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India travel guide

The Taj Mahal, India

Find out what to see and do when travelling or backpacking around India.

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Delhi, India
Delhi
The capital of India and an ideal starting point for any trip. Explore the labyrinthine of back streets, discover the mosques, monuments and forts and experience the lively bazaars selling spices and silks in a range of vivid and bright colours.
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Agra, India
Agra
Home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the famous Taj Mahal. Visit at sunrise to see the sun glisten off of the pristine marble. The Taj Mahal is an awe inspiring sanctuary away from the busy streets of Agra. Taking over 20 years and 20,000 workers to complete, this is a must see of any visit to India!
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Varanasi, India
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldies cities in the world and the holiest Indian city to Hindus. Take a dawn boat ride along the shores of the river Ganges, see Hindu's flocking here to bathe away their sins, celebrate marriage or cremate their loved ones in moving ceremonies that have not changed for hundreds of years.
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Jaipur, India
Jaipur
Jaipur is the famous 'Pink City' and the capital of Rajasthan. Here you will enjoy some unique sights such as the Palace of the Winds and an unusual observatory. Why not take an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, perched on a hill, climb to the top tower and see the fort magnificently reflect off the Lake almost like a mirror.
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Jaisalmer, India
Jaisalmer
Nick-named �The Golden City', this was once a sleepy desert city, Jaisalmer has transformed itself into a major tourist destination of India. Situated amid the picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over the desert area of Rajasthan.
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Udaipur, India
Udaipur
Udaipur, one of the most romantic places in the whole of India. Built onto the edge of Lake Pichola with the Aravalli hills in the distance. Take time to sit back, relax and enjoy the sun setting over the lake from a roof top restaurant. The James Bond film 'Octopussy' was also filmed here.
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Pushkar, India
Pushkar
The small town, surrounding Pushkar Lake, with narrow winding streets has one of the few Brahma Temples in the World. Also home to the famous Pushkar Fair in November.
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Goa, India
Goa
The main beach destination of India. Golden sands, palm-tree strewn beaches and more laid-back than the rest of India. Savour the local cuisine and top up your tan as this is an ideal place to end any Indian adventure.
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Mumbai, India
Mumbai
The home of Bollywood, full of colour, this is Indian most cosmopolitan city. Eat at some of the best restaurants, shop until you drop and explore the contrast between modern and historic character in India's busiest city.
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Alleppey, India
Alleppey
Not a name you might recognise but this is the centre of the backwaters, referred to as the �Venice of the East'. A town with picturesque canals, a maze of backwaters and lagoons. Explore these from a relaxing and peaceful houseboat while the crew guide you through the waters and prepare all your meals.
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Hampi, India
Hampi
The World heritage site of Hampi is an incredible otherworldly part of India. Off the main tourist route but it is definitely worth the drive from Goa. The large boulders strewn haphazardly along the river and amongst the ancient ruins and banana plantations create a quite magical landscape.
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Darjeeling, India
Darjeeling
Sprawling across a steep mountain ridge and home to the best tea in the world (some say). The hill station of Darjeeling offers views of the Himalayas, Clean air, an unhurried pace to life and with the worlds third highest mountain in the background, it is of no surprise that this used to be the summer capital of British India.
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This guide to travelling in India was contributed by India Travel Plan

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