India is perhaps the most diverse of all the countries in this planet. India has some of the very coldest places on Earth (Kashmir), a place which receives the highest amount of rainfall in the world (Cherrapunji) and also one of the most driest places on Earth (Thar Desert). On top of this, India is bordered by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and India’s northern region is the home to the Himalayan Ranges, the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in the world.
Top that off with the diverse cultures and the sheer number of languages and dialects that are spoken here – India clearly the epitome of diversity. If you are planning a trip to India in the near future, and you’re not sure where to begin, here are the 10 best places to visit in India.
Also Read: 18 Reasons You Should Travel to India
1. Agra
Image Credit: Nathan Jones
First off, Agra. Agra is home to one of the most famous buildings in the world which is the Taj Mahal – the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s dearest wife, Mumtaz Begum. It is a part of the New Seven Wonders of the World and also a World Heritage Site. This structure is perfectly symmetrical and took 22 years to be completed. It is, perhaps, India’s most amazing and beautiful monument.
2. Udaipur
Image Credit: Paulo
Next on the list is Udaipur. It is known as the Pink City and is the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur or Udaipur, as it is currently known, is known as an educational tourist destination. A large number of tourists visit Udaipur to see its different monuments and forts which shows its rich past. Jaipur’s economy is mainly built on tourism. A few of the monuments and forts you should visit include
- Hawa Mahal
- Jaigarh Fort
- City Palace
- Jal Mahal
- Chandra Mahal
- Central Museum
- Amber Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Jantar Mantar
- Rambagh Palace
- Diwan-e-Aam
3. Goa
Image Credit: Eustaquio Santimano
One of the well-recognised tourist spots in India that is famous all over the world is Goa. It is famous for its impeccable beaches which travellers flock to. Goa has mainly two seasons during which tourists can visit – winter and summer. During summer, tourists from all over India come to Goa to spend their holidays and during winter, tourists from outside of India, mainly from Europe, visit Goa to enjoy Goa’s amazing climate. Many travellers from all over the world has made Goa their second home as they are drawn to the relaxing lifestyle that the destination offers.
4. Kashmir
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Kashmir is heaven on Earth, and it is truly one of the most beautiful places in this world. Kashmir is also home to the Himalayan Ranges. Jammu & Kashmir consists of 3 major geographic locations – the Jhelum Valley or the Lesser Himalayas, The Indus Valley or the Inner Himalayas and The Southern Mountain Ranges or the Outer Himalayas. But, due to declining safety within this region, the glamour and grandeur of Kashmir have decreased as well.
Also Read: 7 Days in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
5. Kanyakumari
Image Credit: Mehul Antani
Kanyakumari is the home to the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises. It’s also the joining place of three oceanic bodies – Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. During the time of the full moon, one can also see the moon rise and set over the horizon.
6. Kerala
Image Credit: Pepe Pont
The Backwaters of Kerala has been labelled as one of the 10 paradises of the world and it is popular for its ecotourism initiatives, amazing backwaters and healing massages.
7. Delhi
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Delhi, the capital of India, has a multitude of attractions, such as the Red Fort in Old Delhi. Other places like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
8. Ajanta & Ellora
Image Credit: Kunal Mukherjee
The 30 rock cut caves that was built during the 1st century BC and 5th century AD are known as the Ajanta & Ellora. These caves contain sculptures and paintings which are masterpieces of the combination of both Buddhist and universal art works.
Also Read: 10 Interesting Sightings in India
9. Darjeeling
Image Credit: Roman Korzh
Darjeeling is known for its natural beauty, clean and fresh mountain air and the smiling and resilient people who call this place their home. Darjeeling’s best sights is its sunrise, and the best place to view this is at the Tiger Hill.
10. Leh and Ladakh
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Leh and Ladakh are capitals of one another and lie at the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It situated between the “Silk Road” that runs from Sinkiang to West Asia to the plains of India. The spiritual needs of an individual can be nurtured at the beautiful monasteries at Shey, Alchi, Lamayuru, Hemis, and Thikse. Leh’s landscape also gives opportunities for adventurous activities like whitewater rafting and mountaineering. One can also go for trekking along the lines of the Markha Valley.
Also Read: 6 Incredibly Scenic Spots in Eastern Himalayas
So, these are the top 10 tourist destinations of India that an individual from foreign places can visit while they are on a trip to India. They will find that not only are their senses and body rejuvenated but also, that their mind will be refreshed from the experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get packing and set out on your journey to these beautiful places.