Here are 7 types of Indian tea to enjoy that tea-lovers will love:

1. Spicy Himalayan Tea

This tea is a tea made from a mixture of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. Of the various components, this tea has many health benefits ranging from helping the digestive process, reducing blood sugar levels, and maintaining cardiovascular fiber health.

2. Assam Tea

The Assam is black tea named after its production region, Assam, India. This tea comes from the Camelia Sinensis plant. This tea has a fresh, malt and bright color. It is a perfect replacement for coffee in the morning or for a treat in the afternoon.

3. Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is a black tea made from tea leaves from tea plantations in the Darjeeling area, West Bengal, India. This tea is high quality and so won the nickname “The Champagne of Teas”. Water steeping Darjeeling tea is bright with an aroma that is more fragrant than other types of black tea.

4. Assam Cardamom Tea

The Cardamom adds a special touch to Assam tea. Cardamom tea is also widely used in Indian food since it adds a spicy-sweet kick to any sweet or savory dish. This tea, when drank by itself, has a cool and refreshing sensation and can be drunk in weight loss diets.

5. Nilgiri Tea

This tea is known for its distinctive aroma and is ideally mixed with other tea variants. This soft Nilgiri tea is perfect to be enjoyed throughout the day. It has a smooth and mellow taste which is great to help one relax.

6. Ceylon Tea

This tea is available in many varieties such as black ceylon, white ceylon and green ceylon tea . Ceylon tea is a good source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids and provides a number of benefits to the body such as strengthening the immune system, good for the cardiovascular system, making skin healthy and good for patients suffering from diabetes.

It is known for having a full and bold taste.

7. Masala Tea

Masala Tea is a typical South Indian drink. This tea is a mixture of milk and spices such as cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. This tea has a sweet and thick flavor.

These are some of the tea variants that are very popular in India. Which tea have you tried? Are you looking for tips on going out in India this week? If so visit here for some tips.

Suggested next reading: 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur For Authentic Cuisine

The post 7 Teas In India That Every Tea Lover Must Try appeared first on Modern Trekker.

From colorful performances, interesting rituals, beguiling festivals to rickshaw rides, this vibrant country has so much to offer. Also, from history to places to visit, and from food to accommodation, must have experiences in India are exceedingly numerous. To put it differently, there are so many things to do in India that’ll mesmerize you.

There are certain unique experiences that you can only have in India. Read on to find out what each one is!

The Most Unique Travel Experiences In India Include:

1. Going Glamping
2. Traveling Aboard Indian Luxury Trains
3. Witnessing The Kumbh Mela
4. Exploring The Forts Of Rajasthan
5. Sailing Across The Kerala Backwaters
6. Attending Wonderful Festivals
7. Trekking In The Himalayas
8. Witnessing Ganga Aarti At Varanasi
9. Gorging On Scrumptious Food
10. Admiring The Beauty Of The Taj Mahal
11. Planning A Bike Trip In Ladakh
12. Staying At A Heritage Hotel
13. Being A Part Of An Indian Wedding
14. Attending Cultural Performances
15. Taking A Rickshaw Ride In Chandni Chowk

1. Going Glamping

Ditch camping and enjoy Glamping in India. Realize your dream of adventure with a twist of lavishness and luxury. This unique activity is slowly becoming one of the latest travel trends. Luxurious tents nestled everywhere, be it in the deserts, along beaches or in the mountains, all offer a memorable stay.

Location: Goa, Ladakh, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, etc.

2. Traveling Aboard Indian Luxury Trains

From local trains, toy trains to the bullet train, India is the only country which offers a plethora of options for traveling. Standing out amongst the rest are the luxury trains in India that will beguile with a memorable ride. Recreating the magic of the royal era, these trains offer a unique experience in India by pampering you like a king.

Location: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, South India, etc.

3. Witnessing The Kumbh Mela

Happening after an interval of 12 years at one of the four locations, Kumbh Mela draws millions of visitors. The mass Hindu pilgrimage is one of the most unique festivals in India. Listed in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the event plays an important part in the soteriology of Hinduism.

