New Delhi

The capital city of India has no fewer than 175 monuments recognized as national heritage sites, including places of worship (e.g., the Lotus Temple, the Jama Masjid), forts, mausoleums, and memorials. The city’s architecture is testimony to the parade of administrators over the centuries – Hindu kingdoms that are part of legend, Mughal rulers, British colonialists, and representatives of the modern republic. (Top)

Today, Delhi features marketplaces selling everything from used furniture to silver filigree; government buildings; sports arenas and green belts interspersed with busy streets; and a gamut of eateries from pavement stalls selling mouthwatering chaat (spicy Indian fast food) to star restaurants serving gourmet fare. Delhi also boasts the world's largest fleet of environment-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, a noteworthy step in combating the high levels of pollution in the city. (Top)

Agra

On the banks of the river Yamuna lies this city that houses monuments that have set new standards for grand romantic gestures, and found their way into literature and lyric. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, the crown jewel of Mughal design and craftsmanship and one of the Wonders of the World, and two other World Heritage Sites, in addition to numerous other architectural delights and splendid gardens. (Top)

Fatehpur Sikri

One of the World Heritage sites in Agra district, Fatehpuri Sikri, briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire, is Emperor Akbar's architectural legacy, teeming with mosques, forts, palaces and halls. (Top)

Jaipur

The capital of the state of Rajasthan is nicknamed the Pink City of India for its imitation-sandstone pink stucco buildings. Jaipur stands out for its beautiful planning - wide, regular streets laid out in grids in accordance with ancient tenets of construction - as well as grand examples of Rajput architecture, such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jantar Mantar (an observatory). It is also a trove of exquisite handicrafts and traditional garments. (Top)

Ajmer

A city of historical significance, Ajmer prides itself on its forts, museums, educational institutions, and places of prayer, such as the Dargah Shareef, the tomb of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chisti, and the Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra , a 12 th century Jain temple transformed into a mosque. (Top)

Pushkar

Close to Ajmer is Pushkar, the town that houses the only Brahma temple in the world. It is also known for the Pushkar Lake , and an annual camel fair. (Top)

Chittaurgarh

A capital of the erstwhile princely state of Mewar, Chittaurgarh embodies the pride and glory of the Rajputs (the warrior community). Legends of the heroism of the warriors and the spirit of the women, and romantic and inspiring denizens like the Lord Krishna devotee Meera Bai, and the valorous Maha Rana Pratap, are narrated in story and song to this day. Chittaurgarh is famous for its majestic fort, and its Jauhar Mela , the festival that commemorates the mass sacrifices of the women of the besieged fort. (Top)

Udaipur

The capital of the erstwhile princely state of Mewar, after Chittaurgarh was captured, Udaipur , the 'jewel of Rajasthan', is as renowned for the legends of bravery and romance suffusing it, as for its many breathtaking lakes and palaces and decorative arts and crafts. Gardens and fauna, both fascinating and intimidating, e.g. peacocks and crocodiles, abound. (Top)

Ranakpur

Between Udaipur and Jodhpur is situated the village of Ranakpur , famed for its marble Jain temple and Sun temple. The intricacies and exquisiteness of the Jain temple, with its over 1444 unique carved pillars, and captivating statues, earned it a nomination to the list in the contest for the wonders of the world. (Top)

Jodhpur

The capital of the erstwhile princely state of Marwar, Jodhpur is nicknamed the " Sun City " for its bright sundrenched weather, and " Blue City " for its profusion of blue-tinted whitewashed houses. The walled city, dominated by intricately carved buildings from different eras, is a cornucopia of handicrafts and delectable spicy cuisine, featuring the hot chillies that thrive in the desert clime. (Top)

Bangalore

Bangalore, with its strategic position close to the borders of three states, has played an influential role in the history of peninsular India . It has passed through the command of various rulers and dynasties, testimonials to whose grandeur are the beautiful palaces, temples, mosques and museums all over Karnataka. (Top)

Bangalore is one of Asia 's fastest growing cities. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery gave it the moniker 'Garden City of India', decades ago. In recent times, with the technology boom, it has been pegged the 'Silicon Valley of India'. (Top)

Hassan

The headquarters of the Malanad district, is named for Goddess "Hasanamba" (the smiling goddess), presiding deity of the town.. The original town was adjacent to the village Channapatna, famous for its doll-making. (Top)

Mysore

The Wodeyar kings, who ruled Mysore for some 150 years till independence from British rule, were great patrons of art and culture, as is evident in the aesthetic ambience of the town, from its fruit and vegetable markets to the celebrated Mysore City Palace , designed by an English Architect and completed in 1912. (Top)

Mahabalipuram

58 kilometers from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, lies the village of Mahabalipuram , renowned for its shore temples amidst boulder-strewn sands. The rock sculpture of Mahabalipuram is unusual in its depiction of scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast to the sculpture elsewhere in Tamil Nadu that generally represents gods and goddesses. (Top)

Periyar

Nestled in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats (hills), is Periyar, abode of elephants, spice scented plantations, and mountain folk. Periyar is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India . The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River enables the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat. (Top)

Kumarakom

This charming emerald peninsula jutting into the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, offers plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The waters make a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways, rich in myriad species of fauna and flora. (Top)

Thiruvananthapuram

The capital of Kerala, formerly known as Trivandum, is a beach side city built on seven hills and was tagged the 'Evergreen City of India' by Mahatma Gandhi, who was captivated by its beautiful edifices, low coastal hills, wide, clean roads and busy commercial alleys. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple , whose deity gives the city its name, is the most recognizable emblem of the city. (Top)

Kanya Kumari

The southern tip of mainland India, this city crowns the confluence of three seas - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean . Temples, churches and coastal crafts abound in this spot fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields. (Top)