India's array of remarkable sights and experiences is truly awe-inspiring. From majestic Mughal palaces to revered Hindu temples, ancient Indian kingdoms to remnants of British imperialism, this diverse land encompasses a plethora of incredible sites spanning from the towering Himalayan peaks to the sun-kissed beaches of the Indian Ocean. It’s hard to think of a country that rivals India when it comes to diversity of sights and landscapes.
Wherever you go in this mind-blowing country, you are guaranteed equal parts magic and mayhem, but this mix is what makes India such an intense and addictive experience.
While it wasn't easy to compile this list, here are our picks for the 10 best places to visit in India.
No. 10 - Amritsar
Amritsar is a city located in the northwestern state of Punjab. It is the largest and most important city in the Punjab region and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is famous for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and iconic landmarks.
One of the most famous landmarks in Amritsar is the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, which is considered the holiest site in Sikhism. The temple is located in the centre of a large pool of water, which adds to its beauty and serenity. The temple is covered in gold, which gives it a stunning and impressive appearance, especially during sunset.
Other popular places to visit in Amritsar include Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden that has become a memorial for the victims of the 1919 massacre, and the Wagah Border, where visitors can witness the ceremonial lowering of the flags between India and Pakistan.
Amritsar is also known for its delicious food, particularly its Punjabi cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes include butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and various types of bread, such as naan and roti.
No. 9 - Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is an ancient city that was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled much of South India from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Hampi is famous for its impressive ruins, which include temples, palaces, and other structures that were built during the Vijayanagara period. The city was once a thriving metropolis, with a population of over 500,000 people, and was known for its wealth and power.
One of the most famous structures in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple is still in use today and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India. Other notable structures include the Vittala Temple, which features a large stone chariot and intricate carvings, and the Lotus Mahal, which is a palace that was used by the queens of the Vijayanagara kings.
Aside from its historical and cultural significance, Hampi is also known for its scenic beauty. The city is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with boulders and hills that provide a stunning backdrop to the ruins.
Visitors to Hampi can explore the ruins on foot or by bicycle, and there are also guided tours available. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry.
No. 8 - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a city located in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. It is often referred to as the "Golden City" due to its yellow sandstone architecture and the surrounding Thar Desert landscape.
Jaisalmer is famous for its impressive fort, the Jaisalmer Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few forts in India where people still live and work within its walls. The fort was built in the 12th century and is considered one of the best examples of Rajasthani architecture, with its intricate carvings and beautiful temples.
Aside from the fort, Jaisalmer is also known for its havelis, which are traditional Rajasthani mansions with ornate facades and intricate carvings. Some of the most famous havelis in Jaisalmer include Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and Nathmal Ki Haveli.
Jaisalmer is also a popular destination for camel safaris, which allow visitors to explore the nearby Thar Desert and experience the traditional lifestyle of the region's nomadic tribes. Other popular activities in Jaisalmer include exploring the local markets, visiting Jain temples, and watching the sunset over the desert.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The city can get very hot in the summer months, from March to June.
No. 7 - Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and charming colonial architecture. The town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains.
Darjeeling is famous for its tea, which is grown in the surrounding tea gardens and is considered one of the best in the world. Visitors to Darjeeling can visit the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process, as well as taste some of the finest teas.
The town is also home to several colonial-era buildings, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction for tourists. The railway, which was built in the late 19th century, is known for its narrow gauge track, which winds through the hills and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Other popular attractions in Darjeeling include the Tiger Hill, which offers spectacular views of the sunrise over the Himalayas, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and the red panda.
Darjeeling is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking, with several trails that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys below. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, with several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Darjeeling Carnival, which celebrates the town's heritage and culture.
No. 6 - Kerala
Kerala is a state located in the southwestern region of India. It is often referred to as "God's Own Country" due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage.
Kerala's landscape is characterised by its backwaters, which are a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the coast. These backwaters are a major attraction for tourists, who can explore them on houseboats or take part in activities like kayaking and canoeing.
