Taj Mahal, Agra

Why go: Iconic Mughal mausoleum of white marble; sunrise or sunset light makes the inlay work glow.
Best time: Oct–Mar; arrive sunrise or late afternoon to beat heat and crowds.
Pro tip: Pair with Agra Fort the same day; consider Mehtab Bagh for riverbank views.

Agra Fort, Agra 

Why go: Massive red sandstone fort that predates the Taj; palaces, courtyards, and Yamuna views.
Pairing: Taj Mahal (walk/short ride); Fatehpur Sikri as a day trip from Agra.

Jaipur City, Rajasthan 

Why go: Planned 18th-century city in signature pink; astronomy observatory and grand forts.
Best time: Oct–Mar.
Pro tip: Visit Amber (Amer) Fort right after opening; take a guided walk in the old bazaars.

Fatehpur Sikri 

Why go: Abandoned 16th-century Mughal capital—stunning red sandstone architecture.
Logistics: 40 km from Agra; do it as a half-day trip.

Hampi 

Why go: Otherworldly boulder fields and temple ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Best time: Nov–Feb; evenings are magical by the Tungabhadra River.
Pro tip: Rent a bicycle; catch sunrise at Matanga Hill.

 Ajanta Caves 

Why go: Exquisite Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures dating back over a millennium.
Pairing: Ellora Caves (see next); base yourself in Aurangabad.
Tip: Low-light viewing preserves the murals—avoid flash.

Ellora Caves 

Why go: Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves in one complex; Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) is carved top-down from a single rock.
Time needed: 3–4 hours minimum.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments 

Why go: Sandstone temples famed for intricate carvings that celebrate life, devotion, and art.
Best time: Nov–Feb.
Tip: The Western Group is the most visitor-friendly; hire a guide for symbolism.

Sun Temple, Konark

Why go: 13th-century chariot of the sun god in stone—giant wheels and detailed friezes.
When: Oct–Mar; pair with beaches near Puri.

Qutub Minar Complex, Delhi

Why go: A lightning-tall minaret and early Sultanate remains—perfect start to Delhi’s history loop.
Pairing: Humayun’s Tomb (also UNESCO) and Red Fort.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram 

Why go: Shore Temple, rathas (monolithic “chariots”), and rock reliefs beside the Bay of Bengal.
Logistics: Easy day trip from Chennai. Sunset by the shore is classic.

Kaziranga National Park 

Why go: UNESCO natural site protecting the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and birdlife.
Season: Nov–Apr; safaris often close in monsoon.
Tip: Book jeep safaris in advance; morning drives are best for sightings.