India

India is a vastly diverse country geographically, encompassing white-sand Arabian Sea beach towns, tiger-filled forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The country’s architecture is as varied as its climate, thanks to a legacy of thousands of years of different historical influences. Here you’ll find ancient rock-cut temples, sublime Mughal buildings like the Taj Mahal, and stately colonial-era structures built in the Indo-Saracenic style.

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Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to India.

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Resources to help plan your trip
A ban on travel from India is set to go into effect on Tuesday, May 4.
New Orleans takes its sandwiches as seriously as it takes its festivals (which is to say, very seriously). And a trip to the Big Easy isn’t complete without a muffuletta from Central Grocery, a debris sandwich from Mother’s, and a po’ boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a banh mi from St. Roch Market, or maybe one of the tasty meat concoctions from Cochon Butcher, like maybe a duck pastrami slider. In short, make room for sandwiches.
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, began its journey to metropolis as seven islands along the western coast of India. Over the years, as the city grew, it began to spread out, giving rise to the Mumbai suburbs. One such suburb is Goregaon. Where it was once a middle class refuge, Goregaon now houses international business houses, sprawling malls, bustling film studios, and some of Mumbai’s best open green spaces.
Pune, the old capital of the Maratha Empire, is a cultural and educational hub often referred to as the Oxford of the East. A big attraction is the leafy quarter of Koregaon Park—full of drama, mysticism, and sprawling mansions, all built around ancient banyans.
Some of the sights have always been a part of your dream travel list: the white marble of the Taj Mahal, the stunning tower that is the Qutub Minar, the sandstone exterior of the Red Fort. But India’s Golden Triangle--Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur--offers so much more. The region has museums both grand and small (one with a focus on block printing), layers of history, and, even on the busiest of streets, the always surprising appearance of that most treasured of animals, the cow.
Shopping in India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra is a treasured affair for both locals and tourists. Open-air markets, government approved shops, bazaars, and luxury boutiques line the streets with goods ranging from precious gemstones to traditional attire. Several markets, including Dilli Haat, feature permanent and transitional vendors who showcase products from across India. Get lost in the labyrinth of silver and spices at Chandni Chowk or bargain for handicrafts and textiles at Janpath. Work with a perfumer to create your perfect scent at Bapu Bazaar.
Take a deep breath. Accept that you can’t see every last wonder of India’s Golden Triangle without rushing through the region. For your Golden Triangle tour, start with a long weekend in Delhi, before heading to Agra for your date with the Taj Mahal. The last few days, head to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” the nickname becoming clear with your first sight of Hawa Mahal or City Palace.
Touring India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur can lead to the best kind of sensory overload, the kind you need to talk about with friends old and new. Make your way to Bar Palladio, a lovely dream of a spot for cocktails, or to one of the area’s other nightclubs or bars. After all, you can’t just go see the Taj Mahal or Agra Fort and call it a day. That kind of day deserves one of India’s best cocktails.
With a colorful history spanning over 400 years, Hyderabad showcases the best of North and South India. The “City of Pearls” was once a notable pearl and diamond trade center in South Asia and offers travelers the best of bazaars, bungalows, and biryani.
Make a reservation at one of Delhi’s highest rated restaurants, featuring a range of modern and classic cuisine. From the iconic, cutlery-free dishes at Bukhara to the Michelin starred dim sum and dumplings at Yauatcha, top chefs have made their mark in India’s capital. The award-winning restaurants offer intimate dining spaces, views of Delhi’s skyline, and live jazz bands.
Expect brilliant colors and bright flavors at the restaurants in India’s Golden Triangle. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur all have strong food traditions of their own but many restaurants also feature food from other regions, including South Indian food. Your Golden Triangle tour of food should include stops at fine dining establishments, stalls at markets for street food, and, of course, some ice cream to cool you off on India’s hot days. Fans of butter chicken take note: that now world-famous dish originally hailed from Delhi.
To make a perfect day in Delhi even more enchanting, visit Janpath Market early and grab a cold coffee at DePaul’s. Order kebabs at Karim’s in Chandni Chowk. In the evening, watch Delhi’s Red Fort come alive with a light and sound show that showcases 5,000 years of India’s history. That covers about 5,000 years of Delhi’s history in only 24 hours. A perfect day in Delhi, indeed.
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