Are you planning your first Indian visit? India is a mystical paradise. This tropical destination has many iconic cities that are famous for wide range of activities starting from camel safari in desert to houseboat on lush backwaters. You can experience burning deserts to chilling snow valleys in just one country. India has numerous offbeat fantastic locations but, if you are visiting for the first time, it is better to stick with the iconic tourist attractions in the country.

We present you with the top ten tourist destinations for first time traveler in India. These destinations include exotic activities; top sightseeing spots and modern city life so that you need not sacrifice anything from food to accommodation to enjoy the Incredible India.

1. Delhi

Nearest International Airport – Delhi

Top Attractions – Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, Akshardham, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb and Others.

Top Things To Buy – Madhubani Panting, Sandalwood Products, Salty Crackers, Kundan Jewelry, Pickles, Herbs, Spices And Others.

Best Time to Visit – November to March

Delhi is the capital of India and the center for every attraction. Located in the northern part of the country, this city is famous for iconic attractions and monuments for sightseeing. You can find many heritage sites like Lotus temple, Humayun’s tomb, Red fort and others. If you are ready to travel, you can find many tourist spots just outside Delhi like Sagar, Gulmarg, Manesar, Hatu Peak and others.

Read More : What to do in Delhi for 2 Days

Suggested Tour : 4 Days – Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour

2. Taj Mahal

Nearest International Airport – Delhi

Top Attractions – Museum, Architectural Sightseeing And Garden

Top Things to Buy – Marble Based Articles, Carpets, Miniature Taj Mahal And Others

Best Time to Visit– Throughout the Year

A Mughal emperor built this marble monument in the memory of his wife. It took 22 years for the completion of the monument. This is a world wonder and a heritage site too. There are four gates to the monument. The most common gate used is the northern gate, which has an octagonal entrance.

You can find courtyards, masterpiece architectural structures, stone edifice and others. The Taj Mahal is a two-storied building and you can explore the whole building. Inside the complex, a museum is present where you can find many ancient documents of Mughals including the blueprint of Taj Mahal, ancient pictures and photographs of the monument, King’s possessions, weapons, utensils that are used to identify presence of poison and so on. You can find many shops outside the monument for quick souvenir shopping.

Read More : Famous Handicrafts to Purchase in Taj Mahal, Agra

Suggested Tour : 10 Days – Heritage with Taj Mahal Tour

3. Jaipur

Nearest International Airport – Jaipur

Top Attractions – Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jai Mahal, Birla Mandir, Albert Hall

Top Things to Buy – Leather Shoes, Dye Scarves

Best Time to Visit – October To March

The city is the hub for culture and history. You can find numerous palaces and unique monuments that have rich history. Hiring a guide would open up many stories about each building in the city. Jaipur is famous for sightseeing, elephant rides at Amer fort, science sightseeing in Jantar Mantar, shopping and others.You ought to try the exotic cuisine of the land. Since the place is located in a desert state, the cuisine of the land focuses on meager vegetation that are possible in the climate. The food gets its taste from rich spices and meat.

Read More : Magnificent Monuments of Jaipur Not to Be Missed

Suggested Tour : 8 Days – Rajasthan Tour from Delhi

4. Kerala

Nearest International Airport – Trivandrum International Airport

Top Attractions – Kollam Beach, Trivandrum, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kannur, Palakkad, Calicut, Bekal Fort, Kumarakom, Munnar, Ponmudi, Varkala, Silent Valley National Park And Others

Top Things To Buy – Coconut Shell Articles, Handicrafts, Sailboat Miniature, Jewel Box, Lemongrass Wall Hanging, Handloom, Pure Coconut Oil, Murals, Kathakali Mask And Others. Top Spices To Buy are Tea, Coffee, Spice Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves And Others.

Best Time to Visit – October To March

Kerala has a pleasing climate and lush vegetation. The backwater houseboat and performance art of this place are noteworthy attractions to spend time. You can find spice plantation, hill station, beaches, historic spots, churches, temples, museums and many other attractions here. Ferry ride, water sports, trekking, rafting, Ayurveda massages, cruise, mountain biking, elephant safari, jungle safari and nightlife safari are some of the top activities to enjoy here. You ought to try the cuisine of the place, which is rich with fresh spices and exotic seafood.

Read More : How to Reach Kerala

Suggested Tour : 10 Days – Best of Kerala Tour

5. Amritsar

Nearest International Airport –Amritsar

Top Attractions – Jallianwala Bagh, Golden Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Mata Temple, Summer Palace, Bada Hanuman Temple, Ram Tirth, Amit Sarovar and Others.

Top Things To Buy – Shikh Sword, Knick Knacks, Turbans, Shoes, Spices, Phulkaari, Pickles, Jams,

Best Time to Visit – October to March

This holy city of Punjab is famous as a pilgrim spot for its possession of the Golden Temple. Apart from Pilgrim activities and temples, you can enjoy birdwatching, riding bull cart, heritage walk, boat ride and others here. You ought to taste at least one meal at the Golden Temple. The cuisine of the land is another attraction. If you have more time to spend, you can visit the coin museum, Bungalow museum, Ambarsari Zaika, Sher E Punjab and others.

