India is a Southern Asia country that is brimming with lavish culture and extravagant nature. The lush country is home to a large number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, from ancient temples to magnificent palaces. Therefore, India is a world-class destination that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Among the beautiful places in the country, there are some best places in India you must include on your bucket list.
Thinking about visiting India? Here are some best places in India that will give you an extraordinary adventure!
Best Places in India for Your Extraordinary Trip
- Goa
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Bylakuppe
- Kolkatta
- Taj Mahal
- Sundarban National Park
- Kerala
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves
- Andaman Island
- Ladakh
1. Goa
Goa is the tropical paradise of India. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the region offers pristine beaches, brilliant blue waters, and an incredible landscape. Besides that, Goa is known for its alluring natural landmarks, ranging from majestic waterfalls to lush rainforests.
The gorgeous region is not only about natural beauty but also its splendid culture and history. Due to its past of Portuguese colonization, numerous European-styled buildings are scattered throughout the region. You can see the fascinating crossover between Indian and Portuguese culture in Goa, where cathedrals and temples are standing beside each other. With its extravagant culture and nature, Goa is a must-visit destination in India.
Must-See Places: Basilica de Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Arambol Beach, Shri Mahadeva Temple, Calangute Beach, and Fort Aguata.
2. Jaipur
Are you looking for an ancient city with outstanding architecture? Then, Jaipur should be on your bucket list! Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, where old Indian dynasties once reigned. For that reason, the city of Jaipur offers timeless and elegant beauty. You can easily find magnificent palaces and jaw-dropping fortresses all over the city.
Jaipur is also known as “The Pink City”. As you see the salmon-tinted palaces and temples, you can guess the reason behind its nickname. Almost everything in Jaipur, from the legendary City Palace to neighborhoods, comes in a reddish pink. Due to this unique feature, Jaipur is a favorite destination for travelers.
Must-See Places: City Palace, Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal Palace, and Jantar Mantar.
3. Jodhpur
If we talk about the best places to visit in India, we have to include Jodhpur. The city is nestled between the rugged terrains of Rajasthan state. Like the neighboring Jaipur, Jodhpur is a fascinating city brimming with history and culture. Therefore, you can witness the majestic remains of the ancient Mawar Kingdom through palaces and fortresses in Jodhpur.
One of the most interesting things about Jodhpur is the blue-tinted cityscape. Houses, buildings, and neighborhoods in Jodhpur are colored in vibrant blue, giving a picturesque and unique view. Moreover, Jodhpur is the perfect place to find smiling faces and mingle with locals. To do that, you can buy some local goods or eat in a local restaurant after a stroll through the blue neighborhood.
Must-See Places: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Khejarla Fort, Ranisar Padamsar, Sadar Bazaar, and Jaswant Thada.
4. Udaipur
Centuries ago, the glorious Mewar Kingdom ruled the Rajasthan city. That is the reason behind Udaipur’s gorgeous palaces, timeless temples, and towering fortresses. Like other Rajasthan cities, Udaipur is a living museum filled with historical buildings. Furthermore, Udaipur has a special charm that cannot be found anywhere else except the city.
Situated between the Aravalli Hills and Lake Pichola, Udaipur offers both natural beauty and historical wonders. Moreover, the dreamy landscape of Udaipur is considered one of the most romantic in India. You can spend a day exploring historical sites, strolling by the brilliant Lake Pichola, savoring the delicious dishes, and listening to the tales behind Udaipur’s elegance during your visit.
Must-See Places: Gadiya Devra Temple, Kumbalgarh Fort, Saas Bahu Temple, Lake Pichola, and City Palace.
5. Bylakuppe
At the first glance, Bylakuppe looks nothing like India. The tranquil city resembles Tibet very much, as it is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and serene temples. Bylakuppe is located in Southern India, specifically in the Mysore district. The city is perfect for travelers that are looking for tranquility or are curious about Indian spirituality.
Bylakuppe allows you to dive deeper into Buddhist and Indian culture. You see the everyday spiritual lives of Buddhist monks and Bylakuppe residents in the central Golden Temple. Also, you can take strolls around Buddhist settlements, such as the popular Namdroling Monastery. Thus, it is a great way to learn about new cultures and beliefs.
Must-See Places: Golden Temple, Namdroling Monastery, Tibetan Shopping Center, Camp 1 Market, and Dubare Elephant Camp.
6. Kolkatta
Kolkata is the third largest city in India, as well as the center of fast-growing business and industry. Besides that, Kolkata is a vibrant city filled with towering skyscrapers, trendy shopping centers, and awesome nightlife. The feisty city life makes Kolkata earn a lovely nickname, which is “The City of Joy”.
