Best Tourist Places in India | 10 tourist places in India

Travel in India

What are the top travel destinations in India? Because India is such a huge, culturally varied country with so many amazing places to visit, many tourists struggle to make a decision. The largest desert, tallest mountains, rain forest, stunning beaches, holy rivers, snow-capped mountains, and various cultural expressions may all be found there. Naturally, some locations are always more well-known than others. For your inspiration, we've chosen ten of the best locations, ranging from the well-known towns of the Golden Triangle to the tranquil states of Goa and Kerala in the south and Amritsar on the northwest frontier.

1. Delhi for its history and cuisine

Delhi, the capital of India, is a fascinating fusion of several cultures with everything from a rich history to delectable cuisine. Because it is a city built upon cities, there are several historical landmarks and sights in present-day Delhi. Explore this storehouse of old history and culture, which includes the Red Fort from the 17th century, one of India's largest mosques, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and numerous more mosques, tombs of notable historical personalities, and temples.

Delhi is referred to as the gastronomic capital of India since it has some of the most lively food scenes in the nation. When visiting the city, don't forget to eat some of the local cuisine, whether it's at a restaurant or a street vendor. Butter chicken, kebabs, dal makhani, samosas, kulfi, and other must-eat foods are just a few. The most effective method is to go on a food tour of Old Delhi with a native guide, which combines history, culture, and cuisine and provides the most enriching experience.

2. Agra, home of the famous Taj Mahal

One of the most popular towns in India is Agra, which is home to the Taj Mahal, the country's most famous landmark and a stop on the well-known Golden Triangle path. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the majestic Taj Mahal was constructed by Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire, as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is regarded as the embodiment of love. Millions of people visit this stunning tomb each year to appreciate it and learn about its unique history. Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton, and Mark Zuckerberg are some of the well-known guests. Check read our two other entries about the Taj Mahal, All You Need to Know About Taj Mahal and Dos and Don'ts for Visiting the Taj Mahal, for extra information before you go.

In addition to the Agra Fort, one of the greatest Mughal forts, and the Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, sometimes known as the Baby Taj, Agra served as the official capital of the Mughal Empire. You could also make a side journey to Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal Empire's brief capital, where you may see some of the best specimens of Mughal architecture.

Agra is best visited between October and March. Sunrise or sunset are the two greatest times of day to view the Taj Mahal.

3. Rajasthan for its palaces and forts

Hawa Mahal Jaipur

Rajasthan, which literally translates to "the Land of the Kings," is the most colourful state in India and is home to some of the country's most Instagrammable locations. It astounds visitors with its beautiful forts and palaces constructed by the gallant Rajputs (a Hindu warrior caste from northern India) hundreds of years ago. Numerous palaces and forts have been transformed into opulent hotels and magnificent museums.

Because of the old city's pink walls and structures, Jaipur, the state's capital and gateway, is known as "The Pink City." The city was named one of the Top 25 Destinations in the World in 2019 by millions of actual travellers on TripAdvisor. If you're interested, you can explore its historical landmarks for days, including the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), the Amber Fort, the Nahargarh Fort, and the admirably preserved observatory known as Jantar Mantar. Learn more about the sights and activities in Jaipur.

City Palace Udaipur

Other magnificent forts and palaces can be found throughout Rajasthan, such as the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, which offers breathtaking views of the blue-painted houses of the old city, the Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer, which is situated in the middle of the Thar Desert, and the City Palace in Udaipur, which is serenely perched on the banks of Lake Pichola.

Rajasthan is best visited between October and March, when the weather is mild and dry.

Ranthambore for wildlife

Wildlife in Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best locations in India for tiger tracking. It was named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and historically served as the maharajahs' royal hunting grounds. In the park, there are about 70 tigers, with Zone 6 offering the best opportunity to see them (the park it divided into 10 zones). In addition to tigers, the park is home to over 300 different species of birds as well as sloth bears, leopards, and other exotic animals.

Tips: It is advised that you set aside time, such as two or three days, for extra safaris if you want to increase your chances of seeing tigers or as many other animals as you can.

The best time to visit Ranthambore is from October through June because the rest of the year is spent closed due to monsoon rains. The colder winter months of October through December are available. The ideal time to see wildlife, if you don't mind the heat, is from March to June, when most creatures venture outside in quest of water.

4. The Ganges for spirituality in Varanasi

Ganga Ghat in Varanasi

The holiest city for Hindus and unquestionably the spiritual centre of India is Varanasi, which is situated on the left bank of the Ganges, one of the most revered rivers in India. It is distinct from every other Indian city. You can see public performances of life and death rites there, such as pilgrims washing in the Ganges to wash away their sins and the cremation of the dead in the riverbank ghats in hopes of being reincarnated. Perhaps because of this, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating and magical destinations to visit. Walking along the riverfront ghats, enjoying a Ganges boat ride at daybreak, and seeing the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony are just a few of the must-do activities.

