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With stunning beaches, majestic mountains, artistic monuments, rich cultures and traditions, and history as old as humans, every part of India is brimming with an experience waiting to be explored. The list of best places to visit in India is extensive, however, there are a few “standard” and few “offbeat” spots across the country that need to be on every tourist’s radar and travel itinerary. As you prepare for your vacation, make notes of some of the best spots to explore in the country to get the essence of what India is as a whole.
10 Best Places To Visit In India
From the serene beachside, breathtaking mountains, historical sites or the wide range of pilgrimages, here are some of the best places to visit in India.
1. Kashmir
Photo: Ishtiaq Ali Khan / Wikimedia Commons
Popular for its stunning natural beauty, Kashmir will always occupy the top place of Indian tourist attractions when you are in India. You can start with the city of Srinagar where the Mughal Gardens and Dal Lake are the main attractions. For an offbeat experience, you can venture to Pahalgam and Patnitop. Gulmarg offers you a unique experience with the Gondola ride, which takes you to the Apharwat peak and offers beautiful views of the surrounding meadows. Beyond the views, Kashmir also beckons travellers with its rich shopping experience and delectable local cuisine.
Best Time To Visit: June to September during summers, and October to November during winters
Top Tourist Attractions: Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg
Top Experiences: Ride the Gulmarg gondola, Go on a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, indulge in winter sports, and go trekking around Pahalgam
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide To Some Of The Best Hill Stations In India
2. Varanasi
Photo: Narvikk / Wikimedia Commons
As old as the history of human civilisation, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The city bathes in spirituality and you get to experience each of the ghats in truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Home to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas, is amongst the most revered shrines in the country. In the Land of Mahakal, it is believed that every departed soul receives “Moksha” here and the cycle of life and death is best understood in Kashi. Everything about Varanasi makes it a mandate name in the Indian tourist places list.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Banaras Hindu University, Sarnath (birthplace of Buddhism)
Top Experiences: Attending the Ganga Aarti, witnessing the sunrise over the Ganges, exploring the narrow alleys of Varanasi, participating in a traditional puja (prayer ceremony), and enjoying a boat ride on the Ganges
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
3. Agra
Any trip to India has to start with the visit to Agra to witness the regal beauty of the Taj Mahal, which is synonymous with the “Symbol of Love.” The city is etched in history, thanks to the majestic white marble mausoleum and its historical significance makes it a must in your India tourist places list. Not only is it one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agra is also famous for its other historical monuments like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, each depicting a look into the Mughal rule and its influence on India.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Mughal Gardens
Top Experiences: Witnessing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, exploring the Agra Fort, savouring Mughlai cuisine, and enjoying a rickshaw ride through the bustling city
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls In India To Visit On Your Next Vacation
4. Munnar
Photo: Gigin Krishnan / Unsplash
If there’s one place that translates to heaven in Kerala, it’s Munnar. Virgin forests, rolling holes and tea gardens spread wherever you turn your head. There’s nothing that beats the beauty of this quaint hill station, which once served as the holiday resort for Britishers. The winding walkways and the splashy waterfalls further add to its charm. It is also one of the few places that is home to Neelakurinji, an ultra-rare plant that flowers once in many years, and it transforms Munnar in a blanket of purple hue.