The state is also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Periyar National Park and the Silent Valley National Park. These parks are home to several species of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Kerala is also known for its beaches, which offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea and are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Some of the most famous beaches in Kerala include Kovalam, Varkala, and Cherai.
The state is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments, which are traditional Indian practices that involve natural remedies, massages, and other therapies. Kerala is considered one of the best destinations in India for Ayurveda, with several Ayurvedic centres and spas offering a range of treatments.
Kerala is also famous for its cuisine, which features a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including seafood, curries, and rice-based dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Kerala include appam, puttu, and sambar.
No. 5 - Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back more than 3,000 years. Varanasi is known for its spiritual and cultural significance, and is one of the holiest cities in India for Hindus.
Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, which is considered sacred by Hindus. The city is home to several ghats, or riverfront steps, where locals and visitors gather to take part in religious rituals and ceremonies, including bathing in the Ganges to cleanse their sins. The most famous ghat in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is known for its vibrant evening aarti ceremony, a ritual that involves offering prayers to the river goddess.
The city is home to several ancient temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered temples in India. Other popular temples in Varanasi include the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Durga Temple, and the Tulsi Manas Temple.
Varanasi is also known for its vibrant street markets, where visitors can shop for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The city is famous for its silk fabrics, which are woven by local artisans using traditional techniques.
No. 4 - Goa
Goa is a state located in western India, on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and still retains many Portuguese influences in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.
Goa's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. Some of the most popular beaches in Goa include Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute, which offer a range of water sports and beach activities. The beaches of Goa are also known for their stunning sunsets and beachside shacks, which serve delicious seafood and drinks.
Aside from its beaches, Goa is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks. The state is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Bom Jesus Basilica and the Old Goa Church Complex, which are important pilgrimage sites for Catholics.
Goa is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with several clubs, bars, and beach parties that attract party-goers from all over the world. Some of the most popular nightlife spots in Goa include Tito's in Baga, Club Cubana in Arpora, and Curlies in Anjuna.
Goa's cuisine is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, with a range of seafood dishes, curries, and spicy vindaloo. The state is also famous for its cashew nuts and feni, a local alcoholic drink made from fermented cashew juice.
No. 3 - Udaipur
Udaipur is a city located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. It is often referred to as the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East" due to its many artificial lakes and the romantic atmosphere they create.
One of the most popular attractions in Udaipur is the City Palace, a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens built by the Maharajas of Udaipur. The palace complex is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
Another popular attraction in Udaipur is the Lake Palace, a beautiful palace built on an island in Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace was originally built as a summer palace for the Maharana of Udaipur and is now a luxury hotel that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Udaipur is also known for its beautiful temples, including the Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Eklingji Temple, a complex of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
No. 2 - Jaipur
Jaipur is a city located in the state of Rajasthan. It is known for its beautiful palaces, vibrant culture, and rich history. Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" due to the distinctive pink colour of many of its buildings, which were painted pink in honour of a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
One of the most popular attractions in Jaipur is the City Palace, a beautiful palace complex that was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace complex includes several museums and galleries that showcase the rich history and culture of Rajasthan.
Another popular attraction in Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal, a beautiful palace with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street life without being seen. The palace is located in the heart of the old city and offers stunning views of the surrounding streets and markets.
Jaipur is also known for its beautiful forts and monuments, including the Amber Fort, a majestic fort located on a hill overlooking the city. The fort was built in the 16th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
No. 1 - Agra
Agra is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is best known for being the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The city has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with several other notable monuments and attractions.
The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Agra. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal is made entirely of white marble and features intricate carvings and designs.
Another notable attraction in Agra is the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century and is a sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for several generations and played an important role in the history of the region.
Agra is also home to several other historical and cultural attractions. These include the Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the "Baby Taj", and the Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city that was built in the 16th century.
The city is also known for its cuisine, which features a range of Mughal and North Indian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Agra include tandoori chicken, biryani, and kebabs. Sweets are another local delicacy, including the famous Agra ka petha, a sweet made from pumpkin.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in India. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in India.
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