India · Theme guide
Free to Visit in India
No ticket needed for Indian or foreign visitors. Some charge for cameras, parking, shoe deposit or special ceremonies — those are noted on each guide.
Quick answer
The best free places to visit in India are the Golden Temple, the Gateway of India, Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Attari–Wagah Border Ceremony and India Gate. Uttarakhand has the most (24 of 196). Visit between October and March, and bring small change for shoe deposits and camera fees.
Updated · Compiled by Traveliac, AI-assisted · Ranked on our published criteria
1Golden Temple · Amritsar
2Gateway of India · Mumbai
3Dashashwamedh Ghat
4Attari–Wagah Border Ceremony
5India Gate196
free places to visit
21
states & territories
15
UNESCO sites
Oct–Mar
best months
Top 10 free places to visit in India
Ranked by our editors on the same criteria as every Traveliac guide: what you see for your time and money, how well it’s kept, and how easy it is to visit.
- 1Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)Gurdwara · Amritsar, PunjabSikhism’s holiest gurdwara, with a free community kitchenFree3 hrs
- 2Gateway of IndiaMonument · Mumbai, MaharashtraMumbai’s harbour arch, completed in 1924Free30 min
- 3Dashashwamedh GhatTemple · Varanasi, Uttar PradeshThe main ghat for the evening Ganga aartiFree1.5 hrs
- 4Attari–Wagah Border CeremonyHeritage · Amritsar, PunjabDaily flag-lowering ceremony at the borderFree3.5 hrs
- 5India GateMemorial · New Delhi, DelhiWar memorial at the end of Kartavya PathFree1 hr
- 6
Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing NetsFort · Kochi, KeralaChinese fishing nets and colonial streetsFree2.5 hrs - 7
Jallianwala BaghMemorial · Amritsar, PunjabMemorial garden to the 1919 massacreFree45 min - 8
Jama MasjidMosque · New Delhi, DelhiShah Jahan’s great mosque in Old DelhiFree1 hr - 9
Virupaksha TempleTemple · Hampi, Karnataka · UNESCOHampi’s working temple, still in daily worshipFree1 hr - 10
FontainhasHeritage · Panaji, GoaPanaji’s Portuguese-era Latin quarterFree1.5 hrs
All 196 free places to visit by state
Showing all 196 free places to visit.
Uttarakhand24 places
UttarakhandFree entryHar Ki Pauri
Temple · Haridwar
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryKempty Falls
Waterfall · Mussoorie
Free2 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryNaini Lake
Lake · Nainital
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryRam Jhula
Temple · Rishikesh
Free20 min
UttarakhandFree entryGun Hill
Viewpoint · Mussoorie
Free1 hr
UttarakhandFree entryMaya Devi Temple
Temple · Haridwar
Free45 min
UttarakhandFree entryNaina Devi Temple
Temple · Nainital
Free45 min
UttarakhandFree entryParmarth Niketan Ashram & Ganga Aarti
Temple · Rishikesh
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryBhimgoda Tank
Temple · Haridwar
Free30 min
UttarakhandFree entryMall Road Nainital
Heritage · Nainital
Free2 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryCamel's Back Road
Nature · Mussoorie
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryMansa Devi Temple
Temple · Haridwar
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entrySt. John in the Wilderness Church
Church · Nainital
Free40 min
UttarakhandFree entryChandi Devi Temple
Temple · Haridwar
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryShivpuri
Heritage · Rishikesh
Free3 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryBharat Mata Mandir
Temple · Haridwar
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryNeelkanth Mahadev Temple
Temple · Rishikesh
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entrySnow View Point
Nature · Nainital
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryDaksha Mahadev Temple
Temple · Haridwar
Free45 min
UttarakhandFree entryGeorge Everest's House
Heritage · Mussoorie
Free1 hr
UttarakhandFree entryNaina Peak
Viewpoint · Nainital
Free5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryCloud's End
Heritage · Mussoorie
Free1.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryTiffin Top
Nature · Nainital
Free2.5 hrs
UttarakhandFree entryHanuman Garhi
Temple · Nainital
Free45 min
Rajasthan21 places
RajasthanFree entryPushkar Lake
Lake · Pushkar
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryBrahma Temple
Temple · Pushkar