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Echo Point, Munnar Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake
Top Experiences: Trekking, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Tea Plantation tour, Jeep Safari, and spices shopping
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
5. Goa
Photo: Divya Suresh / Wikimedia Commons
For the beach bums looking for a vibrant nightlife and beach expedition, Goa is one of the perfect places to visit in India for a marine getaway. The influence of the Portuguese heritage paired with the laidback beauty and charm of the place captivates people, irrespective of their age. You can explore the popular beaches of Calangute or Anjuna, soak in Portuguese history in Old Goa or indulge in the vibrant nightlife that the place offers. Mostly cliched as a fun capital of the country, ignoring its offbeat beaches, old-style homes, and best seafood will be a blunder.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Top Experiences: Indulging in water sports like parasailing and scuba diving, attending the Sunburn Festival, and eating freshly caught seafood
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 days
Suggested Read: Take A Journey Through Time By Visiting These Caves In India
6. Tawang
Photo:J P Dutt / Wikimedia Commons
Often brushed to the back of people’s minds, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh feels like an unreal place often described in novels. With gorgeous blue lakes and mountain passes, the city offers stunning natural views from its peaks. You get to soak in some peace at one of the numerous monasteries like the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery or Golden Namgyal Lhatse. The beauty and untouched charm of this place will be enough to add it on the list of places for an India trip.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Golden Namgyal Lhatse, Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls, Madhuri Lake, Bumla Pass, Taktsang Gompa, Gorichen Peak
Top Experiences: Monastery visits, Trekking, War Memorial Tour, Sightseeing, Craft Shopping
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 days
7. Ladakh
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The highest plateau in India, Ladakh sits perfectly at the bottom of the Himalayas, and is known as the “Land of Gompas.” This high-altitude beauty screams to the core with rich Tibetan culture and lets you experience the native tribal culture. While the beauty of Ladakh is best experienced on an off-road biking trip, you can also try many adventure activities. Some of them are hiking through the Himalayas, experiencing the thrill of white water rafting adventure, or visiting the Buddhist monasteries.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Top Tourist Attractions: Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hemis Monastery
Top Experiences: Trekking in the Himalayas, white-water rafting on the Indus River, exploring the Buddhist monasteries, witnessing vibrant festivals like Tsechu
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 7 days
Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience
8. Jodhpur
Photo: Kroisen brunner / Wikimedia Commons
The second largest city in Rajasthan and the “Gateway to The Thar,” Jodhpur is a city steeped in rich history. Often termed Blue City, the name is befitting as the majority of the local architecture, homes, shops, etc. are painted blue. Jodhpur is often associated with luxury and offers you a royal experience, especially with the diverse range of havelis and forts. With one of the most expensive hotels in the country, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur takes you back to the time when royalty dominated the city.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and Clock Tower
Top Experiences: Desert safari, Culinary delights, Enjoy folk performances
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the perfect place to visit in India to experience marine life closely. Beyond the crystal-clear waters, this place is home to multiple islands like Havelock Island, and Neil Island combined with the history. This place offers many fun filled and adventurous activities that will make your vacation even more thrilling. In addition tourists can also witness the culture of the entire nation by visiting historical monuments like the Param Vir Chakra memorial and anthropological Museum.
Best Time To Visit: December to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, Neil Island, Cellular Jail, and Anthropological Museum
Top Experiences: Scuba diving and snorkelling in coral reefs, exploring the rainforests
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 days
Suggested Read: Best State Museums In India To Plan Your Next Cultural Visit
10. Rishikesh
Photo: Vishal chand rajwar / Wikimedia Commons
Often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of India,” Rishikesh is not just any city. Sitting on the banks of the Himalayas, Rishikesh perfectly combines the best of both worlds, to attain spirituality and adventure activities. Since the immemorial time, sages and yogis have meditated here and attained Moksha. Hence it has become one of the most favourite tourist places in India. Don’t miss out on exploring the wide range of ashrams, some of which are recognised as “Centres for Philosophical Studies.”
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Swarg Ashram, The Beatles Ashram, Rajaji National Park, Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy
Top Experiences: Yoga and meditation classes, White water rafting, Ganga aarti ceremony, Trekking, Camping
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Planning your next vacation with the best places to visit in India doesn’t have to be so complex. Being a diverse country that’s home to every possible natural formation and beauty, there’s a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. The key here is to plan things comprehensively with a proper itinerary. With TripXL, you can leave that burden of planning to professionals and secure the best deals on your bookings.
Cover Photo: AXP Photography/ Pexels