Witnessing this ancient festival is bound to be one of the more unique travel experiences in India that a visitor could have.

Location: Haridwar, Ujjain, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nashik, etc.

4. Exploring The Forts Of Rajasthan

Standing gloriously as a testimony to royal chivalry, the magnificent forts in Rajasthan mesmerize onlookers. Unveil the mysteries, immerse yourself in these cultural treasures and enjoy a time travel back into history. Beautifully lit with lights in the evening, these architectural marvels present a unique spectacle.

Besides the forts, the palaces in Rajasthan are also counted as the best places to visit in India.

Location: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, etc.

5. Sailing Across The Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala backwaters are the pride of “God’s own country”. Showcasing a perfect confluence of rivers, lakes, sea and other water bodies, the Kerala backwaters are blissful beyond description. Nowhere else other than in India can you delight in an experience of cruising along these scenic wonders.

Staying on the houseboats while slowly gliding on these backwaters must feature on your bucket list to do in India.

Location: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, Kollam, etc.

6. Attending Wonderful Festivals

Home to various religions, India celebrates a number of exciting festivals. From the Festival of Colours in Vrindavan, Hornbill in Nagaland to the Sunburn Festival in Pune, all of them are unique and memorable in their own way. The culture, age-old customs, and amazing festivities will render you speechless.

A great option would be to venture to Goa in Southwestern India and experience Good Friday or the Feast of the Three Kings. These are rich and vibrant celebrations and showcase the long history of Catholicism within India. A fact that is not known to all. See here for more.

Location: Mathura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mysore, Leh, Goa, etc.

7. Trekking In The Himalayas

Fancy a bit of an otherworldly challenge? Trekking in the Himalayas may be right up your street.

Filled with wonders such as snow leopards, giant butterflies, forests of pine, beautiful lakes, tea estates, and mountain communities, going to the Himalayas in India will present you with all kinds of sights, smells, experiences and—dare to mention—challenges.

There are many challenging hikes on offer including Spiti Valley trek (pictured), the Hemis Festival trek and the Markha Valley trek. But your possibilities are endless, click here for some more hiking options.

Location: The Indian Himalayan Region

8. Witnessing Ganga Aarti At Varanasi

Although this spectacular ceremony also takes place in Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti in Varanasi stands out amongst the rest.

While fascinating innumerable spectators, this ethereal presentation brings countless people to Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening. It’s a great place to people-watch and let the time pass by!

Location: Varanasi

9. Gorging On Scrumptious Food

A haven for foodies, India brings to the table a number of varieties of foods and flavors. Be it the lip-smacking street food to the sumptuous cuisines, authentic delicacies to home-made dishes, everything can make you drool.

If you’ve tried Indian food abroad, you’ve never properly tried it. Indian food MUST be tried in India. It’s authentic, varied and has a rich history. Each region in India offers something unique and different!

For example, the food in Goa is so different from the Punjabi food up North, and there is also Bengal, Gujarat, Ladakh, and much more! See here for more information on food around India.

Location: All over India

10. Admiring The Beauty Of The Taj Mahal

Standing as an epitome of love, the Taj Mahal exudes an unparalleled charm. Witnessing this architectural wonder during sunrise or on a full moon day is surely one of the must have experiences in India. The incredible views will get etched on your mind forever.

Sure, going to see the Taj Mahal may be a bit of a cliché, but experiencing this kind of landmark is one of the things you can only do India. So don’t mind being a tourist for a little while!

Location: Agra

11. Planning A Bike Trip In Ladakh

There’s nothing better than exploring Ladakh on your bike. Riding on the world’s highest roads is every biker’s dream. The sound of your bike reverberating in the valleys is both heart-thumping and fun. Furthermore, passing by the hairpin bends and deep ravines makes for a truly adventurous time.

Location: Magnetic Hill, Khardung La, Pangong Lake, etc.

12. Staying At A Heritage Hotel

Vacations become all the more exciting when coupled with an unforgettable stay. Many heritage hotels in India have been serving their guests since times immemorial, affording them some of the best moments of their life.

