India is such a vast country that one that feels more like a continent as it stretches from the lush tropics of Kerala to the frozen peaks of the Himalayas, how do you decide where to go and what to see? The truth is, India is full of life-changing experiences. In this land that is sure to transform the way you see the world, these are the top places to visit in India for the most unforgettable vacation.
Andaman Islands
The “Maldives of India,” as the Andaman Islands are sometimes referred to, are one of the most breathtaking remote places in India, legendary for their idyllic beaches and world-class diving in opaque emerald waters that are surrounded by lush jungle and mangrove forest. If a tropical paradise is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. And, for divers or snorkelers, there are few better places to be as this rich underwater world offers everything from colorful fish and sunken ships to steep undulating hills of jet black volcanic lava. On land, Radha Nagar Beach has been acclaimed as one of the very best beaches in a world, a perfect place to lose yourself and forget about the outside world, while one of India’s best hiking treks, Mount Harriet to Madhuban, offering the chance to view exotic flora and fauna, is just a short ferry ride from Chatham Harbour in Port Blair. Spend just a few days in these islands, and you’ll forget what stress means.
Amritsar
Amritsar is the spiritual capital of the Sikhs and earned its name, which means “Holy Pool of Nectar,” from the body of water around its famous Golden Temple, which was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das. The exquisite temple is Amritsar’s main attraction, attracting pilgrims from all corners of the globe, rivaling even the number of visitors the Taj Mahal receives. Be sure to see it at night, when it’s beautifully lit up. And while you’re here, there are a number of other attractions to see, like the Central Sikh Museum which displays the gruesome history of the Sikhs martyred by the Mughals, the British and Operation Blustar, featuring paintings of prominent leaders, warriors and Sikh gurus.
Jaipur
If you love palaces and are interested in getting an insight into the rulers of a bygone era, Jaipur is a must-visit. One look at its glorious stucco buildings, and you’ll understand why it’s often called the “Pink City.” The old city area is famous for its magnificent palaces which were painted in pink, representing hospitality, to offer a friendly welcome to the Prince of Wales in 1876. Spend your days exploring Hawa Mahal, and Amber and Jaigarh forts as well as shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts like camel-leather slippers at one of the bazaars. The City Palace, constructed between 1729 and 1732, is worth a visit, with its complex including Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal, which was converted into a museum that houses exclusive handcrafted items and products that depict the heritage of the kingdom.
Agra and the Taj Mahal
India’s iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal is probably what most people think of first when envisioning this country. Located in Agra, this is India’s top historical attraction and something that’s truly not to be missed. The Taj Mahal is famous for being spectacularly stunning, as well as being the symbol of enduring love, and perhaps, most of all, famous just for being famous. Rudyard Kipling called it the “embodiment of all things pure,” while its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan said that it made “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.” Taking a photograph of it is a pilgrimage for many, with its sublime symmetry set in stone and proportions elegantly tempered by hundreds of years of monumental building by the Mughal rulers. While it tends to get very crowded, arriving just after dawn is the best bet for avoiding hordes of other tourists.
Delhi
Most travelers land in Delhi, India’s capital city, ready to tick off its long list of things to do and see. While it’s usually a big culture shock, it is home to many mesmerizing mosques, forts and monuments that remain from the time the Mughal rules occupied the city. The crumbling old city of Old Delhi is fascinating, though chaotic. The 17th- century Red Fort is a mass of domes and turrets, while Jantar Mantar features larger-than-life sundials and astronomical instruments that are still used to predict the weather. The India Gate, the national monument of India that honors soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Afghan War is also a popular attraction.
Varanasi
Varanasi is another one of the country’s top spiritual places and a city quite like no other. Referred to as the land of temples and the city of Lord Shiva, this mystical holy city reveals its rituals along the many riverside ghats that are used for everything to burning the bodies of the dead to bathing. The holy waters of the River Ganga have received the mortal remains of countless Hindus, and the ghats that sit on its banks are both chaotic and spiritual. In this compelling destination, you’ll find a vibrant mix of contemporary cafes and a wide variety of shops where you can stock up on everything from fine silks to rudraksha beads. There are hundreds of temples throughout Varanasi, all laden with history and religious significance, some of which are as old as 1,000 years.
