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Taj Mahal

Perhaps the single most famous building on the planet, the Taj Mahal is as much a monument to love as it is to death. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed this magnificent mausoleum to honour his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died tragically in childbirth. Clad in pearlescent white marble, and intricately inlaid with calligraphy, semiprecious stones and intricate floral designs representing the eternal paradise, the Taj is the pinnacle of Mughal creativity, and one of the most perfectly proportioned buildings ever constructed, anywhere, ever.
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Taj Mahal

Perhaps the single most famous building on the planet, the Taj Mahal is as much a monument to love as it is to death. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed this magnificent mausoleum to honour his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died tragically in childbirth. Clad in pearlescent white marble, and intricately inlaid with calligraphy, semiprecious stones and intricate floral designs representing the eternal paradise, the Taj is the pinnacle of Mughal creativity, and one of the most perfectly proportioned buildings ever constructed, anywhere, ever.
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Caves of Ajanta

They may have lived a life of austere humility, but the 2nd-century-BC monks who created the Ajanta caves certainly had an eye for the dramatic. Thirty rock-cut forest grottoes worm through the face of a horseshoe-shaped cliff, protecting some of the finest carvings ever produced from the centuries and the elements. The caverns were originally hollowed out to provide peaceful spaces for meditation and contemplation, but later generations adorned the chambers with exquisite carvings and paintings depicting the Buddha's former lives. Renunciation of the worldly life was never so serenely sophisticated.
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Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.

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Perhaps the single most famous building on the planet, the Taj Mahal is as much a monument to love as it is to death. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed this magnificent mausoleum to honour his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died tragically in childbirth.

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Vocabulary.com - learn new words, play games that improve your vocabulary, and find easy-to-understand definitions in our super-fast dictionary.

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India Travel Guide - How to Travel India!

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Holi Festival India - Drenched in colour and soaked in tradition

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Edpuzzle video lesson. Make any video your lesson. Take a video and crop it, add your voice or embed questions at any point.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | The meaning behind the many colors of India's Holi festival

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1. Open the Internet Browser

2. Click Tools (or "gear" icon at top right hand corner) > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced

3. Check Override automatic cookie handling

4. For First-party Cookies and Third-party Cookies click Accept

5. Click OK and OK

Enabling Cookies in Internet Explorer 10, 11

1. Open the Internet Browser

2. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.

3. Click the Privacy tab, and then, under Settings, move the slider to the bottom to allow all cookies, and then click OK.

Enabling Cookies in Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser

2. Click Tools icon Or type in Go to chrome://settings/ to the URL window, hit enter

3. Click 'Advanced settings' > Select Privacy > Content settings

4. Check 'Allow local data to be set (recommended)'

5. Click 'Done'

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Open the Internet Browser Click Tools (or "gear" icon at top right hand corner) > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced Check Override automatic cookie handling For First-party Cookies and Third-party Cookies click Accept Click OK and OK Enabling Cookies in Internet Explorer 10, 11 Open the Internet Browser Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.

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Kahoot about India

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VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN INDIA

Experience India's intoxicating cultural diversity and breathtaking natural landscapes by joining one of our volunteer projects in India. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities in two Indian locations where we focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, #3, Good Health And Wellbeing, #4, Quality Education, #5, Gender Equality, #8, Decent Work And Economic Growth, and, #15, Life On Land, as our main project aims.

As a global volunteer organization, we pride ourselves on partnering with local NGOs and public institutions in India to ensure that volunteers are providing for the specific needs in the region and that they are fully supported by our in-country staff throughout their journey. This is why we are confident in stating that we run some of the best volunteer programs both around the world and in India. Whichever volunteer job you sign up for with GVI, you can be confident that you are working toward lasting positive impact.

Many volunteers make the trip to India to experience some of the many tourist sites this popular destination has to offer. GVI participants on a volunteer holiday to India can use the weekends to explore the city or town where they are stationed or even join other volunteers to tour the rest of the country.

All our volunteer programs are designed specifically for students of college age, although we also offer a specially designed community service program for high school teens that includes a travel and adventure component. Programs run throughout the year, but many students select to complete volunteer work during their spring or summer breaks. Others choose to work with us during their gap year. Young professionals on a career break or retirees are also welcome.

