Our ultimate guide to India: what to see, do, and bring home

India is a vast subcontinent, home to the world’s largest population, brimming with colour, chaos and culture, and the memories of any visit will last a lifetime. From the sheer majesty of the Taj Mahal to the peaceful houseboats of Kerala and from the pink palaces of Jaipur to the craggy foothills of the Himalayas, the country’s appeal lies in its dizzying diversity. With a rich mix of art, cuisine, landscapes and ancient heritage, this is why you should make India your next big trip…

British architect Sir Edward Lutyens designed many buildings for the government during the time of the Raj, including the colonnaded Parliament (or Rashtrapati Bhavan) – now the official residence of the President of India – and Hyderabad House, which he designed in the shape of a butterfly.

There are striking tombs aplenty throughout the city: the one of Humayan, a former Mughal emperor, is said to be the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Raj Ghat is the tranquil memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, while the imposing India Gate was built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died during WWI.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Don’t miss the grand, marble Jama Masjid, India’s biggest and most impressive mosque, or the awe-inspiring, 13th-century, hand-carved Qutub Minar – the tallest brick minaret in the world. Elaborate Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple inaugurated by Gandhi, while the vast, sandstone Red Fort was the one-time residence of the Mughal emperors.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this renowned mausoleum in Agra, three hours from Delhi, took over 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants more than 20 years to build. Constructed from gleaming white marble inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, it’s a homage to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and was made even more famous in 1992 when Princess Diana visited solo, looking conspicuously unhappy.

This is how most people get around; flag one on the street and enjoy the exhilarating thrill of zooming around the city, weaving in and out of other vehicles – and sacred cows.

Delhi is crammed with markets, such as Dilli Haat INA, which showcases crafts and artefacts from every state and union territory of the country. You'll find pashminas from Kashmir and terracotta pottery from West Bengal. Chandni Chowk is one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets, spread over dozens of narrow streets. Different areas are dedicated to individual products, from silver and gold jewellery to embroidered fabrics, spices, shoes, stationery, and more.

Practicalities: The weather is cooler and drier between November and March. Stock up on Immodium, as your tummy may need to adjust to the local cuisine.

What to bring back: Saffron and curry spices from the local markets, or inlaid marble artefacts.

Take me there: India's Golden Triangle with Ranthambore National Park

One of Kerala’s most important cities, Kochi has been a trading port since 1341. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it came under Portuguese and Dutch influence, and you can still see many of the buildings they left behind, including the Dutch Palace, covered in beautiful murals, and the brightly coloured colonial architecture of the Fort Kochi district. The historic St Francis Church, dating from 1503, was the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama before his remains were moved to Portugal. The Santa Cruz Basilica, built two years later, is renowned for its Indo-European and Gothic design.

Periyar, in Kerala’s High Range at 1,000m above sea level, has the perfect natural environment for growing all sorts of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla abd ginger, as well as coffee. In the 15th century, the black pepper produced here was literally worth its weight in gold. Periyar is also home to one of India’s magnificent wildlife sanctuaries; on a tour inside Periyar National Park, you might spot elephants, wild boar, monkeys, bison, sambar deer and even tigers.

Kumarakom is a charming village situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s backwaters. Stroll to the local fish markets, or speak to the women in community groups who will show you how they weave coir or coconut palm fronds into mats. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many species including Siberian storks and brahminy kites.

Experience a vibrant Kathakali dance performance, based on stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata poems. It’s characterised by dancers wearing elaborate makeup, costumes and masks, accompanied by drummers and musicians.

These elegant boats, known as kettuvallam, were formerly used as cargo vessels, but today many have been restored as eco-friendly houseboats. They glide through the maze of waterways linking small lakes and lagoons, surrounded by coconut trees. Journey past riverside villages and paddy fields, and fall asleep lulled by the sounds of nature and gently rippling Keralan backwaters.

Houseboat in Kerala

Practicalities: The months from October to March have pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Bring layers – cardigans, jumpers, shawls – to wear out on deck if you’re staying on a houseboat, as it can get chilly in the evenings.

What to bring back: Spices straight from the source, coir handicrafts – mats, rugs, and baskets woven from coconut husk fibre – and Ayurvedic soaps and oils infused with sandalwood or turmeric.

Take me there: Classic Kerala or Serene Kerala: a Classic Journey Through Nature and Culture

Chennai is the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, a vast state in South India. Since the British East India Company established a fort there in 1639, it’s been at the centre of global trade. You can visit the elaborate red and white, 19tth century High Court building, the pristine white Fort St George, and the soaring, wedding-cake-like Santhome Cathedral Basilica, said to be the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. Don't miss the colourful, carved exterior of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

Sitting on the Bay of Bengal, Mamallapuram is a world-renowned area showcasing some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring temples in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s home to 40 ancient monuments and Hindu temples, most of them built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Shore Temple, Mamallapuram

Also known as Pondicherry, this was a French colonial settlement until 1954. That legacy is preserved in the French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques; take a rickshaw ride for a fun way to explore the area. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a four-metre-high Gandhi Memorial.

