What are the best destinations to visit in India? A lot of travelers are hard to pick a destination due to the fact that India is an extremely large and multicultural country and offers a myriad of amazing places to see. Of course, certain places are generally more well-known than others. I’ve compiled a list of the ten best destinations to get you started and inspired, from the traditional Golden Triangle cities to the tranquil state that are Goa and Kerala located in south India, and Amritsar located on the Northwest frontier.
1. Delhi for history and food
Delhi is India’s capital city. Delhi is an amazing mixture of different styles of life and is home to all kinds of things that you could want from rich heritage to delicious food. Delhi is a city that was built upon cities, offering modern Delhi numerous ancient sites and landmarks from various eras. Explore this rich treasure trove of old culture and heritage from one of India’s biggest museums Jama Masjid to the 17-century Red Fort that influenced many other later structures in northern India Humayun’s Tomb Laxmi Narayan Temple, and numerous other monuments and tombs of historical people, and temples.
With some of the nation’s most exciting food scenes, Delhi is also known as the capital of food in India. Don’t forget to sample the famous Delhi dishes while you are within the capital, whether in local eateries or an artisanal stall on the street. The must-eats are butter chicken and kebabs dal makhani, samosas Kulfi, etc. The best method is to go on an excursion through the food of Old Delhi with a local guide, who will blend the past, culture, and food, and giving you the most enjoyable experience.
2. Agra for the iconic Taj Mahal
Agra is the home of India’s most famous attraction, The Taj Mahal, and a part of the famed Golden Triangle route, making Agra one of the most frequented cities in India. The stunning Taj Mahal was built by the fifth Emperor in Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is considered to be a representation of the love of a lifetime and is considered to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Every year, thousands of people are drawn to this stunning mausoleum and hear the intriguing history that lies behind it. Famous guests include Diana, Mark Zuckerberg, and Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton, and Mark Zuckerberg.
As the capital city of Agra, which was the capital city of Mughal Empire Agra is also home to other fascinating places which are worth exploring, including Agra Fort, which is among the most impressive Mughal forts, and The Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah that is often referred to as “the Baby Taj. It is recommended you go towards Fatehpur Sikri, the short-lived capital city of the Mughal Empire in which you’ll find the most impressive examples of Mughal architecture.
3. Rajasthan for forts and palaces
Literally, meaning “the Land of the Kings” Northern India’s state known as Rajasthan is among the most vibrant state in the country and boasts many of the most Instagram-worthy spots within India. It is awe-inspiring to visitors thanks to its stunning forts and palaces constructed by the noble Rajputs (a part of the northern Indian Hindu war caste) centuries back. A lot of Palaces and forts are transformed into luxurious hotels and magnificent museums.
Jaipur which is the capital and city that is the gateway for the state is known as “The Pink City” because of the pink walls and buildings from the old city. In the year 2019, Jaipur was ranked among the Top 25 Cities in the World which was voted for by millions of actual tourists. If you are attracted to Jaipur, you can explore the city for days and hours. historic sites, including The City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jantar Mantar which is a preserved observatory. Learn more about the things to do and explore in Jaipur. There are numerous Forts and palaces to visit in Rajasthan like the hill-top Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur which provides stunning views of blue-painted houses of the city’s old part, Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer which is situated in the middle of Thar Desert and City Palace of Udaipur that is located peacefully on shores of Lake Pichola.
4. The Ganges (Varanasi) for Spirituality
Varanasi is situated along the river’s left side, is India’s most sacred river known as the Ganges, and is the holiest city for Hindus, and certainly the spiritual center of India. It is unlike every other town in India. It is the place where you can observe the ceremonies in the realm of living and death in public. There are pilgrims who bathe in the holy water of the Ganges to cleanse the sins of their past and bodies of the deceased are cremated along the ghats by the riverside, hoping for resurrection. The people of Varanasi are apparently familiar with it. This is possibly what can make Varanasi an extremely beautiful and interesting destination to visit. The must-do experiences include a stroll through the ghats along the river or taking a sunrise boat cruise along the Ganges and watching the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
In addition to being along the river Ganges, there are several other sacred sites to visit, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) which is in honor of Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple to honor Mother India, and Sarnath (The Deer Park) in which Buddha delivered his first sermon.
5. Ranthambore for wildlife
Named for the 10th century Ranthambore Fort and once serving as the royal hunting grounds of the maharajahs Ranthambore National Park is one of the best locations to spot the tigers of India. There are approximately 70 tigers within the park and Zone 6 with the best chance of spotting the tigers (the park is split into 10 areas). Apart from tigers, the park is home to many other wild animals, including leopards, sloth bears, and more than 300 species of birds.
