Things To Do in India

With a fascinatingly diverse culture and dramatic landscape, India is a vast country that’s a feast for the senses. The easiest way to experience some of the best things India has to offer is on one of Riviera Travel’s tours, where our expert guides will take you on an Indian adventure covering the highlights of this mesmerising country. 

Best things to do in Delhi

Presidential Palace, New Delhi

The official residence of the president of India, this palatial 340-room building – also known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan – is surrounded by magnificent gardens designed in a mix of Mughal and English landscaping styles. Built at the height of the British Empire, it’s a grand statement of power and a spectacular sight to behold. The Changing of the Guard is a weekly show of traditional pomp and ceremony, which takes place outside the palace every Saturday at 8am.  

Qutub Minaret, Old Delhi

Dominating the Delhi skyline, the Qutub Minar is one of the city’s most recognisable monuments. Standing at an awe-inspiring 72.4m the imposing red and buff sandstone monument features intricate carvings and is the tallest brick minaret in the world - no small feat considering this ancient “victory tower” was built in the early 13th century.

Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

The first mausoleum of its type, Humayun’s Tomb, pre-dates the world-famous Taj Mahal by nearly a century. Built in the 1560s after the death of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, this garden-tomb is widely regarded as the first real example of Mughal architecture in India and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Majestic in its beauty, the opulent red-sandstone building is set in pristine formal gardens with flowing waterways, offering a quieter and more serene experience compared to the crowds of the Taj Mahal.

Red Fort, Old Delhi

The sheer scale of the capital’s Red Fort is enough to take your breath away. Inside the imposing red sandstone walls and intricate battlements, you’ll discover a fascinating complex of palaces, gardens, indoor canals and even an ornate mosque. Built in the 17th century, it’s no surprise this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions.

Other experiences in New Delhi and Old Delhi

• Raj Ghat, memorial complex, Old Delhi
• Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques, Old Delhi

Best things to do in Agra

Taj Mahal

Nothing can prepare you for the moment when you first set eyes on this iconic Indian landmark and Wonder of the World. This architectural masterpiece is spellbinding, and watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal as the mist rises from the Yamuna River behind it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Built in dazzling ivory-white marble and set in sprawling gardens, this beautiful mausoleum was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife who died in childbirth. A majestic artistic and architectural achievement, as well as being an enduring monument to love, the Taj Mahal is a must see when visiting India. While it’s impossible to avoid the crowds altogether, the quietest time to visit the Taj Mahal is either early in the morning, or late afternoon when the crowds begin to thin out.

Agra Fort

Not far from the Taj Mahal you’ll find another Indian architectural treasure – the Red Fort of Agra. This striking building symbolises the power and prestige of the Mughal Empire and boasts a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 11th century. If walls could talk, this imposing, fiery red sandstone fort would tell tales of royal power struggles, capture by the British army and battles to bring it back under Indian rule.

Other experiences in Agra

• Mehtab Bagh, garden complex, Agra

Best things to do in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal

One of the Pink City’s most distinctive sights, the Hawa Mahal is a remarkable five storey palace, featuring intricate lattice work and 953 small windows. The Rajput style palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, so women of the royal household could watch the bustle of city life without being seen. Today it’s famous for its honeycombed hive appearance, extraordinary pink hue, and sweeping views out across Jaipur.

Amber Fort

Sat proudly high on a hill just outside the city of Jaipur, overlooking the Maota Lake, Amber Fort is a formidable presence. Famed for its Indo-Islamic architecture, the splendour of this pale-yellow sandstone palace complex is obvious at every turn, with gleaming marble, floral wall murals, enchanting gardens, and captivating courtyards. The elevated views over the city and countryside are spectacular – as is the daily Amber Fort Light and Sound Show, when the fort is brought to life with coloured lights, music and historical tales of its dramatic history.

Other experiences in Jaipur

• City Palace, royal residence, Jaipur
• Jantar Mantar, ancient astronomical observatory, Jaipur 

Best things to do in Kerala

Lake Vembanad

Slip into a slower pace of life and enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala’s largest lake. Edged with swaying palms, Lake Vembanad is the place to head for a more laid-back Indian experience. Watch from the shady banks as traditional houseboats sail past and local fisherman head to work, or enjoy a sunset boat cruise to marvel at the serene views and incredible bird life.

Kumarakom

This charming village set on the banks of the Vembanad is home to languid emerald-green backwaters, captivating mangrove forests, and lush coconut groves. It’s also home to the world famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where migratory birds flock in their thousands, making it one of the best bird watching spots in the country.

