15 Other Amazing Places to Visit in India Beyond the Taj Mahal.

Wondering how to choose which places to visit in India? Travel in India is unlike anywhere else in the Asian continent!  Geographically the country is enormous.  And unsurprisingly, the culture is colourfully diverse and different from the mountains to the deserts, and from the coasts and beaches to the historic and bustling megacities in each direction. 

It’s diverse; and wonderful in its uniqueness. 

Over the last six trips to India we have spent months exploring this incredible subcontinent.  And we’ve seen a LOT.  

But to summarise the best places to visit in India in one travel guide we have chosen 15 places to visit in India â€“ aside from the Taj Mahal – and the three best things to do for each place. 

Choosing an itinerary for India

Narrowing down an itinerary and choosing which places to visit in India can be justly overwhelming.  The country is massive and there are endless India travel blogs and guide books filled with incredible Indian destinations. 

Officially, India is divided into 28 states and eight union territories (UTs) with each state and UT having its own unique identity, culture and history.  

It is the most populous nation in the world with somewhere around 1.4 billion inhabitants.  In total there are 4000 cities and towns in India with 300 of those cities accounting for more than 1,000,000 of the population.  

But to narrow it down we have chosen a range of the best destinations from all over India with the top three things to do in each place

Hopefully narrowing it down with the highlights and few stories to boot will help you make your decision of the best places to visit in India.

Challo! 

Map of places to visit in India

The following map includes each of places to visit in India as listed.  

See below for an overview with details of the different areas of India.  There are hundreds of cities so we have listed the major states and cities with highlight for each region including the best time to visit.  

North India

The northern region is among the largest regions in India comprising eight states including: 

  • States: Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan.
  • Major Cities: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Amritsar, Varanasi.
  • Destinations: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Pushkar, Ajmer, Ludhiana.

Rajasthan is the largest state in the country in terms of area, but in terms of population, Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in the north. 

The best time to visit North India is typically from late October to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. However, it can be chilly in northern India during the peak winter months of December and January.

The historic Akbari Mosque in Amer places to visit in India.
Admiring the historic Akbari Mosque in Amer, Jaipur in Rajasthan.

South India

South India is located in the southern part of the Deccan Peninsula and is bordered by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. 

The five states in South India are: 

  • States: Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana
  • Major Cities: Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore
  • Destinations: Alleppey, Munnar, Mysore, Madurai

The best time to visit South India is during the dry season, which is from December to March.  The winter weather is dry and less humid with temperatures ranging from 20–30°C. 

Western India

Western India is a region of the Republic of India, it includes the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Goa and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. 

  • States: Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
  • Major Cities: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat
  • Destinations: Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai 

The western region of India is most famously known for the vibrant megacity of Mumbai and the beaches of Goa. 

Eastern India 

Eastern India features Kolkata which was once the capital of British India and consists of the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. 

  • States: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal
  • Major Cities: Kolkata, Siliguri, Bhubaneswar
  • Destinations: Darjeeling, Sikkim, Sundarbans

The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate.

Best time to visit 

15 Places to visit in India

The following are the best places to visit in India including the top things to do in each destination. 

Uttar Pradesh – Places to visit in India

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous and fourth largest state of India. It lies in the north-central part of the country and includes the capital city of New Delhi. 

Delhi

Delhi is the modern capital city of India.  But it has a rich thriving history with Mughals and Rajupt emperors claiming it as capital city since thousands of years.  

It is the largest city in India and for travellers, it is most commonly the starting point of travel to India.  Between old and new Delhi the sights (and smells) on a first visit are as assaulting as the crowds.  It’s a seriously huge and sprawling city. 

Things to do in Delhi 

You have to embrace the chaos and jump right in!  

There is plenty to see, do and eat in India’s capital city from the historic Jama Masjid and Delhi Red Fort to the towering Qutab Minar, beautiful Lodi Gardens, Connaught Place, Dilli Haat Market and much more. 

