A large and varied country, India is a must-visit. The fact that the nation is surrounded on all sides by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, in addition to the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, means that it has a wide variety of landscapes and cultures.
There are almost two dozen recognised official languages, several religions, and a wide range of culinary traditions in India. Travel is essential to fully appreciate Indian culture and history. If you have the time, see as many of these must-see destinations as possible while in India.
10. Mysore
Mysore is a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. One of the best-known attractions in Mysore is the Wodeyar dynasty’s palace, the Mysore Palace. A tour of the palace will show opulent details like as carved rosewood doors, ivory-decorated ceilings, and many paintings on the walls.
The Devaraja Market on Dhanwanthri Road in Mysore, where you can purchase chai tea and explore booths selling fruit and sandalwood sculptures, is a must-see if you’re in the area.
9. Amritsar
Amritsar, a sacred Sikh city in Punjab’s northern state, is a pilgrimage hotspot. Golden Temple, commonly known as Harmandir Sahib, is the primary attraction of Amritsar. Sikhs from all across India and the rest of the globe go to this temple, which was built more than 400 years ago.
Regardless of your religious background, you are welcome to visit the Golden Temple, but you must cover your head and remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The Amrit Sarovar, a pool that surrounds the temple and is used by pilgrims, may be seen from the Ghanta Ghar, the temple’s main entrance.
8. Ladakh
Ladakh, a hilly area in Kashmir, is a popular tourist destination in northern India. The area is vast, but the population density is low, and many of the occupants are nomads. The area’s stunning natural beauty is undoubtedly a key lure, but visitors are almost universally drawn to Leh, the region’s capital city.
Ladakh’s 17th century royal palace is also located in the town, which is situated at a high altitude. There are several Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Old Town of Leh, and you may desire to visit them.
7. Goa Beaches
Goa, a former Portuguese colony on India’s west coast, is a melting pot of Indian and colonial cultures with a burgeoning international tourist industry. Goa’s beautiful beaches are a big part of why people go there.
Candolim Beach is the busiest and most well-known, drawing visitors from all over the globe to enjoy the warm weather. As compared, Anjuna Beach has much less visitors. As a bonus, you may take a stroll up to Chapora Fort and see the beach from a fresh angle.
At Palolem, the natural harbour bordered by high cliffs on both sides makes it one of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Goa. Recreational activities are abundant in Goa, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers.
6. Delhi
Delhi, India’s capital, is a must-see for everyone travelling to the country’s northern region. It is one of the world’s oldest cities and one of the largest and most extensive in the globe. Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a 17th-century fortification in Delhi’s city centre. In the sandstone Red Fort, you may enter by the Lahore Gate, wander through the market, go through the jewel palace, and even see the sultan’s old house. Make time to see the city’s many museums and temples while you’re in Delhi
5. Ellora & Ajanta Caves
You may visit Ellora and Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, India. Shrine complexes built onto the rock face may be seen in Ellora. These 34 cave sanctuaries, some dating back 1,500 years, represent Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, respectively.
There are 29 caves at Ajanta, which is around two hours away. In the Ajanta caves, murals and paintings depicting Buddhist legends adorn the walls. If you have the time, it is definitely worth seeing both of the cave systems, which are around two hours apart.
4. Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest surviving cities, with a history that dates back more than 3,000 years. Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges, has long been a revered Hindu pilgrimage site and a revered educational hub for the Hindu people of northern India.
Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists all revere Varanasi as a holy city because of the widespread belief that passing away here frees one’s soul from the cycle of rebirth and that swimming in the Ganges washes one’s sins from previous lives.
Unprecedented sights and sensations await visitors to Varanasi. It has been dubbed the “City of Temples” because of its many temples. Shiva’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Durgian Temple and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which is home to a large number of monkeys, are just a few of the most notable.
The city’s ghats, a line of embankment stairs leading to the Ganges River, are perhaps its most recognised attraction. This is the oldest ghat and the most important one, the Dashashwamedh Ghat. In Hindu tradition, the Manikarnika Ghat serves as a place of cremation and remembrance for those who have passed away. Besides yoga and shave and massage, there are other options here. A boat trip at dawn is the greatest way to see the Ghats.
Varanasi is known for its silk weaving, and sarees and scarves, as well as other handicrafts, may be found in dozens of stores and marketplaces.
3. Kerala
Tropical Kerala is a state of India located in the southwest. Explore the area for its palm trees, white sand beaches and ecotourism. This tiger preserve in Kerala, home to the famed backwaters, is also known for its exquisite houseboats and colourful temple festivals.
There is a robust fishing sector in Kerala’s capital city, Kochi, where historical architecture and contemporary high-rises coexist. In a same day, you may see a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch castle, a Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and a Hindu Thrikkakara Temple in Kochi, which is culturally and religiously diverse.
2. Agra
It’s no surprise that Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Located in Agra, a city formerly ruled by the Mughal dynasty, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most well-known landmarks. Built in the 17th century, the mausoleum’s white marble front is revered as a memorial to love.
The Taj Majal is a magnificent structure, yet it may be quite congested. Agra’s Agra Fort, which is strikingly identical to Delhi’s Red Fort, is also well worth a visit. It’s possible to take a tour of this 16th-century fort and even go inside its magnificent palace.
1. Rajasthan
The Thar Desert may be found in Rajasthan, a state in northwest India that borders Pakistan. Rajasthan is a great area to visit if you’re interested in Rajput heritage or the Aravallis Mountains. Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, often known as the Pink City, is a great site to start your journey.
Three forts, a slew of temples, and the magnificent City Palace all call this city home. The so-called Blue City of Jodhpur, the entry point to the Thar Desert, and the site of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, are both located in Rajasthan and are well worth a visit.