The flower market in Madurai is pure sensory overload. Get there early in the morning to experience the incredible colours and fragrances that fill the air, from delicate jasmine, which dominates the market due to its religious significance, to the bright hues of red and pink roses, the bold orange of marigolds, and the towering presence of gladioli.

A must-try in South India is idli and sambar, a staple breakfast of steamed rice cakes (idli) served with a lentil-based vegetable stew (sambar). Other popular choices include dosa, a thin, crispy pancake, often served with chutneys and sambar. For a fiery experience, try chicken chettinad, a flavourful chicken dish with aromatic spices.

Practicalities: The winter months between December and March are the best time to go, as the weather then is dry and not too hot.

What to bring back: The best souvenirs from South India reflect the region’s rich textiles, temple artistry and coastal traditions, such as Tanjore paintings –richly colored artworks embellished with gold leaf and semi-precious stones, depicting Hindu deities – sandalwood carvings, handmade paper, or bronze idols.

Take me there: Grand Tour of Southern India

Known as the ‘Pink City’, after its Maharaja had it painted that colour to welcome a visit from Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Prince Albert, in 1876, today the shade looks more like terracotta but it still impresses. Everything, from palaces to market complexes, stands out in this dusky hue, making Jaipur one of India’s most photogenic places. Explore the former royal residence, the City Palace (a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture) and the impressive 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatories, then admire the latticed façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, which boasts nearly a thousand sandstone windows. Don’t miss a trip to the UNESCO-listed hilltop Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the Rajput dynasty.

Palace of the Winds, Jaipur

Known as the home of the elusive Bengal tiger, exploring the Ranthambore National Park is your chance to spot some of the most exciting wildlife in India. Other animals living there are leopards, monkeys, sloth bears, hyenas, water buffaloes and crocodiles.

If Jaipur is the Pink City, Jodhpur is the blue one, so-named for its azure-painted houses. Its old neighbourhood is a maze of narrow, medieval streets, where buildings are painted different shades, from cobalt to cerulean, sky blue and ultramarine. Stroll at leisure, camera in hand, and browse its numerous bazaars. A real highlight is the impressive sandstone citadel of Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a 125-metre hill. Its walls hide a number of palaces; look out for the exquisite painted ceilings in the Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal) and Flower Palace (Phool Mahal).

You may already be familiar with Udaipur, known as City of the Lakes, thanks to the James Bond movie, Octopussy. Many of the scenes were shot at the Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjan Garh Fort, and the beautiful Lake Palace, which sits on Lake Pichola. Other stunning sights include the City Palace, which took nearly 400 years to complete, the elaborate, carved-stone Jagdish Temple, and the gardens of Sahelion-ki-Bari, with their fountains, pools and marble elephants.

Udaipur City Palace

India is peppered with this unique type of well, or water reservoir, and many can be found in Rajasthan, including one near the Red Fort in Jaipur. Some are still in use today, and they’re characterised by zig-zagged flights of steps leading down to water level.

At the shores of some of India’s lakes, you can witness different religious rituals being peformed. At the ancient city of Pushkar, observe a traditional aarti ceremony, a Hindu custom involving the waving of a lighted lamp (usually with five wicks) before a deity or a person, accompanied by singing and prayers.

Practicalities: October and November have warm, clear days with cooler evenings, ideal for sightseeing.

What to bring back: Pretty patterned, block-print textiles (you can also have these tailored as a dress, shirt or shorts); signature glazed pottery in blue or turquoise with white floral or geometric designs; and colourful resin bangles studded with mirrors or stones.

Take me there: Royal Rajasthan - Land of Kings

Chandigarh, a contemporary, grid-like city designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, is known as the gateway to the Himalayas. Admire its modernist and French-influenced colonial architecture, the magical rose garden – 30 acres scented by 50,000 rose bushes – and Sukhana, a boating lake popular with local people with a view out to the snow-capped Himalayas.

Once the summer capital of British India, it still remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, which dates from 1903. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railway, it’s known as the ‘Toy Train’ because it’s only two foot, six inches wide, and chugs you merrily along the 60 miles from the plains of Kalka into the foothills of the Himalayas. Skirting the edges of steep hillsides and crossing between lush river valleys, en route you go over 850 bridges and pass through 100 tunnels. Sights in the town include the Army Heritage Museum and Christ Church, the second-oldest church in North India.

Shimla's 'Toy Train'

In Shimla, head to The Mall, a pedestrian avenue lined with handicraft shops, or to the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.

Popular specialities include the rice dish tudkiya bhath, chicken anardana (chicken cooked with pomegranate), and kale chane ka khatta (black chickpeas in a tangy gravy).

Practicalities: The best time to visit Shimla generally falls into two periods: spring (March to early May) and the period after the monsoon season until the first snowfall (October to December). Take a comfortable pair of walking shoes, sunscreen – the sun can be stronger at altitude – and plenty of layers.

What to bring back: Handwoven wool Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, often with geometric or floral motifs; carved walking sticks, toys and decorative boxes made from local cedar or walnut wood; pure Himachal honey, often infused with wildflowers from the hills.

Take me there: In the Foothills of the Himalaya

Discover our escorted tours to India, including holidays to Kerala and India's Golden Triangle