  • Jama Masjid: Visit the largest mosque in India constructed in 1650 and built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who commissioned the Taj Mahal). 
  • Chandni Chowk: Get an auto-rickshaw to old Delhi and stroll Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest market places and a haven for street food, jalebi and kulfi (plus many, many cycle-rickshaw hawkers).
  • India Gate: See the iconic war memorial dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers, both Indian and British, who died fighting for India.   
  • Humayun’s Tomb: Pre-dating the Taj Mahal, this is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Lotus Temple: One of seven Baha’i House of Worship present around the world. 
  • Red Fort: Constructed in 1639 as a result of a capital shift from Agra to Delhi. 
Qutab Minar tower and complex (that just doesn't quite fit in the photo).
Qutab Minar tower and complex (that just doesn’t quite fit in the photo). 
A close up showing the scale of Qutab Minar.
A close up showing the scale at the base of Qutab Minar. 

Varanasi – Places to visit in India

Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in the world. There is so much history, religion, and devotion throughout the streets, temples, ghats and many fascinating things to do in Varanasi as a visitor. 

Things to do in Varanasi 

Key attractions include the River Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, and the various ghats.  It is a whole lot to take in visiting Varanasi

  • Take a walking tour: This is the best way to hear the stories to match the incredible sights, sounds and smells of Varanasi.
  • See the public cremations: One of those moments in travel that takes your breath away. This is what Varanasi is most famous for, and it has to be seen to understand.
  • The Ghats:  Locals go about their morning rituals and routines on the riverside, but it’s not like you might imagine…
  • Boat ride on River Ganges: The ultimate way to experience and see Varanasi in all her glory. 
  • Ganga Aarti: Witness the morning and evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies dedicated to the holy River Ganges. 
Boat ride on the river Ganges things to do in Varanasi, places to visit in India.
A still – and pensive – morning boat ride on the River Ganges.
An evening chai at Assi Ghat in the same spot for the morning and evening Ganga Aarti. Things to do in varanasi.
An evening chai at Assi Ghat in the same spot for the morning and evening Ganga Aarti. 

Agra 

Agra is famous all over the world as being home to the Taj Mahal.  But I promised this blog to be about the places to visit in India as well as the Taj Mahal! 

Things to do in Agra 

Agra has many other historic and famous sites that are worth adding to your list of places to visit in India. 

  • Agra Fort: Beautiful historical red fort built during 1565-1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar. 
  • The ‘Baby Taj’: Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb boasts a similarly picturesque setting to the more well-known Taj Mahal and is likewise constructed entirely of marble. 
  • Mehtab Bagh: Garden on the banks of the Yamuna River lying opposite to the Taj Mahal. 
  • Kinari Bazar: The old market located in the narrow streets behind the Jama Masjid, known as Kinari Bazar, is one of the oldest and most visited markets in Agra.
  • Akbar’s Mausoleum: The tomb of Emperor Akbar is another interesting thing to do in Agra that further pieces together the puzzle and love story of the Taj Mahal. 

Punjab – Places to visit in India 

Punjab is the homeland of India’s Sikh population and a particularly tourist-friendly region, thanks to its strong expatriate connections with the UK and Canada.  

Amritsar

The city of Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab and is considered the spiritual and cultural centre for Sikhism religion. 

Things to do in Amritsar

The Golden Temple and Langar (community kitchen) are the most famous things to do in Amritsar.  But we recommend a walking Heritage Tour, a street food outing and an afternoon to see the Wagah Border Ceremony between India and Pakistan. 

  • Golden Temple: Visit the incredible Golden Temple known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of Sikhs) is taken to the temple every morning and returned to the Akal Takht, also in the complex, every night. 
  • Wagah Border Ceremony: An amazing display of energy and patriotism all in one go! The flags of each country are lowered every evening with a parade of soldiers (and huge crowd). It’s worth a visit!
  • Hall Bazaar: The busiest shopping market in Amritsar.

