Explore India
20 places · 20 dishes · 20 festivals · 20 things to buy — ranked from real traveler data.
Traditional food
See all 20 dishes →The dishes this country is known for — what they are and when to order them.
Crisp, syrupy spirals of fermented batter, deep-fried and soaked in saffron-infused sugar syrup, a classic Indian sweet often enjoyed with rabri or a savoury breakfast.
A refreshing yogurt-based drink, typically sweet or salty, often flavored with fruit like mango or spices, perfect to cool down from the heat.
A thin, crispy fermented rice and lentil crepe, often served with coconut chutney and sambar, making it a quintessential South Indian staple.
Places to visit
See all 20 places →The landmarks and experiences travelers rate highest.
The Golden Temple is a gurdwara located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the pre-eminent spiritual site of Sikhism and is one of its holiest sites, alongside the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur and the Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, both in Punjab, Pakistan.
The Gateway of India is an arch-monument, completed in 1924, on the waterfront of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V of the United Kingdom for his coronation as the Emperor of India in December 1911 at Strand Road near Wellington Fountain. He was the first British monarch to visit India.
The Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha (Ganapati) in the city of Pune, India. The temple is visited by over one hundred thousand devotees every year. A large number of devotees visit the temple during the annual ten-day public Ganeshotsav festival. The main Ganesha idol is insured for a sum of ₹10 million (US$100,000). It celebrated 132 years of its Ganeshotsav festival in 2024.
Festivals
See all 20 festivals →What’s celebrated and when — dates always spelled out.
Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness with oil lamps, fireworks, and sweets.
August 15 marks India's 1947 independence from British rule. Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort ramparts in Delhi — televised nationwide. Flag hoisting at every school, office, and government building. Tiranga (saffron-white-green) decorations everywhere.
10th day of Navaratri, celebrating Rama's victory over Ravana. Effigy burnings of Ravana nationwide; Mysore Dasara has a grand royal procession; West Bengal celebrates Durga Puja's Visarjan on the same day.
What to buy
See all 20 items →Local goods and souvenirs with typical prices.
This unique metal craft features striking silver inlay work against a blackened zinc alloy surface.
This wild silk produced in Chhattisgarh has a unique, coarse, golden texture.
Genuine goat hair is incredibly soft and light yet keeps you warm.