2013-09-17

Believe me its really tough ask to compile the list of top ten places to visit in India. India, the very name conjures up an eclectic mélange of caste, color, creed, culture and varied topography that beckons the global nomads to this incredibly diverse nation.

The sheer diversity of this nation is accredited to the cultural mix, religious tolerance, preservation of heritage and geographical diversity.

Traveling a huge country like India is not a child’s play; it requires meticulous and perpetual planning in terms of selecting destinations that encapsulates the essence of all aforementioned features.

There has been some concern regarding safety issues in India especially for woman traveling alone and the general safety but a few precautions and safeguards will see you through safely enough.

Don't forget to read our tips on woman traveling alone in India and is India safe for traveling to help you plan your India trip.

From towering Himalayas in the north to sun-kissed beaches in the south and from desert sand dunes in the west to sprawling tea gardens in the east, each destination welcome guests with utmost warmth.

All it takes to enjoy your trip to India is an open heart and receptive mind. Mentioned below are the top ten places to visit in India. Take your pick!

Rajasthan - The Land of Rajputana



A Scene from Pushkar Fair: Colorful Turbans painting the stark Landscape in their Myriad Hue best epitomizes Rajasthan

The celebrated land of Rajputana rulers, Rajasthan boasts of several forts and palaces that are not just architectural marvels but also give notion of the splendor with which the erstwhile maharajas were blessed. 

If I have to name one place on earth where past shines with its entire spectacle, it has to be Rajasthan. Celebrities from around the globe head to Rajasthan to spend time in one of the spectacular palaces built by idiosyncratic maharajas of yore.

Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is considered one of the best romantic hotels in the world. Then there are several palace hotels sprinkled across Rajasthan which are especially preferred by foreign visitors. Here's our pick of 5 best palace hotels in Rajasthan.

With so many global celebrities tying the know in Rajasthan, it is a popular saying these days that marriages may be made in heaven but the bills are paid in Rajasthan.

Then there are wildlife sanctuaries, resplendent forts, cultural excursions and rich legacy of the art and heritage which makes Rajasthan one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Be it about the capital city ‘Jaipur’, fort city of Jodhpur, beautiful and breathtaking lakes of Udaipur, monochromatic deserts of Jaisalmer or the hill retreat Mount Abu, each destination has a historic account behind its present state.

Rajasthan is also famous as a shopper’s delight where tourists can purchase handicrafts, semi-precious stones, embroidered carpets and silver jewelry.

With so many places to visit and things to do, Rajasthan is a proud contender in the list of top ten places to visit in India.

Kerala- God’s Own Country



Kovalam is one of the most visited beach destinations in Kerala

Listed as ‘50 must visit destination before die’ by National geographic Traveler, Kerala is truly a traveler’s delight. 

Characterized by golden beaches, swaying palm trees, charming backwaters, colonial heritage, lip smacking sea food, wildlife sanctuaries and Ayurvedic health resorts, the state has something to offer to everyone. 

Cruise down the serene backwaters of Alleppey and savor the romantic candle lit dinner under starlit sky, breathe in the aroma of tea gardens and Cardamom hills, feel the pampering of rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies at Ayurvedic resorts, these are some truly exotic experiences that one can savor while holidaying in this God’s Own Country. 

Kovalam is yet another popular beach destination in Keralawhich is visited by tourists from all around the world.

Kerala is also considered to be one of the best places for honeymoon in India. The backwaters and beaches as well as the lush hills offer perfect escape to couples to plan beautiful beginnings of their married life.

Kerala also happen to be one of the best destinations for monsoon holidays in India.

Goa- Pearl of the Orient



Agonda is one of the relatively unknown beaches in Goa and ideal for relaxing or sunbathing

The famous quote “all good things comes in small packages’ can be rightly attributed to the tiny emerald Goa. Cradled between sprawling Western Ghats and azure Arabian Sea, Goa beckons the travelers due to three factors- balmy shores, sun-kissed beaches and sumptuous sea food. 

Goa is best known for its beaches. Goa shot to fame internationally when hippies found it a veritable paradise way back in 80s.  Now Goa is a major international beach popular among both backpackers and corporate high fliers.

What makes Goa unique is the cosmopolitan vibes, vibrant nightlife, shopping and relaxing beaches. Eclectic sea food with Portuguese influence is also a major draw.

Heritage lovers could explore the ruins and remnant of Portuguese legacy in Old Goa which has a characteristic colonial ambiance.  The churches and cathedral of this once flourishing city are now inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are scores of activities that one can indulge in depending on their tastes and preferences. If you have arrived Goa with lackadaisical stay in mind, the best thing to do is to relax on the popular beaches like Anjuna and Baga.

If you are looking for serenity and seclusion, head for the more inner and private beaches especially in South Goa. Palolem is one of the quieter beaches of Goa

For those looking forward to some adrenaline rush, they can indulge in water sports like jet skiing, surfing and many more alike.

Another popular things to do in Goa is to attend the Sunburn Festival. During Christmas and New Year, Goa comes alive with festivities.Goa is one of the best places to celebrate Holiday season in India.

Kashmir - Paradise on Earth

Nishat Bagh in Srinagar is one of the most spectaculars Mughal Gardens in India

Laurelled with adjectives like ‘Paradise on Earth’ and ‘Alps of East’, Kashmir is a picturesque destination nestled in the northernmost parts of India and is surrounded by Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal mountain range.

The beauty of Kashmir valley is enhanced by soothing lakes, Chinar trees, mouth watering apple orchards, snow capped mountains and flower filled meadows.

Kashmir is one of the most visited winter destinations in India. If you are interested in winter vacations in India, check out some more popular winter holiday destinations in India.

