There is a lot to see and do in India, both contemporary and historical, and that is the focus of topics listed in this category. Indian art galleries, libraries, theaters, museums, historical places, parks, zoos, and entertainment venues are appropriate, as are festivals and events, concerts, and sports programs or facilities.
Of course, things to do and places to go are not just for tourists. Places and things of interest to Indian citizens and residents are on-topic here as well, since India also has much to offer to its own people.
For tourists, we can't forget the Taj Mahal, which is perhaps the most elaborate mausoleum in the world. Built on orders of the Emperor Shah Jahan for his third wife, the monument is inlaid with calligraphy, precious stones, and intricate floral designs. There is also the Jal Mahal, a palace in the center of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. The five-story sandstone building is mostly submerged, with only the top floor visible when the lake is full.
Once the capital of a powerful Hindu empire, Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in east-central India, Hampi has several temples, shrines, forts, and other royal structures of historical significance.
The Caves of Ajanta are Buddhist cave monuments in Maharashtra. Built in two stages, from the 2nd century BC to about 480 AD, the caves once served as a monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks, and are now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Ellora Caves feature Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments, dating back to 600-1000 AD.
Situated in Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort may be the only remaining fort in the world that still houses a quarter of the population of the city. Until the 1600s, the entire city was contained within the fort. Jaisalmer Fort was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2013, joining five other forts in Rajasthan.
Sri Harmandir Sahib, more commonly known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar, in northwestern India. An important pilgrimage site for the Sikhs, it was originally built in 1577. The Golden Temple has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by Muslims. In 1809, it was rebuilt with marble and copper, and overlaid with gold foil in 1830.
India has several museums, including the Marine Museum of Zoological Survey of India on Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Bhagwan Mahavir Government Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Assam State Museum, the Goa Chitra Museum, Goa State Museum, Gujarat Science City, the Kutch Museum, the Watson Museum, the Dogra Art Museum, Shivalik Fossil Park, Teak Museum, Cavalry Tank Museum, Nehru Science Centre, the National Institute of Sports, Sanghoi Museum, and several others, particularly Bihar, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Indian safaris are popular with tourists, and there is always a chance of spotting a tiger or a leopard in the country's forest reserves. Although finding these big cats is a matter of luck and timing, the reserves are dotted with ruins of ancient temples and ruins, and there are other wildlife, such as peacocks, langur monkeys, and colorful birds and butterflies.
Indian elephants can be found in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole National Park. Although one-horned rhinos are rare, about two-thirds of the world's population inhabit Kaziranga National Park.
Sports are popular among Indians. Football (soccer) is popular in some parts of India, as is field hockey, but cricket is the most popular sport in India. Introduced during the British era, cricket is played at the local, national, and international levels, and is supported by fans throughout the country. India has co-hosted several international cricket tournaments.
Other sports, familiar to most people, include archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, golf, gymnastics, handball, kayaking, rugby, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling. Others, that may not be familiar outside of Asia, are kabaddi and throwball. American football, baseball, and softball are gaining popularity in India, and ice hockey is played in the colder parts of the country.
Although several types of music are enjoyed in India, its music includes varieties of Indian classical music, folk music, Indian pop, and filmi, which consists of soundtracks produced for India's movie industry. Local and international concerts are often hosted in India, as well.
India is known for its Hindi-language film industry, generally known as Bollywood. Based in Mumbai, Bollywood is part of India's larger movie industry, known as Indywood, which produces films in other languages spoken in India. Together, the India film industry is the world's largest. Additionally, India has a long history of theater, currently including improvisation groups and several notable theaters.
Recommended Resources
The Cable New Network's travel site features a profile of the city of Mumbai, India, including articles on India's most luxurious hotels, where to find the best street food, insider tips on visiting Mumbai, its best sari shops, pulling off a two-week vacation in Mumbai, and other tourist-related informational pieces. A guides to guest accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment venues is included.
http://www.cnn.com/travel/destinations/mumbai
The Goa Chitra Museum is located, and highlights the former Portuguese colony that is now the Indian state of Goa. Focusing on the agrarian tradition of the region, the museum offers collections representing local pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, and other tools and mementos of the the Goa region, as well as a working organic farm. Its mission, history, and founder are acknowledge, along with an overview of the museum, its collections, and its programs.
http://www.goachitra.com/
Sponsored by the Indian government, the center was created to encourage students to seek an education in science, and features an IMAX 3D theater, energy park, hall of science, amphitheater, and other displays, as well as providing housing and facilities for students preparing for science exams. Its attractions, science programs, fees, hours, and online ticket bookings are featured, with a media gallery and volunteer opportunities.
https://scity.gujarat.gov.in/
Created in 1814, the Indian Museum in Kolkata is the largest and oldest museum in India. Its location, hours, tour policies, press releases, news and announcements are published to its site, along with a gallery of photographs, video, and an online shopping area with various publications and souvenirs. Activities, gallery sections, and library services are included, along with ticket rates and other information.
https://indianmuseumkolkata.org/
Situated in New Delhi, India, the museum highlights the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Originally opened in Mumbai in 1948, it has moved several times before locating in Rajghat, New Delhi in 1961. Its history, aims and objectives are spelled out, along with its photo and audiovisual sections, library, and Gandhi literature sections, and galleries. Its location, hours of operation, admittance fees and policies, news, and events are posted to the site.
http://gandhimuseum.org/
Also known as the National Museum of India, the museum was begun in 1949, and operated under the Ministry of Culture, and houses the National Museum Institute of History of Arts, Conservation and Museology. Its history, operational structure, location, hours, and admittance fees and policies are set forth, with an overview and photos of its exhibitions, collections, and events. Its volunteer guide program is featured.
http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/
Promoting Jaipur, the capital and most populated city of the state of Rajasthan, in western India, also known as the Pink City of India, the site offers a profile of the city and its highlights, including Pritam Niwas Chowk City Palace, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Galta Temple, and other historical places in or near Jaipur, as well as suggestions for guest accommodations, entertainment venues, and events. Other articles include historical perspectives and other topics.
http://www.jaipur.org/
Situated on 275 acres, the Prestige Golfshire Club features an 18-hole championship course, as well as a driving range. Schedules for its Prestige Masters Series are published to the site, along with an outline of the annual competitions. Club membership information, its villas, on-site restaurant, and other events are posted, clients and promoters are acknowledged, and a blog is included.
http://www.golfshire.com/
The India-based travel company offers tour and vacation travel packages to various locations in India, promising the use of authentic Heritage hotels rather than tourist spots, no forced stops, factories or detours, and to use authentic Indian cuisine restaurants rather than tourist hang-outs. Specific tour packages are highlighted, including options, time involved, and online bookings.
https://www.vacationindia.com/
