India is a sizable and varied nation. There are numerous unique features to the country, which borders the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Within India’s borders, there are more than 20 officially recognized languages, a number of different religions, and a broad variety of culinary customs. If you want to fully comprehend the richness of Indian culture and history, travel is a need. As many of these famous locations in India as your itinerary will allow.
10. Mysore
Mysore is a city that can be found in the southernmost part of India. The stately Mysore Palace is located in Mysore, which formerly housed the Wodeyar dynasty’s capital. A visit of the castle will reveal lavish features including ivory-decorated ceilings, carved rosewood doors, and countless wall paintings. The palace is the epitome of luxury.
If you’re in Mysore, you must visit the wonderful Devaraja Market, an outdoor attraction on Dhanwanthri Road where you may get some chai tea and then browse stalls selling food or sandalwood carvings.
9. Amritsar
Punjab, a state in the north, is home to Amritsar, a holy city and the heart of the Sikh religion. Amritsar’s major tourist attraction is the Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib. This temple is actually golden and was built more than 400 years ago. Sikhs from all over India and the rest of the world routinely visit it.
You are invited to enter the Golden Temple regardless of your religion, but you must do so in a respectful manner by taking off your shoes and covering your head. As you enter the temple through the Ghanta Ghar, the main entrance, take in the Amrit Sarovar, a pool encircling the temple where pilgrims bathe.
8. Ladakh
In the bitterly divided province of Kashmir, in the extreme north of India, sits the hilly region known as Ladakh. Despite its size, this region has a low population density and is home to a large number of nomadic people. Nearly all visitors also spend time in the town of Leh, despite the area’s stunning, untamed nature being a major draw.
The Ladakh King’s Palace from the 17th century is located in the town, which is located at a very high altitude. You might like to visit one of the many Buddhist temples and monasteries in the Old Town since Leh also has a vibrant Buddhist culture.
7. Goa Beaches
Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the western coast of India, is a cultural mashup of colonial and indigenous traditions with a booming global tourism sector. Goa’s stunning beaches play a significant role in its fame.
Candolim Beach is the busiest and most popular of the lot due to the influx of tourists from all over the world to enjoy the sun. Anjuna Beach, in contrast, is far less crowded. You can wander to Chapora Fort from here and see the coastal coastline from a different perspective.
Due to its natural harbor and cliffs on each side, Palolem is one of Goa’s most gorgeous beaches. Most adventurers absolutely like Goa.
6. Delhi
If you spend any time in Northern India, it is nearly certain that you will visit Delhi, the capital of the country. The enormous, sprawling area, which contains numerous districts, is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world. One of Delhi’s most visited sights is the Red Fort, popularly referred to as Lal Qila. It was built in the seventeenth century.
By going through the sandstone Lahore Gate of the Red Fort, you may access the bazaar, the diamond palace, the former sultan’s apartment, and more. While visiting Delhi, you should make time to visit the city’s famous temples and museums.
5. Ellora & Ajanta Caves
In the state of Maharashtra, you can visit the Ellora and Ajanta caves. At Ellora, a vast complex of shrines was carved out of the surrounding rocky landscape. These 34 cave shrines, which date back up to 1,500 years, are a representation of three major religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
Two hours away in Ajanta, there are 29 caverns. The majority of the Ajanta caves’ murals and paintings depict Buddhist stories. Even though they are two hours apart, seeing both cave systems to contrast these breathtaking landscapes is well worthwhile.
4. Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, with a more than 3,000-year-old history. In addition to being a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination, Varanasi, which is located in North India on the banks of the River Ganges, has long been a significant center of learning.
Because they believe that dying there releases one’s soul from the cycle of reincarnation and that bathing in the Ganges wipes one’s sins, Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists regard Varanasi as a holy city.
Varanasi offers perspectives and encounters that are unparalleled on earth. The Durga Temple, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Shiva temple of Kashi Vishwanath, which is renowned for maintaining many monkeys, are a few of the most notable. It is known as the “City of Temples” due to the high number of temples.
Perhaps the most well-known sights in the city are the ghats, a set of embankment stairs that go to the Ganges River and are used for bathing. The oldest and most well-known ghat is Dashashwamedh. Hindus frequently perform cremations at the Manikarnika Ghat, a burning ghat, as well as rites to mark death anniversaries. Additionally offered here are massages, yoga, and other activities.
Varanasi is well-known for its silk weaving, and there are innumerable shops and markets where you may buy silk sarees, scarves, and other handicrafts.
3. Kerala
Kerala is a state in southwest India and a stunning tropical area. Discover the area to enjoy the ecotourism, white sand beaches, and palm palms. Kerala is famed for its spectacular houseboats, backwaters, and religious festivities. Kerala also has Thekkady, a tiger reserve where you may see plants and wildlife without any other people around.
In Kochi, Kerala’s capital, you can see both modern buildings and traditional architecture, as well as the region’s thriving fishing sector. The ethnic and religious diversity of Kochi allows for the simultaneous viewing of a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch mansion, the Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and the Hindu Thrikkakara Temple.
2. Agra
Agra is one of the most well-liked travel spots in India. The Taj Mahal, a well-known structure, is situated in Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. The 17th-century white marble tomb, which is famed for being a monument to love, was built.
Although the Taj Majal is breathtakingly beautiful, it may get incredibly crowded. Another sight worth seeing in Agra is the Agra Fort, which remarkably resembles the Red Fort in Delhi. You may tour this sixteenth-century fort and even peek inside its magnificent castle.
1. Rajasthan
Northwest India is home to the state of Rajasthan, which shares a border with Pakistan and features the Thar Desert. Whether you’re interested in Rajput heritage or views of the Aravallis Mountains, Rajasthan features some of the best tourist spots in India. Jaipur, also referred to as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and a fantastic place to begin your tour.
Numerous spectacular buildings may be found there, including three forts, many temples, and the beautiful City Palace. Another Rajasthani city that is worth visiting is Jodhpur. It is referred to as the “Blue City” and houses the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort in addition to being the point of entry to the Thar Desert.