India is a vast and varied country with diverse attractions. It shares borders with several countries like Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and is also surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This geographical diversity creates different aspects of India.
Moreover, India has more than 20 official languages, numerous religions, and a wide range of cuisines. To fully immerse yourself in Indian culture and history, it is important to travel. Explore the recommended destinations in India according to your travel plans to get a complete experience.
10. Mysore
Mysore is a city in the southern part of India that used to be the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. One of its most famous attractions is the magnificent Mysore Palace, which is known for its luxurious features such as rosewood doors, ivory-decorated ceilings, and beautiful paintings.
When visiting Mysore, it is highly recommended not to miss the amazing Devaraja Market located on Dhanwanthri Road. This outdoor market offers a unique experience where you can purchase chai tea, fresh produce, and even sandalwood carvings.
9. Ellora & Ajanta Caves
If you visit the state of Maharashtra, you should definitely check out the caves of Ellora and Ajanta. The caves in Ellora are really impressive because they were carved out of rock and there are 34 of them! These caves are super old, like around 1,500 years old, and they represent three different religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
Another place you should visit is Ajanta, which is only a two-hour drive away. In Ajanta, there are 29 caves and they are filled with beautiful murals and paintings that tell Buddhist stories. Even though these two cave complexes are quite far from each other, it’s totally worth it to visit both and compare these awesome attractions.
8. Ladakh
Ladakh is a mountainous region in northern India, located in the disputed Kashmir region. It is known for its large size, but with a low population density and many nomadic residents. People are attracted to this area because of its breathtaking and untouched scenery.
Most travelers also visit the town of Leh, which is situated at a very high elevation. In Leh, you will find the Palace of the King of Ladakh, which dates back to the 17th century. Leh is also a significant place for Buddhist culture, so you might want to explore the numerous Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Old Town.
7. Varanasi
Varanasi is an ancient city with a rich history that goes back more than 3,000 years. It is situated in North India, along the banks of the River Ganges. Throughout the ages, Varanasi has served as a prominent center of education and has been an important place of worship for Hindus.
It is considered sacred by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike, as it is believed that dying in Varanasi frees one’s soul from the cycle of rebirth, and bathing in the River Ganges purifies a person’s sins.Varanasi is filled with unique sights and experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.
It earned the nickname “City of Temples” due to the thousands of temples scattered throughout the area. Notable ones include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Durga Temple, and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, where numerous monkeys reside. The city’s iconic ghats are also a must-visit attraction.
Ghats are a series of steps leading down to the River Ganges, where people gather to take holy baths. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest and most famous, while the Manikarnika Ghat is where Hindu cremations and death rituals frequently take place.In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Varanasi offers various activities such as yoga, shaving, and massages.
Visitors can explore the ghats by taking a peaceful morning boat ride during sunrise. The city is also known for its silk weaving industry, with numerous shops and markets selling silk products like sarees and scarves, as well as other handicrafts.
6. Agra
Agra, a highly popular city in India, receives a large number of visitors. It used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire and is famous for housing the magnificent Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, built during the 17th century using white marble. Although it is stunning, the Taj Mahal tends to get crowded.
Another attraction worth visiting in Agra is the Agra Fort, resembling Delhi’s Red Fort. This fort, dating back to the 16th century, allows visitors to take a tour and explore the splendid palace located within its premises.
5. Amritsar
Amritsar is a holy city in the northern province of Punjab and is considered an important place for the Sikh religion. The Golden Temple, also called the Harmandir Sahib, is the main attraction in Amritsar. It was constructed over 400 years ago and is made entirely of gold. Many Sikhs from all over India and the world come to visit this temple.
Regardless of your religion, you can visit the Golden Temple but you must show respect by covering your head and taking off your shoes. The main entrance to the temple is called Ghanta Ghar, and once you enter, you can see the Amrit Sarovar, which is a pool surrounding the temple where pilgrims often bathe.
4. Rajasthan
In northwest India, lies the state of Rajasthan. It shares a border with Pakistan and is known for the Thar Desert. If you’re interested in Rajput history or want to witness the beauty of the Aravallis Mountains, Rajasthan offers some of the finest places to explore in India.
The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City, which serves as an excellent starting point for your journey. Jaipur boasts incredible architecture, including three forts, numerous temples, and the awe-inspiring City Palace. Another must-visit destination in Rajasthan is Jodhpur, known as the Blue City. It serves as a gateway to the Thar Desert and is home to the breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort.
3. Kerala
Kerala in southwest India is a beautiful tropical place with palm trees and white sand beaches. It is known for its eco-tourism and famous backwaters. One of the remarkable sights in Kerala is Thekkady, a tiger preserve where you can appreciate the region’s stunning wildlife and plant life without dealing with large crowds.
The central city of Kerala is Kochi, where you can witness the flourishing local fishing industry as well as modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Kochi is a diverse city both in terms of ethnicity and religion.
In just one afternoon, you can visit a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch palace, the Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and the Hindu Thrikkakara Temple.
2. Goa Beaches
Goa, located on the western coast of India, was once a colony of Portugal. It is a unique blend of Indian culture and colonial influences, and it attracts many tourists from all over the world. The main reason people love Goa is because of its stunning beaches.
One of the busiest and most popular beaches is Candolim Beach, where people come to sunbathe and enjoy themselves. On the other hand, Anjuna Beach is less crowded and offers a different experience. From there, you can take a walk to Chapora Fort and enjoy the beautiful view of the sandy coastline.
Another remarkable beach is Palolem, known for its natural bay surrounded by tall cliffs on each side. Goa is especially beloved by adventurous individuals, as there are plenty of recreational activities available for those who want to have fun in the sun.
1. Delhi
When you’re in Northern India, a visit to Delhi is a must. Delhi is a massive city with different districts and it is known as one of the oldest cities globally. One of the main attractions in Delhi is the Red Fort, also called Lal Qila, which was constructed in the 17th century.
Made of sandstone, you can explore the fort by entering through its Lahore Gate, wandering through the bazaar, exploring the jewel palace, and even visiting the former residence of the sultan. Apart from the Red Fort, Delhi also offers numerous museums and religious structures that are worth exploring during your time there.