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryLake Pichola
Lake · Udaipur
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entrySavitri Temple
Temple · Pushkar
Free2 hrs
RajasthanFree entryGadisar Lake
Lake · Jaisalmer
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryGhanta Ghar Clock Tower & Sardar Market
Market · Jodhpur
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryJagdish Temple
Temple · Udaipur
Free30 min
RajasthanFree entryPushkar Bazaar (Sadar Bazaar)
Market · Pushkar
Free2 hrs
RajasthanFree entryRangji Temple
Temple · Pushkar
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryToorji Ka Jhalra
Heritage · Jodhpur
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryMandore Gardens
Garden · Jodhpur
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryVaraha Temple
Temple · Pushkar
Free30 min
RajasthanFree entryFateh Sagar Lake
Lake · Udaipur
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryPushkar Camel Fair Ground (Mela Ground)
Attraction · Pushkar
Free3 hrs
RajasthanFree entryChamunda Mata Temple
Temple · Jodhpur
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryPanna Meena Ka Kund
Heritage · Jaipur
Free30 min
RajasthanFree entryAmbrai Ghat
Nature · Udaipur
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryJal Mahal (Water Palace)
Palace · Jaipur
Free45 min
RajasthanFree entryKaylana Lake
Lake · Jodhpur
Free1.5 hrs
RajasthanFree entryGalta Ji (Monkey Temple & Sun Temple)
Temple · Jaipur
Free2 hrs
RajasthanFree entryBirla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
Temple · Jaipur
Free45 min
Tamil Nadu19 places
Tamil NaduFree entryKapaleeshwarar Temple
Temple · Chennai
Free1 hr
Tamil NaduFree entryMarina Beach
Beach · Chennai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOArjuna's Penance
Heritage · Mahabalipuram
Free30 min
Tamil NaduFree entryGandhi Memorial Museum
Memorial · Madurai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOKrishna Mandapam
Temple · Mahabalipuram
Free20 min
Tamil NaduFree entrySan Thome Basilica
Church · Chennai
Free1 hr
Tamil NaduFree entryVandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Temple · Madurai
Free45 min
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOGanesha Ratha
Temple · Mahabalipuram
Free20 min
Tamil NaduFree entryThiruparankundram Murugan Temple
Temple · Madurai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryAlagar Kovil
Temple · Madurai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOKrishna's Butter Ball
Heritage · Mahabalipuram
Free15 min
Tamil NaduFree entryParthasarathy Temple
Temple · Chennai
Free1 hr
Tamil NaduFree entryPykara Falls & Lake
Waterfall · Ooty
Free2 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryKoodal Azhagar Temple
Temple · Madurai
Free1 hr
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOVaraha Cave Temple
Temple · Mahabalipuram
Free30 min
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOMahishasuramardini Cave Temple
Temple · Mahabalipuram
Free20 min
Tamil NaduFree entrySamanar Hills
Heritage · Madurai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryPazhamudircholai
Waterfall · Madurai
Free1.5 hrs
Tamil NaduFree entryUNESCOTiger Cave
Temple · Mahabalipuram
Free45 min
Himachal Pradesh15 places
Himachal PradeshFree entryHadimba Devi Temple
Temple · Manali
Free45 min
Himachal PradeshFree entryMall Road
Heritage · Shimla
Free1.5 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entryMcLeod Ganj
Buddhist site · Dharamshala
Free4 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entryRohtang Pass
Mountain pass · Manali
Free1.5 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entryThe Ridge
Heritage · Shimla
Free1 hr
Himachal PradeshFree entryTsuglagkhang Complex
Museum · Dharamshala
Free1.5 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entryChrist Church
Church · Shimla
Free30 min
Himachal PradeshFree entryNamgyal Monastery
Monastery · Dharamshala
Free1 hr
Himachal PradeshFree entryJogini Waterfall
Waterfall · Manali
Free2.5 hrs
![Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to Hindu deity, Hanuman.[1] It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, 2.5 km /1.3 miles east from the Ridge, Shimla](/wm/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Jakhoo_temple%2Cshimla.jpg/1280px-Jakhoo_temple%2Cshimla.jpg)
Himachal PradeshFree entryJakhoo Temple
