Top Attractions & Highlights in India

                                               Top Attractions and Highlights in India

1. Agra & the Taj Mahal

Built by Shah Jahan to honour his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal may well be the greatest monument to love that was ever built. Around Agra you can also visit the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb and Itimad-ud-Daulah.

2. Ladakh

Hidden away in the north-eastern corner of India, Ladakh is a sanctuary of Buddhist calm. Cradled between the two highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalaya and the Karakorum, Ladakh is so remote that you can take a walking holiday here with almost a total absence of Western influences. With its combination of breathtaking landscapes, ancient settlements and deep spirituality, the former kingdom of Ladakh is an unmissable corner of the Indian Himalaya. Snowcapped peaks, high mountain passes and striking moonscapes dotted with prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries await you in this remote and majestic Himalayan region.

Explore the fascinating high altitude city of Leh, a cultural crossroads of Buddhist stupas, hilltop forts and bustling market bazaars. Marvel at the Lamayuru Monastery, one of the region's oldest and most sacred; and discover Ladakh's rich history at the Alchi Monastery, home to some of the Himalaya's finest religious artwork.

Whatever pace you're after, take a look at our unique program of Ladakh itineraries and start planning your adventure into this remote and rugged gem of the Indian Himalaya.

3. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh situated in the Western Himalayas with spectacular snowy peaks and plunging river valleys, beautiful Himachal is India’s outdoor adventure playground. A convoluted topography of interlocking mountain chains also makes Himachal a spectacular place simply to explore, by bus, car, motorbike, jeep or foot. For something a little more off the beaten path, take the train right to the heart of India’s colourful culture for a different look at this dynamic country’s northern region. Experiences like the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony with the incomparable Golden Temple of the Sikhs at Amritsar and Dalai Lama sights in Dharamsala get you in touch with the spiritual side of India, while the toy trains in Shimla are always a delight. In between are quiet country roads, frequent superb views of the Himalaya glinting in the distance and the satisfaction of reaching the highpoint of the Jalori Pass.

4. Spiti Valley

Spiti, also known as the “Middle Land”, is a trans- Himalayan terrain located in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh in India. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India. Spiti valley is a place. Spiti valley is home to some of the oldest monasteries (Tabo, Sherkhang and Dhankar- all around 1000 years old), highest motorable villages in Asia (Langza and Komic), highest post office in the world (Hikkim), Chandrataal lake, beautiful and vast landscape, ancient and intact culture and simple people. Spiti valley possesses a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture similar to that found in Tibet and Ladakh region of India.

Along the northern route from Manali or Keylong via the Rohtang or Kunzum Pass respectively, the valley lies in the North East of the Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh, and forms part of the Lahaul and Spiti district.

The sub-divisional headquarters (capital) is Kaza, Himachal Pradesh which is situated along the Spiti River at an elevation of about 12,500 feet (3,800 m) above mean sea level. Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists. Highlights include Kye Monastery and Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world and a favorite of the Dalai Lama. It was the location of the spectacular scenery and cinematography in the Indian films Paap and Milarepa, a biographical adventure tale about one of Buddhism’s most famous Tibetan saints.

The Buddhist monastery in the valley served as the locus of the set and some of the monks appeared in the film. The Pin Valley of Spiti is home to the few surviving Buchen Lamas of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. Spiti is summer home to hundreds of semi-nomadic Gaddi sheep and goat herders who come to this valley for grazing their animals from the surrounding villages and sometimes as far as 250 km. They enter the valley during summer as the snow melts and leave just a few days before first snowfall of the season.

5. Uttrakhand

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful northern states of India that enthralls everyone with its spectacularly scenic landscapes. Charming hill stations juxtaposed against snow-capped peaks, quaint villages along winding mountain roads, serpentine rivers carving their way through hills, world renowned conservation parks like ‘Jim Corbett Tiger National Park’ and ‘Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve’, world heritage sites like ‘Valley of Flowers’ and ‘Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve’, waterfalls hurtling down slopes and serene lakes shimmering amidst beautiful towns- also known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit. The city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River that's Uttarakhand for you.   

6. Udaipur

The famous city of lakes, with beautiful ornate palaces and a romantic air. It is also known as 'the Venice of the East' and has appeared as the location of many films including James Bond's 'Octopussy'.

7. Jaisalmer

The gateway to the Thar desert, this distinctly golden city has majestic fort ramparts that rise up like giant sand castles holding inside them elegant havelis (private mansions) and carved Jain temples. From here you can venture into the desert on the back of a camel, just like the locals.

8. Khajuraho

Sensual, Kama Sutra-esque sculptures decorate the walls of these exotic temples and it is what draws most of the visitors. No one really knows the meaning of the carvings – educational or just bragging? – but once you're done having a giggle over their creativeness, you'll notice how beautiful and magical these thousand-year-old buildings really are.

9. Varanasi

A spiritual hotspot on the banks of the Ganges River. See the press of humanity against its shores wash, pray, give offerings and cremate their dead in one of India's holiest locations. Away from the river wander the labyrinth of narrow alleys of old Varanasi, side-stepping buffaloes and cows as you go.

10. Darjeeling

A quintessential hill station reminiscent of a bygone era, the very name Darjeeling has overtones of the exotic and tantalisingly unfamiliar. Drink in the scenery and the local brew, surrounded by rolling hills covered in tea plantations with the Himalayas framing the horizon.

11. Jaipur

The so-called 'Pink City' with its beautiful palace and nearby fort. Its elegance and proximity to Delhi and Agra make it part of India's 'Golden Triangle'.

12. Delhi

The nation's capital and starting point for many adventures. While to many it offers the first hit of culture shock, Old Delhi also holds within its boundaries the sprawling Red Fort and Jama Masjid mosque with its delicate minarets. By contrast, New Delhi's tree-lined boulevards seem like another world with Jaipur Gate (a very European-style monument) and the National Museum.

13. Kerala

A network of palm-fringed rivers linking lakes and lagoons make a gorgeous, peaceful location to explore by teak and palm thatched houseboat. Unwind and escape in this charming tropical hideaway while enjoying some succulent Keralan seafood.

14. Goa

Everything you would expect from a tropical paradise from its white sands to shady palm groves, Goa is a place to do nothing and let it all slip away. No longer undiscovered you will likely meet other travellers here and perhaps enjoy some seafood together at one of the beach-side restaurant shacks.