From the pristine natural beauty of Kashmir to the liveliness of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata to the royalty of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur to the temples of Hampi to the spirituality of Haridwar and Rishikesh to the mighty Himalayas of Dharamshala and Kedarnath to the breathtaking beaches of Goa to one of the best wonders of the world, Taj Mahal in Agra -India is super diverse and there’s no dearth of the best places to visit in India.
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Best Places to Visit in India
Incredible India. Yes, India is incredible! No wonder, it invariably, finds a place on every traveler’s bucket list. It’s on your list too? Well, from Kasmir to Kanyakumari, here’s a round of the most beautiful places in India for you!
Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Just about 95 km from Srinagar, a quaint village set by the Lidder River, Pahalgam is unarguably one of the most beautiful places in India. No matter how many times you visit, it never loses its charm. It’s fondly known as the Valley of Shepherds.
Think lush pine forests, mist-covered Himalayas, and the playful Lidder River crisscrossing its way through the green valley – Can you picture the beauty of Pahalgam?
It’s a crime to miss a place as beautiful as Pahalgam when you’re in India
Apart from admiring the inconceivable natural beauty of Pahalgam with a cup of Kashmiri Kehwa, there’s so much to see and do there. Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Lolab Valley, Chandanwari, Baisaran, Tulian Lake, and Sheshnag Lake are some of the best places to visit in and around Pahalgam. The hamlet is also host to one of the most revered journeys for Hindus, Amarnath Yatra.
Delhi
You can’t visit India and not visit Delhi. The lively capital of India – Delhi is best known for its age-old history, fascinating culture, topsy-turvy yet vibrant streets and markets, and flavorsome street food. From the magic of spacious avenues of New Delhi to the charm of narrow lanes of Old Delhi – somewhere you can’t help but fall in love with the chaos and colors.
Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world hides countless stories in its bosom. If you feel like listening and understanding the stories it narrates, explore Delhi with a local. Join one of the heritage walks and cultural tours with locals to dive into the culture, heritage, and history of Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb, Tughlaqabad Fort, Purana Qila, Red Fort, Hauz Khas Archeological Complex, and Safdarjung Tomb are some of the best historical attractions in Delhi. If art intrigues you, add Khan Market, Lodhi Art District, Hauz Khas Village, Arjan Garh Metro Station, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Shahpur Jat to your Delhi Itinerary.
Delhi doesn’t disappoint nature lovers. There are a lot of urban spaces from Mughal Gardens, Sunder Nursery, to Lodhi Gardens, and Garden of Five Senses.
If you’re visiting Delhi with kids, don’t forget to take them to Nehru Planetarium, Chidiya Ghar, National Children’s Museum, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, and Waste to Wonder.
From history and culture lovers, nature lovers, art lovers to spiritual zealots, museum enthusiasts, food lovers, and shoppers – Delhi has something for everyone.
PS: You can’t leave Delhi before you taste Delhicacies on a food tour of Chandani Chowk.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Delhi
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The capital city of Rajasthan, well-known as the Pink City, Jaipur is all things royal. An integral part of India’s Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur remains one of the top destinations to visit in India.
Some of the important sights in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Galtaji Temple. There are quite a few amazing day trips from Jaipur, Chand Baori, and Bhangarh Fort being the best.
Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars (markets) attract shoppers from across the world. You can buy authentic colored gems, handcrafted jewelry, block-printed textiles, blue pottery, handmade puppets, and other knickknacks.
The Pink City is also famous for its mouthwatering food. Try traditional Rajasthani food at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar. Also, you must must taste pyaaz ki kachoris and jalebi with a hot cup of chai (tea) at one of the juke joints.
We stayed at Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel. It’s a beautiful heritage property. They don’t have room service. For food, you need to walk a little or board an auto (arranged by the hotel) to their lovely restaurant, Peacock Rooftop Restaurant.
Related Read: Best Places to Visit in Jaipur
Jaisalmer
Katie Chavez, The World on my Necklace Travel
Jaisalmer is located in the desolate Thar Desert, on the western fringe of the princely state of Rajasthan. It is known as the Golden City because of its yellow sandstone buildings and it is dominated by the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, which sits on a rock buttress above the sprawl of the city.
There are a lot of forts in Rajasthan but the UNESCO listed Jaisalmer Fort is special. It is one of the only living forts in the world, with 5,000 people still living and working inside the walls of this historic fort today. They are mostly descendants of the families who have lived here for centuries. A visit to the fort will be the highlight of your time in Jaisalmer.
