10 Best Places to visit in India

10 Best Places to visit in India

India is an enormous and diverse destination.Bordered by seven different countries, not to mention the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which means that there are many different sides to the country.More than 20 official languages, multiple religions and a variety of cuisines exist within India’s borders.To truly experience the breadth of Indian culture and history, travel is key. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in India:

10. Udaipur

The City of lakes, Udaipur glistens romantically on the edge of the desert in Rajasthan.The city is protected by lush hills and is where you can find the mesmerizing Lake Palacein the middle of a tranquil lake.Another captivating sight is the imposing but graceful City Palace, along with the MonsoonPalace, which stand out with walls made of gleaming white marble.Explore old temples, walk the winding streets of this fanciful corner of India, and slipinto times past inside its ancient bazaars.

9. Amritsar

The Punjabi city of Amritsar lies on the border with Pakistan and is home to the holiest ofSikh sites.The Golden Temple is in the heart of the old walled city; this serene Sikh shrine providesa place for reflection and inspiration.You can tour the Golden Temple regardless of religion, but you will need to show respectby covering your head and removing your shoes.The streets surrounding the temple are a frenetic fusion of people, markets and activity.Be sure to pick up some traditional goods, such as hand-embroidered fabrics and delicatelyornate shoes.

8. Ladakh

In northernmost India, in the heavily disputed Kashmir region, is the mountainous destinationof Ladakh.This region is large, but it has a low population density and a number of nomadic residents.Breathtaking, pristine scenery is a major draw to the area, but virtually all travelerswill also spend time in the town of Leh.The town is located at a very high elevation, and it is home to the 17th century Palaceof the King of Ladakh.Buddhist culture is also prominent in Leh, and you may wish to explore some of the manyBuddhist monasteries and temples.

7. Goa

Beaches.On the western coast of India is Goa, a former colony of Portugal that blends Indian culturewith colonial influences and plenty of international tourism.Goa is popular largely because of its spectacular beaches.The busiest of all is Candolim Beach, where travelers from around the world flock to soakup the sun.Anjuna Beach, by contrast, is far less crowded.It is also an amazing place where you can walk to Chapora Fort and admire the sandycoastline from a new perspective.Palolem is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Goa with it’s naturalbay surrounded by lofty headlands on either sides.

6. Delhi

If you’re spending any time in Northern India, you will almost certainly visit thecapital city of Delhi.The enormous sprawling destination is home to several districts, and it is consideredto be one of the oldest cities in the world.One of the top sights in Delhi is the Red Fort, which was built in the 17th century.The Red Fort is made from sandstone, and you will be able to walk through its Lahore Gate,into the bazaar, through the jewel palace and even into the former residence of thesultan.While in Delhi, you should also make time for the many museums and religious structuresthat make up the city.

5. Ellora and Ajanta Caves.

In the state of Maharashtra, you can explore the caves of both Ellora and Ajanta.At Ellora, there is an enormous complex of shrines carved from the rocky landscape.These 34 cave shrines are up to 1,500 years old, and they are from three distinct religions:Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.Two hours away is Ajanta, which is home to 29 caves.The Ajanta caves are covered in murals and paintings, most of which reflect Buddhiststories.While the two cave complexes are two hours away from one another, it is well worth visitingboth to compare these incredible attractions.

4. Varanasi

A city that may seem strange to many Westerners, Varanasi is of great religious importance.The holy city sits on the banks of the divine Ganges and is believed by Hindus to be a sacredplace of pilgrimage.The city is known for the religious practices that take place on the ghats alongside theriver; pilgrims wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges and the bodies of Hindus arecremated.The sights of life and death along the riverside can be shocking, but a visit to Varanasi isalso contemplative, and ultimately, helps visitors to further understand India’s deepcultural and spiritual practices.

3. Kerala

The southwestern state of India known as Kerala is a place of tropical beauty.Palm trees, white sand beaches and eco-tourism are all big reasons to explore the region.Besides its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats and temple festivals, Kerala is also hometo the Thekkady Tiger preserve.The hub of Kerala is the city of Kochi, where you can see the local fishing industry thrivingalong with modern high-rises and colonial architecture.

2. Agra

Agra is known for one thing – the iconic and ultimately impressive Taj Mahal.Set on the south bank of the Yamuna River, the Taj draws millions of tourists a year. Built by an emperor as an extravagant memorial to his wife, the mausoleum’s porcelain white marble is an emblem of romance and adventure. Agra itself sits in the shadow of its imposing monument but is a small and welcoming city. The ancient Mughal-era Agra Fort is an attractive spot to visit – peer over the walls here and catch your first hypnotizing glimpse of the Taj.

1. Jaipur

The Pink City of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is where you can find the beautiful amber Fort – a sprawling, stunning complex set in the hillside overlooking a lake. Located just outside of the city and built-in 1592, the grandiose citadel was also apalace for some time but is now an impressive tourist attraction. Make sure to take a trip to the opulent city palace with its stunning courtyards and gardens, plus the amazingly intricate Palace of Winds. Jaipur forms one corner of the Golden Triangle, and it also makes a great gateway into the lesser-known destinations within Rajasthan.