Rajasthan – Places to visit in India

Rajasthan is India’s largest state by area and is a popular tourist destination for its rich culture, art, and historic sites. 

Jaisalmer – Places to visit in India 

Jaisalmer is known as the ‘Golden City’ of Rajasthan.  The location of Jaisalmer is all the way to the far west of Rajasthan bordering India’s Thar Desert. 

We love the small-town (relatively) vibe of Jaisalmer.  It is particularly friendly and we often recommend flying to Jaisalmer from Delhi on the second day of your India itinerary to get out of the city. 

Jaisalmer is most famously renowned for the chance to take an overnight camel safari in the desert and for the towering Jaisalmer Fort. 

Things to do in Jaisalmer 

It is a great place to visit in India as one of your first destinations to find your feet before hitting the megacities and more touristy hot-spots. 

  • Camel Safari: This is the main attraction of Jaisalmer and the Indian Thar Desert!  
  • Jaisalmer Fort: One of the biggest forts in India and the oldest ‘living fort’ in the world. Get lost wandering around the maze of bazaars, shops, hotels and tiny lanes within the fort. 
  • Gadisar Lake: A man-made water reservoir that was once the only source of water in Jaisalmer. The lake was constructed by the first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, it is surrounded by temples and ghats â€“ amazing for wandering! 
  • Visit the Maharaja’s Palace: Situated within the Jaisalmer Fort, the palace is small but with plenty to see and panoramic views over the entire city from the top. 
  • Villagers Market: Even if you don’t need to go shopping; go and soak up all the incredible colours and atmosphere!
Dinner on camel safari in Jaisalmer, places to visit in India.
There is plenty else to see in Jaisalmer but for sure the highlight is a camel safari in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. 

Bikaner – Places to visit in India

Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, surrounded by the Thar Desert. 

We really enjoyed Bikaner and felt like it is one of the places to visit in India that surprised us most.  

It is brimming with history and culture.  But it is small enough to feel local and quirky with characteristics and camels and kulfi that make it truly unique. 

Things to do in Bikaner

The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls, and the many historic Haveli dotted around the city.  Bikaner is also home to the famous Shree Karni Mata Hindu temple where devotees worship the thousands of resident rats. 

  • Shree Karni Mata Mandir: This is world famous Rat Temple of Bikaner; a unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata and 25,000 holy rats.
  • Junagarh Fort: Another example of the grandeur and breathtaking architecture of Rajasthan just outside what is now the old city of Bikaner. 
  • Bikaner Camel Farm: A research centre for camel breeding and includes a museum and dairy where you can try camel-milk Kulfi.
Rampuria Haveli things to do in Bikaner.
One of the icons of Bikaner’s history and clepe as the ‘City of Haveli’s’.
Two men looking out of the window of the Havelis things to do in Bikaner places to visit in India.
Don’t forget to look up as you explore Bikaner.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state and is a city that’s full of history with incredible forts and palaces.  

It is (easily recognisable) known as the Pink City of India.

Things to do in Jaipur

  • Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace): Constructed in 1799 as an extension of the women’s quarters of the City Palace to enable royal women to look out without being observed. 
  • Amber Fort: A seriously impressive hilltop fort overlooking Maota Lake about 30 minutes north of the city centre. 
  • Jal Mahal (Water Palace):  Looks like it could be floating on Man Sagar Lake (near Amber Fort). 
  • Phool Mandi: Wholesale flower market just inside the Old City’s Chandi ki Taksal Gate.  Opens (and best visited) at sunrise. Definitely add it to your itinerary!
Amer Stepwell not far from the huge Amber Fort places to visit in India.
Amer Stepwell not far from the huge Amber Fort. 

Jodhpur – Places to visit in India

Aside from being recognised as the iconic Blue City of India, Jodhpur is also known as the Gateway to the Thar Desert. 

