India is a dynamic country with striking contrasts where the modern and traditional cultures coexist. India, the second most populous country in the world and the seventh biggest by land, has a rich history that has been shaped by centuries of many cultures and religions.
Nature enthusiasts will love India’s sun-kissed beaches, verdant national parks, and fascinating wildlife sanctuaries. Other activities include the chance to visit a variety of holy places and have spiritual experiences.
Visitors to this exotic nation will find a wealth of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures, from the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra to the sacred locations of Harmandir Sahib (previously the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad.
To help you make the most of your time in this amazing country, refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions in India.
1. Mumbai: The Gateway of India
The magnificent Gateway of India, which rises to a height of 26 meters and overlooks the Arabian Sea, is a must-see while visiting Mumbai. Constructed to honor King George V and his wife Queen Mary’s 1911 arrival, this magnificent architectural work was inaugurated with great fanfare in 1924 and stood as the city’s tallest building for a period.
Known for its Indo-Saracenic style and built entirely of yellow basalt and concrete, the Gateway of India also saw a less joyous parade of British soldiers in 1948, the year India attained freedom. The enormous archway now offers a breathtaking backdrop that is as well-liked by residents as by visitors.
After seeing the Gateway of India, stop by the nearby Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for a delicious high tea. Since this beautiful luxury hotel opened in 1903, it’s a wonderful thing to do in Mumbai.
2. The Red Fort, New Delhi
The magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named for the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power and remained so until 1857. It occupies a vast area of more than two square kilometers and is encircled by a sizable moat.
Its two biggest gates are the magnificent Lahore Gate, which serves as the fort’s main entrance, and the ornately decorated Delhi Gate, which was formerly utilized by the emperor for formal processions.
Exploring Chatta Chowk, a covered bazaar from the 17th century that sells everything from jewelry to silk clothing, as well as souvenirs and culinary items, is a fun aspect of a trip. Although visitors can explore the fort on your own, guided tours are available and offer an intriguing look into the Shah’s life and times, including a glimpse of the magnificent Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) made of white marble, where he greeted his subjects.
Hot Tip: Make an effort to stay for the nightly light and sound show that highlights significant occasions in the fort’s past.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
3. The Golden City: Jaisalmer
Rising from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is a haven of magnificent old architecture, so named because most of its structures are made of yellow sandstone. Originally a strategic stronghold, the city is now home to spectacular old homes, grand gateways, and the imposing Jaisalmer Fort, sometimes called the Golden Fort, an imposing building from the 12th century that towers over the town.
The castle has 99 bastions, palaces, temples, and exquisite old houses. Its main courtyard, which houses the seven-story Maharaja’s Palace, is accessed by enormous gates.The palace, which began in the early 1500s and was expanded by succeeding monarchs until the 19th century, has public halls with exquisitely carved stone doors and regions covered with Italian and Chinese tiles.
There are also several Jain temples from the 12th to 16th century, all of which have beautifully painted ceilings, palm-leaf scriptures, and exquisite images made of marble and sandstone. Don’t forget to visit Gyan Bhandar, a 1,000-year-old library that has been well-preserved and contains numerous artifacts and manuscripts from the 16th century.
4. The Golden Temple, Amritsar
Amritsar is a significant center of Sikh history and culture, having been founded in 1577 by Ram Das. The primary draw here is Harmandir Sahib, which opened in 1604 and is still frequently called the Golden Temple because of its exquisite gold ornamentation.
The temple, which was constructed in a fusion of Islamic and Hindu traditions, is the holiest of India’s numerous Sikh shrines and draws a large number of Hindus and people of other religions. The huge golden dome symbolizes a lotus flower, which is a Sikh symbol of purity, while the lower marble piece has flourishes like elaborate inlaid floral and animal motifs.
The temple’s spiritual atmosphere, which is heightened by the constant chanting of prayers from the Sikh holy book and disseminated throughout the complex, is just as impressive to tourists as its magnificent construction.
The opportunity to eat one of the 50,000 complimentary meals the attraction offers guests daily is part of the whole experience, and guests are encouraged to take part.
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
5. The Holy City of India, Varanasi
One of the oldest towns in the world still inhabited is Varanasi, which dates to the eighth century BC. The powerful Ganges River, one of the most significant religious symbols in Hinduism, has long been connected to this sacred city, which is a prominent destination for pilgrims.
