India is a country of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions, which makes it a unique and fascinating place to visit. It has something for everyone, from ancient historical sites to breathtaking natural wonders, to bustling cities and peaceful rural landscapes. Here are ten things to visit in India that you won't want to miss.
1. Agra
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone traveling to India.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Duration: 2 days
- Best Places to Visit in Agra: Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Abkar’s Tomb, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Dolphin Water Park, Wildlife Conservation and Care Centre
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Agra Airport; New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Train Station: Agra Cantonment Railway Station
2. Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and a vibrant, bustling place filled with palaces, temples, and markets. The city's architecture is a mix of Mughal and Rajput styles, and it's a great place to explore history and culture.
- Best Time To Visit: November-March
- Duration: 3-4 Days
- Places to visit in Jaipur: Amer Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal
- How To Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Sanganer airport which is well connected with all the major cities
- By Train: Shatabdi Express connects Jaipur to all the major cities
- By Road: There are buses by RSRTC which runs on frequent intervals and connects to major cities
3. Varanasi
Considered one of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river and witness the religious ceremonies that take place along its banks. The city is also home to numerous temples and ghats.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Places to Visit in Varanasi: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, Shri Durga Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Sarnath Museum, Sankatmochan Temple
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
- Nearest Train Station: Varanasi Junction
4. Kerala
Known as "God's Own Country," Kerala is a state in southern India that is famous for its beaches, backwaters, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the tea plantations, take a boat ride through the backwaters, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
- Best time to visit: November to January and June to August
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Places to visit in Kerala: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha
- How to reach
- By air: Kerala has three main airports – Calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport. These airports connect Kerala with different cities across the world, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Muscat, and Dubai.
- By rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, Ernakulam Junction railway station, and Kollam Junction railway station are three major railheads of Kerala. These stations connect the state with cities and towns across India.
5. Goa
A former Portuguese colony, Goa is a coastal state known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic churches. Visitors can explore the state's colonial history, soak up the sun on the beaches, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Duration: 4-5 days
- Places to Visit in Goa: Palolem Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Shree Mangesha Temple, Immaculate Conception Church
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dabolim International Airport
- Nearest Train Station: Vasco-Da-Gama Railway Station (North Goa); Madgaon Junction (South Goa)
6. Khajuraho
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This small town in Madhya Pradesh is home to a group of temples that are famous for their erotic sculptures. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, the temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating example of ancient Indian art and architecture.
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Places to Visit in Khajuraho: tour the temples, visit the nature & Panna national park
- How To Reach:
- By Flight: The nearest airport is the Khajuraho Airport that connects Khajuraho to the rest of the country’s major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, etc.
- By Road: daily bus services ply to and from here. Majorly from Delhi, Bhopal, Indore the buses are easily available.
7. Hampi
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Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to ancient temples, palaces, and ruins. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bicycle and get a glimpse into India's rich history.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Places to visit Hampi: Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Matanga Hill, Hemakuta Hill Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, and Achyutaraya Temple.
- How to reach
- By air: Hubli Airport (144 km away) and Belgaum Airport (215 km away) are two major domestic airports near Hampi.
- By rail: Hospet Junction, the nearest railway station to Hampi, is about 13 km away.
- By road: Hampi is one of the weekend getaways from Bangalore and is well connected to Hospet, Hassan, Mysore, and other nearby cities by road.
8. Ladakh
Located in the northernmost part of India, Ladakh is a rugged, mountainous region that is famous for its natural beauty and unique culture. Visitors can explore the region's monasteries, trek through the mountains, or go on a wildlife safari.
- Best time to visit: April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Places to visit in Leh Ladakh: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, and Hemis National Park
- How to reach
- By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the airport connecting the region to other places by air.
- By rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh) is the nearest railhead. From here, one can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh.
- By road: The most popular means of reach Ladakh remains to be the road. Travelers can go on a bike/jeep ride to the destination. Bike trips from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali are the most popular.
9. Coorg
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Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and boasting a lush green landscape, Coorg or Kodagu is yet another cliched holiday destination that is worth the hype. This hill station is in the state of Karnataka and a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers and solace seekers. From lush green hills and sparkling streams to quaint villages and vast expanses of coffee and spice plantations, the charm of Coorg is unmatchable. Since Coorg enjoys pleasant weather year-round, it is a popular destination for people in Bangalore who are looking to escape the city chaos.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Places to Visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Shri Omkareshwara Temple, Government Museum Madikeri, Raja’s Tomb, Talakaveri, Madikeri Fort, Honnamana Kere Lake, Namdroling Monastery
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
- Nearest Train Station: Mysuru Junction
10. Amritsar
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This city in Punjab is home to the Golden Temple, one of the most important Sikh shrines in the world. Visitors can witness the religious ceremonies that take place at the temple and learn about the Sikh culture and history.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Places to Visit in Amritsar: Akal Takht, Durgiana Temple, Attari Wagah Border, Partition Museum, Gobindgarh Fort, Central Sikh Museum, War Memorial and Museum, Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
- Nearest Train Station: Amritsar Junction
In conclusion, India is a country that offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural wonders for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in ancient temples and ruins, natural beauty and wildlife, or vibrant cities and cultural experiences, India has something to offer everyone.
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