No matter where you are at in your academic or professional journey, if you are trying to find out how to volunteer in India, simply submit an application form requesting to join one of our projects and we will be in touch shortly.

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Experience India's intoxicating cultural diversity and breathtaking natural landscapes by joining one of our volunteer projects in India.

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Last Updated: 12/13/2020 | December 13th, 2020
My friend Wandering Earl is my other half - a hard core budget traveler who loves exploring the world. We're two peas in a pod. As he gears up for his nineteenth trip to India (leading yet another sold-out tour), I asked him to share some of his favorite locations in the country to give you (and me) some ideas on what to do in a country so vast! Enter Earl:
Everywhere you turn in India, there is something to do or to see that you probably have never done or seen before. There are experiences to be had - whether fascinating or shocking or rewarding or confusing or educational or frustrating - all day long, no matter where you happen to be.

When I traveled to India for the first time back in 2001, just my first two weeks in the country involved camping at a pristine lake in a remote tribal region, hiking in the Himalayas, visiting Tibetan villages and monasteries, drinking mango lassis for the first time from a market stall in Kolkata, playing cricket with a group of Indians I met at a Hindu temple, and spending an evening with the family of a taxi driver who invited me to his home for dinner.

That's what happens when you visit India.

The result of such an incredible variety and frequency of memorable experiences is exactly what has happened to me and countless other travelers: we simply can't get enough and constantly feel the need to return over and over again for more.

And though one post on India could never do the country justice, today I want to share 13 of the best things to do in India after 18 visits there, both as a traveler and a tour guide:

1. Gali Paranthe Wali (Delhi)

A famous food lane in the heart of Old Delhi in the middle of the Chandni Chowk market. On this lane are a handful of well-known eateries, all serving up the same dish: unique Delhi-style stuffed parathas, a type of flatbread made from wheat dough and lightly fried in oil on both sides.

While the usual filling is potatoes, on this street you can get them stuffed with anything, from cheese to squash to raisins to mint to mixed vegetables to cashews and more. Some of the places have been around for over 100 years, and it doesn't take long to see why these hole-in-the-wall eateries are almost always full of Indians enjoying this tasty meal.
Take the metro to Chandni Chowk. Once there, head east on Chandni Chowk until you hit the alley. Follow the alley and you'll come to the paratha restaurants.
2. Akshardham (Delhi)

This cultural complex located near the Yamuna River is, to me, one of the most impressive structures in all of India, with its massive temple constructed from the carvings of several thousand Indian artisans. When you see it for the first time, it will blow you away with its unique appearance and seemingly otherworldly architecture - and that's before you go inside.

Inside, you'll find yourself amidst a scene of absurdly detailed design, from the pillars to the walls to the domed ceilings high above, all helping to tell the story of Hinduism. Arrive an hour or so before sunset and you'll also be treated to the beautiful temple all lit up, helping to further etch itself in your memory.
NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi (located near the Akshardham metro station), +91 114-344-2344, akshardham.com/visitor-info. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30am-6:30pm. Admission is free, though the exhibitions and water shows had an entry fee (between 80-170 INR per person).
3. Raj Mandir Cinema (Jaipur)

It's one of the best-known cinemas in India. Opened in 1976, this large art-deco structure is my favorite place in the country to catch a Bollywood film. The pastel-colored interior design, the efficient suit-clad staff, the spacious theater with its comfortable seats, and the lively atmosphere deriving from hundreds of excited Indian moviegoers all make you feel as if you're attending a major movie premiere.

As a bonus, once the movie is over, you're only a two-minute walk away from MI Road, where you'll find several Jaipuri lassi shops. Join the lines, order a large sweet lassi, and sit back and enjoy its pure deliciousness!
C-16, Bhagwant Das Road, +91 141-237-4694, therajmandir.com. Ticket prices range from 100-400 INR depending on where you want to sit. See the website for an up-to-date list of movies.
4. Chand Baori Stepwell (Abhaneri)

The first time I visited the tiny, dusty village of Abhaneri, some 10 kilometers off of the main Agra-to-Jaipur road, I thought I was going to see a small well in the midst of a ruined ancient city, take a photo, and then continue my journey. An hour and a half later, though, I was still staring at this spectacularly striking, 1,200-year-old "water tank," one of the largest in India.