Suggested Tour : 7 Days – Golden Triangle with Golden Temple Tour

6. Mumbai

Nearest International Airport – Mumbai

Top Attractions – Malabar Hills, Colonial Building, Art Galleries, Nehru Center, Beaches, Zoo, Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Elephanta Cave, Gateway Of India And Many Others

Top Things To Buy – Jewelry, Antiques, Silk, Handicraft, Khadi Clothing, Carpet, Rug And Others

Best Time to Visit – October to March

Mumbai is a huge attraction in India. Starting from ultramodern malls to ancient caves of Elephanta Island, this is a city of everything. Apart from sightseeing, you ought to enjoy ferry rides, water theme park, rock climbing, bird watching, walking tour in Dharavi slum and others. If desired, you can hire a private yacht to enjoy a luxury cruise around the harbor at sunset. Top delicacies to enjoy here are seafood, bread maska, Maharashtrian thali, pani puri, Bhelpuri, Pav Bhaji, Keema, Kebab rolls, kulfi, falooda, vada pav and others.

Read More : How to Reach Mumbai

Suggested Tour : 4 Days – Mumbai Sightseeing Tour

7. Varanasi

Nearest International Airport –Varanasi

Top Attractions – Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, New Vishwanath Temple, Alamagir Mosque, Gauri Mata Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Sarnath, BHU, Ramnagar Fort And Others.

Top Things To Buy – Banaras Silk, Holy Water Of Ganga, Gulabi Minakari, Wooden Toys, Sweets, Rudraksha Mala, Shivalinga, Varanasi Coins, Glass Beads, Flutes, Deity Statues, Brass Articles And Others.

Best Time to Visit – October to March

This is the holy capital of the country. You can find exotic rituals and religious activities here, every day. The city will be very hot and humid during summer and early monsoon. It is best to visit during winter season. Ganga Aarti is the iconic attraction of this place.

You can enjoy shopping, boating, visit to Sarnath, sightseeing and other activities here. Visit the ghat in the early morning to watch people provide their prayers to sun God and other rituals. If you visit during any Hindu festival, you can find many interesting rituals here. Top delicacies to enjoy here are Benaras dum aloo, chaat items, Malai Balai, paan and others.

Read More : Things to Experience in Varanasi

Suggested Tour : 9 Days – Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

8. Mysore

Nearest International Airport – Bangalore

Top Attractions – Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, Jagmohan Palace, Lalit Mahal Palace, Gardens, St. Philomena Church, Mysore Zoo, Datta Peetham, Museum Of Natural History, Rail Museum And Others

Top Things To Buy – Sandalwood Articles, Sandalwood Oil, Wooden Toys, Chenapatna Toys, Paying Card Decks, Traditional Sweets And Others

Best Time to Visit – October to March

Mysore is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. Apart from the interesting sightseeing spots, you can find many activities to enjoy here like trekking, royal walk, Lake Stroll and others. If desired, you can take up small getaway tours around Mysore. The place is known for its collection of architectural marvels. It is also one of the modern cities in the country.

Read More : 15 Unforgettable Places To Visit In Mysore

Suggested Tour : 6 Days – Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Karnataka Tour

9. Goa

Nearest International Airport – Goa

Top Attractions – Beaches Like Arambol, Candolim, Colva, Agonda, Anjuna And Others, Natural Attractions Like Dudh Sagar Waterfalls, Aquarium, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantation And Others, Bom Jesus Basilica, Church Of St. Francis Of Assisi, Shree Manguesh Shantadurgai Prassana Temple And Others

Top Things To Buy – Cashew Liquor, Handicrafts, Antiques, Wines, Crochet, Lacquer Toys, Hand Paint Ceramics And Others

Best Time to Visit – Throughout The Year

Goa is the union territory with 31 different beaches and the best destination for first time traveller. You can find almost all types of water sports, beach activities and adventure activities here. If you are a night owl, you can find ample amount of casinos, nightclubs and bars to enjoy. On the other hand, people also visit this spot for pilgrimage. You can find many interesting churches and temples here.

The culture of the land is closely linked with European culture and so is their tradition, festival and cuisine. Top activities to enjoy here are kite surfing, paragliding, scuba diving, beach picnic, sightseeing, hot air ballooning, jet skiing and others. Top delicacies to try are sorpotel, xacuti, vindaloo, goan pudding and seafood.

Read More : Top Ten Hidden Tourist Attractions in Goa

Suggested Tour : 11 Days – Goa with Kerala Tours

10. Khajuraho

Nearest International Airport – Delhi

Top Attractions – Lakshmana Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Parsvanath Temple, Adinath Temple, Vamana Temple, Brahma Temple, Ghantai Templ, Dulhadev Temple And Others.

Top Things To Buy – Iron Brass Sculptures, Stone Sculptures, Crafts, Sandstone Articles, Silver Articles And Others

Best Time to Visit – September to March

Khajuraho is famous for its collection of ancient temples, which have erotic sculptures. The place is famous for sightseeing, photography and the annual dance celebration that takes place inside the temple complex. Top delicacies to enjoy here are cashew burfi moong dal halva, shikanji and others. There are a few interesting attractions near Khajuraho. You can drive to Panna national park, Orchha, Benisagar dam, Raneh falls, Kalinjar and others.

Read More : 6 Tourist Attractions You Will Never Know About Khajuraho

Suggested Tour : 7 Days – Taj Mahal with Khajuraho Tour

If you are visiting for the first time, it is better to keep up with the iconic attractions and busy spots. Although these places have offbeat attractions, you might not find many facilities in those attractions. There are many more top destinations in India that suit first time visitors, like Mahabalipuram, Andaman, Ladakh, Shimla, Ooty and others. Choose the destination based on the type of activities you like, climatic condition and others.

Also Read : Top Things That First-Time Indian Visitors Should Know

Tips for First Time Darjeeling Travellers

Pre-designed Popular Packages for First Time Traveller :

• 6 Days – Golden Triangle
• 10 Days – Kerala Backwaters First Time Tour
• 16 Days – Introduction to Indian Culture

Also Find India Tour Packages as per your Interest :

• Packages by Duration
• Packages by Theme
• Top 10 India Tour

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