Staying at a heritage hotel is one of the most unique things to do in India that can’t really be done elsewhere. The world-class hospitality, excellent services, signature experiences, and elegant rooms are truly praiseworthy.

Location: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, etc.

13. Being A Part Of An Indian Wedding

Comprising of many rituals, an Indian wedding is nothing less than an extravaganza. Talking to the people, observing interesting traditions and savoring tasty food offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Dance till you drop, take innumerable selfies and just have lots of fun.

Location: Delhi, Udaipur, Goa, etc.

14. Attending Cultural Performances

Taking place against marvelous backgrounds, the cultural performances in India present a sight to behold. A perfect mélange of emotions, expressions, rhythms and so much more, these performances are worth-witnessing.

Performed by skilled performers, the performances depict exclusive sagas, each special in its own way.

The Madras Music Season is well worth a look to experience classical Indian music and dance. Located in Chennai in Southeastern India, the season occurs from mid-November to January.

Location: Konark, Khajuraho, Rann of Kutch, Rajasthan, etc.

15. Taking A Rickshaw Ride In Chandni Chowk

Quite economical, a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk allows you to traverse the bustling area with ease. Taking you to some of the more inaccessible areas, the journey is something that you will remember for a lifetime.

Board an e-rickshaw or a manual one, moving at a slow pace, these rickshaws will help you tour the area properly with many of the guides very enthusiastic to ensure you have a great time.

Location: Chandni Chowk in Delhi

To truly revel in all these unique travel experiences in India, the country must be visited more than just once!

Do you know of any other must have experiences or crazy things to do in India that you’d like to add to our list? Feel free to comment below.

Suggested next reading: 8 Splendid Things To Do While Traveling To Nepal

The post 15 Incredible Experiences In India You Need To Do Before You Die appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur Are:

1. 1135 AD
2. Peshawari
3. Marble Arch
4. Giardino
5. House of Han

Now, here is a little bit about each restaurant!

1. 1135 AD

This restaurant is quite famous for its luxury and grandeur look. Even luxury trains like Palace on Wheels, make it a point to add this restaurant to the itinerary. Located inside Amer Fort, this is the right portal to go through to travel back to a royal past.

1135 AD is the best place to eat Rajasthani food in Jaipur and the décor matches the quality of the food. If you are looking for a grand meal experience and for romantic restaurants in Jaipur, visit Amer Fort.

2. Peshawari

This is one of the restaurants of ITC groups. With this name, you can be sure about the hospitality, décor, culture and food in this restaurant. This multi-cuisine spot is actually famous for authentic Northwestern Indian cuisine. You can find all the signature Mughal dishes and the dessert section is mind-blowing.

The pots on the wall, copper platter, wood beams and log table make it one of the more unique restaurants in Jaipur and will add more value to the dining experience, without a doubt.

3. Marble Arch

Located inside the Palace Hotel of Jai Mahal, this heritage hotel has a long history to it. This tradition is expressed in the décor with stoneware, traditional ambience and authentic delicacies of the past. You can find universal cuisines too in this restaurant.

Starting from rosewater pannacotta to Murgh Tia Mirza Hassan, you can find a wide range of delicacies served with the utmost luxurious service.

4. Giardino

This open-air poolside restaurant is famous for the ‘“Taj experience” that’ll add lots more value to your vacation. This traditional fine dining Italian restaurant is complemented with chic décor, art decorations and fine wines to balance the palate.

If you are planning to spend a special mealtime in the laps of luxury, this is the right place.

5. House Of Han

How about enjoying a day with traditional Chinese dishes surrounded by authentic Chinese décor and style? Even the dishes and cooking styles are traditional.

Located inside Crowne Plaza, this restaurant provides a five-star East Asian cuisine and a fully stocked bar. Do not miss getting tea served in a large sprouted teapot.

Do you want to enjoy this type of dining throughout your whole vacation? The best way to do so is by booking Palace on Wheels. The choice of restaurants in the itinerary is luxurious and, also not to be forgotten, are the professional star-styled restaurants inside the train itself.

