INDIA

HIGHLIGHT:

Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17th-century fort is a symbol of India’s rich history.
Amber Fort: A stunning fort-palace with intricate carvings and beautiful courtyards.
Beaches: From the bustling Baga Beach to the serene Palolem Beach.
Gateway of India: A historic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh):
- Iconic white marble mausoleum.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site; symbol of eternal love.
- Best viewed at sunrise or full moon nights.
Qutub Minar (Delhi):
- 73-meter-high tower built in 1193.
- Surrounded by ancient ruins and the Iron Pillar.
Red Fort (Delhi):
- Mughal fort made of red sandstone.
- Sound & Light show in the evening depicts history.
Amber Fort (Jaipur, Rajasthan):
- Hilltop fort with beautiful courtyards and mirror work.
- Elephant and jeep rides to the top.
City Palace & Hawa Mahal (Jaipur):
- Royal heritage architecture and museums.
- Hawa Mahal has over 900 windows (jharokhas).
Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur, Rajasthan):
- Massive fort with panoramic city views.
- Houses museums and ancient weaponry.

Meenakshi Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu):
- Colorful Dravidian-style architecture.
- Intricate carvings and towering gopurams.
Hampi (Karnataka):
- Ruins of Vijayanagar Empire.
- UNESCO site with temples, stone chariots, and giant statues.
Mysore Palace (Mysuru, Karnataka):
- Indo-Saracenic style royal palace.
- Illuminated with 97,000 lights every Sunday evening.
Charminar (Hyderabad, Telangana):
- Four-pillared mosque and iconic city symbol.
- Surrounded by bustling bazaars.

Leh–Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh):
- Stark deserts, monasteries, and high-altitude lakes (Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri).
- Adventure biking and trekking.
Shimla, Manali (Himachal Pradesh):
- Snow-capped peaks, colonial charm, and apple orchards.
- Activities: Skiing, paragliding, river rafting.
Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand):
- UNESCO-listed alpine valley.
- Trek during monsoon for blooming season.

Munnar (Kerala):
- Tea plantations, misty hills, and Eravikulam National Park.
Ooty & Coonoor (Tamil Nadu):
- British-era hill stations with botanical gardens and toy trains.
Coorg (Karnataka):
- Known as “Scotland of India” with coffee estates and waterfalls.

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand):
- Oldest national park; tiger safari and birdwatching.
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan):
- Spot Bengal tigers near ancient forts.
Kaziranga National Park (Assam):
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinos.
Sundarbans (West Bengal):
- Largest mangrove forest.
- Boat safari to spot Royal Bengal Tigers and crocodiles.

Goa:
- Party beaches (Baga, Anjuna), serene south Goa beaches (Palolem).
- Water sports, shacks, flea markets.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
- Radhanagar Beach (Havelock) – one of Asia’s best beaches.
- Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking.
Kerala Backwaters (Alleppey, Kumarakom):
- Houseboat stays amidst palm-lined canals and lakes.
Pondicherry:
- French colonial charm, clean beaches, and spiritual vibes.

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh):
- World’s oldest living city on the Ganges.
- Witness Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Golden Temple (Amritsar, Punjab):
- Sacred Sikh shrine.
- Free langar (community meal) served to thousands daily.
Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh):
- One of the richest temples in India.
- Visited by millions of pilgrims annually.
Bodh Gaya (Bihar):
- Site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
- Mahabodhi Temple is a major pilgrimage spot for Buddhists.
Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Badrinath (Uttarakhand):
- Key temples in Hindu pilgrimage circuits.

Holi (Nationwide):
- Festival of colors, celebrated in March.
- Vrindavan and Barsana host traditional celebrations.
Diwali (Nationwide):
- Festival of lights, marked by fireworks and family gatherings.
Navratri & Dussehra (Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka):
- Dance festivals (Garba, Durga Puja), grand processions.
Pushkar Camel Fair (Rajasthan):
- Colorful desert fair with camel races, local crafts, and folk music.
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland):
- Showcase of tribal culture, dance, and cuisine in Northeast India.

River Rafting (Rishikesh, Uttarakhand):
- White-water rafting in the Ganges.
- Includes camping and cliff jumping.
Trekking (Himalayas, Sahyadris, Western Ghats):
- Popular routes: Roopkund, Hampta Pass, Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers.
Skiing (Auli, Gulmarg):
- Snow-covered slopes with ski lifts and gear rentals.
Paragliding (Bir Billing, Manali, Kamshet):
- High-altitude launches with scenic views.
Desert Safari (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan):
- Camel rides, dune bashing, traditional performances under stars.

Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh):
- Erotic sculptures and intricate carvings.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Maharashtra):
- Ancient rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves.
- Frescoes and sculptures dating back to 2nd century BCE.
Textile & Craft Villages (Kutch, Odisha, Rajasthan):
- Bandhani, Pattachitra, Madhubani, and block-printing experiences.
Kathakali & Classical Performances (Kerala, Tamil Nadu):
- Witness vibrant costumes and traditional storytelling.