Owing to its immense geographical and cultural diversity, India’s exotic appeal draw travelers from all parts of the world since time immemorial. The mighty Himalayas lies on the northern frontiers. Three magnificent oceans wash the shores of South India.
Colors reflect in the golden sands of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan. Myriad of charms lie in the East, as does the unexplored north East. For the count, there are innumerable places to visit in India.
One can spend one vacation or many, but always be in awe of discovering treasures all the time. Even the fussiest of travelers are on their toes.
Out of the multitude of tourist destinations in India, we bring to you the list of the top 51 places to visit in India. So pack your bags and set on a journey that is truly incredible.
51 Best Places in India
Delhi: A Tale of Two Cities
Delhi, the country’s capital, is one of the best places to visit in India. Also, it is the centerpiece of travel plans in India. The city is dotted with many architectural marvels, displaying a mix of different cultures.
From food to shopping, nightlife to sightseeing, you will have the time of your life in Delhi. Moreover, it is not without reason that Delhi finds mentioned among the most famous tourist places in India.
In the pages of history, Delhi features many different names in the past. Its first mention dates back to the Bronze Age epic of Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Today the sprawling expanse is the seat of the Government of India. It packs in its bosom the inheritance of thousands of years in the form of diverse monuments of ancient, medieval, and modern phases of its past.
Delhi has everything from the Ashokan Pillars and Rock Edicts to stunning Red Fort to glorious Lutyens buildings reminding of the British Era. So get ready to be lost in dreamy lanes of history or treat yourself to the spicy and lip-smacking street food.
With over 3000 monuments, vibrant bazaars, eclectic cuisines, and top-class hotels and tourist scenes, Delhi is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in India.
Best Places to Visit in Delhi
- Visit Red Fort
- India Gate
- Qutab Minar
- ISKCON Temple
- Humayun’s Tomb
Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to explore Delhi
Also Read:
- The Ultimate Delhi Travel Guide
- List of top 10 Five Star Hotels in Delhi
- 15 Lesser-known Places to Visit near Delhi
- Top 7 Markets in Delhi for Shopping
Explore Delhi Tour Packages to Plan a Fun Trip
Goa: Sun, Sand & Sea
The beach capital of the country, Goa, is a huge attraction for about a couple of million tourists from around the world every year. Studded with exquisite beaches, tourists can be seen enjoying and having the time of their life with friends and family.
In addition, Goa’s breezy and festive culture is too much of a charm. Known sometimes as “the pearl of the orient” or “A Tourist’s Paradise,” the place also has several exotic buildings and old forts reminiscent of a fertile imperial past.
From Night Clubs to Pubs and from discos to casinos, Goa guarantees a significant experience for a traveler. So dance off to an intoxicating evening or just lay off on warm sandy beaches. Goa is a paradise for everyone to explore.
Top Things to do in Goa
If you are Confused What to do in Goa? Read here is the list of Things to do in Goa, covering a lot of fun and adventure activities to do in Goa.
Best Time to visit: October to March is the ideal time to visit Goa.
Also Read:
- Offbeat Things to do In Goa
- Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Goa
- Useful Tips for Goa Trip
- Common Konkani Phrases for Tourists visiting Goa
Contact us to book Goa Tour Packages today!
Varanasi: The Beating Heart of Hinduism
Time stops in this timeless city of amazing antiquity. A place where Bronze Age cultures still survives and thrives amidst the new crust of modernity, Varanasi takes your breath away the moment you step your foot in.
The astounding magic of the city begins with a number of Ghats (or river banks) along Ganges where devotees as promised by their gods come to wash away their sins and to ensure their liberation after death.
One of the most sacred sites for Hindus, Varanasi in all its magnificence comes alive during the evening invocation to Ganges.
Ganga aarti in Varanasi is a spectacular ritual. Bells, chants, gongs, cymbals combine to make a hair-splitting ambience that is simply majestic. With its numerous temples, ashrams, holy sites, and other sights, smells and sound, Varanasi is an awesome place to visit.
Things to do in Varanasi
- Boat Ride in Ganges River
- Take Bath in Ganges
- Sunset View of Ghats
- Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges River
- Shopping
Best time to visit Varanasi: October to March
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Jaipur: The Pink City
A place of timeless traditions, a city of beautiful colors, forts, palaces and pleasure gardens, a chaotic network of noisy streets, lanes and squares, Jaipur is an icon of erstwhile Rajput heritage.
Soak yourself in the busy markets, bedazzled by the marvelous handicrafts or treat your taste buds to the delightful and spicy Daal Baati Churma and Onion Kachori. A cherry on the cake of Indian Culture, Jaipur is a destination that is worth a catch.