Suggested next reading: 5 Luxury Trains In India That Are Fit For Royalty

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These trains gratify visitors from all over the world with royal pleasures taking them on a journey through the inspiring heritage. The magnificence of these luxury trains is apparent from their royal décor, ostentatious interiors, and pampering hospitality.

Introducing you to the 5 finest luxury trains in India, we have Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot and Fairy Queen Express. Offering an experience for a lifetime, luxury train tours let you explore India like a royal.

Here’s a step-by-step blow down of these 5 luxury trains in India!

1. Maharajas’ Express

Winner of the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award 5 times in a row from 2012 to 2016, Maharajas’ Express is a royal asset to India. Like its name, the train recreates the way Maharajas (“great kings”) used to travel. It offers seven sojourns to different parts of the country.

The 14-cabin train accommodates 88 passengers at one go. Equipped with private washrooms, individual climate control, spacious wardrobes, direct dial phones, live television, DVD players, CCTV cameras, electronic smoke detection systems, free WI-FI, etc. The décor imitates the royal homes of the Maharajas. Moreover, the sense of pure luxury is enhanced with the dining cars, a gym, an onboard doctor, excellent lounges and bars, shops, and much more!

As one of the best luxury trains in India and also the world, it is a royal pleasure any traveler to India must try once in their lives!

Maharajas’ Express itineraries:

• The Heritage of India (Mumbai — Ajanta – Udaipur — Jodhpur — Bikaner — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Agra — Delhi)
• Gems of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• The Indian Panorama (Delhi — Jaipur — Ranthambore — Fatehpur — Sikri — Agra — Gwalior — Orchha — Khajuraho — Varanasi — Lucknow — Delhi)
• Indian Splendour (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Bikaner — Jodhpur — Udaipur — Balasinor — Mumbai)
• Treasures of India (Delhi — Agra — Ranthambore — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Southern Jewels (Trivandrum — Chettinad — Mahabalipuram — Mysore — Hampi — Goa — Mumbai)
• Southern Splendour (Mumbai — Goa — Hampi — Mysore — Cochin — Kumarakom — Trivandrum)

Maharajas’ Express runs from October to April and plies on 5 different routes.

2. Palace On Wheels

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoG3zkLFlCc/

The pioneer of all luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels is a nominee for the “World leading Luxury Train” award. The royal ride started as the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The 23-coaches of the train are each named after a former Rajputana state.

Two restaurants, namely “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” are the highlights of this extravagant train. 14 saloons and a spa are always at your service whenever you feel a little low. It is truly a lavish feeling to be on board on the Palace on Wheels!

Palace on Wheels itinerary: Delhi — Jaipur — Sawai Madhopur — Chittorgarh — Udaipur — Jaisalmer — Jodhpur — Bharatpur — Agra — Delhi

Palace on Wheels runs from September to April. The 7 nights, 8 days journey includes 7 stops, where tourist are taken for city tours.

Key attractions covered by this train include:

• Delhi — India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
• Jaipur — Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Rajasthali, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
• Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh — Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort
• Udaipur — Jag Niwas, Lake Pichola
• Jaisalmer — Yellow Sandstone Fort, ancient mansions
• Jodhpur — Mehrangarh Fort, grand palaces, shopping tour in Jodhpur
• Bharatpur — Keoladeo Ghana National Park
• Agra — Fatehpur-Sikri, the Taj Mahal

3. The Deccan Odyssey

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Have you ever thought of a moving 5-star hotel? Odds are that you might not have. But the Government of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways came up with a very unique—and very special—concept.

The Deccan Odyssey is a complete 5-star hotel in itself. Equipped with a well-stocked bar, 2 restaurants, a business center, modern amenities, and a sauna, this train is sure to spellbind you. Choose from six options available and embark for the sojourn of a lifetime.

