India is a traveler’s paradise, offering a vibrant, chaotic, and totally enthralling experience. From the towering Himalayas in the north to the stunning beaches in the south, this subcontinent is a world in itself. With bustling cities, market towns, and holy sites, it is one of the biggest and most varied nations on Earth. It shares borders with several countries in Asia, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
India has it all – tropical rainforests, dry deserts, and a seemingly endless coastline. The towering Himalayas and the churning Ganges are just two of the region’s distinctive characteristics. Its rich history and traditions are dizzying, with a variety of languages, cultures, and cuisines on offer. Visitors usually begin their journey in New Delhi, the country’s bustling capital, which is home to some spectacular examples of Mughal architecture, like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid Mosque.
Jaipur, the Pink City, is located in a picturesque area and is filled with spectacular palaces, forts, and monuments, while Agra is a major tourist destination because of the Taj Mahal. Kolkata’s colonial architecture is also worth seeing, and a trip to Varanasi, the holy city, allows visitors to witness memorable parades, pilgrimages, and take a dip in the Ganges.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Goa and Kerala, or if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the Himalayas. India is home to a wealth of cultural attractions, including bustling cities, spectacular forts, temples, and ancient landmarks. The vast and mysterious country is a land of endless gifts, from its many national parks and animal sanctuaries to its incredible cave temple complexes like those at Ellora and Ajanta.
The Indian state of Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination, located in the country’s northern region, not far from the Pakistani border. This state is known for its incredibly beautiful landscapes, including the Thar Desert and the Aravallis Mountains. Palaces and temples built by ancient Rajput monarchs are scattered across Rajasthan, making it a fantastic destination for anyone interested in Rajput culture. Be sure to include as many of these amazing Rajasthan attractions as possible in your itinerary as you travel around the state.
10. Mount Abu
Explore the serene beauty of Mount Abu, a captivating hill station nestled in the state of Rajasthan, India. Image source: saiko3p/Shutterstock.com
Located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking panoramas. There is a lot of room to roam and sights to see on the peak, which is rocky and flat. If you’re visiting Mount Abu, don’t miss the chance to rent a paddle boat on Nakki Lake and go out on the water for a reasonable price to take in the scenery of the surrounding hills. The Dilwara Temples on nearby Mount Abu are also worth seeing. The Jain structures, sculpted in magnificent white marble, date back to the 12th century.
9. Bikaner
Marvel at the magnificent architectural structure of Junagarh Fort, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Image source: Roop_Dey/Shutterstock.com
Bikaner is known across India as a place to go if you have a sweet appetite, despite the fact that it is also home to a palace, a historic fort, and a camel research center. Try some Kesar Kulfi, a local specialty that is a sweet and icy treat that is perfect for a hot day. Camel rides into the desert, known as desert safaris, are another popular activity in Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, India, was constructed in the 16th century and is now home to an enormous museum chronicling the history of the area.
8. Chittorgarh
Step back in time and witness the grandeur of Chittorgarh Fort, an ancient fortress in Rajasthan, India. Image source: Gameoflight/Shutterstock.com
Located on the Berach River, Chittorgarh is home to the mighty Chittorgarh Fort. The seven-gated fort, which was constructed in the seventh century, is one of the biggest in all of India. Due to its size, the fort can be difficult to explore in a single day. The Victory Tower dates back to the 15th century and is a must-see, especially when lit up at night. Visit the Meera Temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu and has a significant collection of idols, and the Rana Kumbha’s Palace, the oldest component of the fort.
7. Ranthambhore National Park
Embark on a wildlife adventure in Ranthambhore National Park, located in the heart of Rajasthan, India. Image source: Archna Singh/Shutterstock.com
One of the best places to watch tigers in the wild is in this national park, which also serves as a wildlife safari. Planning a wildlife safari is the best way to experience the park’s wildlife up close and personal. The most daring among the tourists are advised to hire a gypsy, a smaller open-top vehicle, while the more cautious should get a canter, a bigger open-top vehicle. Ranthambhore National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and more. Ranthambhore Fort, built in the 10th century, can be visited on a safari.
