From ancient temples to imposing palaces, sun-drenched beaches to snow-laden mountains and peaceful spiritual sanctuaries, India is a country of unparalleled diversity with an ageless aura. Manned by the architectural wonders of Mughal emperors and the serene backwaters of Kerala, to the frenetic streets of Mumbai and the peaceful monasteries in Ladakh, this continent is remarkable for all types of travelers. Whether you’re after adventure, spirituality, romance or simply cultural exploration – India’s best tourist places have incomparable expereinces that will capture your heart and mind.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra: The Monument of Eternal Love
A visit to this architectural dream is unforgettable, especially at sunrise or sunset — add it to your Indian itinerary for one of the Seven Wonders of the World and (in many eyes) the most beautiful monument of love ever built. Built on the banks of the River Yamuna, this ivory-white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The architectural masterpiece of the Taj Mahal features elements of Islamic design such as arches, minarets, onion-shaped dome and geometric black calligraphy. Pattern Its complex surface is inlaid with jewel- enlayed flowers, using ruby, emerald stone work is additionally enriched with the use of semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, jade, diamonds and mother of pearl. 20,000 workmen spent 1648 years in building this glorious edifice.
In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra features other architectural masterpieces, with the Agra Fort’s vast red sandstone walls much photographed for its stunning Delhi Gate and Jahangir Palace built by Akbar and Shah Jahan. The ghost-haunted ruined city on the edge of town, Fatehpur Sikri, which was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and continues to inspire awe for its history and architecture, makes for a great day trip.
The special light effects just before sunrise (first rays of sun fall on the white marble) and after (when darkness covers the whole scenario) attract more people than ever. To witness an unforgettable sight, meanwhile, see the monument reflected from across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh Park.
2. Jaipur: The Enchanting Pink City
Rajasthan’s capital city, the “Pink City” Jaipur is a colourful place that will spring in sensory overload on visitors. The Shekhawati city is best known as the Pink City, so named in 1876 when Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh I decided to have the whole town painted pink—the traditional color of hospitality—as a personal gesture to welcome Prince Albert Edward (who would later be King Edward VII) to Jaipur.
Jaipur’s buildings are exquisite though, kicking off with the world famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storey crown shaped facade made of pink sandstone with over 950 windows set in honeycomb patterns. This 1799 structure provided royal women with an opportunity to watch street festivals without being seen.
The impressive Amber Fort, on the hill behind overlooking Maota Lake, is a wonderful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture with UNESCO World Heritage status. The City Palace complex, which is now a residence for royalty but open to the public in parts, is an extraordinary congress of Rajput, Mughal and European styles with vast courtyards and intriguing museums.
Don’t miss Jantar Mantar, the 1724 astronomical observatory established by Maharaja Jai Singh containing the largest stone sundial in the world. The colorful bazaars of the Mall Road are suitable for textiles, silver jewelry, crafts and other souvenirs.
3. Goa: India’s Beach Paradise
A concoction of sunshine, beach and spirituality are bound to come together beautifully; couple that with parties on the shores end sun bathing sessions that never seem to end – welcome to the ultimate Indian beach destination. The Arabian Sea housed this Land of the Noahs, full of beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife and Portuguese ruins all making for a laid back vacation.
Cool and happening North Goa is pulsating every moment – with its party beaches such as Baga, Candolim, Calangute and Anjuna. The nightlife is iconic, at legendary haunts such as Tito’s, Club Cubana (the so-called “Nightclub in the sky”), Café Mambo and Hammerzz you can dance from EDM to Bollywood remixes and live music to sunset cocktails.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can head to South Goa and its quiet beaches like Palolem beach which is known for its Silent Noise Parties – young partiers club with headphones. The district promises a more serene sophistication rather than revelry.
Image Beyond its beaches and parties, Goa’s Portuguese heritage is evident in its colonial architecture, centuries-old churches and fusion cuisine. For those with a passion for water sports, activities include parasailing and jet ski rides, scuba diving and kayaking.
4. Kerala: God’s Own Country
Kerala, dubbed as “God’s Own Country”, captivates the tourists to its serene backwaters, verdant hill stations and amazing wildlife along with colourful art forms. This corner of the southwestern state provides a classic mix of breathtaking landscape and spiritual journeying.
The Kerala backwaters, a 900-kilometer labyrinth of canals, rivers and lakes, offer one of India’s most bewitching experiences. The ancient kettuvallams (rice boats or houseboats) once moved cargo along the region’s waterways, but today these moving palaces serve as “floating hotels” with all creature comforts (source). All the structures are splendid, with their wooden walls and curved thatched roofs of woven bamboo strips lashed together with coconut fiber strands.