The Deccan Odyssey itineraries:

• Maharashtra Splendor (Mumbai — Nasik — Ellora Cave — Ajanta Caves — Kolhapur — Goa — Ratnagiri — Mumbai)
• Indian Odyssey (Delhi — Sawai Madhopur — Agra — Jaipur — Udaipur — Vadodara — Ellora Caves — Mumbai)
• Hidden Treasures of Gujarat (Mumbai — Vadodara — Palitana — Sasan Gir — Somnath — Little Rann of Kutch — Modhera — Patan — Nashik — Mumbai)
• Indian Sojourn (Mumbai — Vadodara — Udaipur — Jodhpur — Agra — Sawai Madhopur — Jaipur — Delhi)
• Jewels of the Deccan (Mumbai — Bijapur — Aihole — Pattadakal — Hampi — Hyderabad — Ellora Caves — Ajanta Caves — Mumbai)
• Maharashtra Wild Trail (Mumbai — Aurangabad — Ramtek — Tadoba — Ajanta — Nashik — Mumbai)

The Deccan Odyssey runs from October to April. The duration for all 6 routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

4. Golden Chariot

Awarded as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in 2013, Golden Chariot takes you to the offbeat places of South India.

Coaches of this plush train are attractive and charismatic due to their opulent interiors. One can easily observe a glance of artistic quintessence of South Indian reigns from a bygone era. To preserve the regal panache of the train expedition, all the cabins have been named after states from the South such as Ganga, Rashtrakota, Bhahamani, Yudukula, and Adilshahi etc.

Once inside, you will find everything for your comfort. From a private bathtub to an LED TV, bar, gym, spa and almost everything that you can imagine.

Golden Chariot itineraries:

• Pride of the South (Bangalore — Kabini — Mysore — Hassan — Hampi — Badami — Goa — Bangalore)
• Southern Splendour (Bangalore — Chennai — Mahabalipuram — Pondicherry — Thanjavur — Madurai — Thiruvananthapuram — Alleppey — Kochi — Bangalore)

The Golden Chariot runs from October to March, and the duration for both the routes is 7 nights, 8 days.

5. Fairy Queen Express

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A British firm manufactured India’s remarkable Fairy Queen Train. This train was renowned as having the oldest working engine in the world—but it has now been replaced. Although it has a single air condition carriage it can accommodate 60 people at once. One can get an opportunity to embark on a short and sweet journey for 2 days.

Superfine cloth material is used to cover the seats. These seats are arranged in pairs, on either side of a wide corridor. The train consists of a huge glass window at the facade meaning you can actually see the engine too. A picturesque lounge offers fabulous sights of the landscape. A pantry car is also available to satisfy hunger anytime onboard.

Fairy Queen Express itinerary: Delhi — Alwar — Sariska — Alwar — Delhi

Fairy Queen Express runs from October to March on 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month. The duration of the journey is 1 night, 2 days.

Attractions at its two stoppages, Sariska and Alwar, are:

• Sariska — Lake Palace, Sariska National Park
• Alwar— Alwar Museum

What are your experiences of these luxury trains in India? Or perhaps you know of some more? Feel free to share and comment below!

Suggested next reading: How To Survive On The Trans Mongolian Railway

The post 5 Luxury Trains In India That Are Fit For Royalty appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. City Palace

Right in the center of the Old City, this gorgeous pink palace is fun to explore. The entrance fee is supposedly 150R (£1.70/ $2.15) plus 50R (55p / 70¢) for a camera, but they tried to charge us 500R (£5.60).

2. Hawa Mahal

This is definitely Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark. The website says the entrance fee is 50R (55p / 70¢) but we were made to pay 200R (£2.25 / $2.85), it’s still not expensive but it adds up when it happens at every attraction. It was fun to explore inside and you get a nice view from the top, but the iconic wall of windows is actually easily visible, for free, at the rooftop bars across the road.

3. Jal Mahal

This dreamlike palace floats on the calm waters of Man Sagar. Take a relaxing stroll along Amer Road to view it for free, as entrance to the palace has been restricted after being declared a protected area by the government, but the pathway outside is still accessible and free to all.

