15 Best Places to Visit in India

Most people know India as the 7th largest country in the world and one of the most populous democracies. However, there’s another face of India, which is a culturally enriched state. From many UNESCO World Heritage sites to iconic relics of ancient civilizations, this beautiful country has everything a tourist wants to explore. India is one of the world’s top-rated, most visited tourist destinations, with its vibrant landscape sceneries, historical monuments, and snow-capped mountain ranges.

If you’re planning to travel to India for tourism, this article is worth reading for you as we have summarized the best 15 places you can visit there.

15 Best Places to Visit in India

1. Rajasthan

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When you hear about Rajasthan, the first thing that comes to mind is the Thar Desert, which offers a mind-blowing view of colorful sand spanning all over your sight. But this Northwestern Indian state is much more than a desert. It’s home to amazing architecture, beautiful forts, and spectacular monuments of the Rajput civilization.

You can visit Jaipur (The capital of Rajasthan), also known as the Pink City, because most of its buildings wear pink color. There’s also the Blue City, Jodhpur, where buildings are painted in light shades of blue, offering an eye-catching view.

2. Delhi

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Delhi is the capital of India with an immense tourism potential. It’s believed to be the center of ancient civilizations in the country because of its world-famous historical places, including the Red Fort (Lal Qila). The Red Fort was one of the residences of the rulers of the subcontinent in the 17th century. Besides this remarkable landmark, you can visit various museums and religious places in Delhi.

3. Agra

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Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most-visited UNESCO Heritage Sites. This iconic landmark of the Mughal Empire attracts millions of tourists every year. Taj Mahal is considered a symbol of love as the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in love and memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s also one of the most romantic places in India.

You can also visit the immensely attractive Agra Fort that best replicates the Red Fort.

4. Varanasi

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If you want to visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi should be your next stop. Sits on the bank of the River Ganges, this culturally enriched city is considered the house of Hindu civilization. It’s a premier pilgrimage destination for people aspiring to learn Hindu history.

Varanasi is a sacred place for Jains and Buddhists as well. It’s famous with another name, which is the “City of Temples” because of the many temples there, including:

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Durga Temple
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

5. Leh Ladakh

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Leh is the capital of Ladakh, a union territory in Kashmir. Due to its high elevation from the seabed, it offers majestic views and pristine scenery to its visitors. It’s a tourist attraction that is visited by most of the tourists who travel to India.

Leh was built by the Kind of Ladakh, who ruled the region in the 17th century. Although it’s a culturally inclusive region, the prominent culture of Leh is Buddhist.

6. Kolkata

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Kolkata is nicknamed the “City of Joy” because it offers some perfectly splendid and sublime holiday destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. The best time to visit Kolkata spans October to February because of the temperate climate there. It’s home to delicious and versatile cuisines, offering an irresistible treat for your taste buds.

Although the whole city is a perfect tourist destination, some of the best places you can visit there include:

• Victoria Memorial
• Kalighat
• Eden Gardens
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Indian Museum

7. Mumbai

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Mumbai is the biggest city in India, nicknamed the “City of Dreams.” It’s believed to be the place where dreams are fulfilled. Besides fulfilling dreams, it has incredible beaches, shopping malls, street foods, historical landmarks, and national parks. It’s considered the house of Bollywood (Indian Film Industry) with a profound appreciation for art and theatre. You can visit Juhu Beach, Cuffe Parade Skyline, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and the Gateway of India.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

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Bodhgaya is a sacred place where Gautam Buddha practiced his beliefs and found the eternal truth. It’s a chief pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. If you want to learn about Buddhist culture, Bodhgaya is a place to visit as it has several Buddhist monuments and temples that provide knowledge about ancient Buddhist civilization.

9. Hampi, Karnataka

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Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Karnataka, spanning over 19 sq miles. It’s considered the home to the Vijayanagara Empire of the 14th Century CE, also the last great Hindu Kingdom. Hampi was the capital of the Empire at that time. It has almost 1600 remains of the Empire, including forts, temples, shrines, monuments, and water structures. Hampi is a site worth visiting if you want a glimpse of the last great Hindu Kingdom.

10. Amritsar

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Amritsar is a city that perfectly depicts Sikhism’s history. The world-famous “Golden Temple” is located there, one of the most holy places for Sikhs across the globe. Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh is another historical site. It’s one of the places where the movement for the country’s freedom started.

11. Manali

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Manali is located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Its sparkling beauty and tranquility are one of the things that attract tourists. You can visit some glorious snow-capped mountains, large forests, temples (like Manu Temple), museums (like the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art), and shopping sites. Manali is also perfect for paragliding, horse riding, and skiing.

12. Rishikesh

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If you love religious tourism, Rishikesh is where you can visit several places with religious connotations. Rishikesh has several historical temples and ashrams you can visit, including Paramarth Niketan and Gita Ashram. It’s also believed to be the home of Yoga. Tourists also like wildlife safari there.

13. Sikkim

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Sikkim is worth visiting if you’re looking for a holiday destination that can overwhelm you with its beauty and charismatic scenery. This beautiful place is perfect for nature enthusiasts, with snow-capped mountains, lakes, and colorful meadows. Some famous places in Sikkim include Gangtok, Nathula Pass, Namchi, and Tsomgo Lake.

14. Kerala

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Kerala is a southwestern Indian state that is world-famous for its tropical beauty. The whole place is decorated with palm trees and white sand beaches, making it a great place for eco-tourism. Kerala is also famous for festivals, sparkling backwaters, and wildlife safari. The city of Kochi in Kerala is famous for fishing.

15. Goa

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Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, where you can take a comforting bath in sunlight every day. Among many beaches, Candolim Beach is the most popular and busiest. You can also visit Palolem Beach for several adventures and recreation activities.

Conclusion: Best Places to Visit in India

India is rich in cultural and historical tourist destinations. The places we discussed above offer remarkable sightseeing, adventures, and recreational fun that can make your trip a delightful experience. If you plan to travel to India, don’t forget to visit these places!