Things to See in India

The Gateway of India is an exaggerated colonial marker conceived after the visit of King George V in 1911. The yellow basalt arch of triumph, derived from the Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat, was officially opened in 1924, only to be made redundant just 24 years later when the last British regiment ceremoniously departed India through its archway.

Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this poignant Mughal mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. Many have tried to sum up its beauty, but even the poets of the time were unable to do this magnificent building justice.

The Buddhist caves of Ajanta date from around 200 BC to 650 AD, predating those at Ellora. As Ellora developed and Buddhism gradually declined, the Ajanta caves were abandoned and eventually forgotten. But in 1819 a British hunting party stumbled upon them, and their remote beauty was soon unveiled.

Khajuraho's temples were built during the Chandela period, a dynasty that survived for five centuries before falling to the Mughal onslaught. Most date from one century-long burst of creative genius from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost as intriguing as the sheer beauty and size of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here.

Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Travelling the backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. The larger boats are motorised but there are numerous smaller boats propelled by punting with a long bamboo pole.

The colourful indoor Crawford Market (officially known as the Mahatma Phule Market) is the last outpost of British Bombay before the tumult of the central bazaars begins. It used to be the city's wholesale produce market before this was strategically moved to New Bombay. Today it's where central Mumbai goes shopping for its fruit, vegetables and meat.

This is perhaps the liveliest fort in India - about 25% of the old city's population resides within the fort walls. There are homes hidden in the laneways, and shops and stalls are swaddled in the kaleidoscopic mirrors and embroideries of brilliant Rajasthani cloth.

Built in the mid-16th century by the senior wife of the second Mughal emperor, this is the first important example of Mughal architecture in India. It's also one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and should not be missed. The elements of its design are echoed in the later Taj Mahal.