Other experiences in Kerala

• Cochin, historic port, Kerala

Best things to do in Chennai 

Marina Beach

Stretching 13 km along the Chennai coast, Marina is the longest beach in India, and the second longest beach in the world. It’s a real community hub and on this urban beach you’re likely to spot locals playing cricket, children flying kites, and workers taking a break with a snack from one of the many food vendors that line the sand. Marina Beach is renowned for its strong riptides, so swimming can be quite dangerous and best avoided. Instead, potter around the open-air markets and admire the colourful fishing boards along the sand.

Fort St. George

Built by The British East India Company in 1640 in the centre of colonial Madras, Fort St. George was one of the most vital outposts of the British Empire. Inside the fortress there are only two buildings open to the public – Fort St. George Museum, which houses 3,600 interesting antiquities including swords, helmets, British army uniform, paintings and clocks, and St Mary’s Church, the earliest Anglican church in India.

Other experiences in Chennai

• Bessant Nagar, up-market beachside neighbourhood, Chennai
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Hindu temple, Chennai 

Best things to do in Rajasthan

While Jaipur, a city in Rajasthan, is perhaps the state’s most popular destination for tourists, there are many other highlights well worth a visit. 

Ranthambore Tiger Park

Deep in the eastern tracts of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is home to a thriving tiger conservation programme. With dense raw bushland and grassy meadows, meandering streams, and perennial lakes, the park is haven for wildlife with residents including marsh crocodiles, rare sloth bears, leopards, and wild peacocks. But it really is the awe-inspiring tigers that are the main draw here, so join a guided open-top vehicle safari for your best chance of spotting these extraordinary creatures in the wild. Winter (October to March) and Summer (May to June) are the best seasons for tiger sightings in Ranthambore.

Jodhpur

The Blue City, so-called due to the thousands of blue and whitewashed buildings that make up the old city, is dominated by Mehrangarh Fort towering 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline. Set high up on a rocky outcrop this dramatic fort is hard to beat for grandeur or presence. History is woven through every inch of the fort – the enormous stone gates still bear the imprints of ancient cannonball attacks.

After you’ve had your historic fill, head to the bustling city below and explore the open-air Clocktower Market selling everything from spices to leather goods.

Udaipur

With an ethereal charm and an undeniable elegance, Udaipur has a small town feel despite being one of Rajasthan’s largest cities. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli Hills and with tranquil Lake Pichola at the heart of the city, it’s often described as the “Venice of the East”. The luxurious Lake Palace is one of Udaipur’s most iconic sights – built on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola, it appears to float serenely above the surface with its dazzling architecture reflecting pristinely in the glassy waters. The vast complex of the City Palace, overlooking the lake, is a striking example of Mughal architecture and has plenty to explore, from idyllic gardens to precious artwork.

Khimsar Village

Tucked away in the sand dunes and accessible only by jeep or camel, Khimsar village is one of India’s best kept secrets. It’s these huge dunes and the striking desert landscape that defines the area, but the local bush has its fair share of wildlife including gazelle and antelope. For a spot of culture, visit Khimsar Fort, a rustic, battle-scarred fortress built in the early 1500s. To make the most of your time in Khimsar, avoid the scorching desert heat of the summer months and visit between November and February instead.

Other experiences in Rajasthan

• Shatabdi Express, train ride, Rajasthan
• Brahma Temple, Hindu temple, Pushkar
• Nagaur Fort, ancient fort, Nagaur

Best things to do in Amritsar  

Golden Temple

Glistening in the Indian sun, Amritsar’s dazzling Golden Temple is breathtaking in its beauty. Opulent and eye-catching, this exquisite Sikh temple is the chief house of worship for Sikhism and a hugely important pilgrimage site. Made of 24-karat gold-plated marble, it’s a deeply religious and beautifully serene temple that deserves to be on your “top things to do in Punjab” itinerary.  

Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony

Also known as the Beating Retreat or Lowering of the Flags ceremony, this is a quintessential part of any visit to Amritsar. Held daily on the border between India and Pakistan – just 18 miles from Amritsar – each evening guards from both sides march in elaborate military uniform and perform dance-like manoeuvres, including kicking legs as high as they can.

Best things to do in Shimla

Viceregal Lodge

The popular summer residence of the British viceroys during the Raj, Viceregal Lodge is a large grey sandstone building which feels like a little piece of Victorian England – albeit with panoramic views across the Shimla Mountain ranges.

Fagu Valley

Around a 45-minute drive from Shimla you’ll find the Himalayan village of Fagu. Its high-altitude location – 2,450m high – makes Fagu feel a world away from the noisy chaos of some Indian cities. Offering picturesque year-round views across dense pine forest and mountain ranges, it’s particularly beautiful when the region is blanketed in snowfall, from January to March.

Other experiences in Shimla

• Mall Road, shops and markets, Shimla