There are numerous spiritual sites besides the Ganges to visit, including the Shiva-dedicated Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), the Bharat Mata Temple for Mother India, and Sarnath (The Deer Park), the location of Buddha's first sermon.

The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, when the temperature is the coldest.

5. Bihar for Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites

Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya

India's state of Bihar is in the east of the country and borders Nepal. The River Ganges, which floods its productive plains, divides it. The Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi Temple, under which the Buddha is said to have meditated, is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Hindus like to visit the Mahavir Mandir temple in the state capital Patna, while Sikhs visit the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji Gurdwara which is berth place of 10th Guru, a domed structure located next to the river. Bodh Gaya, where the Mahabodhi is located, and Rajgir, a Buddhist and Jain heritage site where you can also explore the wildlife and hot springs, among the best sites to visit in Bihar. The ancient Nalanda University ruins must be seen in Nalanda.

Shanti Stupa Rajgir

Ruins of Nalanda

Likewise, Vaishali, Vaishali is a small district in the interior of Bihar, is a treasured location for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain worship. Lord Mahavir was born in this city. Vaishali, which is regarded as the first republic in history, is thought to have been named after King Vishal from the Mahabharat era. Additionally, it was in this city that Buddha gave his final sermon. It is currently a part of Bihar's Trihut division and is surrounded by huge rice fields and mango and banana orchards. The village is a significant religious and historical attraction, and it draws large crowds of visitors every year.

Ashoka Pillar Vaishali

Lord Buddha spent a substantial amount of his life here and occasionally travelled to Vaishali. Vaishali is a very important Buddhist site because it was where he delivered his final sermon. After the carnage of Kalinga, King Ashoka converted to Buddhism, and to commemorate the occasion, he chose to build one of his famous pillars here. Vaishali, which is also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, is honoured as a holy site by Jains in addition to Buddhists.

6. Goa for the Beaches

Candolim Beach Goa

The smallest state in India, Goa, is situated on the western coast and has stunning coastlines that go beside the Arabian Sea. Before 1961, it was a Portuguese colony, and the colonial architecture is still there. The main attraction in Goa is its gorgeous beaches, each of which has a distinct character. The beaches in the north are typically busier and more developed, whereas the beaches in the south are typically more serene. Visit Anjuna to experience hippie market bliss, Palolem for palm-fringed soft dunes, Mandrem for a laid-back atmosphere, Agonda for peace, and numerous other locations for different preferences.

You can meditate and perform yoga in addition to lying on the beach, as many tourists do. You can take part in yoga sessions that start at sunrise. Visit a spice farm to learn why the Portuguese were so fascinated with Goa, sample the local cuisine, which is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours, and spend some time learning about the Portuguese colonial legacy in places like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral church, and Church of Our Lady of Rosary.

For dry, pleasant weather, October to March is the best season to visit Goa. It's hot and muggy in April and May, and it rains monsoons from June to September.

7. Relaxation in Kerala's backwaters

Kerala is considered for best tourist destination by many tourists to be the most gorgeous state because of its amazing scenery, the places include shimmering backwaters, sunny beaches, and lush hills. The well-known Kerala backwaters, whose centre is Alleppey, are the state's most popular tourist destination. Every photographer's fantasy is to capture this serene, endearing, waterway system of lagoons, canals, and rivers.

Taking a traditional houseboat, which residents traditionally used to transport fish, rice, and spices but which is now a "floating hotel," is the finest way to explore the backwaters. Spend a night or two out on the river and dine on freshly prepared Indian food while taking in the scenery. It is the most traditional Kerala experience and should unquestionably be included in your trip to south India.

House Boat

For the mild and pleasant weather, the best time to visit Kerala is from October to March. The hottest months are April, May, and June in Kerala. From July to September, there are strong monsoon rainstorms.

Tea and wildlife in Munnar

The gorgeous and serene hill town of Munnar is the perfect location in South India to escape the heat of the plains and get in touch with nature. It is located high at an elevation of around 1,500 m / 4,921 ft. It is a haven for honeymooners, leisure travellers, and nature lovers with gorgeous valleys, mountain streams, and emerald-green tea plantations. The greatest tea-growing region in south India is also located here. You can observe people picking tea leaves while on a nature walk through the 19th-century tea farms. You can also visit a factory to learn about the process of brewing a cup of tea. Don't forget to try some tea and take some with you as a memento.

Munnar

Tea Garden Munnar

The most favourable months to visit Munnar are from October to March. Another nice time is from April to June. Heavy rains throughout the monsoon season (July to September) can interfere with your trip plans but also give the hill station a new aspect.

