalities are more than welcome. In the following guide, we’ll be covering precisely how to visit the Golden Temple, eat at its langar (community kitchen), and enter the golden Harmandir Sahib itself.
Top Things to Do in Chandigarh: India’s First Planned City
Chandigarh isn’t quite like anywhere in India – a country equally known for its chaotic traffic and its fascinating historical sites. Chandigarh, India’s first planned city, has little of either. While it may objectively be India’s most pleasant and livable city, does it have anything to offer a casual tourist? I went there to find
A Guide to Kurukshetra: The Land of the Bhagavad Gita
It’s the location of the huge battle at the climax of one of India’s great epics, the Mahabharata. And it’s the setting of the Bhagavad Gita, one of India’s most important sacred texts. Given India’s massive ‘temple tourism’ industry, one would think that Kurukshetra would receive massive throngs of visitors daily. But it’s actually quite
A Guide to Delhi’s Mughal Architecture
From the early 16th century to the mid-19th century, the Mughal Empire ruled much of South Asia. But it was under the reign of Shah Jahan that Delhi took center stage, remaining the empire’s capital until its demise. Accordingly, Delhi is home to some outstanding Mughal architecture, a style that blends Persian, Central Asian, and
Street Art: New Delhi’s Lodhi Art District
The Lodhi Art District is considered India’s first art district, transforming what was once a British-era residential neighborhood into an open-air gallery. First established in 2015, it remains the best place in Delhi to spot eye-catching street art from both local and international artists. Admittedly, before arriving in the neighborhood, I didn’t know too much
The National Museum of India: A Visitor’s Guide
The National Museum of India, also commonly known as the ‘National Museum, New Delhi’ is generally considered to be India’s flagship museum (though Mumbai’s CSMVS Museum is another top contender). It’s home to many of India’s top artifacts, some of which are thousands of years old. And there are even some international items on display
A Guide to Fatehpur Sikri: Akbar’s Short-Lived Capital
Perhaps because it was built from scratch to serve as the empire’s capital and would only stay so for fourteen years, Fatehpur Sikri remains the purest example of a Mughal city. Unlike Agra, Lahore, and Delhi, where remnants of Mughal architecture are spread amongst modern urban sprawl, Fatehpur Sikri looks just as would have four-and-a-half
A Brief Guide to Vrindavan & Mathura: Krishna’s Hometown
Vrindavan and Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh aren’t your typical tourist destinations. Said to be the birthplace and hometown of Krishna, the twin towns are religious pilgrimage spots where temple hopping is pretty much the only thing to do (with the main exception being the excellent Government Museum in Mathura). But whether or
Visiting Gwalior Fort: The Gibraltar of India
First established in the 5th century AD, Gwalior Fort has been held by a myriad of different rulers, including various Hindu dynasties, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, and briefly, the British. But for most, the highlight of visiting Gwalior Fort will be admiring its stunning Man Singh Palace. Though located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Fort
Beyond The Taj Mahal: Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb & Baby Taj
Most travelers know Agra for one main reason: the Taj Mahal. And for those with limited time, it’s common to check out the Taj and then quickly move on. Admittedly, that’s exactly what I did during my first visit. But the former Mughal capital has enough in store to warrant at least a few days
Visiting The Taj Mahal: Everything You Need to Know
As one of the world’s most iconic structures, it’s hard to say much more about the Taj Mahal that hasn’t already been said. But upon visiting the Taj Mahal in-person, you’ll quickly understand why it’s been captivating the world for centuries – even if you’re the type of traveler that likes to avoid ‘touristy’ things.
