Top 10 Best Places To Visit In India | Travel Guide

Deeply traditional yet endlessly surprising, India is one of those destinations that ends up on every traveler's bucket list. You might dream of going to Agra to see the Taj Mahal in all its glory, or explore the royal palaces scattered throughout Rajasthan. You might find yourself attracted to the jaw-dropping landscapes in Darjeeling and Rishikesh, or the postcard-perfect beaches in Goa. So to truly experience the breadth of Indian culture and history, travel is key. So let's have a look at the best places to visit in India. Number 1. New Delhi Delhi is both a Union Territory within India as well as a city and features two very different worlds, New Delhi and Old Delhi. The former, inaugurated by the British in 1931 to serve as the imperial capital, is the nation's modern capital and seat of government, while Old Delhi is considered by many as the symbolic heart of the greater metropolitan area. One of the main landmarks of the city is the Indian Gate. This 42-meter high Arc de Triomphe-like archway situated in the heart of Delhi city is much taller than the hearts of India. Formerly known as All India War Memorial, India Gate was built to commemorate the death of 70,000 British Indian soldiers who died during the First World War. The Red Fort, popularly known as Lal Quila, is the pride of the nation. It is a historic fort situated in the older part of the city. Lal Quila served as the primary residence for Mughal emperors who ruled the city for about 200 years. It was until 1856 that the Mughals resided in Lal Quila. The historical monument also served as the political center of the Mughals. Moving on to number 2. Mumbai Known as the city of dreams, Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra located on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. Named after goddess Mamba Devi, Mumbai is a diverse city that offers a variety of choices to spend some quality time with your loved ones. From beaches to theme parks, from historical sites to religious spots, from shopping centers to a wide array of eateries, Mumbai offers something for everyone. One of the most popular landmarks to see in Mumbai is the Gateway of India which was built during the colonial era. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911, it was the first structure that a visitor would see while arriving to Mumbai by sea. Its magnificent architecture still allures everyone. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India presents an impressive sight that is impossible to miss when in Mumbai. While Mumbai may look like a shiny modern city at first glance, it also has some sights that will leave you in awe. Spend a day at Sanjay Gandhi National Park exploring the Kanheri Caves, a complex of monuments that were carved out of the basalt formations around 2,000 years ago. Inside the 109 cave entrances, you'll see large stupas, congregation areas, and prayer halls. Another place to visit in Mumbai is the Marine Drive. Officially named as Netaji Subhash Chandra Road, this is a 3-kilometer-long stretch with six lanes that runs by the coastline. Marine Drive forms a natural bay which hypnotizes every visitor with its serene scenic beauty. 3. Agra The Taj Mahal is just one of many amazing places to visit in Agra. While here you can explore the historically significant Agra Fort, experience the impressively beautiful tomb of Idumad-ud-Daula, see one of the largest mosques in India at Fatehpur Sikar, and find respite in Mehtab Bagh, a serene park in the shadows of the Taj. The charm of Taj Mahal attracts people from all over the world as it is one of the most beautiful heritage destinations in India. Being one of the seven wonders of the world, this white marble structure resembles paradise on earth. People call it a symbol of love as it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The most interesting fact about this monument is that it took 20 years to build this white marvelous structure. If you love historical monuments and are a great history buff then you must visit the magnificent Redstone Agra Fort. There are several exquisite monuments and underground sections. The Diwan-i-Am is a place where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan used to listen to the problems of his people. Left to the Diwan-i-Am is a large and beautiful courtyard. The other attractions to see here are Shesh Mahal, Kaas Mahal, and Jahangir's Palace. Number 4. Varanasi If you want to experience the spirituality of India at its most vibrant, you need to head to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This ancient city, inhabited continuously for some 2,800 years, is one of the holiest places for Hindus. The center of action in Varanasi can be found at Banaras Ghats, a series of giant steps leading to the Ganges River. In the morning the devout descend the stairs to wash away their sins in the holy water, and at night they return for fire-fueled prayer ceremonies. Another worthwhile visit is the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred attraction around 4 kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near the Manikarnika Ghat. The impressive structure dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva has earned the nickname the Golden Temple for its striking spire, plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. The