Things to do in Jodhpur

There are lots of iconic sights to see in the Old City or simply just wander and take in all of the blue…

  • Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India rising impressively above the blue city.
  • Old City Markets: Check out the small old sweet factories still operating in the middle of the markets.
  • Walk through the Old City: This is the centre of town and is the part of Jodhpur that is so iconic (and bright) blue. 
  • Gulab Sagar Lake: This 18th-century lake played an essential role in Jodhpur’s traditional water management system.
  • Umaid Bhawan Palace: One of India’s last grand palaces to be built (completed in 1944). The royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of it.

Udaipur – Places to visit in India

Udaipur is famously known as the Indian ‘City of Lakes’.  It is a peaceful and truly beautiful Rajasthani city. 

The city is famous for its scenic location on the shores of Lake Pichola as well as the Rajput-era Royal palaces, old havelis (merchant houses) and luxury hotels.  

If you haven’t yet imagined your India itinerary including rooftop lunches and choosing between palaces to explore then Udaipur is where it’s at. 

Things to do in Udaipur

  • Lake Pichola: The peaceful nature of Lake Pichola is what gives Udaipur its reputation as a romantic setting. It really is a serene outlook admiring the lake from any of the surrounding Ghats or rooftops. 
  •  
  • Udaipur City Palace: One of the largest palaces in Rajasthan built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II and overlooking Lake Pichola. 
  • Jagmandir Island: One of four small islands on Lake Pichola and home to the iconic Jagmandir Water Palace which was once the summer residence of the royal family.  

Ajmer – Places to visit in India 

Ajmer is a small (comparatively) city by Indian standards with a population of just 800,000.  

It isn’t on the main tourist trail as with the other Rajasthani cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur or Jaisalmer.  But rather it is a huge site of pilgrimage for Muslims in India.  And for travellers it is a point of connection to travel onwards to Pushkar. 

Most of the things to do in Ajmer are cultural sights as the city is an important pilgrimage destination for Jains, Muslims and Hindus. 

Things to do in Ajmer 

  • Sharif Dargah: The city of Ajmer is a site of pilgrimage for this famous shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti. 
  • Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Mosque: One of India’s oldest mosques, built in the typical Indo-Islamic style of the time with many intricately carved pillars. 
  • Dargah Bazar: The main market of Ajmer starts from right outside the shrine stretching in both directions towards the railway station and back to the Jhonpra Masjid.  
  • Ana Sagar Lake: The huge man-made Ana Sagar Lake is impressive in size and interesting for a wander around the edges.

Pushkar

The Indian city of Pushkar is believed to be over 2000 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in India.  

There is a lot of history that is evident with the ancient temples still used daily, the narrow lanes with traditional houses and the age-old spiritual customs that are still practiced today in the city. It is one of the most important sites of pilgrimage for Hindu making it one of India’s most important religious destinations.

Things to do in Pushkar 

As a visitor it is a relaxing and fascinating place to visit in India. 

  • Pushkar Lake: Referred to as Holy Lake, this is the main religious site of the city.
  • The Ghats: There are about 400 temples and 52 ghats in Pushkar!  These are the steps leading down to the lake used for daily rituals and worshipping. 
  • Brahma Temple: Pushkar’s oldest and most famous temple and the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.  
  • Watch Aarti: The evening Aarti ceremony at Varah Ghat starts at 7:00pm during summer and around 5:30pm during winter.
Preparations underway for the evening Aarti ceremony on Pushkar Lake.
Preparations underway for the evening Aarti ceremony on Pushkar Lake. 
See Aarti ceremony at sunset things to do in Pushkar places to visit in India.
If you haven’t seen Aarti anywhere else this is a smaller, lower-key way to experience it. 

West Bengal – Places to visit in India 

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal most known for the Sundarbans and the huge city of Kolkata. 

Kolkata 

Kolkata – formerly Calcutta – has a long history as an important trading city and capital of Bengal.  