The opportunity to tour the Old Quarter, which is next to the Ganges and contains the 1780-built Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is only one of the numerous reasons to visit Varanasi. Of note is the New Vishwanath Temple, which consists of seven distinct temples.
Hindus place a high value on bathing in the Ganges, and several places called “ghats” have stairways that go to the water where the devout take a dip before prayers. Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat are the biggest. The latter, located where the Ganges and Asi rivers converge, is especially revered.
Banaras Hindu University, which was founded in 1917 and is renowned for its enormous library of over a million books, and the excellent Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which has exquisite collections of miniature paintings, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and exhibitions on local history, are also worth seeing.
6. The Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is arguably the most iconic structure in India and the most well-known example of the force of love in the world. Named for Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this exquisite monument was started after her death in 1631 and took 20,000 laborers to finish in 1648.
The Taj Mahal, which is mostly made of white marble, has several Islamic design elements, such as arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entryway. Delicate inlaid flower designs and precious and semi-precious stones like mother of pearl, lapis lazuli, jade, and diamonds add to its beauty.
The finest times to go are either at dawn or dusk, when the lighting changes spectacularly and changes the ambiance. A memorable (and secure) selfie can be taken by attempting to see the Taj Mahal’s reflection from the far bank of the Yamuna River.
Address: 64 Taj Road, Agra-282001
7. Agra Fort
The magnificent Agra Fort, often called Agra’s Red Fort, was constructed as a military installation by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and later expanded by Shah Jahan. It features an intriguing blend of Muslim and Hindu elements.
With its low outer wall and dogleg form intended to confound invaders, the fort is accessible through Amar Singh Gate and lies just over two kilometers from the Taj Mahal. Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private mansion in the complex, are two sizable interconnected sandstone buildings that you will notice once you enter.
The Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-patterned Mughal garden with many amazing fountains and water channels as well as screens that previously provided a private space for the emperor and his entourage, and the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its magnificent copper roof, are further highlights. The octagonal Musamman Burj tower, which subsequently functioned as Shah Jahan’s prison till his demise, is also noteworthy.
Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
8. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
A lake created by British engineers in 1895 for irrigation and to supply water to the city of Madurai is the focal point of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most visited tourist destinations in South India.
The lion-tailed macaque, wild boar, otters, more than 20 Bengal tigers, and a sizable population of free-roaming Indian elephants may all be found in this stunning park, which was created in 1934. Along with many fascinating types of butterflies, birdwatching is a popular pastime. Common sightings include hornbills, kingfishers, darters, storks, and racket-tailed drongos.
Lake cruises and guided jungle walks are the finest ways to take in the park’s breathtaking mountain beauty. The latter gives tourists the opportunity to see elephant herds up close and study other species from observation platforms and watchtowers.
Tip : Make sure to take a tour of one of the numerous neighboring estates that grow coffee, tea, or spices.
9. The Beaches of Goa
Goa’s stunning western coastline, which overlooks the Arabian Sea, has long been regarded in India as the “go-to” place for anyone searching for a fantastic beach vacation. However, foreign visitors have only lately become aware of this. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each with its own unique charm, can be found along Goa’s more than 60 miles of coastline.
Calangute Beach is by far the busiest and most commercial, while remote Agonda Beach is a wonderful option for those seeking solitude. The beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are popular with both wealthy Indians and Westerners looking for upscale resorts, yoga retreats, and spa holidays. Another well-liked beach in Goa with a lovely location is Palolem.
Don’t miss the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary while you’re in Goa. Thick forests and an abundance of wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers, as well as India’s renowned king cobras and almost 200 different types of birds, may be found at this amazing destination.
Divar Island, which can be reached by ferry from Old Goa, is also worth seeing. The Church of Our Lady of Compassion, with its intriguing stucco work, Baroque plaster embellishments, and altars, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, is located in Piedade, a typical Goan village.
10. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I, Amer Fort (also spelled “Amber”) has long been the capital of Jaipur. Accessible on foot by a strenuous ascent or by shuttle ride from the village below, the fort is carved high up into the mountainside (better yet, let an elephant do the work).
Highlights include the Shila Devi Temple, which honors the goddess of war, and Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard with its numerous ornamented elephants. The adjacent Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am), with its exquisitely adorned walls and terraces that monkeys frequent, is also noteworthy.
Additional attractions include the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), which is renowned for its numerous artistic panels, vibrant ceilings, and superb views of the palace and the lake below, as well as Sukh Niwas (the Hall of Pleasure), which has numerous flowerbeds and a waterway that was formerly used to deliver cooling water.