The narrow lanes of this historic fort are perfect for aimless wandering and are a treasure trove of textile, antiques, and curio stores, restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses. You never know what you are going to find around every twist and turn.
There is also a palace and Jain temples within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort which you can visit, and numerous viewpoints that are especially beautiful when the sun is rising or setting. Along with the fort, the other big attraction of Jaisalmer is the camel safaris that leave from here. You can choose to go for a day or spend a night or more trekking on a camel and camping out under the stars. Make sure to check reviews when booking a tour.
Jodhpur
Martina, PlacesofJuma
If you are planning a trip through Rajasthan in India, you should definitely put Jodphur on your travel list. Also known as “the blue city”, not only do countless blue-painted townhouses await you here, there are also countless attractions to discover. Traditionally, the color blue signified that the inhabitants belonged to the Brahmin caste, but today also non-Brahmin have adopted this custom as well. Interesting is also that the color is said to be an effective means of repelling mosquitoes.
As the second largest city in the state, imposing forts, temples and palaces await you here, taking you back to the historic times of the Maharajas. But also the landscape around the city with the Thar Desert and the parks are impressive and should not be missed.
One of the highlights and probably the most important sight of Jodphur is the Mehrangarh Fortress on a mountain about 125 meters high. This former palace was converted into a museum and is now open to the public. Impressive is also the view of the Blue City, from the high walls you can take great photos.
Other interesting sights include the Jaswant Thada (marble palace), Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) and Sardar market, Bal Samand Lake and the Mandore Garden. But there are many more highlights to discover, so don`t miss this amazing city!
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Phil, JOURNICATION Travel Blog
Agra is best known for the most famous sight of India: The Taj Mahal. But it also has a lot to offer. Come with us to an exciting city with a lot of history and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The former capital of the Mughal Empire has today about 1.7 million inhabitants and is, together with Jaipur and Delhi, a very popular stop on a round trip through northern India. From Delhi, it is about 220 kilometers, which can be easily covered by bus or train.
It is highly recommended to get up early in Agra. Start your day by visiting the fabulous Taj Mahal, one of the most popular destinations for travelers worldwide. It is an indescribable feeling to see the snow-white building in all its glory for the first time through the archways in the rising sun. The fascinating structure is a mausoleum built by the Great Mogul Shah Jahan in 1631 for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Photos of the Taj Mahal’s reflections in the pools of water are especially popular.
However, Agra has even more to offer. Don’t miss the Red Fort with the Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) and the Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid). The huge fortification and palace complex was already built in the 16th century by Akbar the Great.
Akbar’s Tomb and the Itimad-ud-Daula Mausoleum are well worth seeing.
A popular destination for a day trip from Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient capital of Akbar the Great, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across The World
Varanasi is one of the most beautiful, unique, charming and intense places to visit in India. Holy to Hindus, this large city is a popular pilgrimage destination for Indians who go there to immerse themselves in the waters of the Ganga river. What’s peculiar about it is that the city can at the same time be pure chaos and mayhem, and incredibly quiet.
Your exploration should start in the Old City, an intricate series of narrow alleys closed to cars – simply because the alleys are too small for them to circulate. Most of them will take you to the Ghats, which are steps that lead into the river.
A walk along the river will take you to the many ghats. The most famous one is the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where every day at sunset you can sit to observe the Ganga Aarti, an enticing ritual during which fire is donated to the Mother Ganges – it’s one of the best things to do when visiting India. A sunrise boat tour will give you the chance to see the cremation ceremonies. Just beware that photographing the funeral pyres is forbidden.
While in Varanasi, go to Blue Lassi, a little hole in the wall where you can grab a bhang lassi – a yogurt drink mixed with an extract of flower and leaves of cannabis. A word of warning: it’s stronger than it tastes!
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Marquita, Marquitas Travels
Very few things are more special than witnessing a group of people reverence something or someone they consider holy. Haridwar is one of those locations for the Hindu people. In fact, it is considered one of the seven holiest places within the religion.
Haridwar sits on the River Ganga, where it is believed that drops of Amrit, an elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled. The belief is that contact with this holy water will wash away your sins.
