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India is a vast country with diverse culture, landscape, and history. There are many beautiful and fascinating places to visit in India. India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and natural beauty. From the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the north to the tropical beaches of the south, the country has a plethora of travel experiences to offer.
India is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, and has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture, art, and culture. With so much to explore and discover, it’s no wonder that India attracts millions of tourists every year. In this article, we will explore the top 20 best places to visit in India and highlight what makes each of these destinations unique and worth a visit.
Here is the list of the top 20 best places to visit in India.
1. Agra – home to the magnificent Taj Mahal
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and is famous for the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and is a mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra is also home to other historical monuments such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
The best time to visit Agra is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, you can also witness the Taj Mahal at its best, during sunrise or sunset.
2. Jaipur – the Pink City known for its colorful architecture and rich history
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital city of Rajasthan and is famous for its colorful architecture and rich history. The city was founded in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is home to several historical landmarks such as the City Palace, Amber Fort, and Hawa Mahal.
The best time to visit Jaipur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
3. Varanasi – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its spirituality and the River Ganges
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be the spiritual capital of India. The city is situated on the banks of the River Ganges and is famous for its ghats, where pilgrims come to take a holy dip in the river. Varanasi is also known for its silk weaving and Banarasi saris.
The best time to visit Varanasi is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
4. Goa – famous for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage
Goa is a state located on the western coast of India and is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage. The state is also known for its seafood, water sports, and vibrant culture.
The best time to visit Goa is from November to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
5. Mumbai – the city of dreams, known for its fast-paced lifestyle, Bollywood, and colonial heritage
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a vibrant city known for its fast-paced lifestyle, Bollywood, and colonial heritage. The city is home to several historical landmarks such as the Gateway of India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Elephanta Caves.
The best time to visit Mumbai is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
6. Kerala – a beautiful state known for its backwaters, beaches, and lush green forests
Kerala is a beautiful state located in the southwestern part of India and is known for its backwaters, beaches, and lush green forests. The state is also famous for its spices, coconuts, and Ayurvedic treatments.
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
7. Udaipur – the city of lakes, known for its stunning palaces and scenic beauty
Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes, is a beautiful city located in Rajasthan and is known for its stunning palaces and scenic beauty. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 and is home to several historical landmarks such as the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir.
The best time to visit Udaipur is from September to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
8. Darjeeling – a hill station known for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and the Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling is a hill station located in the state of West Bengal and is known for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and the Himalayan Railway. The town is also famous for its monasteries, museums, and trekking trails.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
9. Amritsar – the holy city of the Sikhs, known for the Golden Temple and its rich cuisine
Amritsar is a city located in the state of Punjab and is known for its Golden Temple, which is the most sacred site for Sikhs. The temple is made of gold and is surrounded by a large pool of water, known as the Amrit Sarovar. Apart from the Golden Temple, Amritsar is also home to the Jallianwala Bagh, which is a public garden and a memorial for the thousands of innocent people who were killed by the British Army in 1919.
The best time to visit Amritsar is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
10. Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern state of Karnataka and is known for its beautiful ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city was once one of the richest and largest cities in the world and is home to several temples, palaces, and monuments.
The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
11. Jaisalmer – the Golden City, known for its stunning sandstone architecture and desert landscape
Jaisalmer is a beautiful city located in the desert state of Rajasthan and is known for its sand dunes, forts, and havelis. The city is home to the Jaisalmer Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
12. Delhi – the capital city, known for its rich history, monuments, and street food
Delhi is the capital city of India and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant food scene. The city is home to several historical landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate.
The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
13. Rishikesh – the yoga capital of the world, known for its spirituality and adventure sports
Rishikesh is a small town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand and is known for its yoga and meditation retreats, adventure sports, and spiritual tourism. The town is situated on the banks of the River Ganges and is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests.
The best time to visit Rishikesh is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
14. Khajuraho – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning temples and erotic sculptures
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its beautiful temples that are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples were built between the 9th and 12th centuries and are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India.
The best time to visit Khajuraho is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
15. Leh – a high-altitude desert city known for its stunning natural beauty and Buddhist culture
Leh-Ladakh is a beautiful region located in the northernmost part of India and is known for its stunning landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and Buddhist culture. The region is home to several monasteries, trekking trails, and adventure sports.
The best time to visit Leh-Ladakh is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
16. Mysore – known for its magnificent palaces, gardens, and silk sarees
Mysore is a city located in the state of Karnataka and is known for its beautiful palaces, temples, and gardens. The city is home to the Mysore Palace, which is a grand structure that blends Hindu, Islamic, and Gothic styles of architecture. The best time to visit Mysore is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
17. Pushkar – a holy town known for its camel fair and Brahma Temple
Pushkar is a small town located in the state of Rajasthan and is known for its vibrant culture and religious significance. The town is situated around a sacred lake and is home to one of the few Brahma temples in the world. The town is also famous for its annual camel fair, which is a cultural extravaganza and attracts tourists from all over the world. The best time to visit Pushkar is from November to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
18. Shimla – a popular hill station known for its colonial architecture and scenic beauty
Shimla is a hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its scenic beauty and colonial architecture. The town was once the summer capital of British India and is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Viceregal Lodge and the Christ Church. The town is also a popular destination for adventure sports, such as trekking, skiing, and paragliding.
The best time to visit Shimla is from March to June and from September to December, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
19. Andaman Islands – a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and marine life
The Andaman Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal and are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exotic marine life. The islands are home to several popular tourist destinations, such as Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, and the Cellular Jail. The islands are also a popular destination for adventure sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea walking.
The best time to visit the Andaman Islands is from October to May, when the weather is warm and pleasant.
20. Srinagar – the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its beautiful lakes and Mughal gardens.
Srinagar is the summer capital of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir and is known for its natural beauty, scenic lakes, and historic landmarks. The city is situated in the Kashmir Valley and is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The city is also famous for its houseboats, which are a unique way to experience the beauty of the Dal Lake.
The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Conclusion
India is a country that never fails to surprise and amaze its visitors. These best places to visit in India are just a few examples of the diverse experiences that India has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure, spirituality, or relaxation, there’s always something new to discover in this fascinating country. From the snow-capped mountains of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south, India has something for everyone. The best time to visit these destinations varies from region to region, and it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.
