Every traveler’s bucket list includes a trip to India, a country that is both ancient and modern at the same time. To see the Taj Mahal in all its splendor, or to explore the royal palaces dotted around Rajasthan, they may imagine themselves there.
For others, it’s the breath-taking scenery of Darjeeling and Rishikesh or the picture-perfect beaches of Goa that draw them in.
Big cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are likewise distinct in their own way. Exploring the temples, shops, and bustling streets of India’s largest cities will keep you entertained for days. The most difficult part of visiting India is deciding what to see and do.
List of the top sites to visit in India, whether you’re on a backpacking trip or a luxury holiday.
1. Agra
The Taj Mahal is the most recognizable icon of Indian culture. Every year, tens of millions of people flock to Agra to visit the monument, many of them arrive early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the majestic building.
There are many other reasons to visit Agra besides just seeing India’s most famous tourist site.
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb and Akbar’s Mausoleums, both in Uttar Pradesh, are adorned with mesmerizing inlaid marble motifs from top to bottom.
The Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also open to visitors. Agra is a must-see destination for travelers in India because of the wealth of attractions that can be found in one city.
2. Mumbai
Want to see a more modern side of India? Mumbai is a vibrant, coastal metropolis that is home to some of the world’s wealthiest businesses as well as some of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Tourists are seldom far from five-star hotels or gourmet eateries in this luxury metropolis. And even if those activities are out of price, a cruise down the famed Marine Drive will make you feel like royalty as you catch a view of the gorgeous shore and glamorous Art Deco structures.
Thieves Market and Churchgate Railway Station are two places to get a taste of the real Mumbai, where thousands of cooked lunches are delivered to the city’s office workers each day.
Make a point to see Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the 2,000-year-old Kanheri Cave carvings on your next trip to India.
3. Rajasthan
Translated as “Land of Kings,” Rajasthan brims with remnants of the kings and queens of past generations. If you’re planning a vacation to India, this western state deserves a prominent place in your itinerary.
Agra and New Delhi are also part of the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit in Rajasthan, which includes Jaipur. It has been dubbed “The Paris of India” because of the city’s distinctive pink structures, its opulent City Palace, and the abundance of diamond stores.
The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” is a must-see for visitors to the Indian city.
Known for its romantic flower-lined avenues and magnificent City Palace Complex, Udaipur is home to the Rajasthani royal family.
With its yellow sandstone castles and antique Havelis, Jaisalmer looks like an Arabian Nights fairy tale has come to life (mansions). Rajasthan’s allure will enchant you no matter where you go in this arid state.
4. Rishikesh
It has been a popular destination for spiritual travellers since the Beatles spent time in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (now an abandoned site that has become an off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction for followers) in the late 1960s.
In the Himalayan foothills, the town is a yoga and pilgrimage hotspot on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Participate in the festivities or simply take in the sights and sounds of Rishikesh’s two suspension bridges, which are frequently patrolled by adamant groups of monkeys. Keep a safe distance from each other.
5. Varanasi
Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The spiritual rituals take place near the famous Ganges River, where pilgrims bathe and mourning cremate recently deceased relatives in front of onlookers.
They find spirituality in sunrise boat excursions, floating floral blessings, and watching fire-filled Hindu chanting from the steep Ghats, which are popular with tourists.
Away from the river, the cobblestone streets of the old town are like a never-ending labyrinth.. After experiencing Varanasi for yourself, you’ll be inclined to believe the legend that there is no accurate map of the tortuous city.
6. Amritsar
The magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab’s “Jewel,” has helped establish the city’s reputation as a tourist hotspot. To see this gold-leafed building, which is considered sacred ground by Sikhs around the world, and to see how it reflects in the surrounding water is a sight to behold.
There’s also a 100,000-person-per-day community kitchen here, serving lentils and curries to visitors (and locals alike).
Spend some time at the Pakistani border in Amritsar to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Indian and Pakistani border guards perform an over-the-top ceremony as they open and close the border gates at dusk. Arrive early to join the crowds in a street dance to the sounds of Bollywood music.
7. Goa
In addition to its bustling towns and revered temples, India’s southern state of Goa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for an affordable tropical holiday with a laid-back beach hut vibe or a luxurious five-star resort experience, the Arabian Sea’s expanses of golden sand have something for everyone.
Goa’s fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures is one of its most distinctive features. Everywhere you go in the city, you’ll find an amalgamation of cultures and cuisines, from Baroque architecture to hot vindaloo curries and seafood.
8. Kerala
Kerala’s backwaters are a world away from the crowded beaches of Goa. Traditional thatched-top houseboats in Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) are the best way to see the lagoons and rivers of Kerala.
You can take a day trip or spend the night on board. On the water, you may dine on freshly prepared Indian cuisine while taking in the stunning scenery and animals that the area has to offer.
Kerala is a breath of fresh air compared to cities like New Delhi and Jaipur in the north, which have a frantic pace. When you need a break from the commotion, plan to spend some time here.
9. The Caves of Ajanta and Ellora
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are the closest you can come to time travel without really doing it. These two caves, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, contain elaborate engravings that date back at least 1,500 years.
The Ajanta Caves are the more historic of the two sites, dating back to the 2nd century BC and include more than 30 Buddhist cave monuments.
Nearly 30 Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu carvings can be seen at the Ellora Caves, which are some 100 kilometres southwest of Agra. Of these, the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a colossal building dedicated to Lord Shiva and featuring life-size elephant sculptures, is the most well-known. At these places, you’ll be awed by the incredible carvings that have been done.
10. New Delhi
New Delhi has a lot to offer tourists, despite its throngs and chaos. The vibrant Indian capital, New Delhi, is a harmonious fusion of old and new.
The Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk shopping district are all located in Old Delhi, which is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. However, there are numerous other places of spiritual and cultural significance to be found across the huge city.
The Lotus Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar, India’s tallest tower, are just a few of New Delhi’s most popular tourist sites. Indulge your senses at street-side chai vendors or high-end restaurants as you spend your days exploring these fascinating locations.