Constructed by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in 8000 BCE, the massive rectangular well is approximately 30 meters deep and consists of over 3,500 steps intertwined in a precise maze-like pattern on three sides, playing with the sunlight reflecting off of its angles.

When you are inside, be sure to have a look at the dozens of statues of Hindu gods and religious scenes that line the outer walkway of the well, some dating back a thousand years. There is no entrance fee, but the local caretaker, who keeps the place immaculate, will ask for a "tip" as you leave.
Abhaneri is located around 95km from Jaipur. Take the bus to Sikandra, which will take around 90 minutes and cost 60-90 INR. From there you can hire a jeep for around 250 INR (return) to take you to the steps.
5. Ranakpur Jain Temple (Ranakpur)

The village of Ranakpur sits a bit off the main route from Jodhpur to Udaipur, and is a remarkably quiet place. Apart from a few hotels and a couple of restaurants, the only other structure is the Ranakapur Jain Temple, one of the most important Jain temples in the world, dating back to the 15th century.

Set in the forest, this temple is supported by over 1,400 intricately carved pillars, of which no two are the same, creating an almost eerie atmosphere as you wander through the courtyard, as if in a never-ending ancient maze.

I highly recommend the audio guide that comes with your ticket, as regular guides are not allowed inside. The narration offers a thorough look at how this temple was created, its period of abandonment, and its resurrection as a major place of worship. Not too many people visit Ranakpur compared to other destinations and even fewer spend the night in the village.
Desuri Tehsil (near Sadri), +91 774-201-4733, anandjikalyanjipedhi.org. Open daily from 12pm-5pm (open prior but only for prayer). Admission is 200 INR and includes an audio guide. If you want a photography permit, it's an extra 100 INR.
6. Animal Aid Unlimited (Udaipur)

With plenty to do, Udaipur is a popular place for visitors, but one activity that is not as well known is spending a day or two volunteering at Animal Aid Unlimited. This organization acts as a "rescue center, hospital, and sanctuary for injured and ill street animals," something that you don't find too often in India despite the ubiquitous animals.

If you visit, you'll find cows, donkeys, dogs, pigs, goats, and other animals receiving wonderful care from a dedicated team of volunteers, veterinarians, and paid staff from the local community. I've visited Animal Aid four times now, and I always head to the enclosure for dogs that have been partially paralyzed. I could sit in that enclosure for hours, hanging out with these energetic dogs that seem truly excited to be in this special place.

Animal Aid is a great spot to visit, either for a tour by one of the staff (which they are happy to do) or even to volunteer. Short-term and long-term volunteers are always welcome with open arms.
Located near Badi Village (8km from Udaipur). Expect to pay around 350 INR for a rickshaw there (return). Just make sure to arrange your ride back before coming as there are no rickshaws available at the sanctuary so you need to arrange transportation before visiting. animalaidunlimited.org.
7. Natraj Dining Hall (Udaipur)

Well-known among locals in Udaipur, this is a chance to have a traditional Indian thali experience in a place that seldom sees any foreigners. A thali is a meal that consists of a variety of foods, usually all served on a large, round metal plate. Natraj is located in the Bapu Bazaar area, about a 30-minute walk from the City Palace. If you're lucky, there won't be a line, but once you get a table, things happen quickly.

There is no menu - you simply eat what they cook: a variety of vegetable dishes, rice, fresh chapati, chutneys, and plenty of other good stuff. Some dishes might be spicy, so be sure to ask before you take a bite! It's all-you-can-eat and they'll keep dishing out the food until you give a forceful "no more!" It costs about 120 rupees ($1.85) per person.
22-24 City Station Road, +91 941-475-7893. Open daily from 10:30am-3:45pm and 6:30pm-10:30pm.
8. Kukki's Cave Paintings (Bundi)

Sign up for a trip with the local named Kukki on the outskirts of Bundi, a beautiful little town in Rajasthan. You'll hear Kukki's story on the tour, but here's a short version: he was a man with little education and no background in archaeology who ended up discovering some of India's most impressive cave paintings and ancient artifacts simply by wandering around ruined monuments and structures on his own. Some of the paintings you'll see are of hunting scenes and daily life and are believed to be 15,000 years old.

