From pink-hued palaces and golden forts to snow-capped hilltop towns offering incredible skiing to tropical palm-lined beaches on the Arabian Sea coastline, the best places to visit in India have it all. India’s unique destinations will leave you gawking and sometimes silenced in awe.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is one of the best places to go in India, not only because it’s home to a monument that is as synonymous with India as they come, the Taj Mahal, but because it’s so quintessentially Indian. It’s sacred land that is a pilgrimage destination, with holy rivers and monuments that depict its historical past. Lucknow, the capital, is thought to have some of the most incredible food in India.
Agra
Agra is where you’ll find the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most visited monuments. It’s utterly stunning, especially when viewed at dawn. However, this isn’t the only monument of interest in Agra. Close by is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, a humongous fort that feels more like a city, with its gigantic walls and formerly serving as a residence of the Mughal Dynasty. It’s believed to have been India’s capital before Delhi, whilst the Itimad-ud-Daulah, another tomb fondly referred to as the ‘jewel box’, is thought to have been what the Taj Mahal was modelled on. The city itself has a buzzy atmosphere with markets worth visiting; head to the Kinari Bazaar to load up on spices.
Uttarakhand
Whilst in the area, head to Uttarakhand, on the foothills of the Himalayas, especially if you’re after some zen time. It’s bursting with Hindu pilgrimage sites, perhaps because it’s at the mouth of one of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganges. It’s also home to the UNESCO Heritage Sites of the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park, home to some endangered flora and fauna.
Rishikesh
Right on the River Ganges itself, you’ll find the serene city of Rishikesh, with temples and ashrams lining its banks. This spiritual city has some of the best meditation and yoga retreats around. One of the most incredible sites you’ll ever witness anywhere is the Ganga Aarti, a daily procession of monks chanting mantras and holding fire lanterns along the Ganges; it truly is a spiritual experience.
Punjab
Close to the borders of India and Pakistan is the Punjab state, sometimes referred to as the land of rivers. In the border town of Wagha, you can watch a ritual of retreating soldiers on either side of the border; this has become an attraction in itself, culminating in the ‘beating the retreat’ ceremony that takes place every year, something worth catching if you are in the area in January.
Amritsar
Amritsar is probably one of the best places to see in India, not least because of the Golden Temple; it’s one of the holiest sites of Sikhism, a building of utter beauty built on marble, with the top half completely covered in gold leaf.
Other places of interest include the Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the terrible massacre perpetrated by the British Army in 1919. The old town is captivating with crumbling buildings and colourful doors that speak of times gone by. It’s not only one of the most famous places in India but also the place to try some authentic Indian cooking and a glass of delicious lassi to cool you off on a hot day.
Karnataka
In the southwest, Karnataka is where to go in India for wildlife and national parks. Given its location on the Arabian Sea, you’ll also find some stunning beaches, including a lovely one for trekking at Gorkana. Hampi, at one time one of the largest empires in India, is full of ruins of temples, including that of an elephant stable and a stone chariot, which has been recognised as a World Heritage Site. Head to Kabini for wildlife in its natural habitat, whilst the Jog Falls are a beauty to behold.
Bengaluru
In the capital city Bengaluru, also known as the ‘City of Gardens’ because of its beautiful parks, the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are a must-see. It’s also been dubbed India’s Silicon Valley, which would explain the fast-growing city with a young population and various shopping centres that offer incredible shopping experiences. The food culture here is thriving, so you won’t be short of epic places to eat, but don’t miss out on the fascinating Bengaluru Palace.
Tamil Nadu
In South India, Tamil Nadu boasts a rich and well-preserved culture dating back 2,000 years. This can be seen through its abundant temples and religious festivals, such as the captivating Bharatanatyam held every year.
It’s got one of the most beautiful and rugged coastlines in India, and you can head to the southernmost tip of Kanyakumari for mesmerising sunrise rituals. It is said the only thing that rivals the temples in Tamil Nadu is its cuisine, so it goes without saying you will be missing out if you don’t try some. The now worldwide-loved Dosa has its home here, whilst Chennai did once feature as a top-10 foodie destination.
Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s capital city, has managed to blend the ancient with a fast-growing city rather well. It’s one of the best places in India to see temples in an urban setting (the Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located within the city walls), whilst the Government Museum, the second oldest in India, is filled with South Indian bronze sculptures of interest. Don’t miss out on a sunset walk on Marina Beach, the world’s second-largest urban beach.
Rajasthan
If you travel to the north, you’ll come to Rajasthan, the land of medieval forts, palaces and tigers. It’s the place to travel in India for some of the most colourful bazaars, and where the most ostentatious and vivid Diwali and Holi festivals take place. Here you’ll find fairytale-like deserts with honey-gold sandstone and a pink-and-blue city with palaces where you can sleep like an emperor. Jantar Mantar is home to the largest stone sundial in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jaipur
Nicknamed the Pink City because of the terracotta-hued tones of its many breathtaking palaces and forts, Jaipur is one of the best places to visit in India. The gateway to Rajasthan is a treasure trove of royal palaces and historic forts.
The must-sees include the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which dominates the city and was built for the royal women to observe the goings-on down below without being seen; it’s at the end of the main City Palace. On the city’s outskirts, you’ll come to the marble and sandstone Amber Fort, with its gorgeous gardens, or head to Ranthambore National Park for one of the best tiger safaris in India.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, branded the Golden City because of the honey-gold sandstone buildings that flank its narrow and winding lanes, is guarded by the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort. There’s a citadel with 99 bastions, within which you find seven astonishing temples considered to be architectural wonders. It’s perhaps best known for the rather extravagant and exciting Jaisalmer Desert Festival, which takes place amongst its golden sand dunes that rise like a vision in the background.
Jodhpur
Last, but by no means least, in central Rajasthan is Jodhpur, the blue city, which also derives its name from the cobalt-coloured houses that adorn its medieval streets. Not to be outdone, Jodhpur has its own fort, the rather majestic Mehrangarh Fort, probably one of the best preserved in India; it stands on a cliff overlooking the town. A visit to the old walled city is like stepping back in time, with palaces (some of which provide accommodation) still occupied by royal families and bazaars to haggle and sample some of the culinary delights Jodhpur is famed for.
Ladakh
Jagged snow-capped mountains dotted with colourful Buddhist monasteries and crystal-clear lakes form part of the beautiful landscape of Ladakh. Given its terrain, it’s one of the best places to go to in India if you’re after adventurous trekking. The Chadar Trek is one of the highest and most sought after, and you could even trek on a frozen river, with care of course. Additionally, Umling La Pass is the highest drivable road in the world.
Leh
The capital city Leh is a charming vista of whitewashed houses set in a valley overlooked by the Leh Palace, a 17th-century former royal residence that offers incredible views of the region. Even further up the mountainside is Castle Tsemo, which has a Buddhist temple on one side and a monastery on the other. There is so much to see and do in this hillside city, which has to be on anyone’s bucket list of places to visit.
Kerela
Kerela could easily be one of the best holiday destinations in India, given its location on the tropical Malabar Coast. Along this coastline, you’ll find palm-lined beaches, whereas if you head inland, you’ll be confronted with tea-and-spice-growing hills, national parks and elephant and tiger sanctuaries.
It’s a serene haven that has a different pace from the rest of India. Here you’ll find Ayurvedic treatments and a chance to recover your equilibrium after the hectic pace of things, whilst the houseboats on the idyllic backwaters of places like Alappuzha provide a totally different holiday experience.
Kochi
The port city of Kochi is a melting pot of cultures, whose legacy can still be found amongst its streets. The historic Jewish quarter is a shopping expedition with a difference; amongst its narrow lanes, you’ll find anything under the sun. The highlight of the area is the Paradesi Synagogue, possibly the oldest in India. The influence of the Chinese is seen through the cantilevered fishing nets along its coast. One of the best times to visit is between December and March when the Kochi Biennale, an art extravaganza like no other, takes place.
