Welcome to the magnificent country of India, which boasts diversity, an extensive past, and an array of vibrant cultures. Explore the incredible locations, famous landmarks, and hidden jewels that make India a traveller’s delight as we set out on a virtual tour. India offers a whole world, from the beautiful Himalayas to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, from the busy streets of Delhi to the peaceful ashrams of Rishikesh. Let's visit the top tourist places in India and explore hidden areas.
Looking for the best places to visit in India
To give an idea, here are some most beautiful places in India.
|
Places |
Duration |
Activities |
|
Jaipur, Rajasthan |
2-3 days |
Amber Fort, City Palace,
Johri Bazaar |
|
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
2-3 days |
Ganga Aarti, boat ride,
Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
|
Agra, Uttar Pradesh |
1-2 days |
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort,
Fatehpur Sikri |
|
Udaipur, Rajasthan |
2-3 days |
City Palace, Jag Mandir,
Bagore Ki Haveli |
|
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan |
2-3 days |
Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki
Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes Sunset |
|
Darjeeling, West Bengal |
2-3 days |
Himalayan Railway,
tea estates, Tiger Hill, Peace Pagoda |
|
Hampi, Karnataka |
2-3 days |
Vijayanagara Empire,
Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill Sunset |
|
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand |
2-3 days |
river rafting, Neelkanth
Mahadev Temple |
|
Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
2-3 days |
Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid
Bhawan Palace, Sardar Market |
|
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
2-3 days |
Mall Road, Christ Church,
Jakhoo Hill, Chail Palace |
|
Amritsar, Punjab |
1-2 days |
Golden Temple, Jallianwala
Bagh, Wagah Border |
|
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
2-3 days |
Gateway of India,
Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive |
|
Mysore, Karnataka |
2-3 days |
Mysore Palace, Chamundi
Hill, Chamundeshwari Temple |
|
Delhi |
2-3 days |
Red Fort, Qutub Minar,
Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb |
Top 14 best places to visit in India in 2023
1-Jaipur, Rajasthan
The "Pink City," Jaipur, is recognised for its spectacular palaces, vibrant markets, and stunning design that captures the splendour of Rajasthan. It depicts the region's rich cultural heritage and elegant history.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: discover the famous Amber Fort, tour the charming City Palace, browse the Johri Bazaar for ethnic goods, and ride an elephant through the Amber Fort
2-Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
India's spiritual capital, Varanasi, is a destination rich in ancient customs, revered ghats, and mystical experiences along the Ganges River. It is a combining pot of culture and spirit.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Tour the narrow alleyways of the old towns, experience a boat ride on the River Ganges, witness the sacred Ganga Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and visit the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
3-Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, is one of the seven wonders of the world and exhibits the elegant design of the Mughal era. It is a sign of eternal affection.
Ideal time: between 1 to 2 days
Activities to perform: explore the beautiful Taj Mahal and fascinating Fatehpur Sikri, and experience the Heritage Walk, the famous Agra Fort, and Shop for Handicrafts and Souvenirs
4-Udaipur, Rajasthan
The "City of Lakes," Udaipur, is a delightful tourist spot with enchanting palaces, calm lakes, and a fascinating blending of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It delivers a magical experience.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: visit the stunning City Palace and Jag Mandir, take a boat trip on Lake Pichola, explore Bagore Ki Haveli's heritage of culture, and engage in the customary Mewar sound and light show.
5-Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The "Golden City," also known as Jaisalmer, is recognised for its lovely sandstone structures, the enormous Thar Desert, and the enticing Sam Sand Dunes. It offers a window into the desert culture and culture of Rajasthan.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: experience the incredible Jaisalmer Fort, see the thoroughly carved Patwon Ki Haveli, embark on a camel safari across the Thar Desert, and delight in the spectacular sunset at Sam Sand Dunes
6-Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a scenic Himalayan hill station featuring rich tea gardens, magnificent vistas of snow-capped peaks, and the popular Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is famous for its lovely climate and tranquil atmosphere.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: take a ride on the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), observe lovely tea plantations and discover how tea is made, see the sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak from Tiger Hill, browse Darjeeling's buzzing marketplaces, and drop by the Peace Pagoda for magnificent views
7-Hampi, Karnataka
A stunning old city with incredible temples and ruins that portray the splendour of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. For people who love history and architecture, it is a gold mine.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Experience the beautiful Vijayanagara Empire ruins, attempt bouldering and rock climbing nearby, witness the sunset at Hemakuta Hill, explore the renowned Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple complex, and enjoy a coracle on the Tungabhadra River.
8-Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
A spiritual destination observed for its ashrams, studios for yoga, and meditation centers is known as Rishikesh, located in the Himalayan foothills. It offers a calm atmosphere and is set on the shores of the renowned Ganges River.
9-Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The "Blue City," also known as Jodhpur, has become known for its wonderful forts, blue-painted residences, and an alive Rajasthani culture. It offers a perfect fusion of old-world charm, modern architecture, and dynamic life in the city.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Visit the amazing Umaid Bhawan Palace, explore the enormous Mehrangarh Fort, explore the energetic lanes of the Old City, delight in the breathtaking panorama from Jaswant Thada, and savour the regional cuisine in the energetic Sardar Market.
10-Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla's beautiful hill station, one of the places to visit in north India, is established in the Himalayan foothills. It provides a reviving vacation and is well-known for its ancient elegance, rich vegetation, and snow-capped mountains.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Take a relaxing walk along Mall Road, visit the stunning Viceregal Lodge, visit the famous Christ Church, ride the toy train on the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway, and cherish the expansive views from Jakhoo Hill.
Related: Best places to visit in Shimla
11-Amritsar, Punjab
A city with profound religious significance, Amritsar is host to the acclaimed Golden Temple, the most important Sikh temple, and it may also be one of the first honeymoon destinations in India for people from the Sikh community. Amritsar offers a mixture of history, spirituality, and Punjabi culture.
Ideal time: between 1 to 2 days
Activities to perform: Witness the Palki Sahib ceremony at the majestic Golden Temple, discover the rich past of Jallianwala Bagh, savour the flavours of conventional Punjabi food, and travel to the Wagah Border to see the ceremonial flag-lowering ritual.
12-Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai, India's thriving metropolitan and financial center, is renowned for its lively spirit, iconic buildings, colonial architecture, and Bollywood glamour.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Admire the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Gateway of India, embark on a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves, stroll down Marine Drive, observe the bustling markets on Colaba Causeway and Linking Road, and take in the buzzing nightlife.
13-Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore, the center of Karnataka's culture, is well known for its lavish palaces, complex architecture, thrilling festivals, and silk saris.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Tour the beautiful Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and Chamundeshwari Temple, take in the magnificence of the Mysore Dasara celebration, stroll through the lively Devaraja Market, and travel to the neighbouring Brindavan Gardens.
14-Delhi
The capital of India and one of the best of India's famous places, Delhi, is a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and modernity. It is home to well-known landmarks, vibrant marketplaces, and a varied food market.
Ideal time: between 2 to 3 days
Activities to perform: Discover Old Delhi's beautiful street food, the Red Fort and Qutub Minar's historical sites, the Jama Masjid, and Humayun's Tomb. Visitors may also get a rickshaw across Chandni Chowk and the tranquil Lotus Temple.
Conclusion
The above are just some of the best places in India to visit, each providing an unforgettable trip and insight into the nation's rich cultural tapestry. India has plenty to offer any traveller, regardless of whether they are searching for spirituality, history, breathtaking natural scenery, or exciting city life.
Also read: Best places to visit in India in July 2023