Temple · Shimla
Free1.5 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entryManikaran Sahib
Gurdwara · Manali
Free2.5 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entrySt. John in the Wilderness Church
Church · Dharamshala
Free45 min
Himachal PradeshFree entryAnnandale
Heritage · Shimla
Free1 hr
Himachal PradeshFree entryKasol
Nature · Manali
Free3 hrs
Himachal PradeshFree entrySummer Hill
Viewpoint · Shimla
Free1.5 hrs
Kerala14 places
- KeralaFree entry
Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets
Fort · Kochi
Free2.5 hrs
KeralaFree entryAlappuzha Backwaters & Houseboat Cruise
Nature · Alappuzha
Free5.5 hrs
KeralaFree entryAlappuzha Beach & Pier
Beach · Alappuzha
Free1.5 hrs
KeralaFree entrySt. Francis Church
Church · Kochi
Free30 min
KeralaFree entrySanta Cruz Basilica
Church · Kochi
Free30 min
KeralaFree entryAnamudi Peak
Wildlife · Munnar
Free1 hr
KeralaFree entryMarari Beach
Beach · Alappuzha
Free2 hrs
KeralaFree entryMarine Drive
Heritage · Kochi
Free1.5 hrs
KeralaFree entryPhoto Point
Nature · Munnar
Free20 min
KeralaFree entrySt. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal
Church · Alappuzha
Free45 min
KeralaFree entryChottanikkara Devi Temple
Temple · Kochi
Free1 hr
KeralaFree entryKundala Lake
Lake · Munnar
Free1 hr
KeralaFree entryPothamedu Viewpoint
Viewpoint · Munnar
Free30 min
KeralaFree entryAttukad Waterfalls
Waterfall · Munnar
Free30 min
Karnataka13 places
- KarnatakaFree entryUNESCO
Virupaksha Temple
Temple · Hampi
Free1 hr
KarnatakaFree entryCubbon Park
Heritage · Bengaluru
Free1.5 hrs
KarnatakaFree entryDevaraja Market
Market · Mysuru
Free1 hr
KarnatakaFree entryUNESCORoyal Enclosure & Mahanavami Dibba
Heritage · Hampi
Free1.5 hrs
KarnatakaFree entryBull Temple
Temple · Bengaluru
Free45 min
KarnatakaFree entryHemakuta Hill
Viewpoint · Hampi
Free1 hr
KarnatakaFree entryISKCON Bangalore
Temple · Bengaluru
Free1.5 hrs
KarnatakaFree entryKukkarahalli Lake
Lake · Mysuru
Free1 hr
KarnatakaFree entryChamundi Hills & Chamundeshwari Temple
Temple · Mysuru
Free2 hrs
KarnatakaFree entryMatanga Hill
Viewpoint · Hampi
Free1.5 hrs
KarnatakaFree entryUNESCOAchyutaraya Temple
Temple · Hampi
Free45 min
KarnatakaFree entryUNESCOQueen's Bath
Heritage · Hampi
Free30 min
KarnatakaFree entryUNESCOHampi Bazaar
Market · Hampi
Free1 hr
Uttar Pradesh10 places
- Uttar PradeshFree entry
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Temple · Varanasi
Free1.5 hrs
Uttar PradeshFree entryKashi Vishwanath Temple
Temple · Varanasi
Free1 hr
Uttar PradeshFree entryJama Masjid, Agra
Mosque · Agra
Free45 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryManikarnika Ghat
Temple · Varanasi
Free30 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryDurga Temple
Temple · Varanasi
Free30 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryMankameshwar Temple
Temple · Agra
Free45 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryChini Ka Rauza
Mausoleum · Agra
Free45 min
Uttar PradeshFree entrySankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Temple · Varanasi
Free45 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryTulsi Manas Temple
Temple · Varanasi
Free45 min
Uttar PradeshFree entryAssi Ghat
Temple · Varanasi
Free1.5 hrs
West Bengal9 places
West BengalFree entryPark Street
Heritage · Kolkata
Free1.5 hrs
West BengalFree entryMarble Palace
Palace · Kolkata
Free1 hr
West BengalFree entryCollege Street
Heritage · Kolkata
Free1.5 hrs
West BengalFree entryJapanese Peace Pagoda
Memorial · Darjeeling
Free45 min
West BengalFree entryKalighat Kali Temple
Temple · Kolkata
Free1 hr
West BengalFree entryHowrah Bridge
Heritage · Kolkata
Free40 min
West BengalFree entryObservatory Hill
Viewpoint · Darjeeling
Free45 min
West BengalFree entryDakshineswar Kali Temple
Temple · Kolkata
Free1.5 hrs
West BengalFree entryBelur Math
Buddhist site · Kolkata
Free2 hrs
Maharashtra8 places
- MaharashtraFree entry
Gateway of India
Monument · Mumbai
Free30 min
MaharashtraFree entryChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Monument · Mumbai
Free45 min
MaharashtraFree entryUNESCOMarine Drive
Heritage · Mumbai
Free1 hr
MaharashtraFree entryGrishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Temple · Aurangabad
Free45 min
MaharashtraFree entryHaji Ali Dargah
Dargah · Mumbai
Free1 hr