But even apart from the paintings, joining Kukki is absolutely wonderful, as he takes you to seldom-visited areas of Rajasthan, tells you endless stories about his fascinating life and work, and teaches you about the general history of the region. His personality alone is enough reason to go on this tour, and if you're in Bundi, there is no better way to spend half a day.
Located 220km south of Jaipur, +91 900-100-0188, kukkisworld.com. Tour prices vary, but expect to pay around 3,800 INR ($55 USD) for a 2-person tour.
9. Jolly Music House (Varanasi)

Not every traveler loves the intensity and roughness of Varanasi, but regardless, it's difficult not to find this 3,800-year-old city fascinating. Religious ceremonies, endless temples, open cremations, narrow lanes winding through ancient markets, crumbling palaces, people praying and bathing in the holy Ganges River, animals roaming the streets - it's all in this one destination.

Apart from the usual sights and experiences, however, there is one tiny room located down a lane in the Bengali Tola area of the Old City that I always get excited to enter. This is the Jolly Music House, run by the always-friendly Jolly, a middle-aged man and talented musician who offers courses and lessons on all types of traditional Indian instruments. But if you ask him, he'll also organize a concert in the evening. The experience will leave you mesmerized and wanting to return every night you're in this city. Tell him Earl sent you!
D- 34/4 Dashashwamedh, +91 983-929-0707. Open daily from 10am-9pm.
10. Medieval city of Orchha (Orchha)

Bus groups often come to Orchha for a few hours, see a few temples, and then take off to their next destination. However, if you spend a couple of nights here, with its seemingly infinite number of stunning temples and palaces dotting the landscape everywhere you turn, you'll get an opportunity to have this medieval city all to yourself.

Wake up early, before the buses arrive, and rent a bicycle. Bike along the paths connecting the temples, palaces, and fort, and you'll be the only one out there. Once evening comes around and the bus tours are gone, wander into the courtyard of the Ram Raja Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ram. Climb onto a rooftop and observe life below, as there are often festivals and ceremonies taking place by the temple.

Given the small size of Orchha (just a couple of streets), accommodations aren't abundant, but an excellent option is to book a homestay in a local family home through the NGO Friends of Orchha.

11. Golden Temple (Amritsar)

With its shimmering golden temple and an endless stream of local pilgrims to talk to, each visit will lead to a new and rewarding experience. Be sure to head over to the Langar Hall, the community dining hall where all visitors - Indian and foreigners - are welcome to enter for a simple but tasty free meal, available at almost any time. It typically feeds up to 100,000 people per day. You sit on the floor, they dish out the food, you eat, and you leave, so that another group of several hundred people can do the same shortly after.

While there isn't much time for conversation, you'll probably end up waving and smiling to a lot of Indians sitting near you, all curious as to why you are there. Once back outside, you'll then often find yourself shaking hands with those you were eating with and chatting up a storm.
Golden Temple Road, +91 183-255-3954, sgpc.net/sri-harmandir-sahib. Open daily from 4am-11pm. Admission is free.
12. Palolem Beach (Goa)

If you want the Indian beach experience, this is my favorite spot for that. Located in the well-known state of Goa, Palolem is very low-key, offering an affordable mix of beach huts located in a fully walkable and welcoming village setting. The whitish sands are clean and backed by towering palm trees, the bluish water is calm and perfect for swimming, and the sunset is consistently stunning as the sun dips behind jungle-filled Monkey Island at the far end of the beach each evening.

The main reason I like this area is that it has a little bit of everything: independent travelers, couples, a party crowd, vacationers, all kinds of food, some simple nightlife, water activities, and plenty of day trip options to waterfalls, secluded beaches, snorkeling locations, canyons, and more - all while keeping its laid-back atmosphere. Here's where I like to stay when I'm there: A quick guide to Palolem, Goa

13. Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

I call it the "loop," and if you want a true Himalayan adventure, this route that goes through the Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti Valleys (starting in Shimla and ending in Manali) is one of the most spectacular options. You'll visit the villages of Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Ki, and Kibber along the way, as well as one of the oldest Tibetan temples.

With the breathtaking snow-covered mountains surrounding you at all times, you'll feel as if you've been transported to a hidden world of such extreme beauty that nothing could possibly top the experience. Give yourself 10-14 days to complete the loop - it just might be the most memorable period of your travels.