4. Amber Palace and Fort

This dramatic sandstone fort perched on a hilltop to the north of the city is a great day trip from Jaipur. Take a tuk-tuk or the local bus to the shores of Moatha Lake and climb the hill to the gateway. There’s a lot you can see without paying the 550R (£6.20 / $7.80) entrance fee, but if you want to get inside and see the impressive carvings and paintings of the interior walls and ceilings, you’ll need to pay.

5. Galtaji

This ancient Hindu pilgrimage was definitely the highlight of Jaipur for me. What started as a quick climb up Monkey Hill to watch the sunset at the Sun Temple ended up with us finding the hidden temple complex of Galtaji in the throes of an incredibly vibrant and busy festival. Even without the festival, it would be an impressive sight.

Suggested next reading: 5 Must-See Places In Agra That Have Astonishing Architecture

The post 5 Incredible Reasons Why Jaipur Is Worthy Of Your Bucketlist appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Getting around Agra isn’t anywhere as easy as Delhi and there’s a lot to see here so it’s recommended to hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day. We paid 800R (£9 / $11.40) which got us from our hostel all the way to Akbar’s Mausoleum and back through winding streets to visit the main sights, listed below. You’ll need at least two days to explore, but spend more time if you can!

1. The Taj Mahal

Without a doubt one of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the world, this mausoleum is a monument to lost love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Pictures don’t do it justice, it has to be seen to be believed. The intricate detail of the marble and precious stones, the scale and symmetry of it is incredible.

Entrance is 1000R (£11.25 / $14.25). You’ll want to be up well before sunrise to get your ticket and be ready to queue for a while, even at that time. Lonely Planet has some great information on which gate to use. Once inside, you’ll be able to roam around but be prepared to push and shove your way to get to the best photo spots, like the Princess Diana bench (that’s not it in the photo above, the queue for it was bonkers even just after sunrise).

2. Agra Fort

For the entry price of 550R (£6.20 / $7.80) this is one of the finest Mughal forts in India, but we didn’t want to spend the money to go inside. If you’ve already seen the Delhi Red Fort then this one is similar, and you can just admire the impressive red sandstone walls from outside the fort, as we suggested doing in our Delhi article.

3. Akbar’s Mausoleum

Even if you’ve already seen the Taj, this grand red sandstone and marble tomb shouldn’t be missed. The small entrance fee of 210R (£2.35 / $3.00) is well worth it, the impressive gardens are a relaxing place to get away from the busy city streets, and the interior is beautifully decorated.

4. Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Known as The Baby Taj, this gorgeous tomb shouldn’t be missed either. With another 210R (£2.35 / $3.00) entrance fee, it won’t break the bank. Being built entirely by marble makes the finely carved lattice even more impressive, and it’s another peaceful spot with its wonderful gardens along the east bank of the Yamuna River.

5. Mehtab Bagh

This park across the river from the Taj Mahal was built to stop the sands blowing across and slowly eroding the marble. The views are incredible and it gives you a great panorama of the Taj in all its glory. They say it changes colors multiple times during the day, and if you time it right you can watch it glowing red in the setting sun. There’s a 200R (£2.25 / $2.85) entrance fee but it really is worth it.

Suggested next reading: 8 Amazing Places In Delhi That Have Beautiful Architecture & Bewitching History

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Delhi is the capital city of India, and one of the busiest cities in the world. However, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I was told by almost every traveler I met to avoid it like the plague, but I ended up loving it! Plus the public transport system is incredibly modern and reliable, with trains taking you all over the city and women-only carriages which make it safer to travel alone, even at night. You can buy tokens at the station, or save time and buy a Delhi Metro Smartcard.

Depending on your budget, there are hundreds of options for accommodation, food and shopping. If you want a bit of westernized luxury then head to Connaught Place. If you’re on a tight budget then head to the grimy but vibrant backpacker streets of the Main Bazar. If you want tranquil parks and quieter streets then head to the southern suburbs of Hauz Khas or Sat Bari. Wherever you end up, you’ll get a taste of “real India”.