From 1912 to India’s Independence in 1947, it was the capital of all of Bengal. After Independence, Calcutta remained the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal.

Things to do in Kolkata

Kolkata is a vibrant and proudly cosmopolitan city with much to see and do. 

  • Victoria Memorial Palace: Beautiful grounds to wander surrounding the enormous palace. Cost is 20Rs to enter the grounds only; 500Rs per person to the museum.
  • Mother Teresa’s House: Her place of residence and serving from 1950. Mother Teresa’s tomb, preserved room and a small exhibit are on display.
  • Dakshineswar and Kalighat Temple: Two prominent Hindu temples in Kolkata. 
  • Princep Ghat: Watch the sun go down on the banks of Hooghly River on one of the oldest ghats built under the British Raj. 
  • Ride an Ambassador taxi: Kolkata’s fleet of yellow cabs is comprised of iconic bulky Hindustan Motors’ Ambassador cars (first manufactured in the 1950s). 
Kolkata's famed yellow taxis are part of the landscape. Read more about Calcutta in our travel guide to India for your first time to India.
Kolkata’s famed yellow ambassador taxis are part of the landscape. 

Darjeeling – Places to visit in India

Tea and Darjeeling are synonymous. Darjeeling Tea is world renowned for its flavour, which is unequalled by other tea producing areas not only of India but also of the world. 

Darjeeling was the former summer capital of India under the British Raj.  Today it has evolved into one of India’s most sought-after hill stations made more famous by the world-renowned tea. 

Things to do in Darjeeling

It is a little trickier to get to Darjeeling and requires connecting by flight or train to Siliguri first. 

  • Darjeeling Tea: There are more than 80 tea gardens in the hills around Darjeeling and any trip there wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few.
  • Darjeeling Toy Train: Completed by the British in 1881 the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs all the way from the lower reaches of the mountains to Darjeeling town.  
  • Mahakal Temple Complex: This site was previously home to a Buddhist monastery, built by Lama Dorjey Rinzing in 1765.
  • Tiger Hill: Watch the sunrise over the snowy peaks of iconic Mount Kanchenjunga (the highest mountain in India and third highest in the world).
Trying six different grades of tea in Darjeeling places to visit in India.
Trying six different grades of Darjeeling tea.

Maharashtra – Places to visit in India 

Maharashtra is one of India’s largest commercial and industrial centres, which has led to its being called the gateway of India.  Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and India’s most popular city. 

Mumbai 

Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is the most populous and biggest city of Maharashtra and the largest city of India. It is the financial and entertainment capital of the country and is fondly called the ‘City of Dreams’.

Things to do in Mumbai

Mumbai is located on Maharashtra’s coast and it is one of the largest and most densely populated urban areas in the world.

  • The Gateway of India: Take a wander at sunset (with the crowds) and take in the atmosphere. 
  • Haji Ali Daragh: Seek your blessings with the backdrop of the Arabian Sea at one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Mumbai. 
  • Marine Drive: Just take a walk.
  • Colaba Causeway: A busy street  bustling with roadside markets and stalls selling trinkets, clothes, souvenirs and more. 
  • Eat at Leopold’s Café: Have you read the book Shantaram

Kerala – Places to visit in India

There are many places to visit in Kerala, India, including beaches, hill stations, backwaters, and heritage sites. 

Kochi 

Kochi in the south of the country is a great choice for an introduction to this enormous subcontinent. It is one of the more understated and slower paced places to visit in India. 

  • Port Kochi: One of the most iconic parts of old Kochi. You can walk along the individual jetties and meet the fisherman – have a turn to raise and lower the nets by hand! 
  • Dhoby Khana Laundry: A historic 300-year-old public laundry built by the Portuguese and still in full swing today run by descendants of the original families. 
  • Mattancherry: The old area in Fort Kochi recognisable with colourful colonial buildings that represent the eclectic and multicultural history.
  • Jain Temple: Aside from the ornate building, the main attraction is a midday prayer and pigeon feeding. Would you feed a hundred pigeons by hand?!
Add port Kochi to your places to visit in India.
Fishermen at Port Kochi in Kerala.