6. Goa for Beaches
It is located on the western coast. is the smallest state in India, Goa with beautiful coastlines which stretch across the Arabian Sea. It was the site of a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 and preserves well-preserved colonial buildings. The most appealing thing about Goa is the beautiful beaches, each with a distinct personality. The beaches located in the north are typically more well-developed and active, while those located in the south are generally quieter. Visit Anjuna for a taste of hippie delight, Palolem to enjoy palm-fringed, soft sandy beaches, Mandrem for a laid-back ambiance, Agonda for tranquillity, and numerous others to suit different preferences.
As well as relaxing at the beach In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can take part in Yoga and meditation, which is something that many tourists do. There are yoga classes at sunrise which you can take part in. You can also try the local cuisine that is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese You can also visit an organic spice farm to learn the reasons why the Portuguese were so enthralled by Goa, and spend time exploring the Portuguese colonial past including churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral, and Church of Lady of Rosary.
7. Kerala Backwaters for relaxation
For many tourists, Kerala is the most scenic state, offering stunning scenery that ranges from sparkling backwaters to sun-soaked beaches and green hills. The most popular attraction of Kerala is the popular Kerala backwaters and Alleppey is the center of backwaters. It is the dream of every photographer to capture this tranquil picturesque, beautiful palm-lined network of lagoons, waterways canals, and rivers.
The best method to explore this backwater is to travel on the traditional houseboat, which is served to transport rice, fish, and spices by locals but is today a “floating hotel”. It is possible to can stay one night or two in the water and have freshly cooked Indian food as you watch the world go by. The experience is the most iconic Kerala experience and definitely is a must on your South India holiday.
8. Munnar for tea and nature
It is located high at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters / 4,921 feet, the scenic and peaceful hills located in Munnar are one of the best spots within South India to escape the hot plains and be in touch with nature. With stunning valleys, mountain streams, and green tea plantations that are emerald, it is an ideal destination for honeymooners, leisure travelers, and nature enthusiasts. It is also the heart of the biggest tea-growing region in South India. It is possible to can stroll through tea estates that go back to the 18th century. witness women plucking tea leaves and visiting a tea factory to understand the work involved in making tea. Make sure you try tea and bring it back as a keepsake
9. Madurai for South Indian culture
Madurai located situated in southwestern Indian State located in Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s most ancient cities that has a history of more than 2500 years. This city is still the heart of Tamil culture and education and draws both local and foreign tourists to enjoy the unique southern Indian culture.
The city, which is also known as “Athens of the East”, is most famous for its temples. The famous Meenakshi Temple is the most amazing and significant shrine in southern India that has a spectacular maze-like structure. This massive temple complex includes 14 towers and the Hall of Thousand Pillars. There is a night ceremony in which images of Shiva are taken to join the image of his wife Parvati. It is recommended that you visit the temple during daylight hours and attend the ceremony at night to enjoy an enjoyable experience.
2 km/ 1.2 miles southeast of Meenakshi Temple is the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which is the second-largest attraction in Madurai. The palace was constructed by King Tirumala Nayaka, who reigned over Madurai between 1623 and 1659. It is a blend between Dravidian and Islamic architecture styles and includes large, stunning pilasters. Each evening there is a lighting and sound show that focuses on the history of Silappathikaram The earliest Tamil epic.
10. Amritsar for the Golden Temple
It is located in India’s Northwest frontier along with Pakistan, Amritsar offers a distinct trip. In Amritsar, nearly half the inhabitants are Sikhs who are adamant about equality, regardless of religion, race or caste, and gender. (The term “Sikh” actually refers to “learner” as well as “seeker to discover Truth” and Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religious group.) It is the capital city of Amritsar and was founded around 1577, by the 4th Sikh Guru, is the holiest city for Sikhs and is home to the magnificent Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib, “The Abode of God”) which is the main site where all Sikhs can worship. The temple welcomes visitors from all faiths and is a magnet for pilgrims from all over the globe. The dome is coated with gold and temples have entrances on each side, which symbolizes openness. When illuminated at night the temple appears amazing and its gold dome glows. Therefore, the evening is an ideal opportunity to take in the temple’s beauty and appeal. In addition to its stunning design, It is also known for its stunning architecture. Golden Temple is known for being the biggest food pantry in existence, offering meals for free to up to 100,000 guests every day. It is possible to visit the cooking area and even help prepare and serve food at the Golden Temple.