Jaigarh Fort, constructed by Jai Singh in 1726 and boasting huge lookout towers, strong walls, and the largest wheeled cannon in the world, is located just above Amer Fort. Spend some time exploring the charming City Palace, a vast network of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, as well as the walled Old City of Jaipur, which has three completely rebuilt gates and magnificent bazaars.
11. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
During the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, work on Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in the world and one of the oldest in India, started in 1614 and took about 80 years to finish.
The 15 massive arches and pillars of this stunning mosque, which can hold 10,000 worshippers, were all crafted from single slabs of black granite that were reportedly pulled to the location by massive cattle trains that included up to 1,400 bulls.
The construction of Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world and among the oldest in India, began in 1614 and took roughly 80 years to complete during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah.
This magnificent mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 worshipers, has 15 enormous arches and pillars made of single slabs of black granite that were supposedly transported there by enormous cattle trains that contained up to 1,400 bulls.
Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
12. The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
Built by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks between the fifth and tenth centuries, the renowned gigantic Ellora Caves are a great day trip from Mumbai, which is around 300 kilometers to the west.
This amazing collection of 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples—12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five Jain—was constructed in close proximity to one another and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects the religious tolerance that prevailed during this time in Indian history.
Highlights of the Buddhist monastery caverns include the magnificent Carpenter’s Cave, regarded as one of the best in India, and several shrines with Buddha and saint carvings from the fifth to seventh centuries.
Scaffolding was not required for the Hindu caves because they were carved from the top down and are far more intricate. The Kailasa Temple, a massive rock-cut temple that symbolizes Mount Kailasa and required the removal of 200,000 tons of rock, is the best of these.
13. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of the biggest strongholds in India, the Mehrangarh Fort, dominates the old city of Jodhpur. It was constructed in the 15th century to protect the residents of the well-known “Blue City.” Because of its indigo-colored houses that have been painted blue to ward off the heat, Jodhpur is still referred to by this name.
Mehrangarh, with its enormous walls that are nearly impregnable, is a remarkable building achievement that was built on top of a tall outcrop. Seven magnificent gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter still has scars from cannon strikes), provide access.
Exploring the fort’s intriguing system of courtyards and palaces, as well as a museum with an impressive collection of Maharaja-related relics, are highlights of a visit. Spend some time in Jodhpur’s historic center, which is well-known for its eight city gates, a charming ancient clock tower, and a plethora of bazaars offering a wide range of goods, including vegetables, sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
Official site: www.mehrangarh.org
14. The Ganges River
One of India’s most respected natural beauties for a long time is the Ganges River, often known as “Ganga” after the Hindu goddess. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, attracting both tourists to take in the beauty of this powerful river and large numbers of Indian citizens to participate in its religious rituals.
The majority of tourists travel to Varanasi to experience the Ganges and the cultural attractions that have developed up along its banks, even though there are several cities scattered along the river. With a population of about 1.2 million, the city is modest by Indian standards, but it is teeming with temples and other significant religious buildings, many of which are devoted to the worship of the Ganges.
Both worshippers and tourists can easily go up close thanks to the many “ghats” that are situated along the riverbanks. There are actually 88 of these Ganges entry points, which are composed of occasionally steep steps that lead straight into the water. Even though the majority are centuries old, they underwent significant renovations and improvements in the 1700s, and with their frequently vivid, colorful rituals and festivities, they are among India’s most picturesque locations for photography.
Choose one of the city’s Ganges river trips from any of the ghats if you have the time. The sunrise cruises in the early morning are the most memorable.
15. Mysore Palace
With its unique blend of magnificent old colonial buildings, royal Indian palaces, and beautiful, well-kept gardens, the expansive city of Mysore is a pleasure to visit. The city’s renowned silk and sandalwood bazaars are a great place for shoppers to spend time, but the beautiful Mysore Palace is the major draw.
Highlights of this stunning three-story palace, which was entirely rebuilt in 1897 following a devastating fire, include its exquisite square towers and domes; Durbar Hall’s numerous elaborate ceilings and pillars; and the magnificent Marriage Pavilion, which boasts glazed floor tiles, exquisite stained glass, artwork, and jewelry displays. Additionally, the magnificent Golden Throne is displayed there on certain occasions.
Attend one of the magnificent light shows, which are held every Sunday and on holidays and feature over 90,000 lights, for a true treat. A bicycle tour, which is free once inside, is a great opportunity to see the palace’s expansive grounds and gardens.
Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