West Bengal
Between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, you will find the state of West Bengal, a land of ornate Hindu temples and old European trading towns. On a hillside, amidst acres of tea plantations, is the enchanting Darjeeling, perfect for a romantic getaway, whilst the river-lined mangroves of Bankura are home to incredible terracotta Hindu temples, such as the pyramid-shaped Rasmancha.
Kolkata
One of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, Kolkata is the region’s main city whose centre is adorned with colonial-era architecture attesting to its past. Amongst them is the Victoria Memorial, a rather grand marble building with beautiful grounds that you can visit, and the Gothic-style St Paul’s Cathedral. Iconic to the city is Howrah Bridge, the sixth-longest cantilever bridge in the world. For a truly memorable experience, don’t miss the New Market and Mullick Ghat Flower Market; they are a fun adventure for the senses in their own right.
Himachal Pradesh
Within the Himalayas, you’ll find India’s northernmost state of Himachal Pradesh, host to the Dalai Lama and filled with picturesque mountain towns with strong Tibetan influence. Shimla, its capital, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mountain Railway.
Manali
If you’re into skiing in India, then Manali is where to head to. This stunning hillside town on the River Beas, with its green-roofed, colourful houses, is the gateway to the Solang and Parvati valleys, where you can also do some trekking, paragliding and rafting. It’s the place to go in India for adrenaline-type sports, whilst Mall Road in the town centre is where to get your keepsakes and curios to take home.
Best places to visit in India: Maharashtra
The third largest state of India, Maharashtra, is home to scenic beaches found along its western coast, ancient and jaw-dropping forts in the Deccan Plateau and the site of two UNESCO Heritage cave paintings at Ajanta and Ellora.
Mumbai
Probably the most well-known of all Maharashtra’s sites is Mumbai, which is hard to do justice using only words; it simply has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Thought to be the gateway to India, not only because of the monumental arch The Gateway of India, Mumbai is fast, cultural, colourful and loud, all at the same time. The creative types hang out in the Kala Ghoda area, with its galleries, whilst the trendy types head to the upmarket Bandra.
Mumbai Harbour is stunning, and along its promenade is one of the best places to catch a memorable sunset, while you don’t have to be heading anywhere to appreciate the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus; it’s a building of beauty in its own right.
Delhi
Delhi is home to India’s capital city, which is steeped in history going as far back as medieval times through to the legendary Mughal emperors. This long heritage can still be seen in some of the prominent cities in the area.
New Delhi
New Delhi is India’s governing capital city, a city with a mish-mash of cultural influences, where history combines with modern life in a cacophonous explosion. Delhi is wonderfully loud and chaotic, permeated with ancient monuments, people, monkeys and cows.
There is plenty to see, but notable amongst them is the Red Fort, the residence of the Moghuls when they moved the capital from Agra; Humayun’s Tomb can also be found in nearby Nizamuddin. Whilst New Delhi is packed with modern shopping areas that are a shopper’s paradise, Old Deli has street bazaars that are a haggler’s dream.
Goa
Picture perfect with stunning beaches, Goa is the perfect blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures and is one of the best places to travel in India if you’re searching for a beach holiday with a little more. The coastline on the Arabian coast is tinged with individual resorts to cater to everyone’s needs, from backpackers to the more-discerning travellers. In the winter, it’s the perfect spot for meditation and yoga.
Panaji
Panaji, Goa’s capital city, is a charming delight that pays homage to its past. Fontainhas, the oldest Latin quarter whose cobbled streets are flanked by boutiques, edgy cafes and bars with Portuguese architecture, is where to hang out. There’s a beautiful 17th century church, the Immaculate Conception Church, in the city’s centre that’s well worth a visit.
If you’re looking for other countries to see, check out the best places to visit in Australia, Dubai and Turkey, which also have plenty to offer.
