21 photos that will inspire a trip to India

India overwhelms in the most wonderful of ways. Constantly in motion, this country of 1.3 billion people is one of the most vibrant, dynamic and alive places on the planet. The romantic northern region of Rajasthan hosts everything from Mugal-era palaces set in rugged landscapes to the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park. In the south, you’ll find tranquil river canals in Kerala and magnificent temples in Chennai.

But it’s the big cities that make or break your love affair with India. A symphony of chaos, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. On the city streets of Mumbai, auto-rickshaws weave among an endless congestion of cars, Tata trucks, cows, sometimes chickens and dogs, and elaborately decorated tractors. Local trains burst to the brim with commuters on weekdays, and provide a beautiful, breezy way for tourists to see the city on weekends. With vibrancy at every turn, we’ll take you on a photo journey through incredible India.

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From the top of Amber Fort (pictured), near Jaipur, you can peer out and see the equally stunning Jaigarh Fort off in the distance.

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A man successfully charms his cobra in Amber Fort on the outskirts of Jaipur.

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A camel helps lug bricks on the bustling streets at the foot of Amber Fort.

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In all of its marble splendor, the Taj Mahal stands boldly asa symbol of love. Thiswonder of the world does not disappoint.

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Sunrise is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal because there are fewer crowds and the morning sun casts a honey-colored glow across the white marble.

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With one of the most spectular pools in the world, the Oberoi Amarvilas is the place to stay while visiting the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra.

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All smiles here at Agra Fort.

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The entrance to Agra Fort, one of thegreat remaining forts of the Mughal era.

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The view of the local trains in Mumbai from the platform. On the weekends, the trains are less crowded, so hop aboard and head south to Colaba, the historic part of town.

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Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji train station impresses with its wildly ornate details and architectural influences from gothic, Victorian, Islamic and Hindu styles.

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Majestic peacocks perch atop a fallen tree in Ranthambore National Park.

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Beyond the tigers, Ranthambore National park is home to the 10th-century ruins of Ranthambore Fort.

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Inside the 1920’s safari-style accommodations at Sher Bagh Luxury Tented Camp on the edge of Ranthambore National Park.

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A tiger spotted in Ranthambore National Park. In addition to the magnificent jungle cats, you can see antelope, monkey, jackal, deer, wild boar, birds and the very rare sloth bear.

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Once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace is now a magnificent hotel.

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Dine like a royal in the highly-regarded Survarna Mahal restaurant at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.

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Some say the Jain Temple Ranakpur rivals the Taj Mahal inside. While it lies off the beaten path in a remote region of Rajasthan, Jain Temple is well worth the visit.

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Afternoon break from the heat along the bustling streets of Udaipur.

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India is home to many of the world’s best hotels, but the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur definitely takes the cake!

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The grand entry courtyard at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur.

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Riding a rickshaw in India is both an exhilarating experience and excellent way to see a city.

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