MaharashtraFree entryShree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir
Temple · Mumbai
Free45 min
MaharashtraFree entryMahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
Heritage · Mumbai
Free30 min
MaharashtraFree entryBandra Fort
Fort · Mumbai
Free45 min
Puducherry8 places
PuducherryFree entryFrench Quarter (White Town)
Heritage · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free2.5 hrs
PuducherryFree entryPromenade Beach (Goubert Avenue)
Beach · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free1.5 hrs
PuducherryFree entrySri Aurobindo Ashram
Heritage · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free45 min
PuducherryFree entryAuroville & the Matrimandir
Heritage · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free2.5 hrs
PuducherryFree entryBasilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Church · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free45 min
PuducherryFree entryParadise Beach (Plage Paradiso)
Beach · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free3 hrs
PuducherryFree entryImmaculate Conception Cathedral
Church · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free40 min
PuducherryFree entryBharathi Park & French War Memorial
Memorial · Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Free45 min
Goa7 places
- GoaFree entry
Fontainhas
Heritage · Panaji
Free1.5 hrs
GoaFree entrySe Cathedral
Church · Panaji
Free45 min
GoaFree entryFort Aguada
Fort · Panaji
Free1.5 hrs
GoaFree entryChapora Fort
Fort · Panaji
Free1 hr
GoaFree entryCalangute-Baga Beach Corridor
Beach · Panaji
Free3 hrs
GoaFree entryAnjuna Flea Market
Market · Panaji
Free2.5 hrs
GoaFree entryDona Paula Viewpoint
Beach · Panaji
Free1 hr
Gujarat7 places
GujaratFree entrySabarmati Ashram
Museum · Ahmedabad
Free1.5 hrs
GujaratFree entryAdalaj Stepwell
Heritage · Ahmedabad
Free1 hr
GujaratFree entryUNESCOSidi Saiyyed Mosque
Mosque · Ahmedabad
Free30 min
GujaratFree entryUNESCOJama Masjid, Ahmedabad
Mosque · Ahmedabad
Free45 min
GujaratFree entryHutheesing Jain Temple
Jain temple · Ahmedabad
Free45 min
GujaratFree entrySabarmati Riverfront
Heritage · Ahmedabad
Free1.5 hrs
GujaratFree entryJhulta Minar (Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir Mosque)
Mosque · Ahmedabad
Free20 min
Madhya Pradesh7 places
Madhya PradeshFree entryGurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Sahib
Gurdwara · Gwalior
Free1 hr
Madhya PradeshFree entryParsvanatha Temple
Jain temple · Khajuraho
Free45 min
Madhya PradeshFree entryTomb of Tansen
Mausoleum · Gwalior
Free45 min
Madhya PradeshFree entryChausath Yogini Temple
Temple · Khajuraho
Free30 min
Madhya PradeshFree entryDuladeo Temple
Temple · Khajuraho
Free45 min
Madhya PradeshFree entrySun Temple, Gwalior
Temple · Gwalior
Free45 min
Madhya PradeshFree entryJavari Temple
Temple · Khajuraho
Free30 min
Delhi6 places
- DelhiFree entry
India Gate
Memorial · New Delhi
Free1 hr
- DelhiFree entry
Jama Masjid
Mosque · New Delhi
Free1 hr
DelhiFree entryChandni Chowk
Market · New Delhi
Free3 hrs
DelhiFree entryLotus Temple
Temple · New Delhi
Free1 hr
DelhiFree entryAkshardham Temple
Temple · New Delhi
Free3.5 hrs
DelhiFree entryLodhi Gardens
Garden · New Delhi
Free1.5 hrs
Odisha5 places
Bihar5 places
BiharFree entryMahabodhi Temple Complex
Buddhist site · Bodh Gaya
Free1.5 hrs
BiharFree entryMuchalinda Lake
Lake · Bodh Gaya
Free15 min
BiharFree entryWat Thai Buddhagaya
Buddhist site · Bodh Gaya
Free30 min
BiharFree entryIndosan Nipponji Japanese Temple
Buddhist site · Bodh Gaya
Free30 min
BiharFree entrySujata Stupa
Stupa · Bodh Gaya
Free40 min
Ladakh5 places
Sikkim5 places
SikkimFree entryTsomgo Lake
Lake · Gangtok
Free1.5 hrs
SikkimFree entryRumtek Monastery
Monastery · Gangtok
Free1.5 hrs
SikkimFree entryNathu La Pass
Mountain pass · Gangtok
Free45 min
SikkimFree entryEnchey Monastery
Monastery · Gangtok
Free45 min
SikkimFree entryGanesh Tok & Hanuman Tok
Temple · Gangtok
Free1 hr
Punjab4 places
Other statesJammu & Kashmir, Telangana · 4 places
Free to Visit compared
| Place | State | Type | Indian fee | Time needed | UNESCO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) | Punjab | Gurdwara | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| Gateway of India | Maharashtra | Monument | Free | 30 min | No |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Attari–Wagah Border Ceremony | Punjab | Heritage | Free | 3.5 hrs | No |
