India is one of those places that finds its way into the bucket list of just about every visitor at some time due to its deep traditionalism and countless surprises. They may fantasise about visiting Agra to view the Taj Mahal or roaming the many royal palaces in Rajasthan. The stunning natural scenery of Darjeeling and Rishikesh as well as the picture-perfect beaches of Goa, are major draws for many tourists.
New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are just a few of India’s major urban centres, and each one has its unique vibe. There is no way to pass the time in India’s major cities without becoming distracted by the many temples, marketplaces, and vibrant streets. Selecting which sights to see might be a challenge when planning a trip to India.
This is the ultimate travel guide to India, with everything you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime, whether you’re on a budget or not.
1. Agra
The Taj Mahal is the most iconic landmark in all of India. Every year, the Taj Mahal draws millions of visitors who wake up early to make the journey to Agra and see the monument’s beauty as the sun rises. However, there are many more reasons why Agra is the ideal site to visit in India than only the Taj Mahal.
The city of Uttar Pradesh is replete with stunning Mughal architecture, such as Itimad-ud-Tomb Daulah’s and Akbar’s Mausoleum, both of which have mesmerising inlaid marble motifs. Additionally, the Agra Fort is also a World Heritage Site and may be visited by visitors. Because it has so many of India’s most famous landmarks, Agra is often ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
2. New Delhi
New Delhi has a lot to offer visitors, despite the turmoil and congestion. India’s vibrant capital city is an ideal blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge development. Some of India’s most cherished landmarks, such as the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk market, may be found in Old Delhi. However, there are innumerable additional places of religious and cultural significance across the city that visitors may visit.
The Lotus Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India, are all must-sees for every visitor to New Delhi. Spend your time wisely, seeing these fascinating attractions and replenishing at chai stands and fine dining establishments.
3. Mumbai
Looking to experience India’s modern side? Make your way to Mumbai, India, the bustling coastal city that is home to both affluent businesspeople and the most popular performers in Bollywood. In this opulent metropolis, luxury accommodations and fine dining are seldom far apart. Even if you can’t afford the other attractions, a drive down the renowned Marine Drive will make you feel like a king or queen as you pass the beautiful coastline and the stunning Art Deco structures.
The busy “Thieves Market” and the Churchgate train station, where hundreds of thousands of cooked lunches are packed and delivered to the city’s office workers every day, show a more true, local side of Mumbai.
Dedicate a whole day to seeing Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Kanheri Cave paintings, which date back 2,000 years.
4. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, whose name means “Land of Kings,” is filled with monuments commemorating its kings and queens. This western state merits a starring part in your vacation to India, with its sparkling palaces, majestic forts, and bustling festivals.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan is Jaipur, which is located on the famed Golden Triangle Tour Route along with Agra and New Delhi. Pink towers, the extravagant City Palace, and many diamond shops have earned it the nickname “The Paris of India.”
Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City,” also has a remarkable attraction in the form of the Mehrangarh Fort, which overlooks the city from atop a nearby hill.
Udaipur’s beautiful City Palace Complex, where the royal family still resides to this day, and its flower-lined walkways give the city an air of enchantment.
And Jaisalmer’s golden sandstone buildings and ancient havelis make it appear like something out of an Arabian Nights fairy tale (mansions). Anywhere you go in this desert state, Rajasthan will wow you with its mystery and splendour.
5. Rishikesh
Since the late 1960s, when the Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at his ashram in Rishikesh—now an abandoned facility that has become a popular off-the-beaten-path tourist destination for his followers—the city has been on the radar of spiritually concerned tourists.
Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River at the base of the Himalayas, this town is a popular destination for both yoga practitioners and pilgrims. Enjoy the views and sounds of Rishikesh from the city’s two suspension bridges, which forceful groups of monkeys often defend. Separate yourself from them.
6. Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, is considered by many to be India’s most sacred site. Pilgrims take holy dips in the river, and mourners cremate loved ones in full view of onlookers along the banks of the holy Ganges, where religious ceremonies take place.
Guests, meanwhile, may discover their own brand of spirituality by enjoying morning boat rides, releasing flower blessings that float down the river, and seeing the fire-filled Hindu chanting sessions from the elevated ghats.
Far from the harbour, the ancient town’s streets wind and turn in an apparently random pattern. Once you’ve seen the maze-like streets of Varanasi for yourself, you’ll understand why the city is said to have no precise map.
7. Amritsar
“Jewel of Punjab” Amritsar is well known for the spectacular Golden Temple. The golden building, which is considered one of the most sacred sites by Sikhs, is a breathtaking sight when illuminated by the sun and reflected in the expansive pool that surrounds it.
A daily total of one hundred thousand people, including interested visitors, are fed lentils and curries in the attraction’s world-largest communal kitchen.
Plan to spend an afternoon near the border of Pakistan while in Amritsar to see the Beating Retreat Ceremony. At night, long-time enemies India and Pakistan perform a spectacular ritual to open and seal the border gates, complete with goose-stepping troops. The residents and tourists alike will be out in full force to enjoy the booming Bollywood music, so be sure to arrive early.
8. Goa
It’s not true that India just has megacities and religious landmarks; the southern state of Goa is home to beautiful beaches. Its golden expanses of beachfront the Arabian Sea are perfect for every kind of vacationer, whether you want to party with the college crowd at swanky beach clubs or relax in a secluded hideaway.
The fusion of Indian and Portuguese traditions is one of Goa’s most distinguishing features. Everything from the destination’s Baroque buildings and churches to its spicy vindaloo curries and seafood meals reflects the region’s fusion aesthetic.
9. Kerala
If you go south of Goa, you’ll reach Kerala, where the beaches are replaced with peaceful backwaters. In Alleppey (also spelled Alappuzha), India, you may take a day excursion or spend the night on a traditional houseboat with a thatched roof while gliding past palm-lined lagoons and rivers. You may eat delicious, freshly prepared Indian food while taking in the stunning scenery and animals of the sea.
When compared to the hustle and bustle of northern Indian towns like New Delhi and Jaipur, the laid-back atmosphere of Kerala is a welcome relief. Put this place on your calendar for when you need a moment of calm in the midst of the mayhem.
10. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Though visitors to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra won’t be able to go back in time, they will come as near as they can without really travelling through time. The caverns are both recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, and they include carvings that date back at least 1,500 years.
The Ajanta Caves are older than the Ellora and Ellora Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BC, and they have around 30 Buddhist cave structures.
The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a large building dedicated to Lord Shiva that boasts life-size elephant sculptures, is the most well-known of the almost three dozen Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu carvings housed in the Ellora Caves, which are located around 100 kilometres to the southwest. Both locations include amazing sculptures that will leave you in awe.
11. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is India’s premier tourist destination. The West Bengal hill station is renowned for its verdant tea farms, majestic snow-capped mountains (including Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain), and peaceful Buddhist temples. Planning a mountain climb or bike ride across the mountains could not be easier than at this location.
In Darjeeling, a journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a must. The two-hour trip from Darjeeling to Ghum on the 140-year-old “Toy Train,” which is pulled by an antiquated steam engine, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
12. Kolkata
Kolkata, the third-largest city in India, is a deteriorating colonial-era architectural marvel from the British Raj. The Victoria Memorial is a white marble structure housing a museum with hundreds of galleries, and Park Street is a well-known shopping and dining district that is busy around the clock, particularly during the holidays, making it one of Kolkata’s top attractions.
Though the sights of Kolkata are impressive, the city also has a lot to offer in terms of heart. All of life’s ups and downs are on display here, making this a metropolis that can make you feel anything. Get ready for it, and try to have an open mind.
