by As with India’s bustling cities, selecting travel destinations in this vast nation can be daunting. Spanning different landscapes and cultures ranging from bustling metropolitan areas, world-famous nature reserves and safari heritage sites to beaches that provide relaxing leisure. U.S. News ranks top Indian travel spots based on culture, beauty and cuisine as well as other factors; for your own reference take a look below for inspiration before sharing your own list!
Agra
Agra’s most iconic landmark and one of India’s greatest tourist draws – Taj Mahal is recognized by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and serves as its emblematic landmark. Agra boasts not only fame but also immense historic value. As Agra lies at the eastern point of India’s Golden Triangle tourism route (connecting Agra, Jaipur and Delhi), Agra does not remain under-the-radar but many visitors agree its architecture justifies all of the fuss surrounding this destination. As soon as you’ve experienced the splendor of Shah Jahan’s marble mausoleum commissioned in honor of his three year wife in 1619 by Emperor Shah Jahan himself in Agra Fort, visit Agra’s “Mini Taj”, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb – commonly referred to as Itmad-ud Daulahs Tomb or explore more about their family through Agra Fort. Make sure your visit coincides with sunset or sunrise so as to avoid tourist crowds! Friday is generally closed so best times to visit would be best.
Kerala
Kerala can offer travelers who find India overwhelming an easier and gentler introduction into its history and culture. Although Kerala may only cover part of India in terms of landmass area, its small state located in its southwest corner satisfies every vacationer’s wishlist! Tourists looking for adventure within the Western Ghats (an older mountain range than Himalaya), such as Periyar National Park’s wildlife sanctuary or Munnar’s tea plantations can visit both. Kerala boasts 360 miles of coast, offering visitors relaxing days on beautiful beaches or houseboat cruises along its network of lakes. Cities like Kochi and Kannur provide ideal opportunities to discover both its traditional culture and cuisine.
Jaipur
Rajasthan is among the top Indian states for tourists to visit, and Jaipur serves as its capital city and will surely do not disappoint! Affectionately known as “The Pink City,” Jaipur boasts gorgeous facades painted rosy hues while boasting impressive Rajputana Mughal architecture that draws both domestic and international travelers alike. Notable attractions here include Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds”, City Palace with intricate gates, Amber Palace dazzles visitors with its Hall of Mirrors; after visiting these major landmarks complete your day by stopping off Johari Bazaar or stopping off textile shops along its streets – you might just end your trip here too!
Goa
Goa, India’s smallest state, draws visitors from around the globe due to its Arabian Sea shoreline and laidback lifestyle known as susegad. A term stemming back from almost four hundred fifty years under Portuguese control, “susegad” best describes Goa’s sense of relaxation and leisure that characterizes this area. If you need something active to do take a tour of Roman Catholic churches in Old Goa or go kayaking through mangrove forests; whatever strikes your fancy!
Delhi
Delhi can be an overwhelming sensory assault. Although not for those easily upset, those willing to accept its chaos have an incredible opportunity to explore some of history and culture’s most striking sites – Old Delhi offers narrow streets lined with food stalls, market stalls and Red Fort, while more modern New Delhi features vast avenues of green spaces as well as parks such as Lodhi Garden and Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple as must-sees.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand is an idyllic sanctuary on the Ganges River that serves as an idyllic retreat where peace prevails. Famously known as “Yoga Capital of the World”, this oasis features many ashrams catering to those in search of tranquillity and peace, particularly Maharshi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram which draws in those looking for spiritual direction; fans of The Beatles can visit it en masse; The band lived and composed nearly 50 songs that year! Along its banks tourists can visit important Hindu sites such as Triveni Ghat or visit pyramid-shaped Trayambakeshwar Temple; all are worth experiencing at their leisure!
