With a history dating back to 3200 BC, modern India is both anachronistic and sophisticated. India is a land where elephants can still be seen transporting goods and where Bollywood produces thousands of movies each year. Ancient temples line the horizon alongside industrial buildings. This mixture of old and new is one of India’s exciting features.

For a look into the world of Bollywood travel to Indian city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). These musical films have been gaining popularity around the world for their lavish costumes, entertaining songs, and big dance numbers.

While in Mumbai visit the Jehangir Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art. A visit to the Asiatic Society of Bombay, the city’s oldest library, is interesting and often overlooked.

From Mumbai you will want to continue to the Pink City of Jaipur. This colorful city feature wide avenues and beautifully designed buildings. The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is one of the most visited attractions in Jaipur. Five stories tall and constructed of red and pink sandstone, this palace complex features 953 small windows. In the hot months the winds move through the windows keeping the palace cool (and giving the palace its name).

While the Palace of the Winds is beautiful, nothing can compare to the wonder of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built between 1631 and 1654, is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture. With magnificent gardens and reflecting pools lining the walkway to the Taj Mahal, visitors often stand in awe at this stunning building…a must for every person who visits India.

With an array of attractions to visit, a history to discovery, and a wonderful culture to witness, India should be at the top of every world traveler’s list for places to visit.