| India Gate | Delhi | Memorial | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets | Kerala | Fort | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Jallianwala Bagh | Punjab | Memorial | Free | 45 min | No |
| Jama Masjid | Delhi | Mosque | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Virupaksha Temple | Karnataka | Temple | Free | 1 hr | Yes |
| Fontainhas | Goa | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Alappuzha Backwaters & Houseboat Cruise | Kerala | Nature | Free | 5.5 hrs | No |
| Dal Lake & Shikara Rides | Jammu & Kashmir | Lake | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| French Quarter (White Town) | Puducherry | Heritage | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Hadimba Devi Temple | Himachal Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Har Ki Pauri | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Jagannath Temple, Puri | Odisha | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Kapaleeshwarar Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Kempty Falls | Uttarakhand | Waterfall | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Mahabodhi Temple Complex | Bihar | Buddhist site | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Mall Road | Himachal Pradesh | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| McLeod Ganj | Himachal Pradesh | Buddhist site | Free | 4 hrs | No |
| Naini Lake | Uttarakhand | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Pangong Tso | Ladakh | Lake | Free | 5 hrs | No |
| Pushkar Lake | Rajasthan | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Ram Jhula | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 20 min | No |
| Sabarmati Ashram | Gujarat | Museum | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Se Cathedral | Goa | Church | Free | 45 min | No |
| Tsomgo Lake | Sikkim | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Adalaj Stepwell | Gujarat | Heritage | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Alappuzha Beach & Pier | Kerala | Beach | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Brahma Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Maharashtra | Monument | Free | 45 min | No |
| Cubbon Park | Karnataka | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Gun Hill | Uttarakhand | Viewpoint | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Lake Pichola | Rajasthan | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Marina Beach | Tamil Nadu | Beach | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Maya Devi Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Mecca Masjid | Telangana | Mosque | Free | 30 min | No |
| Muchalinda Lake | Bihar | Lake | Free | 15 min | No |
| Naina Devi Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Nubra Valley | Ladakh | Nature | Free | 24 hrs | No |
| Parmarth Niketan Ashram & Ganga Aarti | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Promenade Beach (Goubert Avenue) | Puducherry | Beach | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Rohtang Pass | Himachal Pradesh | Mountain pass | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Rumtek Monastery | Sikkim | Monastery | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| St. Francis Church | Kerala | Church | Free | 30 min | No |
| The Ridge | Himachal Pradesh | Heritage | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Tsuglagkhang Complex | Himachal Pradesh | Museum | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Arjuna's Penance | Tamil Nadu | Heritage | Free | 30 min | Yes |
| Bhimgoda Tank | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Christ Church | Himachal Pradesh | Church | Free | 30 min | No |
| Devaraja Market | Karnataka | Market | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Fort Aguada | Goa | Fort | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Gandhi Memorial Museum | Tamil Nadu | Memorial | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Jama Masjid, Agra | Uttar Pradesh | Mosque | Free | 45 min | No |
| Mall Road Nainital | Uttarakhand | Heritage | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Manikarnika Ghat | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Namgyal Monastery | Himachal Pradesh | Monastery | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Nathu La Pass | Sikkim | Mountain pass | Free | 45 min | No |
| Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village | Odisha | Heritage | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Royal Enclosure & Mahanavami Dibba | Karnataka | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | Yes |
| Santa Cruz Basilica | Kerala | Church | Free | 30 min | No |
| Savitri Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Sidi Saiyyed Mosque | Gujarat | Mosque | Free | 30 min | Yes |
| Sri Aurobindo Ashram | Puducherry | Heritage | Free | 45 min | No |
| Wat Thai Buddhagaya | Bihar | Buddhist site | Free | 30 min | No |
| Auroville & the Matrimandir | Puducherry | Heritage | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Camel's Back Road | Uttarakhand | Nature | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Chandni Chowk | Delhi | Market | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| Durga Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Gadisar Lake | Rajasthan | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower & Sardar Market | Rajasthan | Market | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple | Bihar | Buddhist site | Free | 30 min | No |
| Jagdish Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Mosque | Free | 45 min | Yes |
| Jamia Masjid Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir | Mosque | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Jogini Waterfall | Himachal Pradesh | Waterfall | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Krishna Mandapam | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 20 min | Yes |
| Mankameshwar Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Mansa Devi Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Marine Drive | Maharashtra | Heritage | Free | 1 hr | Yes |
| Park Street | West Bengal | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Pushkar Bazaar (Sadar Bazaar) | Rajasthan | Market | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| San Thome Basilica | Tamil Nadu | Church | Free | 1 hr | No |
| St. John in the Wilderness Church | Uttarakhand | Church | Free | 40 min | No |
| Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Anamudi Peak | Kerala | Wildlife | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | Puducherry | Church | Free | 45 min | No |
| Bull Temple | Karnataka | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Chandi Devi Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Chapora Fort | Goa | Fort | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Chini Ka Rauza | Uttar Pradesh | Mausoleum | Free | 45 min | No |
| Enchey Monastery | Sikkim | Monastery | Free | 45 min | No |
| Ganesha Ratha | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 20 min | Yes |
| Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple | Maharashtra | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Gundicha Temple | Odisha | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Sahib | Madhya Pradesh | Gurdwara | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Jakhoo Temple | Himachal Pradesh | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Manikaran Sahib | Himachal Pradesh | Gurdwara | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Marari Beach | Kerala | Beach | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Marble Palace | West Bengal | Palace | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Rangji Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Shanti Stupa | Ladakh | Stupa | Free | 45 min | No |
| Shivpuri | Uttarakhand | Heritage | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| St. John in the Wilderness Church | Himachal Pradesh | Church | Free | 45 min | No |
| Sujata Stupa | Bihar | Stupa | Free | 40 min | No |
| Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Toorji Ka Jhalra | Rajasthan | Heritage | Free | 45 min | No |