Things to do in Jaipur
- City Palace
- Jal Mahal
- Nahargarh Fort
- Tripolia Bazaar in Jaipur
- Snow Planet
- Chokhi Dhani at Jaipur
- Johari Bazaar
- Jaipur Nightlife
- Jaipur Literature Festival
- Dolls Museum
Best time to visit Jaipur: October to March
Here are list of 10 best Places to Visit near Jaipur
Jaipur Tour Packages
Andaman and Nicobar: The Blue Streak
Located 1000km far off from the mainland, Andaman is a group of elegant and enchanting islands known for its exotic wildlife, pristine sand beaches, unspoiled corals and ancient mangroves.
The place attracts a number of visitors from around the world every year that throng here to enjoy the warm long beach walks or indulge in adventure and fun activities like scuba divining, snorkeling, swimming etc.
Further down 200 km is the Nicobar Islands which are currently off limits for Indian and foreign tourists and are actually composed of tribal areas.
With its almost virgin landscape, the site offers lot to explore for travelers and tourists. Owing to its pristine beaches and less crowded shores, Andaman is one of the popular honeymoon destinations in India as well as a favored warm weather escape during winters.
Things to do & places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island
- Cellular Jail in Andaman
- Explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Limestone caves
- Radhanagar Beach in Andaman
- Scuba Diving at Andaman
- Elephant Beach at Havelock Island
- Try Sea-Walking in Andaman Island
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling at Andaman
Best time to visit Andaman: October – March
Andaman tour packages
Kerala Backwaters: God’s own Country
A paradise of verdure flora, the backwaters is an amazing journey through a number of lakes, canals, inlets and rivers, stretching an expansive 900 km of water systems running parallel to the Malabar Coast and considered one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala.
Through the course, there are a number of townships and cities, offering a glimpse of local life and rural handicrafts besides the established culture of people settled here.
Cruising through this rich channel is done on a “Kettuvallom” or a houseboat, that takes you through this Jewel of God’s Own Country” in your own comfort and ease.
The backwaters in Kerala serve not only tourism but is the local medium of commerce and transport as well. Thus a visitors bears a first-hand witness of an astonishing human-nature harmony which is truly a fulfilling experience.
Places to visit in Kerala
- Athirappilly Waterfalls
- Kovalam
- Munnar
- Alleppey
- Thekkady
- kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Kumarakom
- Wayanad
- Provision
- Thrissur
Best time to visit Kerala: October to February
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Kerala Backwaters Tour Packages
Mahabalipuram: Rock of Ages
A group of exotic monuments known for its fine sculptures, fascinating temples, cave sanctuaries and open air reliefs, the structures at Mahabalipuram is an absolute wonder for a visitor.
A UNESCO World heritage site, the buildings in the complex were constructed between 630 and 728 AD at the site of harbor where South Indian Kings traded with the kingdoms of South-East Asia.
Wandering around the monuments and taking note of the fine architecture is great delight and so is watching the sunset in the evening.
Just a couple of hour drive from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is famous with historical buffs and leisure backpackers alike and one of the top places to visit in Tamil Nadu.
Also Read:
Top 51 Things to do in Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram Tour Packages
Khajuraho: A Sensuous Journey
The assembly of monuments, known throughout the world for its erotic sculpting are also amongst the most exotic Hindu and Jain temples in the world.
The structures built by the Hindu Chandelas in the 12th century were later abandoned and fell into ruin before they were rediscovered by the British and restored into one the famous tourist destinations.
In addition to relishing the exquisite site and figures, visitors can enjoy a unique light and sound show that showcases the regional history and stories associated with Khajuraho.
If visiting during the month of February, the travelers also get the chance to savor the the Khajuraho Dance Festival where major Indian dance forms from all over India are exhibited.
Best time to visit Khajuraho: November to February
Khajuraho Tour Packages
Bandhvagarh: The Brothers Fort
One of the best tourist places to visit in India, Bandhvagarh National Park is an exciting and adventurous tourist haven for both wildlife photographers and Tiger enthusiasts.
Rich with a large and excellent biodiversity, the site has one of the largest Tiger populations in India along with other exotic species of deer.
Located in embrace of Vindhya Hills, The National Park is spread in the sprawling 105 sq. km with an additional buffer area of 400 sq. km with a varying topography.
A number of expeditions like jeep safaris and elephant safaris are organized for the ultimate thrill. Bandhvagarh has one of the highest number of cases of Tiger sightings, thus taking a trip becomes all the more arousing and full of fun.
Also Read:
- Opening Dates of National Parks in India 2015
- Top Tourist Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
- Top 10 National Parks in India
Bandhavgarh Tour Packages
Jaisalmer: City of Desert Warriors
A remote and exotic city loaded with fascinating sights, Jaisalmer or “The Golden City” as it is called is an accurate illustration of the quintessential desert Indian culture.