Ladakh
In this “Land of High Passes,” a mountainous region in north India, you’ll find dramatic snowy peaks and a rugged landscape in hues of orange, red, brown and grey that beautifully contrast against the bright blue sky and cauldrons of crystal blue waters. This is your chance to disconnect from the chaos of life, and high-tech gadgets, surrounded by peace and serenity. Perched nearly 11,500 feet above sea level in the Himalayas, all of the area’s water is channeled from glacier-fed mountain streams, while whitewashed monasteries crown the rocky crags with amazing 360-degree views of the valleys and peaks. As few tourists make it here, you’ll have miles and miles of this stark but striking land practically all to yourself. Be sure you have your camera with you as no matter where you point it, there’s another stunning vista that awaits.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is an exotic city located deep within the famous Thar Desert. The romantic desert fortress sometimes referred to as “The Golden City,” rose to prominence as a result of its position on camel trade routes. It’s now best known for its 12th-century fort, one of the largest in the world, made with golden and yellow mixed sandstone that gives it a magical appearance. The ornate havelis, or mansions, are also famous, particularly Patwon-Ki-Haveli, a massive five-storied construction with intricately decorated suites. The surrounding Desert National Park offers the chance to see chinkaras, desert fox and blackbucks among the rolling dunes and rugged crags.
Meghalaya
Often called the “Scotland of the East,” Meghalaya is nestled in Northeast India and is renowned for its magnificent waterfalls and glistening lakes, making it especially popular with nature lovers. The opportunities for hiking are practically endless, with places like the Laitlum Canyon that few tourists ever visit. You can even explore caves – the Mawsmai Caves boast old rock formations that date back millions of years, walk through the sacred forest from the small village of Mawphlang, and at Meghalaya, you’ll see something you’ve probably never seen before: Living Root Bridges. Looking as if they came straight from a fantasy flick, they have to be seen to be believed. Some of the roots are over 100 feet long and are strong enough to hold the weight of as many as 50 people at any one time.
Madurai
Madurai is a destination with a glorious past, with numerous grand temples that flaunt the architectural brilliance of the artisans, including its most impressive, Meenakshi Temple. If you only see one temple in South India, this should be it. This enormous temple is dedicated to Shiva and named after the Goddess Parvati and has been mentioned in songs as early as the 7th century. In the Samanar Hills, located just six miles from the temple, you can view incredible Jain carvings, while the hilltop brings a lovely view of Madurai. The city itself is over 4,000 years old and has remained a major center for Tamil learning and culture.
Udaipur
The “Venice of the East,” Udaipur, is often mentioned as India’s most romantic city, because of its famous palaces and lakes that sit against a backdrop of the picturesque Aravali hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, are islands that sit in Fateh Sagar Lake, serving as the site of Nehru Garden and Udaipur Solar Observatory. Some of its magnificent, famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace that was transformed into a luxury five-star hotel, and the vast City Palace, set along the east bank of Pichola, showcasing spectacular paintings and epic courtyards. By taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola, you’ll get a whole new perspective of the city, particularly the City Palace Complex.
Kerala Backwaters
A coastal state in the deep south, Kerala is divided between densely forest mountains and a lush, humid coastal plain of rice paddy, rivers, canals and lagoons. Its gorgeous tropical landscape that’s fed by the highest rainfall in peninsular India, has enchanted visitors since the ancient Greeks sailed here searching for spices. A houseboat trip in the Kerala backwaters has become one of the must-dos for any trip to India, gliding by the diverse wildlife, green landscape, houses and villages that line the waters for a journey that feels as if it’s taken through an entirely different world. With the refreshingly cold beer and authentic Indian food aboard, this is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation.
Goa
Goa is India’s top beach destination, offering an idyllic spot for relaxation, with some of the very best beaches in the country, boasting unspoiled white sands, coconut groves and the sparkling blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. While the central regions tend to be crowded, by venturing further north or south, you’ll find some incredibly tranquil gems, like Agonda and Palolem in the south and Ashwem and Mandrem in the north. The region also offers an eclectic blend of nature, culture, history and adventure activities. In Old Goa, the lovely Basilica of Bom Jesus is a fine example of baroque architecture, and as the state was conquered by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and remained a colony for more than 450 years, it resulted in a unique culture not found anywhere else in India. You’ll see the ruins of many Portuguese forts dotting the rugged coastline, including the impressive Cabo de Rama.
Munnar
Munnar is home to sprawling tea plantations that surround serene, lush hills, attracting adventure travelers who come to paraglide and hike South India’s highest peak, Anaimudi. It’s also filled with fascinating wildlife including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, or ibex, the ruddy mongoose and some 120 bird species. Check out the tea museum, the first of its kind in India, which showcases the growth of over a-century-old tea plantations in the region, and offers an in-depth look at just how laborious the process of tea-making really is. A natural sandalwood forest is located in Marayoor and is said to be part of an ancient stone-age civilization that dates back to 10,000 BC, with stone-age paints, dolmens and rock edits found here.
