Top 10 Best Places to Visit in India
India offers endless contrasts: peaceful temple towns and vibrant cities, thrilling wildlife safaris and relaxing backwater cruises, delicious feasts and colorful festivals are just a few examples.
Spiritual travellers seeking sanctuary find peace of mind in Rishikesh, a riverside city on the Ganges featuring Maharishi’s ashram. Kolkata boasts Victorian British ruins while Rajasthan brings romance through its grand palaces and historic havelis (mansions).
1. Mysore
Mysore, often dubbed India’s City of Palaces, is one of the country’s most vibrant spots. Renowned for its royal heritage background and exquisite architecture as well as silk sarees and yoga, Mysore draws millions of tourists each year who flock to its vibrant streets.
Mysore Maharaja Palace is an exquisite structure that mesmerizes visitors with its Indo-Saracenic architectural design and attracts over 6 million people a year.
Mysore is home to numerous iconic places of worship with rich cultural histories, such as Amba Vilas Palace which hosts an extravagant Dussehra festival every ten days – brightly illuminated and featuring various cultural programs – while The Railway Museum, established in 1979, also stands out as an offbeat attraction of Mysore; featuring locomotives from its past along with toy trains in an attractive open space; perfect for families with kids!
2. Kodagu
Kodagu (or Coorg) in Karnataka’s southwest state is an incredible sight, featuring lush coffee plantations, steep slopes and mountains adorned with exotic vegetation. For centuries now, various dynasties have governed this region, creating its distinctive culture and traditions.
Madikeri Fort, once home of Coorg kings and queens, stands as an impressive sight and now houses a museum that highlights their heritage. Raja’s Seat provides breathtaking sunset views on nearby hills; other notable attractions include Omkareshwar Temple and Gaddige – royal tombs with ornate domes – nearby.
Abbey Falls and Dubare Elephant Camp are among the highlights of this picturesque hill station, making it an ideal picnic destination. There’s also a deer park and orchidarium here as well. In South Kodagu lies Iruppu Waterfall; an important religious destination frequented by Hindu devotees as its source may lie here – along with being one of only few spots where both rivers Kaveri and Kannika meet!
3. Darjeeling
Darjeeling, one of India’s most intriguing hill stations, is famed for its lush tea plantations and scenic vistas. Spring and summer months offer ideal times for visiting when flowers abound and snow-capped mountain peaks provide stunning backdrops for views. However, monsoon rains could potentially cause flooding that leads to landslides; so try and plan your visit around these seasons if possible.
Darjeeling offers visitors many attractions for visitors to enjoy, such as riding the toy train or passing along its ropeway. Surya Sen Park provides popular recreation with rides and swings, while Bengal Natural History Museum hosts an extensive collection of local flora and exotic fauna.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda, constructed between 1885 and 1985, is another must-see attraction. Additionally, for tourists looking for shopping opportunities the Chowrasta marketplace provides many inexpensive souvenir shops as well as local crafts market.
4. Kolkata
Kolkata boasts a vibrant cultural past that can be found throughout its many historical sites. Buildings like Raj Bhavan, Writers’ Building and Victoria Memorial Hall reflect India’s colonial past; social reformists such as Swami Vivekananda and Indian freedom fighter Shubhas Chandra Bose were born here; Mother Teresa spent her last years here at The Mother House.
City life also boasts an active culture with numerous theater groups that specialize in Bengali theatre. The annual Durga Puja festival transforms streets into a stunning display of lights and giant clay statues.
Birla Temple is one of the must-do attractions in Kolkata, with this magnificent structure radiating spirituality and dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Nearby Observatory provides daily astronomy shows which make for a fantastic experience.
5. Kerala
Kerala is well known for its distinctive culture of “Unity in Diversity”. Home to people from diverse communities, religions, races and backgrounds who coexist peacefully within its boundaries. Malayalam is its official language while English and Hindi are also commonly spoken.
India is famous for its mesmerizing backwaters, picturesque hill stations and exotic spices, while being home to centuries-old performing arts such as Kathakali and Mohiniattam that are both recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage sites.
Thrissur is an ideal cultural hub, boasting grand temples and lively festivals. Guruvayur, known for being dedicated to Lord Vishnu and boasting one of India’s richest temples. Kerala beaches also draw crowds to soak up some sun while relaxing on soft sands – there are a host of luxury resorts here as well as rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage services available!
6. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Northern Maharashtra are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth visiting for art enthusiasts. Dating back to 2nd Century BC, these rock-cut caves boast some of the world’s finest ancient paintings still on display – making this an unmissable destination.
Ajanta caves demonstrate Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, while Ellora caves showcase Hindu, Jain and Buddhist architecture – evidence of harmony between India’s ancient Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
Winter is the optimal time to visit Ajanta Caves as temperatures are more comfortable and crowds tend to thin out. Additionally, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation holds its Ajanta Ellora Festival featuring classical dance and music performances that take place within its beautiful environment. Don’t miss this chance to witness stunning shows in Ajanta!
7. Rishikesh
Rishikesh, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking attractions, attracts both tourists and locals looking for spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
Rishikesh can trace its history back to Raibhya Rishi who performed prolonged penance along the Ganges banks. According to legend, Lord Vishnu appeared as Hrishikesh during this time – thus giving rise to its name.
City of Yoga and Meditation Retreats in California attracts a great many tourists from around the globe, and is popularly used for rafting and trekking breaks. Furthermore, its name has become widely associated with its iconic Beatles Ashram which was set up to honor their infamous stay there from February until April 1968 – it even houses their Museum.
8. Varanasi
Varanasi is an essential destination for spiritual travelers. Bring cash and an open mind, and experience its remarkable energy firsthand.
Evenings at Ganga Ghats are bustling with pilgrims preparing to attend the evening Aarti ritual. Young maroon-robed monks from nearby ashrams perform rituals while blowing conch shells wildly into an incredible cacophony of noise.
Alamgir Mosque towers over Panchganga Ghat and was constructed during the 17th century by a Mughal emperor on top of what used to be a Vishnu temple. A must-see, visitors should bear in mind that only Muslims are permitted to enter.
9. Udaipur
Udaipur is an elegant city steeped in history and luxury. Famous for its serene lakes and grand palaces, the city attracts tourists from all around the world.
Lake Pichola is one of the top attractions in Udaipur. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride through this iconic body of water and be wowed by its beauty at dusk!
Monsoon Palace (also known as Sajjan Garh) provides breathtaking views of Udaipur’s lakes and palaces. Originally intended as an astronomical observatory, later it served as a summer resort for Maharanas of Mewar.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is another must-see attraction in Udaipur, constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh to showcase Rajput architecture. Inside is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that should not be missed!
10. Jaisalmer
The Golden City of Jaisalmer is an UNESCO World Heritage Site distinguished by its ancient fort. Explore the maze-like streets within its walls and marvel at intricately carved havelis (homes). Live like a local in this unique living fort!
One of the best things to do in Jaisalmer is exploring its fascinating cenotaphs (tombs) which feature intricate sculptures. These were built for prominent figures such as Maharajahs and their families.
Jain temples in the city are another highlight, serving as stunning examples of ornate architecture popular at that time. There are 16th and 23rd Tirthankaras’ shrines dedicated to Parshvanath and Shantinath respectively that stand out.