6. Bundi
Behold the captivating view of Bundi, with its palace, city walls, and charming streets, in Rajasthan, India. Image source: Jan Willem van Hofwegen/Shutterstock.com
Bundi is a one-of-a-kind travel destination famous for its historic step wells. Although Bundi no longer relies on step wells as a primary source of drinking water, there are still over fifty of them visible around the city. The Queen’s Step Well, which has been around since the 15th century and has more than 200 steps, is the most well-known. The Taragarh Fort, built in the 16th century, is another important landmark in Bundi because of the great art collection it houses. Bundi’s proximity to a number of scenic lakes makes it a popular destination for city dwellers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or tourists interested in a safari through the nearby Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary.
5. Pushkar
Witness the vibrant spectacle of decorated camels at the renowned Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India. Image source: Roberto Agostini/Shutterstock.com
The Brahma temple and the yearly camel fair make Pushkar, India, a holy city. Pushkar is revered as the spiritual epicenter of Hinduism and the abode of the Hindu god Brahma. Because of the several daily chanting sessions, the Brahma temple in Pushkar is hard to miss. Many additional Vishnu, Savitri, and Shiva temples can be seen in the city of Pushkar. Camel fairs and Hindu pilgrims bring Pushkar to life every November.
4. Jodhpur
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Blue City and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Image source: Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock.com
The “Blue City,” Jodhpur, can be found on the outskirts of the Thar Desert. The city’s numerous blue residences are responsible for its colorful nickname, since the city appears blue from above. Jodhpur is a city with a rich history and a plethora of tourist attractions, including several forts and temples. The biggest fort in Rajasthan dates back to the 15th century and is well worth a visit. The Chamunda Mataji Temple, the Zenana Deodi with its gorgeous sandstone screens, and the many costumed individuals that roam the temple grounds help bring the fort to life.
3. Jaipur
Explore the regal charm of Nahargarh Fort, located in the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Image source: Panuvat Ueachananon/Shutterstock.com
Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, is a vibrant city with a wide variety of exciting sights and activities. Jaipur is an excellent starting point for exploring Rajasthan’s lesser-known attractions and a cornerstone of the famed Golden Triangle. The city of Jaipur is home to not one but three impressive forts. The City Palace, an impressive fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles that is so large that most visitors can’t see it all in a day, is well worth a visit. Also, once the sun goes down, the city of Jaipur comes alive with its many temples and bustling bazaar.
2. Jaisalmer
Behold the captivating view of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as the majestic Jaisalmer Fort dominates the cityscape. Image source: Elena Odareeva/Shutterstock.com
Jaisalmer, India, is a fascinating city on the edge of the Thar Desert that is also known as the “Golden City.” Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Qila, is the city’s most recognizable landmark. In Jaisalmer, you can find private residences, stores, and even restaurants inside the fort walls, which is unlike almost every other fort in India. Fun things to buy within the fort include bronze statues and silver jewelry. There are also a number of temples contained inside the fort’s walls. These Jain places of worship were first constructed in the 12th century and are usually accessible to the general public throughout the day.
1. Udaipur
Experience the enchanting beauty of Udaipur’s City Palace from a bird’s-eye perspective. Image source: Sean Hsu/Shutterstock.com
As one would expect from a city called “The City of Lakes,” Udaipur’s lakes are a major draw for visitors. The largest two lakes, Fateh Sagar and Pichola, are both man-made, yet no less stunning for it. Udaipur City Palace is the primary attraction in Udaipur, including a variety of palaces, museums, and gardens in a wide variety of architectural styles. The City Palace is also home to a number of religious buildings, including a temple and a royal house, as well as several art galleries. Udaipur’s most well-known temple, Jagdish, may be found just north of the city’s palace. The temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu, has intricate sculptures and has become a municipal landmark.
