by 10 places in India : India, one of four ancient civilizations worldwide, boasts diverse cultures and traditions across various cities. If you plan to travel throughout this captivating land, however, navigating all its corners might take several months; even then it can be challenging knowing where to start exploring all that this vast nation offers – the following suggestion might provide assistance in getting underway!
Varanasi
Varanasi (commonly referred to in India as Banaras) is an iconic holy city located at the base of Ganges Valley in northern India and widely considered one of its oldest colonies cities worldwide.
Varanasi has long been revered as the city with an “air of faith”. Even those without any particular belief will unknowingly feel its strong atmosphere while strolling its streets.
Varanasi offers visitors an unforgettable travel experience: its holy waters of the Ganges River, sunrise boats gliding past, shrine chantings and incense, narrow serpentine alleyways of Shiva City all add up to make this city one of a kind and mysterious.
Varanasi offers many opportunities for visitors, and Ganges River cruises have quickly become one of the must-do activities when touring Varanasi. Early morning is ideal as visitors can take in sunrise while attending worshiper ceremonies of bathing and purification ceremonies held daily at Sarnath and Sarnath is home to one of them as well. Spend your days visiting Sarnath pilgrimage site as you look for footprints of Buddha; explore stupas, temples or join in meditation lectures that make for an exceptional journey experience!
Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti at Dashashawamedh on the Ganges River attracts both tourists and devotees from across the globe, drawing them nightly for ritualistic practices that involve sacrifice on its steps crowded by vendors, devotees, beggars, tourists – but it remains peaceful at heart! It offers people peace in this chaotic setting!
Mumbai
Mumbai, the vibrant metropolis that serves as South India’s capital city, boasts a long coastline, diverse cultures and artistic vibe. Home to both lavish landmarks as well as one of the largest slums worldwide – making for an amazing and charming metropolis experience!
Bike tours provide the ideal way to discover a city, providing unique insights into bazaars, architecture, local cuisine and culture.
Mumbai must-dos include The Gateway of India, an architectural masterpiece which blends Indian and Persian styles and serves as both the city landmark and an important venue for national ceremonies.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an extraordinary Gothic building featuring stained-glass windows, should not be missed. Marine Drive – known as Mumbai City’s Necklace – provides excellent views for watching sunsets over Arabian Sea and is highly recommended. Additionally, famous attractions in Mumbai such as Hindu Grotto of Elephant Caves and Prince of Wales Museum should not be forgotten either!
Delhi
Delhi is India’s capital city and third-largest metropolis, home to both Old and New Delhi – respectively representing modernity and antiquity respectively. When exploring Indian culture and history, Delhi provides great scenic spots as well as experiencing firsthand how disparity affects different classes in society.
History lovers shouldn’t miss visiting Red Fort, Gandhi Mausoleum and Presidential Palace as these landmarks represent some of history’s finest buildings and architecture. Furthermore, art enthusiasts should visit Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid Chhatarpur Temple Kalkaji Temple for unique architecture appreciation and artistic appreciation.
As both capital and renowned tourist destination, Delhi boasts delicious local fare that won’t leave your mouth watering! Finding restaurants offering top-of-the-line flavors shouldn’t be hard either – Delhi makes an excellent place for sampling all manner of Indian delicacies at one stop!
Delhi is an exciting and bustling city by day; at night it transforms into something extraordinary with breathtaking evening views. A fantastic way to explore Delhi is strolling around near Presidential Palace and Capitol for an enjoyable exploration experience.
Agra
Agra is an internationally-famous historical and cultural city situated in Uttar Pradesh in India’s Golden Triangle region. Agra attracts millions of tourists annually as an international tourism hub, but remains home for local residents as well.
Agra served as India’s capital from 16th to early 18th century under Mughal Emperors and under their rule many masterpieces of architecture were constructed, many still standing even today after centuries of erosion. Now popular tourist spots, they make for great ways to explore India’s past!
Numerous tourists travel to India specifically for one reason – The Taj Mahal. As well as experiencing it from various scenic spots near it, tourists may choose the Taj Mahal Green Park outside its East Gate to experience it from different vantage points and see it from a range of different perspectives. Very few visitors make an impactful statement from here; alternatively reach across Yamuna River before sunset to witness Taj Mahal on both sides. Agra Fort, once home of many Mughal Emperors is also worth experiencing the glory era that was the Mughal Dynasty first-hand!
Bricks and trees in Agra’s palace are filled with centuries of historical significance, while its buildings with various functions evoke vivid images of its glorious empire’s past glory. Fatehpur Sikri, located outside Agra City is another world cultural heritage; strolling its narrow alleyways will help visitors avoid crowds of visitors while discovering intricate carvings on buildings as they admire various designs of architecture and explore various designs of design in its ancient streets is another enjoyable activity that helps avoid them all.
