Who would not love to explore India? It surely does top every traveler’s bucket list! As a result of its culture and traditions, India offers a variety of unique tourist destinations to visit.
India’s vast geographical area offers many attractions from North India to South India, with historical monuments, magnificent palaces, and wildlife. Unquestionably, India is one of the best places to travel because it meets the needs of various types of tourists.
Deciding what you would like to do in India. It cannot be very clear. This list will help you determine your next travel destination in India. It contains all the best places to visit in India.
Would you like to plan your next vacation in India? Here are a few of the best places to visit in India. We have also included some of the most popular holiday destinations in India in this list.
Best Places to Visit in India
1. New Delhi
New Delhi, the cultural capital of India, is at the top of the list. Even though Delhi is a crowded city, it has its advantages. It is filled with tourist attractions such as temples, heritage sites, monuments, planetariums, art venues, and restaurants. It is one of the golden triangles apart from Agra and Jaipur.
The capital city also has the oldest market in the country. It has the most popular tourist destinations, such as the Parliament of India, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Unesco World Heritage Site
Delhi is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites in India. They are Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Red Fort.
Places to Visit in New Delhi
There are various famous places in Delhi, but here are some of the most popular tourist attractions:
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Nehru Park
- Jantar Mantar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Lotus Temple
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Ji
- Akshardham temple
Best Time to Visit
There is no better time to visit this capital city than between October and March.
How to Reach
If you are traveling by train, the New Delhi railway station is the nearest railway station. But if you are traveling by air, the Indira Gandhi International airport is the nearest.
Have a look at this – 14 Amazing places to visit in Delhi
2. Amritsar (Golden Temple), Punjab
Amritsar is a holy city located in the Indian state of Punjab. It is also called Temple City since it is home to the magnificent Golden Temple. Steeped in history and spirituality, with its rich cultural heritage, Amritsar is one of the most-visited cities in Punjab.
Amritsar is an ancient city filled with a rich history of India. Devout Sikhs and tourists from around the world visit the famous Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib in this temple town. At the India-Pakistan border, the Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony is a mesmerizing sight that attracts tourists to Amritsar repeatedly.
Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden temple, Central Sikh museum, Jallianwala Bagh, Iskcon Temple, Partition Museum, Gobindgarh Fort, Akal Takht.
Best Time to Visit
It would be best to visit Amritsar between November and March.
How to Reach
Amritsar Junction is the closest railway station to reach here by train. To reach by air, the nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
3. Goa
Nestled in South India, Goa is one of the most trending holiday destinations. Goa is filled with many tourist attractions and breezy beaches. It is a popular tourist destination in India.
There are many things one can do in Goa apart from sightseeing beaches. The famous cruise from Mumbai to Goa is something one does not want to miss during their trip to Goa.
If you love water sports, then Goa is a must-visit in India. It is filled with White Water Rafting, Kneeboarding, Windsurfing, Kayaking, boat rides, Wakeboarding, and Scuba diving.
And yes, don’t forget to attend the Sunburn Festival in December!
Places to Visit in Goa
- Vagator Beach
- Anjuna Beach
- St Xavier’s Church
- Grand Island
- Calangute Beach
- Benaulim Beach
- Colva Beach
- Fort Aguada
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls
- Church of Mae De Deus
- Temple of Bodgeshwar.
Best Time to Visit
For an immersive experience, visit Goa from November to February.
How to Reach
Dabolim International Airport is the only nearest airport in Goa. To travel by train, the two railway stations are the Madgaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station.
4. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Located on the Bay of Bengal, the former French colony of Pondy is filled with flowering bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals, and 18th-century colonial buildings.
This French town is colorful yet one of India’s most relaxing places to visit. Pondicherry, a union territory in India, is filled with de-stressing beaches and french cuisine.
Places to Visit in Pondy
- Auroville Ashram
- Chunnambar Boat House
- Paradise Beach
- The Seaside Promenade
- Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Best Time to Visit
October to March is considered the best time for a visit here.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Chennai airport, and the nearest railway station is the Villupuram railway station which is located 37 km away from Pondicherry.
5. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jodhpur is the “Blue City” in North India in Rajasthan. The city buildings are filled with the color blue, which would take you back to the past. Cobbled pavements in this city exemplify Rajasthan at its best.
Places to Visit in Jodhpur
- Jaswant Thada
- Mandore Garden
- Umaid Bhavan Palace
- Balsamand Lake
- Mehrangarh Fort
Best Time to Visit
The most popular time to visit this blue city is between October and February.
How to Reach
Jodhpur has its domestic airport, so you can always fly here or travel by train.
6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is surely among the best places to visit in India. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort, is also here. One of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal, is in Agra.
Agra is a royal city with a rich history and is part of the Golden Triangle, including New Delhi and Jaipur. Visit the Taj Mahal, surrounded by the beautiful River Yamuna.
Places to Visit in Agra
- Jama Masjid
- Dolphin Water Park
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Mehtab Bagh
- Abkar’s Tomb
- Wildlife Conservation
- Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
- Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
Best Time to Visit
Plan a trip here from April to December.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Kheria airport, and the nearest railway station is Agra Cantt Station.
7. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, known as the pink city of India, is one of the golden triangle tourist circuits. The City palace is one of the famous places to see in pink city. These magnificent palaces are treasured till now.
Jaipur, the pink city, is filled with art, forts, markets, and urban planning. This pink city has many old-world charm palaces to explore.
Places to Visit in Jaipur
- Nahargarh Fort
- Amer Fort
- City palace
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the pink city would be between November and March.
How to Reach
To reach by air, the nearest airport is Sanganer Airport.
8. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad has been named a UNESCO world heritage City in India for its rich architectural heritage. Located in Gujarat, this old-world charm is the home to many Indo-Islamic monuments, and a unique feature of Ahmedabad is its medieval residential clusters.
Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
- Jama Masjid
- Siddi Saiyad Mosque
- Bhadra fort
- Calico Museum of Textiles
- Hutheesing Jain Temple
- Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this old-world charm is from November to February.
How to Reach
To travel by air, the nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad.
9. Kolkata, West Bengal
Tourists from all over the country flock to Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy. Kolkata is well-known as the home to the great Victoria memorial. Amongst the best places to visit in India, it is the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
Kolkata is the perfect getaway for travelers of all ages because of its blend of art, culture, and fashion. The city also has many historical monuments, museums, and temples. It is a perfect getaway for all ages.
Places to Visit in Kolkata
- Howrah Bridge
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Victoria Memorial
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Birla Planetarium
- Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium
- Indian Museum
- Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
Best Time to Visit
Visit Kolkata between October and February.
How to Reach
To reach by air, the nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. To reach by train, there are two railway stations: Howrah and Sealdah.
10. Assam
Assam is your next tourist destination in India if you are a nature lover. Assam is known for its tea plantations, wildlife sanctuary, and many historical sites. Peacock Island is a must-visit in the Brahmaputra river.
Be prepared to be amazed by the scenery of Dibru Saikhowa National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is unique in its way. You can also witness the animals in the Brahmaputra river.
Places to Visit in Assam
- Assam State Museum
- Umananda Temple
- Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra
- Manas National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Kamakhya Temple
Best Time to Visit
For an immense experience, visit Assam between October and April.
How to Reach
To reach by air, the nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and to reach by train, the nearest railway station is New Tinsukia Railway Station for the Upper Assam side or the Guwahati Railway Station.
Hill stations (Places to visit in India)
11. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Nilgiri Hills of South India, Ooty offers a picturesque retreat perfect for tourist destinations in the hill station. UNESCO has designated the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as a World Heritage Site.
Some colonial architectural gems can still be found in Ooty, a popular summer destination for the British. One of the amazing places to visit in India is this hill station. Don’t forget to ride the famous toy train in this popular hill station!
If you love hill stations, this is one of the famous places to visit in India. In addition to colorful botanical gardens, lush green landscapes, and serene lakes, the hill station boasts lush tea gardens and cozy cottages. It offers the best views of the valleys and mountains.
