Best Places to Visit in India:
India is a truly diverse country, be it culturally or geographically. No two cities or states are the same! And that means, there are plenty of amazing holiday destinations for different types of travelers, across the country. However, there are certain places that are heavily frequented by tourists and some people even end up visiting the same destination several times. Such cliched destinations have a charm of their own though and usually promise a timeless experience every time. So, in this blog, we will talk about the top 15 places to visit in India that are totally worth the hype.
Best Places to Visit in India:
1. Goa
Candolim Beach Hotels in Goa
Famous for its pristine beaches, hippie vibes, laidback lifestyle and vibrant parties, Goa is counted among the best holiday destinations in India. The union territory is frequented by tourists year-round, especially in the winter season when the climate is pleasant, and the entire place comes alive with Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, seasoned tourists do not shun Goa during summer either. If you are looking for a peaceful and economical holiday, try to visit Goa during the offseason when the sun-kissed beaches, flea markets and other attractions are less crowded.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days
Places to Visit in Goa: Palolem Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Shree Mangesha Temple, Immaculate Conception Church
Things to Do in Goa: Beach hopping, water sports, shopping at flea markets, visiting Portuguese-style churches, enjoying the nightlife, tasting authentic Goan cuisine
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Dabolim International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Vasco-Da-Gama Railway Station (North Goa); Madgaon Junction (South Goa)
2. Agra
Agra
Agra | #2 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Say Agra and the first thing that comes to mind is the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This beautiful city with its rich historical background is situated in Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of River Yamuna. It is counted among the top holiday destinations for architecture lovers and history buffs, thanks to many amazing Mughal architectural masterpieces that adorn the cityscape. No matter how many times you visit Agra, the charm of the Taj Mahal and other monuments will never fail to impress. The city is a treat for shopaholics and foodies as well.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Places to Visit in Agra: Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Abkar’s Tomb, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Dolphin Water Park, Wildlife Conservation and Care Centre
Things to Do in Agra: Boat ride on Yamuna River, exploring popular monuments, watching the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort, visiting Fatehpur Sikri, shopping at Kinari Bazaar, Subhash Bazaar and TDI Mall, relishing authentic Mughlai dishes and street foods
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport; New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Agra Cantonment Railway Station
3. Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rajasthan | #3 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
The land of kings, Rajasthan is a vibrant state that attracts history buffs, architecture lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and foodies alike. It lies in the north-western part of India and boasts an impressive amalgamation of natural beauty and manmade structures. From beautiful lakes, vast deserts and rich wildlife to magnificent palaces, forts and temples, the city has so many things for a wonderful vacation. What’s more, a road trip here takes you through several small and beautiful villages showcasing rich Rajasthani culture and traditions. Rajasthan is one of those best tourist places in India that you can visit again and again.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal Duration: 6-7 days
Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park
Things to Do in Rajasthan: Exploring forts and palaces, paying respect at temples, enjoying folk dance and music festivals like Bikaner Camel Festival, Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Elephant Festival and Teej, visiting wildlife parks, gorging on delectable Rajasthani dishes, shopping
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, Jodhpur Airport, Jaisalmer Airport, New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Nearest Train Station: Railway stations at Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagaur, Sikar, Bikaner, etc
4. Delhi
Delhi
Delhi | #4 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
New Delhi, the national capital of India, is one of the most cliched yet popular tourist destinations in the country. The state has so much to offer that visiting it once or twice is not enough. Delhi is dotted with iconic Mughal monuments, temples, heritage sites, performing arts venues, colourful bazaars, shopping malls, planetariums, museums, and restaurants, so there is something for everyone here. Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in the country, is in Delhi. The city also houses many places of political importance, like Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament of India, and India Gate.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Places to Visit in Delhi: Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Purana Qila, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Ji, Nehru Park, Janpath Market
Things to Do in Delhi: Explore Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar Market and Hauz Khas Village, enjoy delicacies at Parathe Wali Gali, shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, antiques and more at Dilli Haat, experience Delhi’s nightlife, take a HoHo bus tour