The magnificence of the citadel that rises from the center is breathtaking and astonishing since it still houses the old, original families of the historic township.
Of the of the city that is established inside, a number of colorful, embroidered shed stalls selling various attractions veil behind them mesmerizing havellis that enthrall and delight the vision and vitalize the discovering spirit.
Don’t forget to take the essential camel ride into the Thar nearby to give a finishing completion to your journey.
Places to visit in Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Patron Ki Haveli
- Gadisar Lake
- Jain Temples
- Sadar market
Best Season: October to March is good time to discover Jaisalmer
Also Read:
Top 51 Tourist Attractions in India
Hyderabad: Of Royalty and Opulence
A classical proof of a consummate old charm, the old city of Hyderabad is a complex mesh of streets, by-lanes, noisy roads, squares, mosques, palaces, tombs effervescent with the conspicuous Deccani Muslim culture.
A city of dreamy charms, tourists come thronging to Hyderabad for its Charminar and “Hyderabad Biryani” famous throughout the world.
Leading through a number of crowded localities like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills is the other side of the city known as Cyberabad developed as a hi-tech center for IT.
The city is bustling, polluted and crowded but has a unique appeal that inadvertently attracts many visitors towards it.
Udaipur: Venice of the East
Traditionally tagged to be one of the most romantic places on the Indian subcontinent, Udaipur is a fabulous place of forts & palaces, temples, havelis, lakes and alleys with the quintessential, all-pervading colorful Rajasthani way of life.
Udaipur was built in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after the Mughals conquered Chittor but still had to face continuous invasions by the same and later Marathas. Nevertheless, the city still retained its distinct charm with its elegant forts and monuments.
Presently, its soul lives in its chaotic bazaars, romantic boat rides, famous museums, galleries, streets and shops. Travelers can enjoy basking under the vibrant cultural sun at every corner or take delight in delectable Rajasthani food from numerous street stalls.
Voted as the ‘Most Romantic Destination in India’, Udaipur is also a popular place for monsoon vacations in India.
Places to visit Udaipur
- Monsoon Palace Udaipur
- Lake Pichola
- City Palace Museum
- Fateh Parkash Palace
- Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Udaipur Lake Palace
- Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur
Rishikesh: Yoga Capital of the World
A haven for those coming to seek the timeless traditions of Indian philosophy and benefit from the natural ways of physical and mental upliftment, Rishikesh is one of the top places to visit in India.
Rapidly becoming the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is also one of the holiest sites for Hindus due to its proximity with the Ganges.
The evening ambience at the place with all the sounds from temples, people, pilgrims and holy men with gush of holy waters feels awesomely majestic. However, the significance of the place is not limited to its spiritual dimension.
It is also one of most famous white-water rafting centers with a capacity to attract sports lovers from across the globe. Local and foreign visitors forever flow towards this tiny town for an enchanting and inspirational experience.
Things to do in Rishikesh
- River Rafting
- Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
- Camping at Rishikesh
- Mountain Biking
- Flying Fox
- Yoga And Meditation
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Beach Volleyball
- Exploring famous Temples
Hera are the list of top things to do in Rishikesh for a perfect weekend getaway.
Best time to visit Rishikesh: October to June
Also Read:
Rishikesh Tour Packages
Orissa: Land of Tribes & Temples
Although not being frequently listed on the itineraries of most of the travelers, Orissa, or now Odisha is a distinct mishmash of culture, history and natural charm.
Elegant monuments and buildings galore and Puri, the main center of Hindu pilgrimage is a magnet for thousands of devotees from across the world. Non-pilgrim traffic may find the long and warm beaches of Odisha particularly fascinating.
There is plenty of other things and sites to explore in and around the state like the forests, replete with natural reserves and beauty and the weekly markets put by the tribal people are unique, besides Buddhist universities, Hindu and Jain relics.
Tourists wanting to find pleasures of the tongue may relish in the delectable street food with some exclusive Odisha twist. Konark renowned for the Sun Temple and Puri are two of the most prominent tourist destinations in Orissa.
Best places to visit in Orissa
- Bhubaneshwar
- Puri
- Konark
- Cuttack
- Bargarh
- Jeypore
Orissa tour packages
Shimla: The Queen of Hills
The old colonial hill town of Shimla retains its timeless charm and continues to enthrall tourists forever. The cool and serene ambience enveloped with beautiful green and snowcapped hills make a spectacular sight.
The main street, The Mall has a number of shops, stalls, eateries that lets the travelers fully enjoy the town’s romantic grace.
Dotted with buildings here and there with imperial architecture and other old structures brings a kind of nostalgia and longing.