Mumbai
Mumbai can only truly be understood when experienced first-hand; one needs only visit for themselves to understand its magic and character. Commonly referred to as India’s City of Dreams,” Mumbai was one of India’s earliest trading cities dating back over 1000 years BC! Nowadays it serves as India’s commercial and entertainment center, featuring National Stock Exchange trading floors, Bollywood business, beaches, bustling nightlife scenes, National Stock Exchange trading floors as well as National Stock Exchange trade floors (now NSE India ) National Stock Exchange market (now NSE India), National Stock Exchange trading floors as well as India National Stock Exchange trading National Stock Exchange trading floors (NSE India), National Stock Exchange trading floor (NSE India), National Stock Exchange trading National Stock Exchange-listed stocks. Finally despite all of Mumbai’s hustle-bustle make sure to stop by The Elephanta Caves or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus so you know exactly where Mumbai stands!
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park offers visitors to the US an unrivalled experience spotting Bengal tigers in their natural environment, offering dense populations. Situated at the base of Himalayas and covering 500 square miles with rolling hills, thick woodlands, marshes and savannas; stay for one or more nights in one of Dhikala Zone resting places or take an exciting Jeep Tour into wilderness where bears, elephants as well as over 600 different bird species could potentially be encountered! It may not guarantee seeing Bengal tigers but chances are high you may see some or even seeing others.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Escape the hustle of urban environments by heading off-grid in Andaman and Nicobar Islands – two tropical paradises located about 800 miles off-shore Indian mainland that attract beachgoers with sugary sands and crystal-clear waters that draw vacationers like bees to honeycomb. Archipelagos contain hundreds of islands that make up these archipelagos; only some have been settled. On Havelock Island you will find Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach; both offer stunning places for relaxation and snorkeling. When sunburnt enough take in some culture with visits to Baratang’s mangrove caves or discover more of Port Blair with visits to Cellular Jail where Indian rebels were held prisoner.
Hampi
Hampi was once the capital city of Vijayanagar Empire and dates back to 14th-century. Today this Karnataka city hosts over 1,600 old structures dating from then – such as forts, temples and royal palaces – including intricate gopuras (gateway towers) with intricate gopura designs in their intricate gateway towers and multi-layered archways of Lotus Mahal (Lotus Mahal is made up of multi-layered arches that form multi-tiered arched archways) make up this sightful sight that can’t fail! If visiting Hampi you must climb Matanga Hill for unrivalled views over its valley! To ride a coracle boat across Tungabhadra River on coracle (cane boats).
Udaipur
Udaipur, commonly dubbed as the “City of Lakes”, boasts gorgeous reservoirs that add serenity and peace to its beautiful zinc, marble structures and green hills in Rajasthan. Couples will especially find Udaipur an idyllic romantic retreat; admire Jagdish Temple or stroll together through Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens before taking an idyllic sunset cruise along Lake Pichola for spectacular views of Palace Islands Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir as well as admire 450 year-old City Palace which dominates its shoreline!
Varanasi
Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh and considered to be an ancient sacred site by Hindus worldwide, has often been described as India’s spiritual heartland. Dashashwamedh Ghat lies along India’s most revered river – The Ganges. Here can be found 88 Ghats that lead down towards its waters as well as many pilgrims visiting in order to witness Ganga Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evenings. Varanasi’s abundance of temples include Kashi Vishwanath Temple as one of its more well-known sites, however only Hindus may visit. Additionally, to maintain respect for religious practice and sacred sites it is advised that visitors wear conservative clothing when visiting.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is widely believed to have served as inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s literary masterpiece The Jungle Book; Kanha National Park offers stunning safari opportunities located within India’s central highlands. With more than half the country’s forest cover, this 700 square mile reserve contains wildlife such as tigers, sloth bears and leopards; in addition, its meadows help ensure survival of endangered barasingha (swamp deer). While you hunt wildlife from a jeep or hike through nature, take time out to visit one of the over 100 villages located around the park’s edges, where local culture can be experienced first-hand. Or opt for unique accommodations by staying the night in either a tent campsite or safari camp; just remember it must be visited between July 1 and October 15, as otherwise the park closes permanently!