Jaipur
As the capital and largest city of Rajasthan, Jaipur has long been one of India’s top tourist attractions and one of Asia’s seven-best. Dubbed by UNESCO the “Pink City”, Jaipur has come to be known for the primary hue used to paint buildings within it: pink!
Sawai Jai Singh constructed Jaipur during the 18th century with exquisite palaces, impressive forts and historical landmarks erected by Sawai Jai Singh himself – comprising stunning palaces, unrivaled fortifications and sites of historical interest – making up part of the famous tourist golden triangle along with Delhi and Agra. Jaipur offers many fantastic scenic spots including Amber Fort, City Palace Museum and Nahargarh Fort that attract both domestic and foreign travelers year-round.
Amber Fort is one of the state of Rajasthan’s many forts that should not be missed, serving as capital and residence to Rajput rulers who resided here from 1699 – 1747 and becoming home to some amazing artistic skills over time. Not only will you discover its impressive history and architecture here; guests also come for its sunset and evening views which create quite the visual treat!
Jantar Mantar, India’s foremost ancient observatory and world heritage site, should be seen at least once during one’s life time.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, commonly referred to as Blue City, is one of Rajasthan’s two largest and most beautiful old cities, boasting historical palaces, forts, and temples as well as access to Thar Desert – making this destination hot among travellers from India and elsewhere.
While visiting Jodhur, don’t miss the stunning history and heritage of Mehrangarh Fort – its impressive history, rich heritage, breathtaking vantage point of overlooking all of Jodhur from its top, with views that will astonish! And for an immersive local experience visit Sardar Market; an exciting local bazaar offering great shopping.
Experience a thrilling jeep ride or camel safari through the Thar Desert to take in its breathtaking sunset, explore wildlife in the national wildlife sanctuary, Sachiya Mata Temples with exquisite arched structures, incredible history and peaceful ambience – not forgetting Sachiya Mata Mata Temple in Jain for more peace!
Kolkata
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal in India and ranks third largest metropolitan after Mumbai and Delhi. From 1772 until 1911 it served as British India’s seat of power during which period large-scale urban construction projects took place here under British colonial influence.
Kolkata is well known as “the City of Palaces”. Colonial buildings can be found across its sprawling terrain. You’ll also find Gothic, Baroque, Oriental Mughal and Indo-Islamic architectural gems here.
Victoria Memorial, the marble museum dedicated to Queen Victoria is an absolute must for visitors in Kolkata. Fort William also stands out with its spectacular stonework; Belur Math and Howrah Bridge should not be forgotten either as these locations provide easy transportation solutions for visiting these landmarks.
Amritsar
Amritsar, the holy city for Sikhs, started off as just a sacred pool but has evolved into a cultural holy land for them over time. Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism began preaching here during his rural preaching tours across Punjab.
No exaggeration should be taken when saying the Golden Temple has had such an enormous effect on city development and prosperity, especially among tourists visiting Sikh Holy Land in Old City.
The Golden Temple stands as an exquisite showcase. Additionally, its surroundings boast incredible vibrancy.
Amritsar is an iconic Indian town with bustling streets, numerous shops and delectable treats galore. Punjab cuisine is well known worldwide for its spicy curries, pillow-shaped bread and delicious meat cooked in Tandoor ovens; no other city compares in vibrant food traditions with Amritsar!
Madras
Madras is located along South India’s east coast on Tamil Nadu Island and ranks as its capital and fourth-largest city.
Madras (commonly referred to as Chennai) boasts convenient transport links across India and beyond, as well as being recognized for its world cultural heritage and southern Indian temple architecture.
Chennai boasts several museums, with Chennai National Art Museum and Government Museum being particularly prominent and the ideal places for appreciating art. Arignar Anna Zoo and Guindy National Park provide opportunities to witness animals while taking in stunning natural scenes.
Bengaluru
Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka state in southern India, is widely acknowledged to be among India’s most charming and modern cities. Popularly dubbed ‘Garden City’ due to its lush surroundings and rising prominence within IT business circles.
Bangalore is an attractive tourist destination and tourists visiting here can marvel at its charms as historical and cultural destinations. A great spot near Bangalore to enjoy nature close-up is Banahata National Park; visit this wildlife park where tigers, lions, elephants spots deer etc roam freely among a natural ecological setting of trees dotted by trees; additionally there will be expeditions such as hiking camping rafting.
Lalbag Park, situated within a 270-hectare national park at the center of Bangalore, is one of its oldest and most beloved landmarks. Here you will find abundant animals such as birds and reptiles; its surrounding small parks have even been nicknamed as “garden cities”. Inspired by Mughal gardens, its main glass greenhouse showcases annual flower shows for all to view.
These cities will not only inspire visual shock and deep thought; they will also show you some glimpse of India’s development over its long history – making this an excellent start in exploring India!
