India is a country with vast diversity that ranges from the majestic Himalayas in the north to sun-kissed beaches on its lengthy coastline to picturesque greens of sprawling tea gardens in the east. India beckons travellers to visit her, and welcomes each and every visitor with open-heartedness and warmth. In order to enjoy the variety, we have compiled a list of top ten must visit places of India for your ease. Here is the list of the top ten places that you should not miss on your visit to India.
Delhi – The National Capital
Delhi – the city where ancient historic monuments and ruins stand their own against contemporary edifices, which reflects both past and present, is a tourist’s delight. History buffs can enjoy various heritage walks through the by-lanes of Old Delhi and learn about the interesting past of the city. Visit popular museums like National Museum and Crafts Museum or explore the quirky facts about toilets at the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. Marvel at the ancient architectural delights like Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, and the Qutub Minar, or Baha’i House of worship or Lotus Temple as it is known popularly. From the ramparts of Red Fort to the majestic building of Parliament House, Delhi has something for every traveller. Shopaholics can visit Dilli Haat or Janpath for all their shopping needs and sample melt-in-your-mouth kebabs and chaat at Old Delhi. Delhi has all this and much more, just waiting to be discovered!
Rajasthan – The Land of Royals
Rajasthan literally means land of kings, and true to its name Rajasthan boasts of various palaces and forts that are not only architectural delight but are also a gateway to the history of the state. Colourful Rajasthan has lots of havelis that have been converted into heritage hotels, and forts and palaces that attract tourists from all over the world. In Jaipur take an elephant ride up to Amer Fort and the drive past the pink Hawa Mahal. Head to the lake city of Udaipur, climb up Mehrangarh Fort and get a panoramic view of the Blue city of Jodhpur or visit Ranthambore National Park to get up close and personal with a tiger. Rajasthan is all about camels, colour and charm. A must on every visitor’s itinerary!
Gujarat – Wonderfully Vibrant
Vibrant colours, exquisite mirror work from Kutch, ancient forts, popular national parks, and garba raas are some of the things that come to mind when one thinks of Gujarat. Take a trip to the architectural wonder – Akshardham in Gandhinagar or indulge in outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing or water sports. Don’t forget to visit the AMUL Milk and Chocolate factory in Anand or shop for traditional textile and crafts of Gujarat. Savour a Gujarati thali, which is a perfect blend of all sweet and spicy, crisp and soft. Gujarat has many hidden gems – the Rann of Kutch being one of them. Come unearth them!
Agra – City of the Taj Mahal
Agra is one of the most visited cities in India and boasts of various forts and monuments including the most popular Taj Mahal, which is the testimony of an undying love of a king for his queen. Taj Mahal, which is a symbol of love, is still as breathtakingly beautiful today as it was at the time it was commissioned by Shah Jehan. A wonder of the world, no visitor can leave India without visiting the beautiful Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort and the deserted Fatehpur Sikri just an hour’s drive from Agra are also must visits.
Kerala – God’s Own Country
Kerala with its lush green environs, serene backwaters and tea estates is a must visit state and should be on every tourist list. The state offers something for everyone – whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover—there is plenty to keep you entertained in the beautiful state of Kerala. Go cruising on the backwaters of Kerala or visit its various churches and temples, or take a trip to various museums here. Not for nothing is Kerala known as ‘Gods own country’!
Goa – Beautiful Beaches
Goa is renowned for its beautiful beaches, churches and most of all its laidback attitude. Goa has something for everyone: whether you are an architectural enthusiast or a history buff, a beach bum or just a holidaymaker. The churches of Goa are bound to leave you speechless, the beaches buzz with activity and are perfect to laze about and sunbathe on. indulge in your favourite water sports, go shopping at the popular Anjuna Beach Wednesday Flea market or savour the local drink – Feni and have a perfect ending to your day by dancing to the tunes of the various DJs who play their stuff every evening at the beaches of Goa. Goa is the ultimate vacation destination!
Pondicherry – The French Connection
Revel in the French ambience at Pondicherry, which still has remnants from the French colonisation. The roads are still called boulevards, the policemen still wear the red kepis and some locals still speak a smattering of French. Enjoy a walk on the Promenade by the beach, take yoga lessons, meditate in the calm atmosphere of the Aurobindo Ashram or saunter into a cafe that serves delectable continental cuisine. Pondy is in India, but the French influence still lingers.
Mahabalipuram – Temple Town
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it is popularly known is a 7th century seaport of the Pallava empire is a must visit if you are on a temple trail of India. Mahabalipuram boasts of beautiful beaches and is home to 14 rock temples, nine monolithic shrines, three stone temples, the exquisite Shore Temple and four sculpted bas reliefs that defy description. It is believed the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram is the only surviving temple of the original seven with the other six submerged in the Bay of Bengal. The temples in Mahabalipuram are an architectural wonder and a must visit.
Kashmir – Paradise on Earth
Renowned as paradise on earth, Kashmir is a picturesque city in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. Stay in a houseboat, go for a shikara ride on Dal Lake, savour the various cuisines of Kashmir or shop for the traditional crafts of walnut wood and pashmina shawls. Soak yourself in the verdant environs of this scenic valley, which invites thousands of tourists every year.
Khajuraho – Poetry in Stone
Khajuraho that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 is sheer poetry in stone. Out of the original 85 temples, only 22 temples remain and each of these temples has some magnificent and erotic rock carvings. The temples in Khajuraho are unique in architecture and boast of exquisite carvings that depict gods, goddess, asparas, animals, musicians and dancers in various postures. Be sure to watch the Sound and Light Show in the evening. Khajuraho with its rich heritage is a must visit in India.
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