Ultimate India Travel Guide: Must-Visit Places & Meaningful Experiences

Taj Mahal

Introduction

India has been on my bucket list, but the thought of visiting such a vast, diverse country was always a bit daunting to me. I am happy to say I have checked India off of my bucket list – although I will definitely be returning throughout my life. Luckily, for my first foray into India, my mom joined me. Our time was short, but I am so glad to have experienced Delhi and Agra together. After our trip, I went to Ladakh (located in Northern India) and to Dehradun (about 2 hours outside of Rishikesh), and felt like a seasoned traveler. The cows on the highways, the crazy driving, and the constant sounds of honking no longer overwhelmed me. 

India is filled with rich and ancient histories and cultures, stunning architecture, and beautifully diverse people. I hope this post inspires you to visit and makes you feel more confident! To check out some videos of these locations, head to Nature’s Playbook (linked on each section). 

Agra 

These are the must-visit places and activities to do while in Agra: 

The Baby Taj Mahal (Bachcha Taj)

The Baby Taj Mahal (Bachcha Taj)

The Baby Taj Mahal was commissioned about 10 years before the Taj Mahal, acting as the inspiration for what would become one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While not quite as grand as the Taj Mahal, this gem demonstrates the transition to the use of white marble and the technique of individually inlaid stone into the monument. I definitely wouldn’t skip this one! 

Check out my post.

Taj Mahal: The Iconic Wonder of India

The Taj Mahal is as beautiful as it is renowned to be. To read more about my experience, tour and travel tips, head to my post.

Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden): The Best Sunset View of the Taj Mahal

The Moonlight Gardens is where I got my first glimpse of the Taj Mahal! If you have time, I highly recommend visiting. It is also a lot less crowded than the Taj Mahal at sunset which is a huge plus. To read more about my experience, tour and travel tips, head to my post.

Delhi

Old Delhi

I truly did not expect to enjoy Old Delhi but it actually turned out to be one of my favorite parts of Delhi! Though the streets were filled with people, cars, rickshaws, dogs, tuk tuks, and cows, Old Delhi had a charm to it. We did a rickshaw ride which was a fun way to experience the narrow, lively streets of Old Delhi. A rickshaw is a two-wheeled passenger vehicle powered by someone on a bicycle. Honestly the people riding the bikes are super impressive! We also visited the Chadni Chowk, one of the oldest spice markets in Asia. For a food lover and cook, it was a dream! 

The Red Fort (Delhi Fort)

While the Red Fort is iconic and the art of building with red sandstone was incredibly cool, it wasn’t my favorite spot (perhaps because I had been monument-ed out). However, I still recommend going as it is part of the rich history of Delhi and has a really interesting story. Apparently there is a must-see Sound and Light Show narrating Delhi’s history through projections and storytelling. I would definitely opt for that. 

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi’s Largest Community Kitchen

We volunteered at the Sikh temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which is a 24/7 community kitchen. Given this leg of my trip was strictly traveling, I really wanted to find a way to contribute ecologically or socially while I traveled. I have a post about more details on this! 

Bonuses: 

We also visited Humayan’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Qutab Minar varies dramatically from the other monuments as it was constructed to celebrate Muslim victory over Delhi. I highly recommend going to these two lesser known attractions. 

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Best Time to Visit: While they often say October to March is the best for weather, visiting in mid September was a hack. Since it is still considered the off season, the crowds are less. However, we went in early September and caught a bit of the monsoon season. 

Dress Code: Modest clothing for temples and mosques.

Staying Safe: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, use trusted guides.

Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering religious places, respect local customs.

Food/Water Safety and Hygiene: While I actually did not get sick in India (but I did get sick in Bhutan and in Nepal), I recommend being cautious of any raw foods even if they are unpeeled. Also while it pains me to buy plastic bottles, the water is not safe to drink or brush your teeth with. In India, they use pit toilets and bidet style with a bucket and water in the bathrooms. If you prefer toilet paper, bring it with you but don’t flush the paper!

India offers a mix of history, culture, and personal growth experiences. Agra and Delhi are such small portions of what the country has to offer, and I cannot wait to go back in the future to explore more!

About the Author:

Elise joined the Nature’s Playbook Community in June 2024.

One of her greatest aspirations is to inspire others to join her in taking care of our planet. Through sharing her experiences and knowledge, she aims to share her passion for environmental stewardship and a love for the outdoors. She believes that by reconnecting with nature, we can collectively foster a deeper appreciation for its beauty and regeneration.

Currently, Elise is immersed in the enriching experience of studying permaculture and indigenous wisdom in various corners of the globe from Australia to India to South America. Eco-traveling has been an integral part of her learning journey. Whether hiking through lush rainforests, volunteering on organic farms, or participating in community-led environmental projects, Elise has and continues to gain invaluable lessons that continue to shape her perspective. Discover more about her journey at https://ecoexploringelise.com/

Find Elise on the Nature's Playbook app @eliseanne and on Instagram @ecoexploringelise