Kochi
Kochi is made up of several small villages along the southwestern coast. Renowned for its beautiful lakes, lagoons, and greenery, it’s often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. This is a place where you can sample fresh fish from seaside vendors, take a boat ride through the islands, and enjoy sunset strolls on the beach. Watch traditional dance at one of the art centers and see the European influences in the 16th-century Portuguese-built forts and churches. Also take note of the Dutch cottages and the mark of early Chinese traders, which can be seen in the unusual fishing nets that are dotted along the shoreline. In Mattancherry, you’ll find the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace.
Srinagar
Srinagar, located in the Kashmir Valley, is a land surrounded by water, dominated by Dal Lake and its winding waterways as well as being home to the Jhelum River and the tree-lined Nagin Lake. The great Mughal Emperors recognized this as “Paradise on Earth,” and its people have developed a vibrant, colorful lifestyle within the unique landscape. You can engulf yourself in local culture by renting one of the wooden boats known as shikaras for a daytime or sunset cruise. On land, walk through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, and shop for indigenous crafts, including beautifully embroidered shawls and hand-woven silks. When wandering the narrow lanes, you’ll see wooden houses with delicately carved balconies sitting alongside ancient temples and medieval mosques, while music drifts from back-street cafes and the aroma of fresh bread wafts through the air from a little bakery.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling sits at an altitude of over 7,200 feet and enjoys a breathtaking backdrop of the mighty snow-capped Himalayan peaks while being surrounded by verdant tea plantations, making a fabulous respite from the country’s oppressive heat during the summer months. Its main attractions include several Buddhist monasteries, colorful markets, faded relics from the Raj, the lush tea plantations and amazing hiking opportunities. The most famous attraction here is known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which climbs more than 8,000 feet along a narrow-gauge track before reaching the city. Built in the late 1800s, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Singalila National Park, you’ll not only enjoy a trekker’s paradise but the chance to see rare and endangered species, like the tigers, red panda, black bear, the clouded leopard, wild boar, pangolin, yellow-throated martin and barking deer.
Mumbai
About as opposite as you can get from Darjeeling, Mumbai often feels crowded and chaotic, but many find its busy streets to be more exciting than stressful. This gem in western India is a fascinating city filled with contrasts, a colorful atmosphere and impressive colonial buildings. Famous for its street food, you’ll find many and varied options, all spicy and delicious, with most items based on rice, vegetables, fish, coconut, curries and homemade sweets. Shoppers will enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the bazaars, with charming stalls that burst with beautiful embroideries and colorful silks. If it starts to feel too hectic, nibble a paper cone of bhelpuri while taking a stroll across the sands of Chowpatty Beach and enjoy a short walk to Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi once lived.
Hyderabad
The capital city of Andhra Pradesh is one of the fastest developing cities in India, known as the preserver of the country’s unique culture and a living example of the images of the opulent days of its ancient rulers. An ancient granite fort keeps watch over Hyderabad, with its many mosques and bazaars, while its most iconic building, the 16th-century Charminar with a quartet of 160-foot minarets, sits on the site of the former town center. Just one of the many highlights is the Hyderabadi food, a mix of Persian and Mughlai cuisines, known for its rich, aromatic nature derived from the liberal use of exotic spices, fresh fruit and ghee. Hyderabad is also a popular shopping destination, with people coming for its antiques, jewelry, clothing, rare semi-precious gems, natural pearls and handicrafts.
Shimla
Shimla is the most famous, and largest, of the British hill stations, set in the foothills of the Himalayas, along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of nearly 7,100 feet. With its resort-like atmosphere and cool climate, it became the summer capital of British India in the mid-19th-century. To reach the town center, you have to go up on foot, climbing a flight of rickety wooden stairs, as it’s car-free. Here, you can enjoy walking around without the incessant honking of trucks, motorbikes and rickshaws – with no roads reaching the main square, all goods are transported by horse or manpower. Wildlife abounds, right in and around the town center, with monkeys roaming freely, watching the shoppers below from overhead cables, while yaks are often used to carry items. The famous main street of Shimla, The Mall, is lined with grand houses, while Christ Church, with its Victorian-Gothic spire, is the city’s most famous landmark.
Bangalore
Bangalore, or Bengaluru as it’s officially called, is known as both the “Garden City” and “The Silicon Valley of India,” as it boasts the highest concentration of IT companies in India. This techies paradise offers a lot more than computer technology; however, not only can it be a godsend to weary travelers with its many creature comforts as one of the most progressive cities in India, it has a burgeoning dining, drinking and shopping scene, lots of gardens, museums, parks, palaces and temples, and as a big student town, you’ll run into plenty of hip locals drinking craft beer and chatting in English. The city is also a major center of Indian classical music and dance, as well as a hopping, cutting-edge nightlife.
