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Ahmedabad

It’s strictly vegetarian, with delightful night food markets.
Awadhi Cuisine of Lucknow

Slide show: See a range of street food and sophisticated plates alike.
Beach Camping and Spice Plantation Tastings, Goa

Go where French and Indian fare meets white sand beaches.
Chennai

Watch the dynamic cuisine of India sizzle and unfold.
Chettinad Region

The cuisine here evolved with ages of world spice merchants.
Coorg

Slide show: The isolated Kodava people have their own way of cooking.
Irani Cafes of Mumbai

Slide show: Explore the cuisine of this city’s hidden, magnificent dining rooms.
Kashmir

Watch the dynamic cuisine of India sizzle and unfold.
Kochi

Slide show: Spices have been traded in this Arabian Sea port for 1000+ years.
Kolkata

Watch the dynamic cuisine of India sizzle and unfold.
Puducherry

Slide show: Discover this culinary holdout of the French East India Company.
Sunset Seaside Savory Snacks, Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai

Slide show: “Street” food prevails in this carnival-like haven of beach vendors.
The Birynis and Roti Kababs of Hyderabad

Watch the dynamic cuisine of India sizzle and unfold.
The Street Food of Old Delhi

Watch the dynamic cuisine of India sizzle and unfold.
Trekking with Kids in West Himalayas

Must do: Take the family on this hike by soaring peaks.
Arabian Sea Coast, Northern Kerala

Slide Show: This stretch of coastline begs for adventurers to hike its rugged beaches in hopes of a dolphin or sea turtle sighting.

Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan

Slide show: These ancient foothills are a playground for leopards, antelopes and a magical “dust hour”.
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

Slide show: These dry teak forests are protected grounds for rare Asiatic lions.
Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Slide Show: Snow leopards and their prey gracefully meander through these high valleys near Buddhist monasteries.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Slide show: Safaris here offer views of the Himalayan foothills and the Ramganga River.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Slide show: Take a safari in these grasslands and forests to spot a celebrated population of rhinos.
Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Slide show: This salt marsh features a wildlife sanctuary to harbor rare species amongst its grasslands.

Madhya Pradesh

The kids will swoon over these parks worthy of The Jungle Book.
Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Slide show: Indigenous people coexist with elephants, crocodiles, and a vast range of species.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Slide show: This former royal hunting ground is one of the original “Project Tiger” reserves.

Sunderban National Park, West Bengal

Slide show: Haunting mangrove forests cover this languorous delta where tigers roam and swim.

The Rainforest of Kodagu, Karnataka

Slide show: These dark, remote forests host elephants, temples, and teak trees between the ancient trails.
Ajanta and Ellora

These 30 caves delight historians of all ages with surprises galore.
Amritsar

Color itself is a muse in India, from Holi to handcrafted textiles.
Fatehpur Sikri

Slide show: This one-time Mughal capital boasts Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim architecture.

Goa

Color itself is a muse in India, from Holi to handcrafted textiles.
Golconda Fort

Slide show: Visit this largest fort in south India for its enchanting limestone ruins.

Gwalior

Slide show: Learn about this most famous remnant of the great Rajput clans.

Hampi

Find hidden treasures and meander through archaeological ruins.
Holi

Color itself is a muse in India, from Holi to handcrafted textiles.
Humayun’s Tomb

Slide show: Persian meets Mughal elements in this octagonal tomb for the Mughal emporer.

Jaipur

Color itself is a muse in India, from Holi to handcrafted textiles.
Jodhpur, The Blue City Of Marwar

Slide show: Rajasthan’s best-preserved city begs you to get lost in its alleyways.

Kumbalgarh

This 15th century fort houses 365 temples and endless discovery.
Mandu

Slide show: Read about this magical fortified city freckled with baobab trees.

Mysuru

Slide show: Shop, stroll, and take in the charms of this “Cultural Capital of South Karnataka”.

Ooty

Slide show: This hill station is surrounded by crystalline lakes and eucalyptus forests.

Orchha

Slide show: This “hidden” 16th-century town is tucked away in rural Madhya Pradesh.

Qutb Minar

Slide show: This soaring tower is carved with Quran verses.

Taj Mahal: A Brief History

Slide show: This one-time Mughal capital boasts Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim architecture.