In addition to its hype metropolitan vibe, Kolkata is home to stunning historical landmarks. You can find a century-year-old bridge, old Hindu temples, and magnificent palaces in the city. Standing among modern skyscrapers, Kolkata’s antique buildings depict a timeless, unforgettable beauty. So, whether you are looking for crazy parties or fascinating trips to historical places, Kolkata is a must-visit!
Must-See Places: Victoria Memorial, Belur Math Temple, Birla Mandir Temple, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum.
7. Taj Mahal
This Seven Wonders of the World site is definitely one of the best places in India. The Taj Mahal is a world-famous monument that is situated in the city of Agra. Besides its elegant architecture, the Taj Mahal is popular for its legendary background story. The mosque-like monument was built by emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Until today, it is a timeless icon of love.
If you want to get the best out of the Taj Mahal, we recommend you arrive early in the morning. The site is less crowded during the early morning, allowing you to see the stunning monument to the fullest. Moreover, the Taj Mahal also offers an unforgettable sunrise view. With its charming views and history, the Taj Mahal is definitely worth visiting!
8. Sundarban National Park
If you love the outdoors and enjoy spending time in nature, this one is for you! Sundarban National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in West Bengal, overlooking the Bidhyadhani River. It is one of the largest mangrove forests on the planet that is considered a UNESCO heritage site. Besides its lavish biodiversity, the national park is widely known as a haven for Bengal tigers.
The main attraction of Sundarban National Park is safari tours. You can go around the vast mangrove ecosystem by tour boat. If it’s your lucky day, you can also see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. It is an out-of-the-box experience you can try during your trip to India.
9. Kerala
Kerala gives out the best of India. You can find both stunning nature and spectacular manmade wonders in the region. Kerala is dotted with verdant forests, fantastic beaches, beautiful rivers, and great waterfalls. It is also lined with impressive temples and lovely villages. However, the main attraction of Kerala is the tranquil backwaters, in which you can stay in a houseboat and sail along the glimmering waters. Due to the popular houseboat attraction, Kerala is also known as the “Tropical Venice.”
Other things that must be discovered in Kerala are the dishes. The lush region is home to various spices that lead to splendid Kerala-style cuisine. You can sample a variety of stews and curry in Kerala and be surprised at how flavorful it tastes.
Must-See Places: Sree Padmanabhasmawy Temple, Allepey Backwater, Kasargod Backwater, Kovalam Beach, Bekal Fort and Village, and Guruvayur Temple.
10. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Located between lush forests in a remote location, the stone temples look straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are rock-carved caves and shrines that date back to the 2nd century and 650 BC. The ancient caves are located next to each other, so travelers tend to visit both at the same time.
Although the caves are centuries old, they are well-maintained and timeless. Both Ajanta and Ellora Caves are carved with ancient murals, artistic patterns, and magnificent structures. They depict three different beliefs, which are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Therefore, you can find various shapes of temples due to the multicultural influences on the site.
11. Andaman Island
Do you know that India has a tropical paradise? Located off the coast of Northeastern India, lies the beautiful Andaman Islands. Although they are located closer to Indonesia and Myanmar, the archipelago is politically a part of India. The Andaman Islands consist of several smaller islands, like Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island. Therefore, the Andaman Islands are one of the best places to visit in India.
The archipelago is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. The Andaman Islands have lush jungles, white-sanded beaches, brilliant blue sea, and spectacular underwater sceneries. There are a bunch of activities you can do when visiting the islands, from sunbathing to sea walking. However, due to its remote location, the Andaman Islands are not-so-touristy. It is a perfect destination for anyone who is looking for a tranquil and warm tropical paradise.
12. Ladakh
Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Ladakh presents an unbelievable natural beauty. You can see snowy mountains, arid sand-colored hills, and crystal-clear lakes in the area. Moreover, colorful Buddhist temples, lovely rural houses, and magnificent monasteries stand tall in the area. At a glance, Ladakh will remind you of Tibet with its serene and sacred atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for an extravagant natural landscape for your camera or a relaxing time around Buddhist monasteries, you can find them in Ladakh. There are various things you can do in Ladakh. You can also go river tubing, mingle with locals in the Alpine desert, and visit ancient buildings.
Must-See Places: Zanskar Valley, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Hemis National Park, and Sankar Gompa Monastery.
India is a beautiful destination that should be included in your travel bucket list. From elegant Jaipur to serene Ladakh, there are lots of wonderful places waiting for you to visit.
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