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Nearest Train Station: New Delhi Railway Station
Explore budget hotels in Delhi
5. Munnar
Munnar
Munnar | #5 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Nestled in the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala, Munnar is counted among the most serene and beautiful tourist places in India. The hill station boasts impeccable natural beauty in the form of rolling hills, scenic valleys, virgin forests, waterfalls, streams, national parks, tea and spice plantations and winding walkways. However, it is the unmissable colonial charm of Munnar that attracts many tourists time and again. The hill station was a popular holiday destination for the British and you can see many churches, English colonial bungalows and cottages and other structures here.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Places to Visit in Munnar: Echo Point, Top Station, Atukkad Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Tata Tea Museum, Pallivasal Falls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rose Garden, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Things to Do in Munnar: Speed boating and horse riding at Mattupetty Dam, enjoying boat rides at Kundala Dam and Lake, visiting tea plantations, enjoying fun rides at Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park, rock climbing, trekking and rappelling
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Aluva Railway Station
6. Coorg
Coorg
Coorg | #6 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and boasting a lush green landscape, Coorg or Kodagu is yet another cliched holiday destination that is worth the hype. This hill station is in the state of Karnataka and a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers and solace seekers. From lush green hills and sparkling streams to quaint villages and vast expanses of coffee and spice plantations, the charm of Coorg is unmatchable. Since Coorg enjoys pleasant weather year-round, it is a popular destination for people in Bangalore who are looking to escape the city chaos.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Places to Visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Shri Omkareshwara Temple, Government Museum Madikeri, Raja’s Tomb, Talakaveri, Madikeri Fort, Honnamana Kere Lake, Namdroling Monastery
Things to Do in Coorg: Spending quiet time near waterfalls, taking a walk-through coffee and spice plantations, enjoying river rafting, going on a wildlife safari at Nagarhole National Park, trekking to Tadiandamol Peak
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Mysuru Junction
7. Manali
Manali
Manali | #7 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Places to Visit in Manali: Manu Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Jogini Falls, Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Nehru Kund, Mall Road
Things to Do in Manali: Paragliding, parachuting and horse riding at Solang Valley, mountain biking, skiing and sledge riding at Rohtang Pass, trekking, river rafting, ziplining, zorbing
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Looking for couple-friendly accommodation in Manali? Check out our list!
8. Ooty
Ooty
Ooty | #8 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Places to Visit in Ooty: Ooty Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, Rose Garden, Avalanche Lake, Doddabetta Peak, St Stephan’s Church, Thread Garden, Kalhatti Falls, Annamalai Temple, Kamraj Sagar Lake, Catherine Falls
Things to Do in Ooty: Boating, birdwatching, enjoying picnic and nature photography at Ooty Lake and Emerald Lake, going on a toy train ride, visiting tea gardens at Kotagiri, trekking
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Udagamandalam Railway Station
9. Lonavala and Khandala
Lonavala
Lonavala and Khandala | #9 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Serched at a height of 622 metres above sea level, Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations in the state of Maharashtra. Thanks to their pleasant weather conditions and proximity to Mumbai and Pune, the hill stations are frequented by Mumbaikars and Punekars year-round. Both Lonavala and Khandala come to life during the monsoon season when lush greenery, sparkling lakes and milky-white waterfalls add to the beauty of the landscape. Besides being a nature lover’s delight, the hill stations are quite popular among adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: December to February; July to September
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Places to Visit in Lonavala and Khandala: Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Fort, Aamby Valley, Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, Narayani Dham Temple
Things to Do in Lonavala and Khandala: Exploring the popular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla Caves, enjoying a fun-filled day at Imagicaa Entertainment Park, planning a picnic at Lonavala Lake, exploring local shops
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport; Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Lonavala Railway Station; Khandala Railway Station
10. Shillong
Shillong
Shillong | #10 of 10 Cliched Tourist Destinations in India
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days
Places to Visit in Shillong: Umiam Lake, Elephant Waterfalls, Shillong Peak, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Police Bazaar, Don Bosco Museum, Sweet Falls, Phan Nonglait Park, Spread Eagle Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Sohpetbneng
Things to Do in Shillong: Picnicking, shopping, trekking, cliff jumping, zip-lining, river rafting
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport; Guwahati International Airport
Nearest Train Station: Guwahati Railway Station