| Alagar Kovil | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Annandale | Himachal Pradesh | Heritage | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Bharat Mata Mandir | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Calangute-Baga Beach Corridor | Goa | Beach | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| College Street | West Bengal | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok | Sikkim | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Haji Ali Dargah | Maharashtra | Dargah | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Hall Bazaar & Katra Jaimal Singh | Punjab | Market | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Hemakuta Hill | Karnataka | Viewpoint | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Hutheesing Jain Temple | Gujarat | Jain temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| ISKCON Bangalore | Karnataka | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Kasol | Himachal Pradesh | Nature | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| Khardung La Pass | Ladakh | Mountain pass | Free | 30 min | No |
| Krishna's Butter Ball | Tamil Nadu | Heritage | Free | 15 min | Yes |
| Kukkarahalli Lake | Karnataka | Lake | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Lotus Temple | Delhi | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Mandore Gardens | Rajasthan | Garden | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Marine Drive | Kerala | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Narendra Tank | Odisha | Heritage | Free | 30 min | No |
| Neelkanth Mahadev Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Paradise Beach (Plage Paradiso) | Puducherry | Beach | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| Parsvanatha Temple | Madhya Pradesh | Jain temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Parthasarathy Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Photo Point | Kerala | Nature | Free | 20 min | No |
| Pykara Falls & Lake | Tamil Nadu | Waterfall | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Snow View Point | Uttarakhand | Nature | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal | Kerala | Church | Free | 45 min | No |
| Tomb of Tansen | Madhya Pradesh | Mausoleum | Free | 45 min | No |
| Tulsi Manas Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Varaha Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Akshardham Temple | Delhi | Temple | Free | 3.5 hrs | No |
| Alarnath Temple | Odisha | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Assi Ghat | Uttar Pradesh | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Chamundi Hills & Chamundeshwari Temple | Karnataka | Temple | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Chausath Yogini Temple | Madhya Pradesh | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Daksha Mahadev Temple | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Fateh Sagar Lake | Rajasthan | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| George Everest's House | Uttarakhand | Heritage | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Immaculate Conception Cathedral | Puducherry | Church | Free | 40 min | No |
| Japanese Peace Pagoda | West Bengal | Memorial | Free | 45 min | No |
| Kalighat Kali Temple | West Bengal | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Koodal Azhagar Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Matanga Hill | Karnataka | Viewpoint | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Nagin Lake | Jammu & Kashmir | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Naina Peak | Uttarakhand | Viewpoint | Free | 5 hrs | No |
| Pushkar Camel Fair Ground (Mela Ground) | Rajasthan | Attraction | Free | 3 hrs | No |
| Sabarmati Riverfront | Gujarat | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir | Maharashtra | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Summer Hill | Himachal Pradesh | Viewpoint | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Varaha Cave Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 30 min | Yes |
| Achyutaraya Temple | Karnataka | Temple | Free | 45 min | Yes |
| Anjuna Flea Market | Goa | Market | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Bharathi Park & French War Memorial | Puducherry | Memorial | Free | 45 min | No |
| Chamunda Mata Temple | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Chottanikkara Devi Temple | Kerala | Temple | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Cloud's End | Uttarakhand | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Duladeo Temple | Madhya Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Howrah Bridge | West Bengal | Heritage | Free | 40 min | No |