Consequently, Hindus from across India travel to Haridwar to participate in the daily prayer that commences around dusk. You will witness hundreds, if not thousands, of Hindus, gathered to offer prayers, hymns, and sacred acts to the river, Goddess Ganga. Some of the sacred acts include bathing in the river and offering the Goddess flowers and candles in exchange for the cleansing of one’s sins.
Once dusk falls, the beauty of the lit candles and the communal prayers and chants fill the atmosphere, creating a magical experience. Even if you don’t practice Hinduism, you can feel that you are experiencing something special and sacred within the religion.
In addition to witnessing this sacred Hindu experience, you also have the opportunity to shop at local stalls as well as observe men getting their hair cut along the path that leads up to the Har Ki Pauri, the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar and the location of this sacred worship.
This is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rose, Where Goes Rose
Without a doubt one of the coolest, most spiritual and peaceful places to visit in India is Rishikesh. Whether you are into yoga, meditation, nature or simply spending hours sipping chai and looking out over the Ganges, you will love visiting Rishikesh.
One of the best places to practice yoga in Rishikesh is Swami Vivekananda near Little Buddha Cafe. You can take daily yoga and meditation classes at 8 am which are the perfect way to start your day before exploring nature around Rishikesh. Another great option for classes including sound healing is World Peace Yoga School.
From Rishikesh, you can walk to Riverside Beach and relax on this beach beside the Ganges or, for a more adventurous option, take a rafting day trip down the river. You might also want to catch the sunrise at Kunjapuri Devi Mandir Temple and spend the rest of the morning hiking back to Rishikesh through the local countryside and beautiful waterfalls. Neer Garh Waterfall and Patna Waterfall are two of the best in the area.
For a more relaxing itinerary, there are so many gorgeous cafes in Rishikesh with good food (including international cuisine if you need it!), coffee, and views. Don’t miss Little Buddha or Ganga Beach Cafe. Rishikesh is a dry, holy city which means fantastic vegetarian food at every turn. Read the Rishikesh travel guide to know more.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Preethi B. Harbuck, Local Passport Family
India is filled with temples seemingly on every corner, but Kedarnath is special. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the Kedarnath temple is located in the lesser Himalayas and stands at nearly 12,000 feet elevation. In Sanskrit, the name “Kedarnath” means “lord of the field.”
Due to extreme temperatures, the deity of Shiva is only at the temple for half of the year; during the winters, it’s carried further down the mountain for worship. There are 12 very holy shrines of Shiva, of which this is one.
Visitors cannot access the temple directly by car. Instead, there is a 14-mile uphill walk from the town of Gaurikund. Those who would like to go to the temple may either walk or take a donkey. All this effort means that Kedarnath is certainly off the beaten path for most tourists. Most visitors are locals or devoutly religious Hindus from around the country and world.
Because of this, it’s important to be very respectful of local practices and religious observance. Still, most visitors are welcomed warmly and included in the privilege of experiencing a sacred site.
Including Kedarnath in an India travel itinerary is a wonderful way to become familiar with local religious customs, people, and food.
Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar, the land of a pool of nectar, is a culturally vibrant city of Punjab. It is an important pilgrim spot for the Sikhs for the presence of the Golden Temple. Called with many names, Golden Temple or Harminder Sahib or Darbar Sahib, it is the most famous and most visited place in Amritsar. This is a place where you connect with yourself and find tranquility. The first sight of the temple covered with gold foil with its reflection in the sacred pool leaves you awestruck.
But there are many other places in Amritsar worth visiting. Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial park where many innocent people were killed by unannounced firing by a British officer during pre-independence days. Partition Museum, is another place that gives a bone-chilling insight into the largest mass migration during the partition of India and Pakistan.
A visit to Amritsar is incomplete without indulging in the lip-smacking food from Amritsari kulchas to lassi to fried fish to chicken and the list goes on. After you have satisfied your appetite, shop till you drop. The traditional and colorful clothes, the famous footwear, the papadum and so much more.
When in Amritsar, do plan a visit to the Wagah Border, the border between India and Pakistan around 30 km away. Every evening there is a heart-pumping ceremony where the flags on both sides are lowered by the security forces of both countries.
There are some great hotels in Amritsar perfect for a comfortable stay. Just even thinking about all this makes me want to travel back again.
Read More: Amritsar, Beyond Golden Temple
Spiti Valley
Pubali, Paradise Catchers
Raw and rugged. That is how we would describe Spiti, a cold desert valley in the Himalayas. On summer days, the snow capped barren mountains pierce into the blue skies where the white clouds float. During winters, the valley hides under thick sheets of snow.