Auroville in Puducherry

Slide show: This wellness retreat was founded in the ‘60s as an experimental community.
Dharamsala

Tibetan Buddhism thrives and begs a visit to this Himalayan outpost.
Full Moon Ritual at Pushkar Mela

Slide show: In this desert oasis lies sleepy Pushkar, home of a camel fair under the full moon.
Institute for Wisdom Culture, Bodhgaya

Slide show: This is where Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree.

Lunch at the Holiest Gurdwara in the Sikh Religion

Bring the kids to this Sikh holy spot, and lunch with thousands.
Maheshwar

Slide show: Pilgrims come to this regal town to bathe in the calm river, perform puja and worship.
Morning Prayers at Tiksey Monastery Ladakh

Slide show: Here, pipes echo against the Himalayas, heralding the call to prayer…and butter tea.

Palitana

Mountain with over 900 Jain temples
Puri
Purple Valley Yoga - Goa

Slide show: Hiding out here are some of the world’s best Ashtanga teachers as well as an Ayurvedic spa.
Rishikesh
Shravanabelagola

Slide show: At this Jain pilgrimage site, 600 steps up, rests the colossal iconic statue of Lord Gomateshwara.
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Slide show: Shreyas means “all around excellence”, perfect for this spa, yoga center and organic farm.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and Ashrams

Slide show: On these tranquil grounds, enjoy yoga practice, meditation and Vedanta yoga philosophy.

Swaswara Cgh Earth Wellbeing Retreat, Gokarna

Slide show: Among palm groves and rice paddies lies this Ashtanga haven.

Varanasi

Buddha reportedly founded Buddhism here on the Ganges.
Luxury Tree Houses on a Tiger Reserve

Stay with the family in a tree house…on a tiger reserve.
Shakti 360° Leti

8,000 feet into the Himalayas, this cabin is remote and otherworldly.
Luxury Wildlife Lodges with Expert Naturalist Guides

Slide show: Many sit on the edges of India’s safari parks.

A Vintage Houseboat on Dal Lake, Kashmir

Slide show: These floating palaces originally shuttled British to Kashmir in the summers.

Ananda Ayurvedic Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Slide show: This Himalayan respite is one part luxury, one part spiritual.

Kerala Backwaters Cruise

Slide show: Relish an authentic glimpse of everyday village life from a converted rice barge.

Brahmaputra River Cruise

Slide show: Unwind on an unfolding river journey in remote Assam.

Glamping, Indian Style

Slide show: Chic, modern versions of colonial-style tented camps abound.

Kaya Kalp Spa

Slide show: This hotel spa feels far away, but lies moments from the New Delhi airport.
Luxury Train Journeys

Slide show: Enjoy a weeklong stay aboard the luxury Maharajas’ Express.

Oberoi Udaivilas

Slide show: From this lavish lakefront resort, hear peaceful temple bells.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Slide show: Experience this fairytale mashup of Moorish, Oriental and Florentine design.

The Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan

Slide show: Many were originally palaces, forts and havelis.

Udaipur

Slide show: This grand city begs you to slow down and enjoy little luxuries.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Check in to this ornate Art Deco palace with elegance nonpareil.
Seaside Tranquility and Gallic Influence in Puducherry

Days in this French colonial outpost are quiet and breezy.
The Tanjore School of Classical South Indian Painting

Slide show: Experience the colorful artists’ studios in Thanjavur.
Kathakali Dance Performance, Kochi, Kerala

Slide show: These elaborate “story-play” performances go throughout the night.

Sufi Music at Ahhichatragarh Fort, Nagaur

Slide show: This vast 12th-century fort hosts an annual Sufi music festival.

Badami Cave Paintings and Sculpture, Karnataka

Slide show: 6th-century carvings and paintings dedicated to Jain and Hindu gods.

Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Slide show: This was the 15th-century center of Indian textiles.
Elephanta Island Mumbai

This island was called the “City of Caves” for good reason.
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Slide show: These 8th century monasteries and temples were carved into rock slopes.
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Slide show: The temples are prime examples of Indo-Aryan architecture.

Marble Palace, Kolkata

Slide show: See crystal chandeliers, Ming vases, and vestiges of aristocratic life.
Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur

Slide show: This museum is a former royal palace tucked within the Mehrangarh fort.

Pallava Dynasty Rock Carvings of Mamallapuram

These special ruins reveal an old seaport replete with art.
The Painted Havelis of Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Slide show: Called the world’s largest open-air gallery, Shekhawati’s havelis don’t disappoint.

The Wall Paintings and Frescos of Bundi Palace, Rajasthan

Slide show: The palace and its city are painted with color and joy.