Places to Visit in Ooty
- Emerald Lake
- Ooty Botanical Gardens
- Kalhatti Falls
- Ooty Lake
- Toy train
- Tiger Hill
- Ooty Rose Garden
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Tea Museum
Best Time to Visit
For a chilling experience, visit Ooty between March and June.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station.
12. Manali
For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Manali is the ideal destination. It is located in the Himalayan mountains. Nature’s beauty is unparalleled in its verdant valleys, milky-white waterfalls, fruit orchards, and expansive meadows.
This hill station offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities for adventure seekers. Besides temples and ancient forts, this charming hill station has cafes and shopping areas. It surely is a must-see place to visit in India.
Mountain hiking, river rafting, paragliding, and horse riding are a few activities one can do during their visit to this hill station.
Tourist Attractions in Manali
- Manali Sanctuary
- Solang Valley
- Hidimba Devi Temple
- Manu Temple
- Bhuntar
- Rohtang Pass
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience of the place, visit from October to June.
How to Reach
Even though there are no airports or railway stations in Manali, you can access through the nearest domestic airport, Bhuntar Airport, which is 51 km from Manali. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station.
13. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is named “The Scotland of the East” by the British. Known for its picturesque landscapes and peaceful climate, Shillong is ideal for those looking to beat the summer heat and relax in nature with pleasant weather.
The Don Bosco Museum should be your first stop for those interested in discovering the culture and heritage of the seven North-Eastern states.
Tourists come from miles around to see the rolling hills, gently swaying pine trees, beautiful waterfalls, and cozy cafes in this town that has a distinct charm.
Places to Visit in Shillong
- Elephant Falls
- Umiam Lake
- Shillong Gold Course
- Lady Hydari Park
- Butterfly Museum
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Ka Phan Nonglait Park
- Ward’s Lake
Best Time to Visit
To experience this beautiful scenery, go to Manali from March to May.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Shillong hill station is Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.
14. Munnar, Kerala
Located in the western ghats, Munnar is a popular tourist destination for relaxing. Lush green landscapes and coffee and tea plantations surround the place.
Munnar has pleasant weather, ideal for de-stressing or a relaxing vacation! There are many adrenaline-rush activities to take part in, such as mountain biking, paragliding, bike riding, boating, and skating.
Places to Visit in Munnar
- Attakad Museum
- Rose Garden
- Mattupetty Dam
- Dream Land Fun and Adventure
- Eravikulam National Park
- Tata Tea Museum
Best Time to Visit
November to February is the ideal time to visit this God’s own country in the western ghats.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Udumalaippettai Railway Station.
15. Ladakh, Jammu & Ladakh
A unique and popular hill station in India, Ladakh is home to dramatic landscapes, meandering rivers, Buddhist monasteries, cozy cafeterias, and plenty of adventurous activities.
Enjoy mountain biking in Ladakh. It is known for having the highest motorable road in the world, located at an altitude of 3500 meters. Pangong Tso Lake, the world’s highest saltwater lake, is also in Ladakh.
The place is known for its natural beauty and rich culture, delicious cuisine, high-altitude trekking, and lakeside camping. Landscape photography opportunities abound in the area if you are a photographer.
Places to Visit in Ladakh
- Thiksey Monastery
- Shanti Stupa
- Leh Palace
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Hall of Fame
Best Time to Visit
For an adventurous experience, visit between April and June.
How to Reach
To reach by air, the nearest airport is Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, and the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
16. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a well-known, frequented holiday destination in North India for all romantic honeymoon couples. This hill station is known for its shivering cold climate and green scenery.
Located in the Himalayan region of West Bengal, it is filled with slopes, tea plantations, botanical gardens, parks, and monasteries.
It is known for being the best place to visit in India for all the lovey-dovey couples. In addition, the majestic views of Kanchenjunga – The world’s third-highest peak can be seen from here.
Places to Visit in Darjeeling
- Rock Garden
- Tiger Hill
- Singalila National park
- Batasia Loop
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Best Time to Visit
This place is ideal for traveling in summer, from April to June.
How to Reach
To reach Darjeeling, the nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport, and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction.
Well, India is incredible, and the list of places to visit in India is long. However, if you go to these 16 places in your lifetime, it will be worth it.
Last Updated on by Sathi