India is an enormous and diverse destination. Bordered by
seven different countries, not to mention the Arabian Sea and the Bay of
Bengal, means that there are many different sides to the country. More than 20
official languages, multiple religions and a variety of cuisines exist within
India’s borders. To truly experience the breadth of Indian culture and history,
travel is key. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in India
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| India |
10. Udaipur
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| Udaipur |
The city of lakes, Udaipur glistens
romantically on the edge of the desert in Rajasthan. The city is protected by
lush hills and is where you can find the mesmerizing Lake Palace in the middle
of a tranquil lake. Another captivating sight is the imposing but graceful City
Palace, along with the Monsoon Palace, which stand out with walls made of
gleaming white marble. Explore old temples, walk the winding streets of this
fanciful corner of India, and slip into times past inside its ancient bazaars.
9. Amritsar
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| Amritsar |
The
Punjabi city of Amritsar lies on the border with Pakistan and is home to the
holiest of Sikh sites. The Golden Temple is in the heart of the old walled
city; this serene Sikh shrine provides a place for reflection and inspiration.
You can tour the Golden Temple regardless of religion, but you will need to
show respect by covering your head and removing your shoes. The streets
surrounding the temple are a frenetic fusion of people, markets and activity.
Be sure to pick up some traditional goods, such as hand-embroidered fabrics and
delicately ornate shoes.
8. Ladakh
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| Leh |
In
northernmost India, in the heavily disputed Kashmir region, is the mountainous
destination of Ladakh. This region is large, but it has a low population
density and a of nomadic residents. Breathtaking, pristine scenery is a major
draw to the area, but virtually all travelers will also spend time in the town
of Leh. The town is located at a very high elevation, and it is home to the
17th century Palace of the King of Ladakh. Buddhist culture is also prominent
in Leh, and you may wish to explore some of the many Buddhist monasteries and
temples.
7. Goa Beaches
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| Goa Beaches |
On
the western coast of India is Goa, a former colony of Portugal that blends
Indian culture with colonial influences and plenty of international tourism.
Goa is popular largely because of its spectacular beaches. The busiest of all
is Candolim Beach, where travelers from around the world flock to soak up the
sun. Anjuna Beach, by contrast, is far less crowded. It is also an amazing
place where you can walk to Chapora Fort and admire the sandy coastline from a
new perspective. Palolem is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all
of Goa with it’s natural bay surrounded by lofty headlands on either sides.
6. Delhi
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| red fort |
If you’re
spending any time in Northern India, you will almost certainly visit the
capital city of Delhi. The enormous sprawling destination is home to several
districts, and it is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world.
One of the top sights in Delhi is the Red Fort, which was built in the 17th
century. The Red Fort is made from sandstone, and you will be able to walk
through its Lahore Gate, into the bazaar, through the jewel palace and even
into the former residence of the sultan. While in Delhi, you should also make
time for the many museums and religious structures that make up the city.
5. Ellora and Ajanta
Caves
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| ellora cave |
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| Ajanta caves |
In the state of Maharashtra, you can explore the caves of both Ellora
and Ajanta. At Ellora, there is an enormous complex of shrines carved from the
rocky landscape. These 34 cave shrines are up to 1,500 years old, and they are
from three distinct religions - Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Two hours away
is Ajanta, which is home to 29 caves. The Ajanta caves are covered in murals
and paintings, most of which reflect Buddhist stories. While the two cave
complexes are two hours away from one another, it is well worth visiting both
to compare these incredible attractions.
4. Varanasi
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| Varanasi ghat |
A city
that may seem strange to many Westerners, Varanasi is of great religious
importance. The holy city sits on the banks of the divine Ganges and is
believed by Hindus to be a sacred place of pilgrimage. The city is known for
the religious practices that take place on the ghats alongside the river;
pilgrims wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges and the bodies of Hindus
are cremated. The sights of life and death along the riverside can be shocking,
but a visit to Varanasi is also contemplative, and ultimately, helps visitors
to further understand India’s deep cultural and spiritual practices.
3. Kerala
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| houseboat |
The
southwestern state of India known as Kerala is a place of tropical beauty. Palm
trees, white sand beaches and eco-tourism are all big reasons to explore the
region. Besides its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats and temple festivals,
Kerala is also home to the Thekkady Tiger preserve. The hub of Kerala is the
city of Kochi, where you can see the local fishing industry thriving along with
modern high-rises and colonial architecture.
2. Agra
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| Taj Mahal |
Agra is
known for one thing, the iconic and ultimately impressive Taj Mahal. Set on
the south bank of the Yamuna River, the Taj draws millions of tourists a year.
Built by an emperor as an extravagant memorial to his wife, the mausoleum’s
porcelain white marble is an emblem of romance and adventure. Agra itself sits
in the shadow of its imposing monument, but is a small and welcoming city. The
ancient Mughal-era Agra Fort is an attractive spot to visit, peer over the
walls here and catch your first hypnotizing glimpse of the Taj.
1. Jaipur
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| jaipur city |
The Pink
City of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is where you can find the
beautiful Amber Fort, a sprawling, stunning complex set in the hillside
overlooking a lake. Located just outside of the city and built in 1592, the
grandiose citadel was also a palace for some time but is now an impressive
tourist attraction. Make sure to take a trip to the opulent city palace with
its stunning courtyards and gardens, plus the amazingly intricate Palace of
Winds. Jaipur forms one corner of the Golden Triangle, and it also makes a
great gateway into the lesser-known destinations within Rajasthan.
