The Taj Mahal
Going to lndia without seeing the Taj Mahal would be like going to Australia without seeing the rock. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal it lives up to its reputation as the ultimate monument to love. Beautiful at any time of day the Taj Mahal is especially fetching at night and visits are now possible during full moon.
Open: Every day except Friday, sunrise to sunset, Nighttime (2 days before Full Moon and 2 days after) 8.30pm-12.30am
Closed: Fridays
Tickets: Adult Rs 750, Nighttime Adult Rs 750
Rajasthan
A one time stomping ground of the Maharajas, this colourful region studded with beautiful palaces represents a classic view of India. It is also home to a host of wildlife sanctuaries. Highlights of Rajasthan include the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodphur and Pushkar, site of the world famous camel fair.
Goa
Goa was once home to a large proportion of the world’s hippies, who gathered by their thousands for the beautiful beaches, relaxed way of life, the lush and tranquil countryside, and, yes, lots of very good drugs. That scene has dwindled somewhat, but Goa is still the place to go to chill out on a beach for a few days (or weeks) and soak up a region that moves to a different beat than the rest of the country.
Kerala
With its tropical vegetation and tranquil beaches, Kerala offers a chilled contrast to the bustle and noise of the north. Among the chief draws of this region is the peninsula of Fort Conchin, a gateway to The Backwaters, a network of intoxicatingly beautiful waterways, perfect for exploring on traditional boats.
Darjeeling
Set in the foothills of the Himalayas this quintessential Indian Hill station is the perfect place to enjoy mountain views and sample some of India’s and Tibet’s finest teas. Also check out the zoo for Himalayan fauna.
Mumbai
This massive megalopolis of 15 million is a microcosm for India’s extremes. The skyscraper homes of multi-millionaires and nightclubs frequented by Bollywood glitterati rub up against sprawling slums roofed by blue tarpaulins while minarets and church steeples sit comfortably alongside Hindu temples.
Varanasi
It’s all about the ghats and the Ganges in India’s holiest city. Regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, many who believe that bathing in the Ganges will deliver them from sin.