Bicycle Tour of the Temple Towns of Tamil Nadu

Slide show: Coast through grassy plains, past rice terraces.
Rafting the River Valleys of Ladakh

Slide show: This Tibetan Plateau looks up to towering Himalayan peaks.
Camel Safari, Thar Desert and Jaisalmer

Slide show: Discover ancient camel train routes between dunes.
Deep Sea Diving, Andaman Islands

Slide show: Off the mainland, Havelock Island’s pristine beaches inspire divers and snorkelers.

Zip Line over Neemrana Fort

Slide show: The aerial experience starts with a climb uphill to the fort.

India’s Wild West - Bhuj and The Great Rann of Kutch

Slide show: This remote white desert has salt flats, flamingos, and nomadic peoples.
Kumaon Trek through Rural India

Slide show: Meander through villages and forests to the music of bird songs.
Ladakh

Trek from monasteries to mountain villages.
Mountain Biking, Coorg

Slide show: 19th-century jungle lanes beckon off-road cyclists.
Nagaland

Slide show: This is a bio-diverse Eden on the border of Burma.
Horseback Ride through Rajasthan

Slide show: Meet the locals, sleep in a tent, and enjoy the countryside.
Train through the Himalayan Foothills

Loop and wind through mountain landscapes with the family.
Road Trip from Leh to Srinagar by Royal Enfield

Take a retro-style motorbike tour over the Himalayas.
Trekking in Sikkim

Slide show: This high-altitude ancient Himalayan kingdom is unlike anything on Earth.
Walking the Wild Western Ghats above Pune

Slide show: Stroll terraced land between mountain peaks and glimmering lakes.

Nadi Astrology in Tamil Nadu

Ask a local where to get your chart drawn and your leaves read.
Meditation in Dharamsala

Find your inner ground in these Buddhist Himalayan hills.
Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda in India: Live Well Every Day
Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore

This old-school yoga practice flows to your breath’s rhythm.
Cooking Classes in Kerala

See how Ayurvedic health principles guide local dishes.
Gentle Beaches, Yoga and Surf Lessons for Kids in Kerala

Decamp with the whole crew here for sun, sport and style.
Hiking the Hampta Pass in Manali

Trek through meadows between towering mountains.

Surfing in Karnataka

Shiva watches over these waves and local yoga retreats.

Christmas Day

Celebrate Christmas Day in Goa, where much of India’s Christian population.
Poush Mela

A Bengali folk music festival featuring the music of the Bauls, the.
Chhau Jhumur Utsav

Around 2,000 dancers gather for this celebration of the Chhau dance form of.
Shilpgram Art and Craft Fair

This village just outside of Udaipur is the perfect place to shop for local.
Serendipity Arts Festival

Contemporary, traditional and folk arts are celebrated at this free annual.
Magnetic Fields Festival

A contemporary music and arts festival featuring musicians and artists from.
One Earth Festival

Free festival where you can nosh on vegan food and peruse a cruelty-free.
Hornbill Festival

A remote village festival celebrating the traditional arts, dance, music,.
Konark Festival

Classical Indian dance festival with performances in the Konark Sun Temple.
Delhi International Arts Festival

A multidisciplinary festival for Indian and international arts, including.
Kumbhalgarh Festival

Three-day festival at the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, celebrating the art and.
Potters Market

Potters from across India convene to exhibit and sell their work, with top.
Bundi Utsav

A three-day celebration of traditional arts and crafts in Rajasthan, taking.
Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali

A traditional craft bazaar and classical music performances take place.
Guru Nanak Jayanti

A festival dedicated to the founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Sahib..
The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday

The Islamic festival of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi celebrates the birth of the.
Wangala Festival

This harvest festival celebrates the culture of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya,.
Pushkar Camel Fair

Herders and traders from the surrounding region bring approximately 30,000.
Hampi Utsav

The ancient city of Hampi comes alive for this three-day festival featuring.
Chhath Puja

An evening festival on the Ganges River, where people gather to chant.
Rann Utsav

A festival dedicated to the culture of the Kutch region of Rajasthan, with.
International Yoga & Music Festival

A free festival featuring many different styles of yoga and classical Indian.
Diwali

This annual festival of lights marks the new year in the Hindu calendar, as.
Tawang Festival

Locals and tourists alike gather for a celebration of the culture of.
World Living Heritage Festival

This festival is all about the local heritage of the notable city of.
The Sacred Pushkar