Tourists with adventure souls can feel adrenaline rush in sports like white water rafting, paragliding, trekking and ice skiing. Gulmarg is the best destination for those looking to indulge into these adventure sport.

Kashmir is also a great destination to gratify spiritual cravings of pilgrims with some major pilgrimage sites like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath.

You'd like to read more on the revival of Tourism in Kashmir.

Khajuraho- Sensuous Poetry in Stones

Khajuraho Group of Monuments are astounding piece of Art and Architecture

A perfect symbol of the fact that sensuality was never a taboo subject in India, Khajuraho temples are more visited for feasting upon the artistic finesse and less due to religious fervor. 

Designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the 22 temples divided into 3 groups flaunt erotic carvings on their outer walls. The exquisite carvings that adorn the outer walls of these temples showcase the intimate life of Hindu deities.

Don’t miss to watch the Son-et-Lumiere in the evening which tells the account of the construction of Khajuraho temples during the reign of Chandela dynasty.

The two most exclusive royal trains, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express cover this erotically appealing destination in their tour itinerary.

Agra- A Casket of Mughal Gemstones

Taj Mahal in Agra is the most iconic symbol of India

Situated on the right bank of Yamuna River, Agra is home to three monumental hallmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

The fact that Agra was the sovereignty of Mughal rulers for a long time makes it shine with the examples of intricate Mughal architectural jewels.

Taj Mahal, listed as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, is enough to invite tourists to its boundaries. A perfect symbol of immortal love, Taj Mahal was built in 22 years with the help of 20,000 workers and looks symmetric from all four sides.

The calligraphic inscriptions, Pietra Dura marble work and Char Bagh garden style adds to the beauty of this eternal monument. Various luxury trains in India, Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and Indian Maharaja crisscrosses through this city.

Besides sightseeing, one can take a stroll to the local markets of Agra for purchasing stone work, jewelry and other souvenir items.

Mumbai- The City of Dreams

Gateway of India is the most iconic Symbol of Mumbai

Just a mere thought of glitz, glamour, business and ritzy & full of beans lifestyle bring to fore the picture of ‘City of Dreams’ Mumbai.

One of the bustling metropolises in India, Mumbai is a place where several legends were made right from Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan to Corporate Mogul Dhirubhai Ambani.

Another fascinating aspect that you will come across is the juxtaposition of historic monuments and contemporary edifices. For the food lovers, Mumbai offers some amazing street food that might not match up the standards of hygiene but makes it worth a try.

The Chowpati is the best place to eat street foods like Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav and Bhel Puri. Some popular tourist sites that you can visit in Mumbai include The Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Hanging Garden and Haji Ali Dargah among others.

Delhi - The National Capital of India

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was first Charbagh to be Built in India

Recognized as the National Capital of India, Delhi is a place where several dynasties rose to the acme of power and drowned to dust over the course of history. 

The dynasties that ruled over India with Delhi as their seat of power played a significant role in the development of culture and heritage of Delhi which today rub shoulders with the modern edifices housed here.

History buffs must take a stroll through the by lanes of Old Delhi which resonates with the rich heritage of Mughals. Red Fort in Delhi is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site and so are the Qutb Minar Complex and Humayun's Tomb; whereas Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India.

On the other hand, there is Lutyens Delhi whose geographical distance with Old might not be even hundred yards but the architectural disparity is enormous. India Gate stand tall as the modern marvels of Delhi.

Shopaholics must make sure to visit markets like Delhi Haat and Chandani Chowk for purchasing handicrafts and ethnic jewelry. Delhi is a sheer traveler’s delight and a must visit destination in India.

Here's our recommended top 10 places to visit in Delhi.

Varanasi - Tryst with Hinduism

Evening Aarti at the Bathing Ghat of Ganges in Varanasi

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India, Varanasi is considered as the spiritual nerve centre of Hinduism. Legend has it that the city stands on the Trident weapon of trinity God Shiva and was created much before the creation of Earth.

The two most prominent features of this land are Kashi Vishwanath Temple and bathing Ghats of the river Ganges. While the first one has gained recognition of jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, others are believed to have the power of purification.

The most charming sight appears in the evening where blistering camphor lamps adorn the vast expanse of Ganges and flow with the wave.

The magical sight conjures up with the evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganges and the chanting of Vedic mantras. Two Indian luxury trains, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express make a halt in this holy city during their tour to India.

Ladakh - The Barren Beauty

Chang La Pass in Ladakh is the highest pass after Khardung La Pass

Cozily nestled amidst two towering mountain peaks- Great Himalayas and Karakoram- Ladakh is the highest plateau which gives a sense of mountains touching the periphery of heaven.

Entitled as ‘Little Tibet’, this rugged region constitutes 50% of the Tibetan Buddhist population and sprinkled with various Buddhist monasteries that create sense of spiritualism in the minds of travelers. There are several astounding monasteries to visit when you are traveling in Ladakh.

The geographical disparity of this snow desert is a sheer bliss for adventure enthusiasts who love to live on the rim of excitement and thrill. Ladakh is also featured as our top 5 summer holiday destinations in India.

While in Ladakh, don’t miss to indulge in a shopping extravaganza. One can purchase a number of handicrafts and souvenir items such as Pashmina shawls, turquoise jewelry, Buddhist mask and thanga paintings among others.

Major destinations in Ladakh that woo tourists from all corners of the world are Pangong Tso, the high altitude lake, Nubra Valley which is home to Hunder which is also referred to as 'desert in the sky' and Tso Moriri which is another high altitude lake.

You may also want to check out the top 10 places to visit in Gujarat.

Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

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