Rajasthan: The Ultimate 1-Month Travel Itinerary
It’s no secret why Rajasthan is one of India’s most touristic states. It’s home to some of the country’s most stunning architecture, not to mention beautiful lakes and desert landscapes. It also boasts a unique culture which visitors can experience through Rajasthani music or traditional cuisine. While places like Jaipur and Udaipur are famous for
Jaipur: The Ultimate Guide
Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City,’ is Rajasthan’s largest and easily one of India’s most touristic. And for good reason. Its imposing forts, refined palaces, and scenic natural surroundings offer visitors with plenty to see. As many of the attractions are spread far apart, you’ll want at least three days to experience the top
What It’s Like to Visit The Karni Mata Rat Temple
After years of travel to far-off exotic destinations, I thought I’d seen just about everything. But there I was, walking amongst hundreds of rats at the Karni Mata Rat Temple, a place where they’re not considered pests, but holy. Though I only encountered a fraction of them, 25,000 rats are said to live at the
Top Things to Do in Bikaner: Rajasthan’s Red City
Knowing that it was a bit off the tourist trail, I arrived in Bikaner expecting a relatively laidback and sleepy town. But Bikaner, it turns out, is actually Rajasthan’s fourth-largest city. Be that as it may, Bikaner still gets only a fraction of the tourists of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, or Jaisalmer. And that means you
Jaisalmer Day Trip: Bada Bagh Cenotaphs & Jain Temples
It would be hard to argue against Jaisalmer, Rajasthan being one of India’s most picturesque towns. But perhaps the small city has gotten too popular for its own good, with awful traffic and new hotels popping up at an alarming rate. For a brief escape from the crowds and touts, don’t miss the Bada Bagh
Jaisalmer: The Ultimate Guide
Jaisalmer, situated at the western end of Rajasthan by the edge of the Thar Desert, has long been touted as one of India’s top hidden gems. Today, however, the secret is very much out, and the small city of 65,000 is practically overflowing with tourists. Be that as it may, there are still plenty of
What to Expect From a Jaisalmer Desert Safari Tour
Experiencing a Desert Safari is often touted as one of the can’t-miss experiences in Jaisalmer, if not Rajasthan as a whole. The tour consists of a jeep ride out to the Thar Desert, followed by a camel ride, and then a night under the stars. But before you book, there are a number of things
Jodhpur: The Ultimate Guide
With a population of around 1.6 million, Jodhpur may be Rajasthan’s second-largest city, but it’s also one of the state’s most charming. Known as the ‘Blue City’ thanks to its vibrant blue houses, Jodhpur is also known for Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s most impressive. But there’s still plenty more to see, and for those
Street Art: Jodhpur
Rajasthan is perhaps India’s most colorful state, with Jaipur being dubbed the ‘Pink City,’ Udaipur the ‘White City,’ Jaisalmer the ‘Golden City,’ and Jodhpur the ‘Blue City.’ But in addition to the beautiful blue hue of Jodhpur’s traditional houses, the city is also home to a plethora of eye-catching street art. As opposed to the
Top Things to Do in Pushkar: Brahma’s Abode
Centered around a picturesque sacred lake, Rajasthan’s Pushkar holds the distinction of being the only place where Brahma – the Creator of the Universe himself – is actively worshipped in India. Accordingly, the top things to do in Pushkar include temple visits and a walk along the gorgeous lake. In addition to pilgrims, Pushkar has
Udaipur: The Ultimate Guide
Founded in 1559 after the sacking of Chittorgarh by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s – and India’s – most scenic cities. Centered around five artificial lakes, it’s become a major tourist destination for foreigners and Indians alike. But does it live up to the hype? By going through the top things to do
A Day Trip to Kumbalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Temple
A visit to Kumbalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Temple from Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most essential day trips. In a single day, you can enjoy one of India’s most impressive fortresses and one of its very finest temples. With no public transport going to either site, hiring a private driver is a must. But be forewarned
A Guide to Chittorgarh Fort: India’s Largest Fort
In a country of over 1,000 surviving ancient fortresses, Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh holds the distinction of being India’s largest. So large, in fact, that it remains home to thousands of inhabitants. And its landmarks are so spread out that you’ll need a vehicle to get around. In this guide to Chittorgarh Fort, we’ll be covering how
Bundi: Exploring Its Palace, Stepwells & More
Bundi, while not totally obscure, is still somewhat of a hidden gem in Rajasthan. It has everything that draws tourists to the state – a hilltop fortress, an ornately decorated palace, ancient cenotaphs, and fascinating stepwells – all of which can be explored with few tourists and little hassle. The following guide to the top
Top Things to Do in Kota: Rajasthan Off The Tourist Trail
Despite being the third-largest city in one of India’s most touristic states, Kota is almost entirely void of foreign tourists. But there’s more to it than first meets the eye. Given its status as a major transport hub and its close proximity to charming Bundi, the city is worth a brief stop. Conveniently, the top
Maheshwar: Exploring Its Forts, Ghats & Temples
Some of India’s most scenic traditional towns remain well off the backpacker trail, largely ignored by social media hype. Madhya Pradesh’s Maheshwar is one such town. And you can even think of it as a cleaner, calmer, and much less touristy version of Varanasi. It’s also more compact, as the top things to do in
A Complete Guide to Mandu (Part 2): The Free Attractions
Having spent a cumulative 1.5 years of my life in India, I’d have to say that Mandu is my favorite Indian town. That honor previously belonged to Jaisalmer, a place which has since lost much of its charm due to development and overcrowding. Mandu remains well off the beaten path thanks to being off the
A Complete Guide to Mandu (Part 1): The Paid Attractions
There’s nowhere else in India quite like Mandu. Having been to over a dozen Indian states, I can safely say that Mandu is my favorite town in the country. Largely developed from the 14th to16th centuries, there’s so much to see in the area that we’ve had to divide this Mandu guide into two parts.