Alleppey (Alappuzha), the ‘Venice of the East’, is popularly considered to be the cradle of houseboats. It is here that most people begin their experience of the backwaters. However, for the sake of not thronging during peak months, consider alternate boarding points such as Kumarakom/Kottayam or Kollam.
A typical overnight houseboat cruise involves the spectacle of fiery sunsets, highly localised freshly cooked Keralan meals (be sure to ask for fish), peaceful mornings sipping steaming chai and spotting rare South Indian birds, and then touring traditional villages along the shore where you can watch fishing boats unloading their catch or toddy-tapping mini-booze factories at work. Eco-conscious travelers have low-impact alternatives to the houseboat experience, with kayaking trips or homestays in the backwaters.
5. Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India
Varanasi: The world’s oldest living city, with a history of over 5,000 years, is one of Hinduism’s most sacred places. This historic city on the banks of the sacred River Ganges offers spiritual experiences that belong to both, above and beyond religion.
The city’s 88 ghats (riverside steps) have a variety of purposes —:: from ritual bathing and cremating to meditation and worship. The grand Ganga Aarti (evening ceremony) sets the tone for the goodly night’s sleep with parallel priestly movements synchronised by brass lamps, incense sticks and chanting amid a hypnotic spiritual display. Then there are the flames dancing off the dark waters of the Ganges, accompanied by bells ringing out across the river – an assault on all senses.
Manikarnika Ghat, the holiest of the sacred ghats along the river, is in use 24 hours a day as bodies are brought for cremation. Here burns an eternal flame, in representation of the circle of life and death. In Hindu belief a person who dies in Varanasi does not go to heaven or hell, they obtain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
A boat ride on the Ganges at dawn is the most peaceful way to see morning rituals bathed in the light of sunrise washing over ancient ghats. The experience offers deep insights into the everyday life of this spiritual epicenter where time appears to have come to a standstill.
6. Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas by the holy Ganges River, Rishikesh is known as “The Yoga Capital of The World”. The holy city is the perfect mix of spirituality and adventure—a paradise for everyone who wants to find peace within themselves while searching for some real kicks.
Rishikesh rose to global fame in 1968, when The Beatles went there to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram (now closed), but is no longer just “the other Varanasi”; now Western-style resorts cater to both new-age pilgrims and Indians wanting a break from their parent’s basement. The city since then became a magnet for spiritual seekers and yoga-practicing tourists from all over the world.
Many ashrams in town, for example the Parmarth Niketan host yoga and meditation classes and the Trader forums every March the genocide Indische Yoga Festival on. Feels like a higher price to be payed for just $12 per night at many ashrams which include simple lodging, morning meditation and yoga sessions, lectures and communal meals.
For adventure seekers, Rishikesh beckons with the white-water rafting in Ganges at “Roller Coaster” “Double Trouble,” India’s highest bungee jumping, hiking and overnight camping. The famous suspension bridges Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula provide impressive views of the river and mountains.
The night Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat offers a surreal ambience with bhajans, floating ‘dia’ (lamp), and spiritual aura. The experience perfectly encapsulates the unique energy of Rishikesh that is difficult to put into words.
7. Ladakh: The Land of High Passes
Ladakh, or ‘Little Tibet’, is a high-altitude desert wonderland that lies in the northmost part of India between the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. This magical terrain features stunning scenery, centuries-old monasteries and thrilling activities that appeal to adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
The ride to Nubra Valley through Khardung La Pass (5,602 meters) which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world itself is an experience. Tourists in Nubra Valley can visit the Diskit Monastery which houses a huge Maitreya Buddha, take a double-humped Bactrian camel ride at Hunder Sand Dunes and be amazed by the landscape that looks as though mountains are nestling against a desert.
Pangong Lake, which is at 4,350 meters, shimmers with crystal clear blue water that changes shades throughout the day and rises against stark dry mountains. The lake became famous after it appeared in the Indian blockbuster film “3 Idiots”.
Buddhist heritage is evident in monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, Chemrey and Diskit, and they give insight into the Tibetan Buddhist culture along with panoramic views of stunning mountains. The area is also ideal for trekking, mountain biking and experiencing traditional Ladakhi village life.
The Perfect Time to visit Ladakh The best time to be in Ladakh is from May or June to September when the road routes are open and the weather conditions are pleasant.
8. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Once the capital of Mewar, Udaipur, also known as ‘The Venice of the East’ is considered as one of the most romantic cities of India with all its lakes (Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar), palaces (City Palace & Monsoon Palace) and islands. Established in 1553 by the founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh II as a capital of the Sisodia Rajput clan, the city is surrounded by artificial lakes that contribute to providing a heavenly sight to this Indian tourist attraction situated amidst Aravali Hills.
Constructed in 1362, Lake Pichola is the city’s life force. The lake is home to two famous structures: the sexy Jag Mandir and otherworldly Lake Palace (Jag Niwas), that now functions as an upscale hotel and seems like it’s floating on the water like a white dream. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola during sunset – the golden hour brings alive breathtaking views of palaces shimmering in still waters!
