10 Best Places to Visit in India
There’s a lot to love about India. From the colorful, vibrant culture to the stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone in this vast and diverse country.
Home to some of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world, India is a must-see for anyone looking to explore new and exciting places. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located here and is just one of many reasons why people should visit India.
With its rich history and abundance of temples, forts, and palaces, Rajasthan is a top tourist destination in India. And who could forget Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world? This city on the banks of the River Ganges is steeped in religious significance and offers visitors an unmatched cultural experience.
10. Mumbai
Want to see the uber-chic side of India? Then you have to visit Mumbai to get a taste of the cosmopolitan side of India that most people don't talk about. This vibrant, coastal city is home to wealthy entrepreneurs and popular Bollywood actors. You'll never be far from high-end hotels or chic restaurants in this luxurious city. And even if those activities are out of your budget, take a cruise down for an unforgettable experience with scenic views of the coast and glamorous Art Deco buildings
For a more genuine experience, go to the bustling "Thieves Market" or Churchgate railway station, where hundreds of thousands of home-cooked lunches are prepared for delivery to city office workers each day. Make sure you spend a day touring Sanjay Gandhi National Park and seeing the 2,000-year-old Kanheri Cave artwork.
9. Ellora & Ajanta Caves
If you're looking to travel back in time, the Ellora and Ajanta Caves are as close as it gets. These two monuments depict India's art and architectural history like no other. Even though they are 60 or so miles (100 km) away from each other, they are often mentioned together because of their significance.
In Maharashtra, you can visit the caves of both Ellora and Ajanta. There is a huge complex of shrines carved from the rocky terrain at Ellora. These 34 cave temples are up to 1,500 years old and were constructed by three distinct religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
The Ajanta caves, which consists of 29 caves, are 2 hours away are covered in murals and paintings, most of which reflect Buddhist stories. Visiting both complexes is well worth it to compare these incredible attractions to one another.
8. Amritsar
Amritsar is the largest and most important city in Punjab and is a major commercial, cultural, and transportation center. It is also the and the site of the Sikhs’ principal place of worship. In 1577, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Ram Das, established Amritsar after being granted land by Akbar. Ram Das then oversaw the excavation of a holy pool or tank known as Amrita Saras (“Pool of Nectar”). The city's name is derived from this pool.
Amritsar has made a name for itself as the "Jewel of Punjab" with its magnificent Golden Temple. One of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, the golden edifice gleaming in the sun and reflecting into the huge pond that surrounds it is breathtaking. The Golden Temple is open to people of all religions, but you must follow the guidelines by being properly covered and removing your shoes as a sign of respect.
7. Ladakh
The snow-capped, mountainous region of Ladakh is located in northernmost India. This area is extensive but sparsely inhabited, with nomadic people. The breathtaking natural beauty of the region is a major incentive to visit, but most tourists will also want to explore and spend time in the town of Leh.
The town is situated at a high altitude and is also the home of the Palace of the King of Ladakh, which was built in the 17th century. In Leh, Buddhist tradition is still strong, and you may wish to visit some of the city's many Buddhist monasteries and shrines.
6. Goa Beaches
India's not only comprised of big cities and holy sites–but it also has spectacular beaches down south in Goa. Goa, a former colony of Portugal located on the western coast of India, is a popular tourist destination for its blend of Indian and colonial culture and amazing beaches.
Whether you're looking to spend your vacation in laid-back beach huts with the backpacker crowd or at a luxurious resort, its golden-sand beaches along the Arabian Sea have got you covered.
Goa has something for everyone. Candolim is the place to be if you enjoy big crowds. Meanwhile, Anjuna Beach is a little more tranquil. If you're seeking spectacular views and calm seas, look no further than Palolem Beach in Goa, which is a well-known destination for thrill seekers looking for some fun in the sun with lots of leisure activities to keep everyone occupied.
5. Delhi
Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is one of the most popular cities in Northern India. The massive open area is home to several municipalities and is thought to be one of the world's oldest cities.
New Delhi is a surprising juxtaposition of hectic and serene, giving visitors many reasons to adore the city. Cows stroll down shanty-lined streets as drivers beep their car horns incessantly. The Jantar Mantar, Royal Observatory, features huge sundials and astronomical instruments that are still used today to predict the weather by travelers and locals alike. The India Gate national monument honors the soldiers who died in World War I and World War III's Afghan War and is visited regularly by tourists and citizens.
Old Delhi perfectly represents a mix of heritage and modernity through its array of attractions like Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk. However, countless other sites throughout New Delhi have spiritual and cultural significance.
4. Kerala
Kerala is a gorgeous tropical paradise in Western India. Palm trees, white sand beaches, and eco-tourism are just a few of the reasons to visit the area. Aside from its well-known backwaters, Kerala also has beautiful houseboats and temple festivals.
The city of Kochi is the center of Kerala, where you may see the traditional fishing industry operating alongside contemporary high-rises and colonial architecture. Kochi is a culturally and religiously diverse city, with a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch palace, a Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and a Hindu Thrikkakara Temple all within walking distance.
3. Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, dating back more than 3,000 years. Located on the banks of the River Ganges in North India, Varanasi has been an important center of learning for ages as well as a chief pilgrimage destination for many Hindus.
Varanasi is regarded as a sacred city among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists because it is believed that dying here releases a person’s soul from the cycle of reincarnation and that bathing in the River Ganges cleanses one’s sins.
In Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, which is known as the "City of Temples," there are sights and experiences unlike any other place on Earth. The "City of Temples" has been given this name because of its thousands of temples. Some of the most significant is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva, the Durga Temple, and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which is known for housing numerous monkeys.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Varanasi is the ghats, a series of steps leading down to the Ganges River. Most of the ghats are bathing and ceremonial ghats. The best way to see the ghats is by taking a morning boat ride at sunrise.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, located in northwest India and borders Pakistan, means "Land of Kings," and is rife with remnants of the kings and queens of yesteryear. Between its glittering palaces, imposing forts, and boisterous festivals, this western state deserves prominent billing on your India itinerary.
Whether you’re interested in Rajput history or views of the Aravallis Mountains, Rajasthan contains some of the best places to visit in India. Tourists often flock to the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit, which includes Jaipur, Agra, and New Delhi. Jaipur, nicknamed "The Paris of India," is famous for its picturesque pink buildings, City Palace, and plentiful jewelry stores.
1. Agra
Agra is a world-renowned city in India that used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire. It's now where you can find the Taj Mahal, arguably one of the most beautiful structures ever built. The Taj Mahal is the iconic symbol of India, and no other monument can compare to it.
The Taj Mahal draws millions of tourists to Agra every year, inspiring them to wake up before dawn to see the magnificent structure radiate at sunrise. Just be mindful that the Taj Mahal is extremely popular, which can make it difficult to visit. The Taj Mahal is made out of white marble and was constructed in the 1600s and is considered a monument of love. For reasons that extend beyond India's most famous attraction, Agra tops the list of the greatest places in India.