That's India.

Actually, that's only a tiny slice of this country, a tiny, tiny glimpse into what awaits those who visit.

The possibilities are literally endless.

And since my travels here always involve a long list of educational, rewarding, and eye-opening activities, interactions, and experiences that I could never have imagined or predicted, every time another India trip comes to an end, I already know it won't be long before I return again.

These incredible things to see and do in India shouldn't be missed!
Wandering Earl has been on the road for close to 15 years, having got the travel bug when he worked on a cruise ship. He's lived in Romania, traveled Iraq, got detained by customs, and has been to more than 40 countries. He helps people travel on a budget and visit off the beaten path destinations around the world. One of my all-time favorite travel blogs, Earl can be found on his website, Wandering Earl, as well as Facebook and .
Book Your Trip to India: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It's comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I've had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I'm on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Photo Credits: 3 - Russ Bowling, 4 - (vincent desjardins), 9 - Justin Morgan

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13 AMAZING Things to Do and See in India in 2021

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Last Updated: 12/13/2020 | December 13th, 2020 My friend Wandering Earl is my other half - a hard core budget traveler who loves exploring the world. We're two peas in a pod.

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Mysticism, warmth, sensuality, beauty and natural surroundings. Lovely experiences, magic and spiritual peace. Energy, purity ... a trip through the five senses. It's the India's universe...

To describe something intangible, something we only feel has never been easy but I run the risk of trying today in describing one of my best travelling experiences so far. Fun, evasion but above all cultural and spiritual wealth was what I felt in that trip. An exotic destination, one of the richest and most diverse cultures that I ever saw in my life. My advice to you, dear readers? Read a paragraph and close your eyes ... dream or remember, as appropriate. But honestly, close your eyes and let yourself be guided by this visual and spiritual journey...

A moment that I will never forget is the sky with orange and rose shades over the Taj Mahal when the sun is coming down. I think that was the moment I felt more feminine, fragile in the middle of so much power and beauty. If the Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the most beautiful architectural works of mankind, imagine it with a scenario so pure and intense behind such as a quiet sunset. No words.

There are several options for sleeping in India but I suggest you only one, the Oberoi Hotel in Udaipur. I only stayed for one night but I assure you, it might possibly be one of the best nights of your life. The service is unique, but the architectural beauty of the building is something transcendent. A beautiful building is extended in a green valley. In one side you can enjoy a nice pool and have a delightful view of the sea.

I remember diving into the pool and staring at the ocean remembering the Portuguese Discoveries on that territory and their fantastic stories about the Indian people, their different traditions and all of those spices and diamonds they took after their expeditions.

Spices ... yes, I ate the most exquisite and aphrodisiacs meals in that land. Hot dishes, of all colors and spices. A forkful was a nice sense of sin and a strange taste, different but addictive. A world full of mysteries and pleasures, each bite was a guessing game and a temptation. One of the days I had dinner in a restaurant where the light was very low and had a sweet smell of incense in the air that was quite engaging, which reminded me of the perfume Coco Mademoiselle Chanel. I felt that suppressed by an intensely sensual and mysterious felling. The moment became even more intense when the dancers came to dance Bharathanatyam. It is impossible to describe the enchanted visuals of the beautiful and gentle gestures and poses, light clothing and bold colors that rotate to spread the magic in the air. All of them with that famous Tilak on the forehead, which I think is such a unique and special detail that only those women could ever be allowed to wear.

I cannot say goodbye without mentioning my trip over the elephant painted with vivid colors such as orange, red and blue. I walked in the middle of dirt on it; saw all that magic in swinging the mighty animal. I felt like a real Queen... Next time, I bet with you I will be playing with the beautiful and intriguing Indian tiger...

India is one of my favorite destinations. A destination where each of us can actually feel more "us", more feminine, more intense and powerful. Power I would say, is the word that describes this country ... Have any of you ever visited India? Feel free to share your experience with me!

With love, Janet Morais.

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Mysticism, warmth, sensuality, beauty and natural surroundings. Lovely experiences, magic and spiritual peace. Energy, purity ... a trip through the five senses. It's the India's universe... To describe something intangible, something we only feel has never been easy but I run the risk of trying today in describing one of my best travelling experiences so far.