What to see
What to see
India's sights are not just its famous monuments but also the streets around them, the markets, the courtyards and the seashore at sunset. On a first trip it's easy to get carried away with a checklist and miss the city itself, so rather than a list of addresses we have put together the types of place you'll find in the north and on the coast, with short tips on how to see them. You won't find opening hours, prices or rankings here: those are set by the monuments and sacred sites themselves.
Every monument in India has one more attraction: the life around it. Pause at the gate for a minute and simply look around.
How this section works: specific facts are given only for the Taj Mahal and Goa; other places are described as types. Visiting arrangements are set by the monuments and sacred sites themselves.
The north
Five types of place that draw people to the northern cities.
The Taj Mahal
Where: Agra, one of the points of the Golden Triangle
A white marble mausoleum and one of the most recognisable monuments in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds. Check the visiting rules and the list of prohibited items on the official website in advance.
Forts and palaces of Rajasthan
Where: Jaipur and other towns in the region
Massive walls on hilltops, inner courtyards, carved windows and terraces overlooking the city and the surrounding hills.
Tip: Climbs can be long and steep. Take water, a hat and comfortable shoes, and cover the most exposed sections before the midday heat.
Delhi's old quarters
Where: The city's historic districts
A maze of narrow lanes, shops, workshops and courtyards where life is as densely packed as it was many generations ago.
Tip: Keep your bag and phone in front of you, take your time, and don't hesitate to politely turn down pushy offers of help.
Markets
Where: In almost every town
Fabrics, spices, jewellery, cookware and street food: a market shows everyday life better than any museum.
Tip: Bargain calmly and with a smile, and if you don't intend to buy, simply say thank you and move on.
Stepwells
Where: Old towns and villages of the north
Deep stone structures with stairways descending to the water: they once helped people get through droughts, and today their geometry is breathtaking.
Tip: Steps can be slippery and have no handrails. Only go down where it's permitted, and keep away from the edge.
The coast and the south
Four types of place by the sea and in tropical greenery.
Goa's beaches
Where: The coast of India's smallest state by area
Long stretches of sand, palm trees, fishing boats and long sunsets over the sea.
Tip: Swim where it's permitted, watch for flags and warnings, and don't swim out far: currents near the shore can be strong.
Old cathedrals and colonial quarters
Where: Goa's historic districts
White façades, tiled roofs, quiet squares and churches that recall the long history of the coast.
Tip: These churches are still in use: go in with your shoulders and knees covered, speak quietly and don't disturb worshippers.
Spice plantations
Where: Green areas inland from the coast
Shady gardens where familiar kitchen spices grow, and a chance to escape the beach sun.
Tip: Wear closed shoes and bring insect repellent: it's humid under the trees.
Backwaters and canals of the south
Where: Coastal areas in the south of the country
Still water, palms leaning over the canals, villages along the banks and boats drifting slowly by.
Tip: Choose a boat trip in calm weather, wear a life jacket if one is offered, and keep litter out of the water.
Read next
- Routes
Three routes by type of place: a week on the Golden Triangle, the north plus the sea, and a slow beach holiday.
- Local guide
Traveller's rules: sacred sites, clothing, the right hand, photographing people, 112, heat and water.
- Destinations
Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, the northern mountains and the south: where to go first and how to choose a region.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Buddhatour editorial notes
This guide covers independent travel to India in general terms. Visa rules, visiting arrangements at monuments and sacred sites, the weather and conditions on the road all change, so check them against official sources shortly before you fly.