There is so much to see in this crazy city that even the two weeks I spent there wasn’t enough. You can end up spending a lot of money if you choose to do and see everything, so if you are on a budget then choose carefully. But what makes Delhi shine, most importantly, are all the attractions that promise beautiful architecture and history. Here’s a list of 8 must-see attractions that ooze history and showcase some of that beautiful architecture, as well as what you can expect to pay for each one.

1. Qutub Minar Complex

The Qutub Minar Complex, a collection of monuments from the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526), sometimes beats the Taj Mahal in being India’s most visited attraction throughout the year. Lonely Planet says “If you only have time to visit just one of Delhi’s ancient ruins, make it this”.  Entrance is 500R (£5.60 / $7.10) but you can easily spend a few hours here wandering through the peaceful monuments and admiring the 73m high tower of Qutub Minar. To get here, take the Yellow Line to Qutub Minar station and follow the main road north past Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

2. Jama Masjid

India’s largest mosque is absolutely worth a visit. It’s free to enter but you have to pay a “camera fee” of 300R (£3.40 / $4.30), and there’s an extra cost of 100R (£1.15 / $1.40) to climb one of the 40m-high towers, giving you unbeatable views over the Red Fort and the surrounding city. This is right next to the Jama Masjid Station on the Violet Line.

3. Akshardham Temple

Opened in 2005, what it lacks in history it certainly makes up for in its wonderful architecture. I tried to get here and failed miserably because it just happened to be the same day as a religious festival and there were literally thousands of people queuing to get in. It’s definitely worth visiting if you get it on a quieter day as the magnificent temple has an Indian fairytale vibe about it! Yet again, the entrance fee is 500R (£5.60 / $7.10) but I think it would be worth it. To get here, take the Blue Line to Akshardham Station.

4. Humayun’s Tomb

If Delhi is your first stop in India then you will be as impressed as I was by the glorious architecture of Humayun’s Tomb, said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. It’s another 500R (£5.60 / $7.10) entrance fee but it’s worth it, especially if you arrive later in the day, the sunset makes this red tomb glow. To get here it’s a short walk from Jangpura Station on the Violet Line.

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5. Mehrauli Archaeological Park

This massive 200-acre archaeological area is one of the top attractions in Delhi. You can easily spend an entire day here wandering around the forest dotted with over 440 monuments. The best part? There’s no entrance fee! To get here, take the Yellow Line to Qutub Minar station and follow the main road north.

6. Rajpath

This vast pathway links India Gate to the grand offices of the Indian Government. It’s packed with tourists and locals selling snacks, ice cream and even a few tattooists inking people on the street. It’s got a great vibe, especially in the evening when it’s cooler and the sun is setting. It’s a free area to explore, just hop on the Violet or Yellow Line to Central Secretariat Station.

7. Lodi Gardens

One of my favorite areas of Delhi, this peaceful park is a wonderful getaway from the craziness of the city. Take a gentle stroll through forests and gardens, around lakes and tombs. It’s another free experience, to get here take the Yellow Line to Jorbagh Station.

I’ve only listed a tiny portion of things to see and do in Delhi, and I can’t wait to go back to this hectic city and see more of it. I was so nervous when I first arrived that I spent the first few days hiding in my hostel, eating all the parantha and making the most of the high-speed Wifi! Once you get out and about, you’ll realize how easy it is to navigate and how fun it is to explore.

8. The Red Fort

Entrance is 500R (£5.60 / $7.10) and you’ll pay extra for audio or guided tours. Personally, I didn’t think it was worth it. The walls are the most impressive part and you can see them from outside. The inside is just open grass and a few buildings that don’t seem too impressive after seeing some of the other stuff Delhi has to offer. However, many others love this UNESCO World Heritage Site, so much so that it now appears on India’s new 500R note. It was also the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, meaning it is an essential stop for any history buff. To get here, take the Violet Line to Jama Masjid Station.

Suggested next reading: 2 Mind Blowing & Life Changing Weeks In Rajasthan

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