Tiny villages crop up in various parts of the valley, surrounded by the mighty mountains and intercepted by the Spiti river. This vast rain-shadow region of the Himalayas is also home to some ancient Budhhist monasteries, the most notable among them being Ki and Dhankar.
Explore the villages, visit the monasteries, hike up the mountains to see secluded lakes and enjoy scenic views all along. End your perfect day in the Himalayas by hanging out with the locals with a cup of herbal tea and a bowl of steaming hot noodles.
The best way to explore Spiti Valley is by taking a road trip. You can start from Simla, visit the beautiful towns of Kinnaur district, like Rakcham, Chitkul, and Rekong Peo along the way, before arriving in Spiti Valley. Explore the towns of Tabo, Kaza, Langza in Spiti Valley, then head to Manali to complete the trip. For more adventure, add a side trip to Chadratal Lake on your way to Manali from Kaza.
Leh-Ladakh
Set amidst the mighty Himalayas, Leh-Ladakh is the most sought-after destination in India. It’s known for its wild rugged landscape that seems other-worldly.
The region is best explored on a road trip. The journey starts in Manali and ends in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. The road journey takes you through some of the highest as well as dangerous passes in India. The thrilling drive through one of the riskiest highways in the world, Leh Manali Highway is once in a lifetime experience.
Ancient monasteries, bluish blue Pangong Tso, the beautiful confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers, mystic Nubra Valley, and much more – there’s a world waiting to be explored in Leh-Ladakh.
We stayed at Tukchu Homestay in Leh and highy recommend it to our readers.
You Might Like: Road Trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Best known for its invincible hilltop fort, Gwalior is home to a rich cultural, spiritual, and musical heritage. Visiting Gwalior Fort is like taking a live history lesson. You can feel the stories of the past reverberating in its stones. The sound and light show in the evening adds to the entire experience.
Other places of interest in Gwalior are the tomb of Tansen, Jai Vilas Palace, Sun Temple, Siddhanchal Jain Temple Caves, Sas-Bahu Temple, Teli Ka Mandir, The Temple of Zero, Gujari Mahal, Sarod Ghar, and Samadhi Rani Laxmi Bai.
Most of the temples of Gwalior (except the Sun Temple) are situated right in the fort complex.
We stayed at Neemrana’s Deo Bagh, a 17th-century heritage property, and loved every second of our stay so much so that we blindly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Related Read: Best Places to Visit in Gwalior
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Daphna Bar, A Tiny Trip
Dharamshala, is one of the most important cities in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the hills of the Kangra Valley, surrounded by beautiful cedar trees. This magical destination is surrounded by a number of villages, most famously McLeod Ganj.
The town of McLeod Ganj is famous for being the seat of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. Here you will find the Dalai Lama’s temple, Tsuglagkhang, a monastery and Tibetan government buildings. The large Tibetan population means that there are lots of good Tibetan food restaurants.
The relaxed surroundings, Buddhist presence and beautiful hills, means that this is a great place to enjoy for several days. With a week in Dharamshala, explore the hillsides, take classes such as yoga, massage, and cooking; and relax from the hustle and bustle of the larger Indian cities.
From the Upper Dharamshala areas of McLeod Ganj, it is easy to walk to other small villages such as Bhagsunag and Dharamkot, for even more tourist services. Go hiking for stunning views of the forested hills and discover waterfalls. You can also do a meditation retreat and try your luck with staying silent for several days! No wonder this is a backpacker mecca!
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Christian, Unusual Traveler
If you want to get away from the crowds and the heat in India, so are Tawang in the far northeastern part of India, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh the perfect place to visit, It´s the home to most peoples surprise the largest Monastery in India and the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world I located, the Tawang Monastery.
A fully functional Buddhist Monastery which you are completely free to visit and wander around, what about attend a Buddhist study class, or just walk around the small back streets of the Monastery which are full of young Monks running around. In this part of India will you meet very few other tourists, both locals, and foreigners
And when you have had enough of the Monastery, so are also Tawang one of the best but still undiscovered hiking destinations in India, the whole area is full of deep valleys and breathtaking view of the Himalayas, here you can either do shorter day hikes to surrounding villages or what about visiting the birthplace to 6th Dalai Lama which was born here in Tawang.