A wellness gathering with yoga classes, sound healing, devotional music,.
Marwar Festival

This festival focuses on the historical culture of Marwar, a desert region.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Wildly popular folk festival in which local performers and internationally.
Abhaneri Festival

A celebration of Rajasthani song and dance, featuring cultural performances.
Durga Puja

A celebration of the goddess Durga, during which people take to the streets.
Kabir Yatra

A national holiday celebrating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the.
Gandhi’s Birthday

A national holiday celebrating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the.
Bathukamma

A flower festival during the annual Navaratri festivities, in celebration of.
Pune International Literary Festival

A chance to meet and interact with more than 100 authors from India and.
Ziro Festival of Music

A popular outdoor music festival located in the scenic and off-the-beaten.
Ladakh Festival

Polo matches, music, local dances, archery, river rafting and art.
Ramlila

One of the oldest reenactments of the famous Hindu epic Ramayana, this play.
Muharram Festival and Tazia Procession

A Muslim holiday commemorating the martyr Hazrat Imam Husain, grandson of.
Onam Pulikali

As part of the festivities of the Onam Festival, hundreds of people dress up.
The Monsoon Festival

This exhibition celebrates art from multiple disciplines inspired by the.
Chakradhar Samaroh

A classical music and dance festival featuring artists from all over India,.
Ganesh Festival

The elephant-headed god Ganesh gets feted in grand style for 11 days, with.
Onam Festival

Highlights of this major harvest festival include several kinds of dancing,.
Athachamayam

This colorful event kicks off the Onam Festival with a street parade.
Gogamedi Fair

A traditional cattle and craft fair featuring local songs, dances and.
Janmashtami

A celebration of the birth of Krishna, an avatar of the god Vishnu..
Bonderam Festival

Property disputes of the past are playfully reenacted with parody fighting,.
Tarnetar Fair

This popular festival is a celebration of Gujarat’s ethnic folk dancing,.
Jhapan Mela

Snake charmers assemble with their king cobras and other snakes in woven.
Madras Week

A celebration of what Chennai has to offer, including heritage walks, food.
Parsi New Year

A day of celebration for Zoroastrians (many of whom live in Mumbai), in.
Independence Day

A celebration of India’s independence from British rule in 1947, involving.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The most popular snake boat race in Kerala, in which villagers’ race in.
Teej

A series of monsoon festivals primarily for married women, celebrated with.
Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival

This festival features a surf competition, music from around the world, yoga.
Drupka Teshi Festival

The village lights up as many people illuminate lamps at local monasteries.
Karsha Gustor Festival

In this festival, an oracle speaks through a local layman after he or she is.
Guru Purnima

The day of the guru, or teacher, is honored across India. You’ll find.
Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey

This 18-day journey takes serious motorcycle riders through rough terrains.
Behdienkhlam

This popular festival is put on by the Pnar tribe of Meghalaya to mark the.
Champakulam Boat Race

The first in a series of boat races in long traditional canoes in Kerala,.
Hemis Festival

A two-day festival commemorating Padmasambhava, one of the founders of.
Bonalu (Ashada Jatra Utsavalu)

A 200-year-old celebration of female energy and the Mother Goddess in which.
Dree Festival

This Apatani tribe agricultural festival features folk songs and traditional.
Rath Yatra

Decorated chariots representing the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama.
Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival

This festival features popular and traditional music and dance from some of.
International Mango Festival

At least 500 varieties of mangoes will be available to sample and buy, fresh.
Yuru Kabgyat

Sacred masked dances with ornate costumes and music take place during this.
Sao Joao Festival

Goans celebrate this Catholic festival, dedicated to St. John the Baptist,.
Ambubachi Mela

A fertility festival honoring the goddess Kamakhya, where you can see.
Ochira Kali

A battle reenactment on watery ground, featuring a thousand or more locals.
Ganga Dussehra

This festival celebrates the descent of the Ganges River from heaven to.
Sital Sasthi

A 400-year old carnival in Sambalpur featuring folk dancing, folk music and.
Shimla Summer Festival

Travel by toy train to Shimla to beat the heat and enjoy this long-running.
Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival

Taste fresh mangos and other dishes made from India’s favorite food at.
Kottiyoor Utsavam

This 28-day pilgrimage and rite takes place during the rainy season in.
Saga Dawa Düchen

An important day for Tibetan Buddhists, this notable celebration begins at.
Buddha Jayanti

Perhaps the most important day for Buddhists, this full moon celebration.
Dhungri Mela