8. For South Indian culture, Madurai

Meenakshi Temple Madurai

With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Madurai in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India is one of the country's oldest cities. It continues to be the epicentre of Tamil learning and culture, drawing both domestic and international tourists who want to experience its distinctive south Indian culture.

The city's temples are what make it known as the "Athens of the East." The renowned Meenakshi Temple, with its brilliant maze-like structure, is the most significant and spectacular temple in south India. The Hall of Thousand Pillars and 14 towers make up this enormous temple complex. During a nighttime ceremony, the statue of Shiva is brought to join the statue of his consort Parvati. For a richer experience, it is advised that you visit the temple during the day and attend the ceremony at night.

2 km / 1.2 mi The second-most popular destination in Madurai is the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which is southeast of Meenakshi Temple. King Tirumala Nayaka, who governed Madurai from 1623 until 1659, erected the palace. It has large, stunning pillars and combines the Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. A light and sound display based on Silappathikaram, the first Tamil epic, is presented every evening.

From October through March is the best season to visit Madurai.

9. Amritsar in search of the Golden Temple

Golden Temple Amritsar

Amritsar, located on India's northwest border with Pakistan, offers a unique travel encounter. Sikhs, who support equality for all people regardless of race, religion, caste, or gender, make up roughly half of the local population here. (Sikh is actually a word that meaning "learner" or "seeker of knowledge," and Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world.) The stately Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), the centre of worship for all Sikhs, is located in Amritsar, the holiest city for Sikhs and the city that the fourth Sikh guru built in 1577. All religions are accepted at the temple, which draws travellers from around the globe.

The temple features entrances on all four sides, signifying openness, and the dome is coated in gold. The temple appears magnificent at night when its gold dome is illuminated. Therefore, it is ideal to take in its beauty and charm in the evening. The Golden Temple is renowned for having the largest free communal kitchen in the world, which serves free vegetarian meals to up to 100,000 guests each day, in addition to its remarkable beauty. You can take a tour of the kitchen or even sign up to help make and serve food there. In this article, How to Explore Amritsar in One Day, Odynovo travel specialist Nina Xu discussed her firsthand experience of visiting the community kitchen.

Visitor advice for the Golden Temple

1) Put on acceptable attire. Avoid wearing shorts, and cover your shoulders.

2) Both smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly forbidden.

3. A head scarf is required for entry inside the temple. If you don't have one, you can purchase one at the temple's entrance.

October, November, February, and March are the best months to visit Amritsar and the Golden Temple. Amritsar's climate is fairly harsh; the summers are very hot and the winters are very chilly. The monsoon season begins in July, and temperatures begin to rise in April.

10. Hill Station

Queen of Hills

Shimla Winter

Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, also referred to as the "Queen of Hills," is a beautiful hill town. It is regarded as one of the nicest hill stations in India and one of the top tourist sites in Himachal. It is located 112 kilometres from Chandigarh and 348 kilometres from New Delhi.

Shimla City

Shimla, one of Himachal Pradesh's most well-known hill cities, draws its name from "Goddess Shyamala," a form of Goddess Kali. Some of the top tourist attractions in Shimla include Kali Bari Temple, Annandale, Vice Regal Lodge, Jakhu Temple/Jakhu Hill, The Mall, Tara Devi Temple, Christ Church, and Kalka - Shimla Railway.

Shimla Railway Station

It continues to be the best location for adventure sports in addition to being the ideal summer hideaway. As part of their Shimla vacation packages, visitors can participate in a variety of treks into the Kullu Valley, go trout fishing in the Pabbar River, try skiing in Narkanda and Kufri, and play golf in Naldehra. One of the most stunning sites to visit close to Chandigarh is thought to be here.

The Snow-Clad Mountain in Manali

Manali is a stunningly picturesque hill town located close to the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the top hill stations in Himachal and among the top places to visit close to Chandigarh. It is located about 295 kilometres from Chandigarh and 545 km from Delhi.

Manali

Tourist at Manali

Manali, which is renowned for its snow-covered mountains, natural splendour, history, and culture, is a town that is spread out along the banks of the Beas River and is situated at an elevation of 2050 m. Manu, a Hindu lawmaker, inspired the name Manali. One of the well-known hill resorts close to Delhi is Manali, which is frequently referred to as the "Valley of the Gods."

Among the places that must be included in Manali vacation packages are Naggar Castle, Hidimbi Devi Temple, and Rohtang Pass. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries in Manali that are worth seeing. The other well-known tourist attractions in Manali include Enfield Point, Manali Gompa, Manu Temple, Naggar Castle, Nehru Kund, and Zana Waterfalls.

Adventure sports including skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking are also popular in Manali. Manali offers amazing paragliding opportunities. experience.