India: Things To Do

Ajanta and Ellora Dating to 200 BC, the Buddhist cave temples of Ajanta, some 65 miles northeast of the city of Aurangabad, have been declared a World Heritage site. The neighboring Ellora caves comprise 34 temples and monasteries with rock-cut carvings depicting the religious tolerance that characterized that time period. near Aurangabad; www.ajantacaves.com
family | architecture | world heritage site | history

Ananda Spa This much-lauded scenic spa retreat, tucked away in the Himalayas, is India’s ultimate self-pampering destination. Spread over 21,000 square feet, Ananda offers everything from yoga and Ayurvedic treatments to fitness and spa cuisine. Book a villa and stay the week. Narendra Nagar Tehri - Garhwal; 011-91-137-822-7500; www.anandaspa.com
luxury | hotel | spas | expensive

Gateway of India Walk in the footsteps of British soldiers who exited the country through this 85-foot-tall Indo-Saracenic basalt arch at the edge of Mumbai’s harbor in 1948. Ferries leaving from here tour the harbor and also travel to the Elephanta caves. Mumbai waterfront
tour | history | boat tour

Golden Temple Located in Amritsar, in the northern state of Punjab, this tranquil Sikh Temple is surrounded by a lake. Though completed in 1601, the ornate gold dome and marble work was added in the early 1800s. The temple made its cinematic debut in the 1982 film Gandhi. Amritsar; Old City
architecture | culture | history | art

Taj Mahal Needing no introduction, this classic monument – a whitewashed mausoleum with gem-encrusted walls that took 22 years to complete – was built in the name of love by Mughal king Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz. off Yamuna Kinara Rd.; 011-91-562-233-0498
family | architecture | culture | history

Victoria Memorial Set upon 64 acres, this white marble building, surrounded by sprawling gardens, incorporates European architecture with Mughal motifs. Onsite museum contains photographs of Old Calcutta, Persian manuscripts, and miniature paintings. Queen’s Way; www.victoriamemorial-cal.org
architecture | culture | history | art