Marvelous Mughal and Rajput architecture are displayed in the City Palace, among the largest palace complexes of Rajasthan with superb open views, lovely gardens, and museums of royal treasures. Constructed over 400 years, the palace has marble balconies, richly furnished suites of rooms and superb gardens with bright courtyards surrounded by ugh delicate oriel windows.
Built in 1678, Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial water lake of Udaipur which was constructed by Maharana Jai Singh and to which about three island are situated on this lake. The lake’s Nehru Island is a must-visit tourist destination and it also offers amazing panoramic views.
Other highlights are Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) with its panoramic views, the alluring fountains and marble pavilions of Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of Maidens), and 17th-century Jagdish Temple, a structure with intricate carvings.
9. Amritsar: Home of the Golden Temple
The Punjab city, 20 miles east of the Pakistani border, is home to one of the world’s most splendid spiritual landmarks: the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib). This dazzling place of worship is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and open to people of all faiths, reflecting the tenets of equality and universal brotherhood advocated by Sikhs.
Set in the middle of a holy lake (Sarovar) which was completed with a gold-coated exterior by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1830 and, its golden colour shining as the ideal backdrop for any romantic scene. The sight of them early morning or in the evening when the light catches them perfectly is something really magical.
The compound is unlocked all day and night without any entry fee, hence very accessible to everyone. Visitors need only take off their shoes, wash their hands and cover their heads before entering. Guards at the entrance are more than helpful with head coverings and allow travelers to easily enter.
One of the profound experiences here is during Guru ka Langar (community kitchen), about 100,000 people – without any discrimination based on religion, caste or status are served three times in a day free food and langar. This wonderful practice is a clear manifestation of Sikh motto of “Service to Humanity” and that all are created equal.
The Palki Sahib is carried daily at night from the Darbar Sahib (main santcum) to Sri Akal Takht Sahib in a palki (palanquin). At 33 kilometres is the Wagah border ceremony that provides a patriotic look, as Indian and Pakistani guards perform an elaborate flag lowering ceremony.
10. Hampi: Ancient Ruins and Temples
Hampi, which is perched in Karnataka and sits nestled along the Tungabhadra River, a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This bleak but exceedingly grand site was the capital of the mighty Hindu Vijayanagara Empire and home to what are considered its best examples of Dravidian temples.
The archeological site spans 41.5 km2 and includes some 1,600 structures that were constructed between the 14th and 16th century CE. Spectacular fields of large boulders bring an otherworldly touch to the region around ancient temple complexes.
Oldest and principal shrine : Virupaksha Temple, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 50 meter high, ornately decorated gopuram (gateway) is regularly repainted and repaired, and remains an active Hindu place of worship in the centre of Madurai. The temple site has a ruined 750 m long stone market behind the temples, with a Nandi monolithic bull shrine in the east of the markets.
Best of the lot, standing as an epitome of Vijayanagara architecture, is the Vitthala Temple. It is home to the iconic stone chariot, a shrine for Garuda carved in the shape of a chariot from a granite block and monolithic musical pillars that produce different notes when tapped. The temple is located in a closed space surrounded by high walls with three entrance gopurams and grand bazaar street.
Other attractions are the Krishna Temple complex, with a massive Pushkarani (stepped well) and numerous ruined structures including strong bastides (auxiliary fortifications), the monolithic Sasivekalu Ganesha temple which is as large as its more famous counterpart in Hampi and Kadalekalu Ganesha, an even larger statue created to resemble Lord Ganesha. Hemakuta group of temples is especially renowned for a cluster of over 40 temples; some small and some medium-sized provide an excellent view of the entire city.
Architectural wonder and historic significance with a dash of environment thrown in, Hampi is a must for any history buff, or photographer who loves his shots to tell tales.
Best Time to Visit India
Most of these destinations are best visited at different times of the year, depending on where they are. OCTOBER TO MARCH Good time to explore Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle and north India Usually, the weather is nice throughout these months in northern India for travel. For Himalayan destinations such as Ladakh, Rishikesh and Darjeeling summer (April-June) is the best time. Kerala and Goa are year-round destinations, though the monsoon (June-September) means lush greenery as well as heavy rain.
Conclusion
India’s 10 best places highlight how well the country’s incredible diversity offers architectural wonders, spiritual sanctuaries and natural wonders alongside a myriad of cultural experiences. The eternal romance of the Taj Mahal or spiritual enlightenment in Varanasi, the sunbaked beaches of Goa or Darjeeling’s Himalayan peaks – India is a colourful palette with countless treasures on offer. All these legendary places are only a glimpse of what this amazing subcontinent has in store, making your every trip to India an experience of meeting exploration and adventure.