India is the largest country in South Asia, with plenty of natural and historical places of interest to see. If you are arriving at Delhi, as many visitors do, you can witness many important and interesting places each day.

Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri

No visit to India can be complete without a stop at this great marble monument, which is the epitome of an Emperor’s love for his wife. The beauty of the intricate designs on the marble and the façade of this structure will take your breath away. On the way back, stop at Fatehpur Sikri fort. This red sandstone fort, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, is a beautiful piece of architecture. It is well preserved and stands as testimony to the ingenuity of the craftsmen of that era.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

You can visit the famous sanctuary in the morning and drive back to Delhi in the night. The trip is worth the effort, as the sanctuary attracts many species of birds, especially in the winter months. There are also many different plants that can be found in this sanctuary.

Sultanpur Lake

This lake is about a one and a half hour drive from Delhi. A peaceful spot, it is crowed only on Sundays and holidays. It is a bird sanctuary, and many migratory birds also visit this place in the winter. There are many good restaurants in the area as well.

Kurukshetra

Here you can enjoy a boat ride in the lake and joyrides on an array of amusement parks. You can also visit some of the holiest places in India.

Jaipur

You must visit this royal city and see the magnificent Amber Fort. You can take an elephant ride to the top. Next, visit the old observatory or Jantar Mantar. The giant sundial here is worth a stop. After lunch, check out the Hawa Mahal in the heart of the city. Also in the vicnity is the City Palace, which gives you a glimpse of how the royals lived in Rajasthan – the land of the kings. In the evening, stroll around the local shops before returning to Delhi the same night. Although some of these trips will stretch you to 16 hour days, the places listed here are all worth a visit from Delhi.