Western India

Region

Desert palaces, a great city and the beaches of the west coast. Rajasthan has Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Mumbai is India's commercial capital, Maharashtra has the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora, Goa has beaches and Portuguese churches, and Gujarat has the Rann of Kutch and the last Asiatic lions in Gir. October to March is best.

Western India Hawa MahalAjanta CavesSabarmati AshramStatue of UnityKeoladeo National ParkAravalli RangeLothalDholaviraGir National ParkSomnath templeRanthambore National ParkSalsette IslandKailasa Temple, ElloraNarendra Modi StadiumBibi Ka MaqbaraElephanta IslandKalibanganDudhsagar FallsJal MahalLake PalaceBasilica of Bom JesusHaji Ali DargahKarla CavesKarni Mata TempleSe CathedralBhimashankar TempleDilwara TempleDwarakadhish TempleKali Tiger ReserveMumbaiAurangabadJaipurJodhpurGateway of IndiaEllora CavesAmber FortMehrangarh FortAhmedabadPuneSuratNagpurVadodaraNashikAjmerGandhinagarUdaipurThaneRajkotBikanerKota, RajasthanSolapur

Western India essentials

Country: India
Driest months: Feb-Apr
Pay in: Rupee (₨)
Emergency: 101

Where to Go in Western India

City Mumbai MumbaiIndia's financial center and bustling metropolis City Ahmedabad AhmedabadIndia's major city and cultural hub City Pune PuneCity known for its educational institutions Island Salsette Island Salsette IslandIsland in Maharashtra containing most of Mumbai metropolis Island Elephanta Island Elephanta IslandIsland near Mumbai with ancient rock-cut cave temples Island Khanderi KhanderiIsland fort off Mumbai coast with cannon batteries History Amber Fort Amber FortHilltop Rajput fortress with ornate palaces and ramparts History Hawa Mahal Hawa MahalOrnate pink sandstone palace with lattice windows History Gateway of India Gateway of IndiaMonumental arch commemorating colonial-era royal visit Nature Keoladeo National Park Keoladeo National ParkSeasonal wetland reserve internationally important for migratory birds Nature Aravalli Range Aravalli RangeAncient Indian mountain range running through Rajasthan Nature Gir National Park Gir National ParkLast refuge of the Asiatic lion in India
Regions & Cities
Mumbai Explore Mumbai Mumbai mixes colonial architecture and chawls with seafront promenades; travelers come for the Gateway of India, vada pav and seafood at bazaars, the cinematic pulse of Bollywood, and ferry rides to Elephanta Caves. Aurangabad Explore Aurangabad Tourists use Aurangabad as a base for Ajanta and Ellora’s rock-cut caves and to see the domed Bibi Ka Maqbara. Jaipur Explore Jaipur City walls and pink sandstone facades frame bazaars selling block-printed textiles, spices, and artisan jewelry. Jodhpur Explore Jodhpur Mehrangarh’s ramparts tower above a sea of blue houses; tourists climb the fort, browse Sardar Market, ride into the Thar Desert and eat laal maas and mirchi vada. Gateway of India Explore Gateway of India Mumbai’s Gateway of India sits on the waterfront as a ceremonial arch completed in the 1920s; visitors gather for harbour views, boat services to Elephanta Caves and the colonial‑era architecture of the surrounding Apollo Bunder area. Ellora Caves Explore Ellora Caves Ellora’s rock‑cut complex in Maharashtra contains Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples carved from solid rock, including the monolithic Kailasa temple; visitors study ceremonial layouts, intricate reliefs and large‑scale ancient engineering. Amber Fort Explore Amber Fort Amber Fort, northwest of Jaipur, features massive ramparts, mirror-work chambers like the Sheesh Mahal and courtyards reflecting Rajput architecture; visitors tour ramparts, descend to Maota Lake and catch sunset views. Mehrangarh Fort Explore Mehrangarh Fort Perched above Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort crowns a sandstone hill with extensive ramparts, palaces and a museum of arms, textiles and royal costumes.

Western India at a Glance

Local Time
5:44 AM
GMT+5:30
Population
243,349,346

Best Things to Do in Western India