India is a land of diversity with different traditions and cultures. Due to its vast artistic nature, every traveler ends up with exciting places on their bucket list. They might dream about going to various temples with extensive history about them in the past, exploring the wildlife safari in beautiful jungles, or tasting different delicious food of diverse cuisine.
There are many areas to visit in India, such as Kashmir, Darjeeling, Rajasthan, Kerala, etc. You will not get bored when you explore various temples in India, but you will need help with choosing what to see or what not. Here is some advice to make your vacation longer, as you will stay energized.
Here are the 15 best places to visit in India:
1. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is a holy place, especially for Sikhism, as the peaceful Golden Temple, also known as Shri Harmandir Sahib, is situated there. It is a tranquil place for giving your body and mind a great sigh of relief. Also, it would be best if you visited Jalianwala Bagh there, a remarkable monument of the people who died in the rashless firing of Britishers.
Remember to visit old Amritsar city’s bazaar, which is famous for its Parantha, Amritsari Kulcha provided at all the dhabas and the creamy lassi in a tall glass.
2. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most famous monuments in the world is the Taj Mahal of Agra. It is a symbol of love as the Mughal emperor Shahjahan built this in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. You can also visit Akbar’s Tomb, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, and many more.
Also, visit Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center, which stages the famous play of Mohabbat-e-Taj and Kinaari Baazar for every kind of clothes, shoes, and spices. Take advantage of the town’s favorite sweet dish, Agra ka Petha.
3. New Delhi
The capital of India, New delhi, indeed is one of the most crowded cities in India. Yet, the old Delhi is full of tourist places like Qutab Minar, Lal quila, also known as Red Fort, Humanyu’s Tomb, and the ancient mosque of India, Jama Masjid. All ministerial works, such as meetings and sessions, are held in Parliament buildings in New Delhi.
Take advantage of Chandani Chownk, Cannaught Place, and especially Paranthe Wali Gali to eat the tasty and yummy paranthas.
4. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai is one of the cosmopolitan cities of India. Mumbai is full of an energetic city situated in coastal areas. Also, home to the wealthiest people in the world and bollywood actors. Tourists can enjoy the luxury of five-star hotels and restaurants, marine drive, Juhu beach, and the Gateway of India.
You can also watch an authentic and local side of Mumbai in the bustling Thieves market or at the Churchgate Railway Station, where people provide office workers with homemade food by packing them in tiffins.
5. Rajasthan
The Land of Kings, Rajasthan, is where many kings and queens in the past centuries lived. Due to its shining palaces, forts, and lively festivals, this place should be on your priority list. The famous Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, City Palace, and Amber Fort are the eye-catching areas. If you are fond of Tiger Safari, remember to visit Ranthambore National Park.
You can also visit various Jain Temples and Havelis in Jaisalmer. If you want to meet the royal family, turn your tour towards Jodhpur, where descendants of royal families run part luxury hotels and museums.
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
For a spiritual and stress-free trip in India, put Rishikesh on your bucket list on a priority basis. It is a great place to visit if you want to give your mind a religious touch. The town is nestled in the Himalayas’ foothills and river Gange’s banks. It is home to numerous saints and the center of yoga and pilgrimages.
You can join them or can enjoy the temple bells. Also, you can do sightseeing from Two suspension bridges of Rishikesh, guarded by families of monkeys.
7. Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India. It is where all the activities occur along the Ganges river, like pilgrims’ bathing and mourners cremating their recently deceased relatives in plain view of passersby.
You can also enjoy the sunrise boat rides, releasing floral blessings on the river, and watch the Hindu chanting ceremonies from steep ghats.
8. Kochi, Kerala
Also known as Cochin, Kochi is one of the major port cities of India. It is located on Malabar Coast. This city is famous for its various malls, like Lulu mall, Wonderla amusement park, Cherai beach, and Kashi art gallery. You can also go to Chottanikkara temple for positive vibrations.
Also, take advantage of Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and Instagram-worthy Chinese fishing nets.
9. Darjeeling
It is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal with excellent landscape views all over the area. It is loved because of its green tea plantations and eye-catching, inspiring snow-capped peaks, including Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain.
You can also pay a visit to many Buddhist monasteries or ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a Toy train that works on the steam effects of trains.
10. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a hill station in northern India with a beautiful scenario of forests and glorious mountains with the river Beas flowing through it. You can see Hidimba Devi Temple, a 16th-century temple, and mall road for different kinds of handicrafts and woolen clothes. Atal Tunnel is also a breathtaking tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass.
You can do paragliding in Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. Whenever you visit Manali, remember to visit Manikaran Sahib, where you can watch famous hot springs and have a spiritual feeling.
11. Panji, Goa
Being the capital of Goa, Panji is famous for its sun, sea, and sand. The Portuguese architecture of Panji’s Latin Quarter of Fontainhas is also a must-visit place. Goa has many beaches that take your breath away with the gorgeous sun, sand, and sea views, and enjoy beach parties there.
You can also pay a visit to a 16th- century church in Goa named Basilica of Bom Jesus. Also, you can neither miss the old 17th-century Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or the Mario Gallery.
12. Leh, Ladakh
Ladakh is a beautiful city located in northern India. The snow-covered peaks are the breathtaking central part of it. The capital Leh is furnished with whitewashed houses and stupas and is also dominated by the 17th-century Leh palace. You can visit Pangong lake, located in Hemis, Sangam of Indus, and Zanskar rivers in Ladakh.
Also, the Magnetic hills are a must-see sight, showing the magnetic effect due to which vehicles seem to move upward instead of rolling downwards.
13. Kolkata, West Bengal
Although Kolkata is one of India’s major metropolises, it moves slower. It is the third largest city in India and is famous for its Durga Puja on the occasion of Navratri. In the British era, it was the capital of India. That is why it has much colonial-era architecture, including Victoria Memorial and St Paul’s Cathedral.
It would be best if you also visited Park street, famous for the great shops and restaurants that work 24/7. Remember to visit Howrah Bridge, the city icon.
14. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
During summer, there occur some times when the temperature is too high. It mainly occurs in New Delhi and other north India regions. It is when tourists and locals move to spend their vacation in more excellent areas, and the primary choice is Shimla. Shimla is famous for cloudy weather and forested hillside. You can also visit the Jalhu Temple, Christ Church, The Mall, and many more.
15. McLeod Ganj
If you want to visit the home of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader, Dalai Lama, then you should add McLeod Ganj to your wishlist. You can find his base in a monastic village named Tsuglagkhang Complex. In the afternoon, you can see monks passionately debating with each other. There is a small Tibet Museum in the area that is also must seeing.
You can also visit Dharamsala and check out various attractions there. You can watch Tibetan art by the artists, such as woodcarving and paintings, or trek up Triund hill.
Summing Up
India is a vast land, which is just a part of it. You will never forget your trip to these fantastic lands and enjoy your vacation there. The Taj Mahal will lead you toward love, while Jalianwala bagh lets you pay tribute to the innocent martyrs. You can enjoy yourself there with family and friends and relax.