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, another city of Rajasthan, stands out as an oasis with vast stretches of sapphire-colored fabric adorning its buildings and streets. While its exact origins can be debated, Jodhpur’s blue-painted buildings certainly stand out aesthetically – some believe their inspiration came from Brahmin (one of Hinduism’s highest caste) palaces; other speculate that their vibrant hue wards off bugs and sunlight rays; regardless, it makes an eye-catching statement! No one disputes that their striking visual appeal makes an impactful statement about Jodhpur as a city. Jodhpur was established in 1459. Renowned for its beautiful architecture, Jodhpur is also home to some incredible monuments such as Mehrangarh Fort which towers high over its city’s perched cliff; walk around its Old Part for an immersive tour of Jodhpur heritage; trek Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park to experience this rugged urban terrain which has helped mold Jodhpur.
Ladakh
Ladakh Traveling through Ladakh’s vast, incredible terrain requires strong lungs and tough skin. Are You An Adventurous Traveller Interested in Witnessing the Magnificence of the Himalayas? Leh is worth spending some time at in order to acclimate and adjust to its high altitude. Visit Leh and take time to admire its hilltop Tibetan structures at Leh Palace and Thiksey Monastery before venturing off-road at Magnetic Hill (an intriguing phenomenon where vehicles seem to propel upward). Journey onwards until reaching Pangong Lake; follow Silk Road across Nubra Valley before relaxing after an exhausting day in one of Ladakh’s eco-friendly resorts offering modern services.
Kodagu (Coorg)
Kodagu (Coorg) Kodagu, more popularly known by its shorthand Coorg, is sometimes described as the Scotland of India due to its lush hills and misty conditions. Comprised of hill towns located mainly within Karnataka state and producing three quarters of all coffee in India at Mercara Gold Estate; other spots to visit in Kodagu include Mandalpatti Hilltop as well as Raja’s Seat offering fantastic panoramic views over its landscapes.
Amritsar
Amritsar, Punjab. Amritsar has become known as an important hub of Sikhism thanks to the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib). Built with more than 900 pounds of gold leaf, this structure serves as a sacred hub. Situated near Pakistan border in Punjab near Amritsar is also notable memorials commemorating India’s most tragic events like Partition Museum or Jallianwala Bagh – these mustn’t be missed when touring Amritsar as they’re two essential staples! For foodies visiting this tourist spot don’t leave without tasting authentic Punjabi dishes like kulcha (stuffed dough cooked inside an oven called Tandoor) or Dal Makhani (an Indian dish made out of lentils) among many more delicious delicacies!
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, located between Nepal and Bhutan in Sikkim, boasts breathtaking mountainous vistas worthy of postcards. Tourists looking for stunning vantages should hike Tiger Hill to watch the rising sun light up Kanchenjunga; otherwise enjoy Darjeeling Toy Train around Batasia Loop before boarding Darjeeling Ropeway cable car for further breathtaking vistas. Since Darjeeling boasts more than 80 tea plantations estates (most are guesthouses or resorts).
Kaziranga National Park
Nature enthusiasts should visit northeast India specifically because of one reason – rhinoceroses with one horn! Kaziranga National Park contains around two-thirds of these rare and beautiful beasts worldwide! Kaziranga National Park lies within the Brahmaputra Floodplain of the river and features grassy meadows, marshlands and broadleaf woodlands. Opting for a jeep safari provides optimal coverage as well as increases chances of sighting other wildlife such as leopards, tigers, gibbons, elephants and water buffalo. Visit Kaziranga between May and October; its closes between these months. Note that the U.S. Department of State advises against visiting Assam, due to threats of violence from militant groups. Before making your travel plans and following through with them, consult this site regularly and exercise caution when traveling there.)