distinctive design of this temple has gone on to inspire the architecture of hundreds of other temples across India. Number 5. Amritsar Amritsar is one of India's most deeply spiritual cities. Tens of thousands of devout Sikhs make a pilgrimage to Amritsar every day for one main reason – a visit to the famous Golden Temple. There's nothing quite like strolling around the glistening structure and sitting down for a communal meal from the temple's massive volunteer-run kitchen with dozens of other visitors. But as you dig deeper into this soulful, frenetic city, you'll have tons of other fascinating experiences that will make you fall in love with Amritsar. You can watch the daily Wagah border ceremony, tuck into incredible Punjabi food, wander around the funhouse like Now, before you plan your next trip to India, make sure to check out the first link in the description where you can find the best deals for your flight, hotel, and car rentals in India. Moving on to number 6. Goa Popular coastal hotspots like Kalva Beach and Pulolam Beach draw tourists to Goa from around the world. But beaches are just the beginning of what makes Goa one of the most beloved places to visit in India. The destination also has unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine, historical churches and temples, vibrant wildlife, and fascinating spice farms. One of the best hidden gems in Goa is Butterfly Beach. It has a curving expanse of sand flanked by boulders that create a postcard-worthy cove brimming with butterflies and blossoms. It's also a great spot to watch dolphins swim in the distance. Number 7. Kerala The entire expanse of Kerala is blessed with beauty, unmissable attractions, and some of the most scenic places to visit. From the lush hill stations on the Western Ghats to scenic shores by the Arabian Sea, from the backwaters to the wildlife sanctuaries, lush tea gardens to roaring waterfalls, soothing Ayurvedic resorts to the bustling festivals, Kerala abounds in beauty and bliss. Cradled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Vinod truly deserves a top rank in the list of places to visit in Kerala. This stunning hill station is all about fantasy, untouched nature, unforgettable moments and merriment. Adding more to Vinod's enchanting beauty, visitors can also revisit and unfold history while visiting this hilly retreat. The lush and pristine forests in Vinod are said to be inhabited more than 3,000 years ago. Number 8. Kolkata Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the educational, commercial, and cultural center of the eastern part of India and is the third most populous metropolitan city of India. The marble palace was built by a Bengali merchant Raja Rajendra Malik whose family members still reside here. With a neoclassical style, this incredible building is made up of 26 varieties of Italian marbles. This mansion is one of the most elegant and best-conserved houses in Kolkata. The Sundarbans National Park is a treat for travelers who love adventure and wildlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove belt, translating to beautiful forest and Bengali. Visitors get to witness the sensational wonders of local flora and fauna, including royal white Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, a colorful breed of birds and reptiles, and many other endangered species that have made the Sundarban forests their home. Number 9. Ladakh Located at an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Ladakh boasts immense scenic beauty, including palaces, lakes, and monasteries. Tucked in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Hema's National Park is called the Snow Leopard Capital of India. Established in 1981, this national park is best known for sheltering the highest density of snow leopards in the world. Another highlight of Hema's is that it is the only national park north of the Himalayas. Besides that it is also home to 16 mammal and 73 bird species. Placed at the height of 4,350 meters on the Indochina border, Pangong Lake is one of the popular attractions in Ladakh. Also known as the Hollow Lake or Pangong Tso, this is one of Asia's largest saltwater lakes. It covers an area of approximately 100 kilometers, while two-thirds of this lake is in Tibet. One-third of it lies in eastern Ladakh. Number 10. Darjeeling Located in the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is known for its tea industry. The city is located amidst the lower Himalayas that are also known as the Mahabharat Range. The town was developed in the mid-19th century by the British and soon came to be known for its vast tea estates that produce the best tea in the country. Tiger Hill, one of the most famous peaks in Darjeeling, can be reached either by jeep or by foot which transverses through some of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling. The place is best known as a trekking destination and its peaks offer some of the most marvelous views of the Kanchenzanga and the monolithic Mount Everest. The most famous attraction in Darjeeling, the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway, is also known as the Toy Train. It is a narrow gauge rail that is two feet in width and runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and was built in the years between 1879 and 1881. In 1999, the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.