Alleppey – Places to visit in India

Alappuzha is the small city formerly known as Alleppey, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. 

Alleppey is most popular place to visit in India for its incredible backwaters.  The backwaters are home to a vast network of waterways with over a thousand houseboats.  

Things to do in Alleppey

The main draw of Alleppey is the beautiful backwaters, beaches and many temples. 

  • Backwaters of Kerala: You can go for a two-hour boat ride or hire a houseboat for the night.
  • Marari Beach: A popular resort beach and fishing village not far from Alleppey.  
  • Mullackal Devi Temple: One of Alleppey’s most popular Hindu temples, in the busy bazaar area.
  • Alleppey Beach: The main beach is 2km west of city and famous for beautiful sunsets.
  • Kidangamparamba Temple: A major Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhuvaneshvari, in the iconic rainbow-coloured Tamil Nadu–style.
Make sure you have time to visit the Alleppey backwaters on your Kerala itinerary paces to visit in India.
Colourful boats on the backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala.
Beach in Kerala, India.
One of the beautiful (surprisingly so!) beaches of Kerala.

Transport and getting around in India

The larger cities and main places to visit in India are connected by air, rail and road.  However, not all of the destinations listed about have an airport.  

To get to Darjeeling, you need to take a train or bus to Siliguri.  And to get to Jaisalmer in the far west of Rajasthan there are only flights available during the winter months of November to March. 

The best way to connect the places to visit in India is by rail. 

Choosing accommodation in India

Finding good places to stay on your first trip to India can be a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.  

Here are some of the accommodation we stay in and use for our India Group Trips and can recommend for your travels. 

Accommodation we recommend in Uttar Pradesh

  • Delhi (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
    Large hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite. 
  • South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
    A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi. 
  • New Delhi / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel 
    The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. 
  • New Delhi / Budget: Smyle Inn 
    Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
  • Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
    Friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals.  We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
  • Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj 
    Only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel, comfortable common areas with dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here. 
  • Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
    Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool. 
  • Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
    Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation.  Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges. 
Where to stay in Agra and other things to do.
A photo with host Mum – and fabulous cook – Ranjana at Aman Homestay.

Accommodation we recommend in Rajasthan

  • Jaipur / Mid-RangeJaipur Haveli 
    We stay here on our India Group Trips. It is an incredible old Haveli home in heart of Jaipur with beautiful rooms and friendly staff and owners.
  • Jaisalmer / Budget: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
    AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
  • Bikaner / Budget: The Prince Haveli
    Old Haveli lovingly restored in the centre of the old city. Basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner. 
  • Jodhpur / Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay 
    Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
Where to stay in Jaipur.
The beautifully historic Jaipur Haveli. 
Sleeping underneath the stars on camel safari with Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer.
Sleeping underneath the stars on camel safari with Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer. 

Accommodation we recommend in Punjab

A basic hotel but points for location literally outside the main entrance to Golden Temple.  Note only the upstairs rooms have a balcony with direct views.

  • Amritsar / Mid-Range / Luxury: Hyatt Regency
    We have a fabulous stay each time we are in Amritsar at the Hyatt Regency with a swimming pool, restaurant and the incredible breakfast buffet.  

Read more about travel in North India

More about travel planning for India and beyond

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

  • Booking.com â€“ The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
  • 12GoAsia â€“ Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
  • Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
  • GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
  • SafetyWing â€“ A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
  • World Nomads â€“ Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
Oscar, Sarah, Harry and Gavin

Hi! We are the Steiners.
We’re a family from New Zealand with a love of travel and adventure – especially where it takes us off the beaten track!

We’ve been travelling full-time for over five years now all around the world and our favourite thing is to share that joy of adventure. This site is our way of paying it forward with all the tips and tricks we have learnt along the way. 

Planning for travel?

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