Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru: Your Journey to India Starts Here

Travel possibilities are limitless in the world’s most populous country. Find your way to vibrant markets, lush jungles, historic palaces, and rock-carved caves when you fly to India with Lufthansa. Here are some of our top picks, conveniently located in or just outside some of India’s most dynamic and accessible hubs.

Delhi

Dive into history at the Red Fort.

In the heart of Old Delhi, a once-walled city founded in 1648, the Red Fort rises like a monolith. Made of red sandstone, the luminous citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site completed the same year that Old Delhi was established — and the same year that the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was built.

Shah Jahan also commissioned the construction of the Red Fort, which served as a Mughal imperial residence for two centuries before becoming a fortress. Today, it stands as a resolute marvel of Mughal architecture. Guests are welcome to visit the gardens, Mughal monuments, numerous pavilions, halls, barracks, and museums like the Red Fort Centre. The fort’s sprawling courtyards are particularly pleasant to explore in the winter months, when Delhi’s usually intense heat gives way to crisp, sunny days.

Shop your way through Chandni Chowk.

Also in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is one of India’s most cacophonous street markets. Established shortly after the Red Fort, it was designed to be an ornate, tree-lined central square for Shah Jahan’s new capital and initially stretched for 1,520 yards. The emperor’s daughter, Princess Jahanara Begum, created the market as a destination for silver merchants.

Now the dizzying maze of streets and alleyways is a destination for travelers. The scent of spices wafts in the air from Khari Baoli (the largest wholesale spice market in Asia) as vendors sell everything from kulfi (Indian ice cream) and chaat (fried dough snacks) to fabrics, textiles, jewelry, beads, books, bridal wear, and much more. Keep an eye out for seasonal treats like gajar ka halwa (a warm carrot dessert) during a winter visit to the market.

Set sail at Swaminarayan Akshardham.

Among the largest Hindu temples on Earth, Swaminarayan Akshardham was built in 2005 as an immersive attraction. Flanking the mighty sandstone temple, which rises more than 140 feet and spans more than 300 feet in both width and length, are three large halls with exhibits that function more like rides.

These include Sahajanand Darshan, a walk-through attraction with animatronics and videos celebrating love, fearlessness, and humility; Neelkanth Darshan, a big-screen film showcasing the breadth and natural beauty of India; and Sanskruti Darshan, a boat ride through thousands of years of Indian history. Don’t miss the nightly water shows, held in the central pool at the Arena, set to video projections and laser lights.

Mumbai

Explore the caves at Elephanta Island.

Set in the Sea of Oman, near India’s largest city of Mumbai, Elephanta Island stands as a time-honored monument to the Hindu god Shiva. Amid architectural remnants dating as far back as the second century BC, the Elephanta Caves were carved into rock as temples — including the majestic Cave 1, lined with columns and courtyards and fronted by a massive sculpture, Sadashiva, depicting Shiva’s role as Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer.

The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases a labyrinthine patchwork of rock-cut architectural innovation. The island is accessible via ferries that leave every half hour from the Gateway of India, a landmark arch in Mumbai, and there’s a museum on the island with information on the history of the caves. Pro tip: Cooler winter seas also mean calmer, more enjoyable ferry crossings to the island — perfect for a half-day escape from Mumbai’s bustle.

Swap crowds for jungles at Sanjay Ghandi National Park.

In a city of 22 million, a reprieve in nature can be rejuvenating. Sanjay Ghandi National Park, located on the north side of the city, is an oasis of flora and fauna, providing sanctuary for animals like leopards, striped hyenas, crocodiles, monkeys, bats, and cobras. For nature connoisseurs, the 34-squire-mile park — among the largest parks within city limits — presents ample opportunities for exploration, including hiking the Shilonda trail, embarking on a boat ride on Vihar Lake, or exploring the butterfly garden.

Don’t miss the Kanheri Caves, a network of 109 Buddhist rock-cut chambers dating to the first century BC. Trekking in the jungles at the national park requires a permit, or you can go on a guided safari with the Bombay Natural History Society. Plan your visit during winter for milder temperatures and clearer air that make jungle treks and safaris more comfortable.

Bengaluru

Explore royal lore at Bangalore Palace.

Capital of the state of Karnataka and the epicenter of India’s tech industry, Bengaluru hosts myriad sites and attractions that speak to the city’s pioneering past. One great example is Bangalore Palace, a longtime home for the royal Wadiyar family built in 1887. One of the family members still lives in a private wing of the palace, but sections have been open to the public since 2005.

Situated on 472 sprawling acres, the 35-room property was constructed under the British Empire and uniquely designed to replicate Windsor Palace’s architecture. You can tour the museum and the ballroom as well as the gardens outside. Interestingly, there’s even an amusement and water park, Fun World, located on the palace grounds.

Stop and smell the flowers at K.R. Market.

One of Asia’s largest flower markets and Bengaluru’s oldest centers of commerce, K.R. Market — otherwise known as City Market — is another must-visit street market in India. Open since 1928, the outdoor-indoor complex is particularly renowned for its selection of flowers, with vendors lining up before dawn to sell a fragrant kaleidoscope of roses, jasmine, orchids, and more. That said, there’s also a seemingly endless array of shops and stalls where both personal and wholesale shoppers can stock up on everything from produce and spices to kitchen utensils and tools. Arrive early in the morning to experience the market at its most bustling — and to ensure the flowers aren’t sold out yet.

With so much to see, do, smell, taste, and touch across India, Lufthansa is your literal boarding pass for a universe of sensory experiences. Book now to start your journey.