| Jhulta Minar (Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir Mosque) | Gujarat | Mosque | Free | 20 min | No |
| Kundala Lake | Kerala | Lake | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 20 min | Yes |
| Observatory Hill | West Bengal | Viewpoint | Free | 45 min | No |
| Panna Meena Ka Kund | Rajasthan | Heritage | Free | 30 min | No |
| Samanar Hills | Tamil Nadu | Heritage | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Sun Temple, Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Tiffin Top | Uttarakhand | Nature | Free | 2.5 hrs | No |
| Ambrai Ghat | Rajasthan | Nature | Free | 45 min | No |
| Dakshineswar Kali Temple | West Bengal | Temple | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Dona Paula Viewpoint | Goa | Beach | Free | 1 hr | No |
| Hanuman Garhi | Uttarakhand | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
| Jal Mahal (Water Palace) | Rajasthan | Palace | Free | 45 min | No |
| Javari Temple | Madhya Pradesh | Temple | Free | 30 min | No |
| Kaylana Lake | Rajasthan | Lake | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Lodhi Gardens | Delhi | Garden | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Magnetic Hill | Ladakh | Viewpoint | Free | 20 min | No |
| Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat | Maharashtra | Heritage | Free | 30 min | No |
| Pazhamudircholai | Tamil Nadu | Waterfall | Free | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Pothamedu Viewpoint | Kerala | Viewpoint | Free | 30 min | No |
| Queen's Bath | Karnataka | Heritage | Free | 30 min | Yes |
| Attukad Waterfalls | Kerala | Waterfall | Free | 30 min | No |
| Bandra Fort | Maharashtra | Fort | Free | 45 min | No |
| Belur Math | West Bengal | Buddhist site | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Galta Ji (Monkey Temple & Sun Temple) | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 2 hrs | No |
| Hampi Bazaar | Karnataka | Market | Free | 1 hr | Yes |
| Tiger Cave | Tamil Nadu | Temple | Free | 45 min | Yes |
| Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) | Rajasthan | Temple | Free | 45 min | No |
Fees are the Indian-visitor ticket; foreign-visitor and camera fees are on each place’s guide.
What you can see for free
Worship
Temples, gurdwaras and mosques
Almost all working places of worship are free; donations are welcome, never required.
Memorials
Monuments in the open
Gateways, memorials and ceremonies in public spaces.
Gateway of India · India Gate · Attari–Wagah Border Ceremony
Streets
Markets and old quarters
Walk the lanes; the only cost is what you buy.
Outdoors
Lakes, ghats and viewpoints
Best at sunrise and sunset, when they’re also free of crowds.
Map of free to visit in India
Numbers match the ranking; the top 10 are orange. Tap a pin for its guide. 37 places have no map position yet.
Tips for visiting free places to visit in India
Free entry, small extras
Some places charge for cameras, parking, shoe deposits or special ceremonies. Each guide notes them.
Go early
Free places draw the biggest crowds; the first hour after opening is the calmest.
Dress for worship
Most free places are religious sites: cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf.
Ignore “ticket” touts
Anyone selling tickets outside a free site is not official.
Free to Visit FAQs
Which free places to visit in India are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
The Virupaksha Temple, Arjuna's Penance, the Royal Enclosure, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Jama Masjid, Krishna Mandapam, Marine Drive, Ganesha Ratha, Krishna's Butter Ball, Varaha Cave Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple, Queen's Bath, Hampi Bazaar and Tiger Cave are part of UNESCO World Heritage properties.
What is the best time of year to visit free places to visit in India?
October to March suits most of them. Each guide gives the best months for that place.
Which day are free places to visit closed?
5 of the 196 places here close on Mondays. Check the closed day on each guide before you go.
How much time do you need at Golden Temple?
Allow about 3 hours. Arrive at opening time for the smallest crowds.
Compiled with AI assistance from official sources and public records; see How we write these guides. Last updated . How we rank and check places · All themes