Visiting the Holy City of Ujjain (As a Foreigner)
While Varanasi often steals the spotlight as India’s spiritual heart, the country is home to a plethora of holy cities that most outside of India have never heard of. Among them is Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, often dubbed the ‘City of Temples.’ If you’re interested in experiencing this millennia-old city, we’ll be covering the top
Top Things to Do in Indore: The Home of the Holkars
Not many foreign travelers have Indore on their radars. But the city of 3.5 million – the largest in Madhya Pradesh – is the starting point for noteworthy towns like Ujjain, Maheshwar and Mandu. And if you find yourself passing through, you’re likely wondering about the top things to do in Indore. Though nearby Ujjain
The Great Stupa of Sanchi: Ashoka’s Best-Known Monument
If there were any single archaeological site synonymous with the mighty emperor Ashoka, it would have to be Sanchi. The Great Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by the Maurya Emperor in the 3rd century BC, while the site would remain a stronghold of Buddhism for the next millennium. For various historical and cultural reasons, Buddhism started
Exploring the Ancient Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Located about 45 km southeast of Bhopal, the rock shelters of Bhimbetka are home to some of the world’s oldest rock art, with some dating as far back as 100,000 years! Rediscovered in the 1950s by Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, over 750 ancient rock shelters were found in the area, and over 500 of them
A Guide to Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum & More
Bhopal may be a bustling city of nearly 3 million people and the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, but the few foreign tourists seem to visit. But not only is Bhopal the base for UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Sanchi, but its Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum is among the country’s
A Complete Guide to Maharashtra’s Ajanta Caves
Mostly carved from the 2nd century BC to the 5th or 6th century AD, the Ajanta Caves are undoubtedly one of India’s most important Buddhist sites. While some caves are mainly known for their intricate carvings, what really makes the site special is the amount of well-preserved mural paintings that remain on the walls. In
The Ellora Caves: The Ultimate Guide
Carved between the 6th-12th centuries AD, Maharashtra’s Ellora Caves are hailed by many as an overlooked wonder of the world. The site is home to the spectacular Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), but over 100 rock-cut caves and temples were created here in total, at least 34 of which are open to the public. This ultimate
Kailasa Temple: Ellora’s Impossible Rock-Cut Marvel
Kailasa Temple is easily among the most stunning Hindu temples in India, and it arguably rivals Angkor Wat for the finest of them all. Like many temples, it features towers, multiple stories, and exquisite carvings. But in this case, the entire thing was carved from a single rock which left absolutely no room for error.
Exploring Daulatabad Fort: India’s Most Underrated Fort?
Daulatabad Fort isn’t that well-known, and it hardly ever appears on lists of India’s top forts. But it’s arguably one of the country’s most enjoyable forts to visit. While it lacks the grandeur of Gwalior Fort or the luxurious palaces of forts in Rajasthan, something about its layout and the way visitors gradually make their
Top Things to Do in Aurangabad: The ‘Mini Taj’ & More
Aurangabad is mainly known for being the base from which to visit both the Ellora Caves and the Ajanta Caves. But with a population of over 1 million and a rich history, consider setting a full day aside to explore the city itself. The following guide covers the top things to do in Aurangabad that
A Guide to Nashik: Pandav Leni Caves, Ram Kund & More
Nashik may be a city of 1.5 million inhabitants that’s just a few hours from Mumbai, but it’s well off the tourist trail – at least for foreigners. The city largely attracts religious pilgrims, as it’s believed that Lord Rama himself spent time here during his exile. The area was also once a major Buddhist
Jogeshwari & Mahakali Caves: Urban Archaeology in Mumbai
Due to the abundance of volcanic rock in the region, the Indian state of Maharashtra is teeming with ancient manmade caves. The most impressive among them are the Ajanta and Ellora caves near Aurangabad, while Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves also shouldn’t be missed. But if you’re looking for more, you can even find ancient caves in