![scene of sunset on Mountain Peaks "panchachuli](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/29_mind_blowing_photos...jpg)
India has a lot to recommend it: the beautiful landscapes, the thriving cities, the rich nature…and who could forget the food? These 29 mind-blowing photos of India capture all different sides of this vibrant country – it’s enough to leave you with a serious case of wanderlust. We challenge you to scroll through all 29 without being inspired to book your next trip.
![scene of sunset on Mountain Peaks "panchachuli](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hotels.jpg)
Nowhere does luxury quite like India. Whether you’re staying in a palace (and almost literally rubbing shoulders with royalty) or are booked in for a glamping stay, a pampering hotel is the best way to kick off your trip.
1. You could be lounging by the beautiful pool at Devi Garh.
![1-devigarh](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1.devigarh.jpg)
© Devi Garh
2. Or at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Rajasthan. Yes, this really is a hotel.
![2-oberoiudaivilas](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2.oberoiudaivilas.jpg)
© Oberoi Hotels
3. You can always find yourself a retreat in the middle of the city at the Taj Mahal Mumbai.
![3-tajmahalmumbai](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/3.tajmahalmumbai.jpg)
© Taj Hotels
4. How about a brush with royalty at a real palace hotel?
![4-tajfalaknumapalace](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/4.tajfalaknumapalace.jpg)
© Taj Hotels
5. Or a luxury glamping getaway far from the bustling city?
![5-amanikhas](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/5.amanikhas.jpg)
© Aman-i-Khás
India – a beach destination? Definitely. From popular stretches along Goa and Kerala to islands in the middle of the turquoise-hued Bay of Bengal, there are glorious stretches of sun and surf to behold.
6. No wonder Goa’s beaches are famous for being some of India’s best.
![6-goa](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/6.goa_.jpg)
© Leroy Julien/iStock/Thinkstock
7. After soaking up the sun, imagine heading to a cosy cottage before dinner…
![7-goa](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/7.goa_.jpg)
© MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski/iStock/Thinkstock
8. Sunset in Kerala. Oh yes.
![8-kerala](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/8.kerala.jpg)
9. Yes, the waters of the Bay of Bengal really are this color – though perhaps you need to see them yourself to be sure.
![9-bayofbengal](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/9.bayofbengal.jpg)
© Zoonar/P.Malyshev/Zoonar/Thinkstock
10. A group of islands off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is all white sand and aquamarine water.
![10-lakshadweep](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/10.lakshadweep.jpg)
© Aleksandar Todorovic/iStock/Thinkstock
Get your camera (or your Instagram) at the ready – these stunning buildings show off India’s amazing and diverse architecture.
11. It’s hard to be sure which time of day flatters the Golden Temple in Amritsar the most…
![11-goldentemple](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/11.goldentemple.jpg)
© mariusz_prusaczyk/iStock/Thinkstock
12. A palace on water. Perfection.
![12-jalmahal](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/12.jalmahal.jpg)
13. The incredible Hawa Mahal ranks among the most beautiful sights in Rajasthan.
![13-hawamahal](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/13.hawamahal.jpg)
© Byelikova_Oksana/iStock/Thinkstock
14. And who could forget the “teardrop on the face of eternity,” the Taj Mahal herself?
![14-tajmahal](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/14.tajmahal.jpg)
© Byelikova_Oksana/iStock/Thinkstock
15. The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is more modern than many of India’s famous buildings – but no less striking.
![15-lotustemple](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/15.lotustemple.jpg)
© somchaisom/iStock/Thinkstock
It’s almost impossible to summarise India’s culture, given its millennia of history and extraordinary diversity. Suffice it to say that the country is always captivating, for first-time travelers and repeat visitors alike.
16. The famous Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most surprising events in the country.
![16-pushkarcamelfair](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/16.pushkarcamelfair.jpg)
17. Leading to the sacred Ganges, the Varanasi Ghats host daily rituals as well as religious celebrations.
![17-varanasi](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/17.varanasi.jpg)
18. That’s one good-looking elephant.
![18-elephant](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/18.elephant.jpg)
19. For many, delicious Indian food is one of the biggest reasons to visit.
![19-food](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/19.food_.jpg)
© Maris Kiselov/iStock/Thinkstock
20. Lucky visitors can witness traditional dance performances.
![20-dancer](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/20.dancer.jpg)
© JeremyRichards/iStock/Thinkstock
India isn’t India without its tigers. Or its monkeys. Or its jungles, or mountains, or deserts. If you’re looking for a wild getaway, the subcontinent has plenty in store.
21. Kerala’s backwaters were made for lazy trips along the water.
![21-kerala](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/21.kerala.jpg)
22. Tea is important here – and the country’s beautiful tea plantations are worth visiting, too.
![22-teaplantation](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/22.teaplantation.jpg)
23. The Sahara? No: it’s the golden Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
![23-thardesert](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/23.thardesert.jpg)
24. The world’s third tallest peak, Kanchenjunga, is located on the Indian-Nepalese border.
![24-kanchenjunga](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/24.kanchenjunga.jpg)
25. India has many beautiful wild tigers – why not go on a safari trip to spot them?
![25-tiger](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/25.tiger_.jpg)
© julianwphoto/iStock/Thinkstock
26. And tigers aren’t the only big cats to call the subcontinent home.
![26-leopard](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/26.leopard.jpg)
© Kyslynskyy/iStock/Thinkstock
27. Brilliant spots of color: see how many wild parrots you can find on your next trip.
![27-parrot](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/27.parrot.jpg)
28. Turns out lions aren’t just in Africa: discover the elusive and majestic Asiatic lion.
![28-asiatic-lion](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/28.-asiatic-lion.jpg)
29. Heading to India? Get used to seeing monkeys almost everywhere – like this funny little fellow at Hampi.
![29-monkey](https://www.greavesindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/29.monkey.jpg)
© Skouatroulio/iStock/Thinkstock