Dhungri Mela is a gathering of the decorated local gods and goddesses from.
The Yogshala Expo

This international wellness expo brings together health practitioners and a.
Festival of Bharat

A weeklong, free celebration of the best of India, including live music,.
Ramadan

Ramadan is a Muslim observance during which no food or water is taken during.
Ooty Summer Festival

Set in the lush hill station of Ooty, this 16-day annual festival features a.
Char Dham Yatra

The yatra, or pilgrimage season, gets fully underway in the month of May,.
Moatsü Festival

A tribal festival put on by the Ao tribe of Nagaland, with singing, dancing.
International Flower Festival

Held at the governor’s residence in Gangtok, this annual flower festival.
Mount Abu Summer Festival

Some of the finest qawwali music is featured, in addition to regional folk.
Sankat Mochan Music Festival

Long-running music festival taking place as part of the celebration of the.
Baisakhi

Bhangra dancing, folk music and Punjabi food are central to this celebration.
Ram Navami

The festival of Ram Navami marks the birthday of Lord Rama, the seventh.
Chithirai Festival

A popular festival in Madurai that re-enacts the wedding of Sundareswarar.
Mewar Festival

Features singing, dancing, music with traditional instruments, and cultural.
Gudi Padwa Shoba Yatra (Traditional new year for Marathi Hindus)

The Maharashtrian new year, featuring parades of floats on the culture of.
The Aoling Festival

A celebration by the Konyak tribe, who were once notorious headhunters but.
Tulip Festival

In Asia's largest tulip garden, with over a million flowering bulbs. The.
Thirunakkara Arattu

A famous temple festival in Kerala featuring a procession of decorated.
Gangaur Festival

One of the most important celebrations in Rajasthan honoring love and.
Shigmo

A colorful Hindu festival with parades featuring elaborately decorated.
Holi - Mewar Holika Dahan

The festival of colors, which is celebrated with the tossing of colored.
Attuvela Mahotsavam

A 2-day water carnival in which decorated canoes carry temple replicas.
Myoko

A traditional tribal festival focused on friendship that includes rituals.
Painkuni Festival

A 10-day festival put on by the royal family of Travencore, including a.
Konkan Velas Turtle Festival

See newly hatched, endangered Olive Ridley turtles take their march into the.
Paripally Gajamela

One of Kerala’s most well-known temple festivals featuring around fifty.
Chapchar Kut

A bamboo harvest festival featuring a traditional bamboo dance called.
International Yoga Festival

One of the largest yoga gatherings in the world, with thousands in.
Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam

Theyyam is a sacred dance ritual in which artists dress up and go into a.
Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival showcases dance styles from all over India for.
Attukal Pongola

Among the world’s largest gathering of woman, with around two million.
Pariyanampetta Pooram

Located on the site of the Pariyanampetta Temple, this event is the.
Taj Mahotsav

This free festival, located in sight of the Taj Mahal, seeks to recreate the.
Shekhawati Heritage Festival

Architecture enthusiasts will not want to miss seeing the famous painted.
Goa Carnival

Goa’s Portuguese-influenced pre-Mardi Gras carnival parade of colorful.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

This popular free annual arts festival in the Kala Ghoda neighborhood.
Sur Jahan World Peace Music Festival

Sufi musicians from all over the world convene to play mystical music that.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Thirty-two years running, the Surajkund Crafts Mela showcases 400 artisans.
India Art Fair

This celebration of India’s high-end modern and contemporary art scene.
Kila Raipur Sports Festival

Also known as the Indian Rural Olympics, this sports festival celebrates.
Ernakulathappan Uthsavam

One of Kerala’s best elephant pageants, featuring a parade of decorated.
Jaipur Literature Festival

Rub elbows with well-known Indian and international authors at the largest.
Rajarani Music Festival

Well-known Odissi and Hindustani vocal and instrumental maestros perform.
Kabir Festival

This is a country-wide celebration of the poet Kabir and various other.
Kenduli Mela

This is a unique opportunity to meet India’s wandering minstrels, the.
National Street Food Festival

Sample pav bhaji, momos, chaats and other types of street food from all over.
Pongol & the Mylapore Festival

Pongol celebrates the harvest in Tamil Nadu state, featuring a special dish.
International Kite Festival

Millions of colorful kites take to the skies to celebrate the sun’s return.
Chennai Dance & Music Festival

One of the largest music festivals in the world offering 1,500 performances.