But before you decide to visit Tawang, should you be aware that the roads here are not the best, so the journey is an adventure on its own, over mountain passes as high as 4000m.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Fondly known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is the capital city of the Indian state of Meghalaya. The city has a spellbinding scenic beauty. Nestled between the Garo and Khasi hills, Shillong offers lush open spaces, breathtaking viewpoints, beautiful waterfalls, and umpteen number of cultural attractions.
Some of the most beautiful places to visit in and around Shillong include the Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyon, Nan Polok (Ward Lake), Umiam lake, Shillong Viewpoint, Sohpetbneng Peak, Nohsngithiang (Seven Sister Falls), Phan Nongalit Park (Lady Hydri Park), Mary help of Christians Cathedral, Don Bosco Museum, and David Scott Trail in Mawphlang.
Literally translating to the “End of the hills”, Laitlum Canyon looks awe-inspiring. The views over the Khasi Hills are to die for. If you want to know more about the history and culture of Meghalaya, Don Bosco is the place. Laitkor or Shillong Peak offers panoramic views over the city. Umiam is a beautiful and serene lake where you can enjoy a boat ride while admiring the beauty around you. A 16 km long trail, David Scott Trail in Mawphlang attracts adventure and wilderness lovers from all across the world.
The best time to visit Shillong is in mid-November when the cherry blossoms are on full bloom and the city looks like a pretty shade of pink. It’s when Shillong hosts the India International Cherry Blossom Festival. One of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Shillong is Lady Hydri Park.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Agni & Amrita, Tale of 2 Backpackers
Yumthang Valley is one of the most picturesque destinations of not only in Sikkim but also in India. Also known as the Valley of Flowers, Yumthang valley is located in remote North Sikkim. The changing season changes the beauty and landscape of the place.
However, the best time to visit the place is the spring season. The valley is full of rhododendron trees and other low-growing Himalayan flowering shrubs. During the flowering season (mid-March to May), the entire valley becomes a riot of colors. Flowers of various colors – red, yellow, pink, white, purple, and blue are seen along the valley.
During the winter, the place is a snow-covered wonderland. Monsoon brings greenery to the entire valley. In short, Yumthang has different beauty in different seasons.
Other places of interest at Yumthang Valley are the hot spring and the Zero Point or Yumesamdong. The Zero Point is located at an altitude of 15000 feet and about 1.5 hours from the Yumthang Valley towards the Indo-China border. There are a couple of hot springs at Zero Point and the place is almost always covered with snow.
Usually, a trip to Yumthang Valley is done along with Gurudongmar Lake. It is a 3 days trip from Gangtok with a stop at Lachen (for Gurudongmar Lake) and Lachung (for Yumthang Valley). So if you are visiting Sikkim, do not forget to make a trip to this wondrous Valley of flowers.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Agni & Amrita, Tale of 2 Backpackers
Kolkata is undoubtedly one of the most elegant cities of eastern India. Located at the banks of River Hooghly, Kolkata is a mélange of the old and the new. While Kolkata can be quite overwhelming for a first-time visitor (just like any other metropolitan cities of India), it definitely has a heart of its own. Here people love to talk about anything and everything, thrive on cultural pursuits and love food and football with equal gusto.
One of the most famous attractions of Kolkata is the Kalighat Temple. Goddess Kali is known to the guardian deity of the city. You must also not miss Dakshineswar Temple and Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math and Mission.
Kolkata bears the testimony of an imperial past and it can be seen in its buildings and monuments. A Kolkata trip will be incomplete without a visit to the grand Victoria Memorial, Princep Ghat, Dalhousie Square and St. Pauls Cathedral. Howrah Bridge is one of the most iconic structures of Kolkata and is literally the gateway to Kolkata.
If you are interested in knowing about old Kolkata, visit the Northern part of the city. Kolkata is world-famous for the celebration of Durga Puja. If you visit the city during the festival, you can see how the entire city becomes a carnival. Otherwise, you can visit Kumartuli, the place where the Durga idols are made by the potters.
Finally, while in Kolkata, do not miss the food. The Bengali cuisine is varied and quite delectable with a spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fares. The sweets of Kolkata are one of the best in India. So do not miss the Rosogollas, Sandesh and Misti Doi. Visit the “City of Joy” and get immersed in its vibrancy and old-world charm.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Sarah Carter, Lets Grow Cook
Darjeeling – the Indian hill station known as Queen of the Hill