Although Shimla was the summer capital of the British, the winter scenery of the town is particularly picturesque and enjoyable.
This season is especially favored by the newly weds making Shimla one of the best places to go for honeymoon in India in December to January.
Top Things to do in Shimla
- Toy Train Ride in Shimla
- Ice skating in Shimla
- Christ Church Shimla
- Rafting
- Jakhu Temple
- Camping
- Paragliding in Shimla
Best time to visit Shimla: Throughout the year
Gujarat: Cultural Capital of India
Exuding its own exclusive charm, the state of Gujarat is culturally rich and diverse for a tourist’s liking. The capital city, Ahmedabad is an elegant blend of historical buildings, cultural attractions having an aura of its own.
On the other hand, many of the state’s major draws lies outside the main capital. Home to some of the famous and architecturally appealing structures, the region boasts of world’s largest salt desert, The Great Rann of Kutch with a simply majestic appeal.
A large number of Gandhi enthusiasts too arrive in Gujarat for it being the birthplace of the Father of the Nation and many of his memories are associated with the state.
The state is a flourishing commercial center for a majority of India’s export in textiles with a shining hub of a number of brilliant artisans.
Gujarat is also home to the Sasan Gir National Park, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions. yet another major appeal of this cultural treasure trove of India is an array of archaeological sites.
The Champaner Pavagarh Archaeological Park has been inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. For Hindus, the state holds great significance.
Whereas the Somnath Temple is one of the most important of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, Dwarka is the land associated with Krishna.
Places to visit in Gujarat
- Rani Ki Vav
- Provides National Park
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat
- Somnath Temple in Gujarat
- Saputara
- Akshardham Temple at Gujarat
Dharamsala: The Little Tibet
A tiny and scenic hill town and home to The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile, Dharamshala is a magnet for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Located against the backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar range, the town is elegantly blanketed by beautiful pine and coniferous trees which makes an alluring sight. Dharamshala is also used as the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh.
There are two sections of the town separated by a distance of 10 km. While the lower section is mostly offices, schools and commercial centers, the upper part has the monastery of Dalai Lama and other tea and coffee plantations.
Things to do in Dharamshala
- Go paragliding in Bir Billing
- Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamshala
- Cricket Stadium Dharamshala
- Triund Trek
- Camping
Best time to visit Dharamshala: Round the year
Gokarna: The Virgin Beach Retreat
Gokarna is wonderful and detached beach site, offering a cool and isolated chilling experience for the travelers.
It may not be that ideal partying and reveling hub that Goa is but still has plenty of spots to explore like its sacred Hindu sites, its bazaars, other smaller beaches and its mood during the various festivities.
Devotees flock here more in numbers than the tourists and the popular mode of accommodation is mostly bamboo huts with terracotta rooftops. But ideally, it has cleaner and one of the more attractive beaches than anywhere else in India.
Gokarna is also renowned for Swaswara, one of the top Ayurveda and holistic healing resorts in India.
Shekhawati: Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan
Shekhawati’s most extraordinary appeal lies in the exquisitely painted havelis which are composed with fascinating murals that has a fabulous, almost mystical charm.
Part of the attraction of the town lies in its compact, connected structures with a desolate, cultural sensibility that is unique and different from other towns and cities of Rajasthan.
Of these murals, the painters and artists have combined traditional subjects with more contemporary themes that gives birth to a whole new exclusive art forms which looks very appealing.
Pushkar: The Cultural Razzmatazz
The story of Pushkar is associated with an old Hindu legend. It is believed that it is the place where Lord Bhrama, the creator of the world out of the Hindu Pantheon, dropped the Lotus flower and its petals created three lakes out of which the largest lake is the most important one.
It is one of the holiest sites for Hindus and hosts one of the few Brahma temples in the world. Pushkar, although fused in typical Rajasthani cultural and traditional ambience has a distinct charm of its own that is worth exploring and experiencing.
This holy city is renowned world over for its annual Pushkar Fair which is attended by scores from all around the world.
Things to do in Pushkar
- Pushkar Lake
- Sarafa Bazaar Pushkar
- Man Mahal Pushkar
- Brahma Temple in Pushkar
- Pushkar Camel Fair
Best time to visit Pushkar: October to March
Pushkar Tour packages
Lakshwadeep: Into the Blue
Lakshwadeep is a group 36 exotic, palm covered islands that is magnificently breathtaking due to its pristine beauty, unadulterated and lush green landscapes, untouched coral life and archipelago lagoons and white sand, warm water beaches.
Due to its fragile ecology and uninhabited status, only 10 of these islands are open to tourists but scope for enjoyment and adventure is aplenty with a number of activities like deep sea diving, snorkeling etc. providing the necessary recreation.
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Lakshadweep Tour Packages
Madurai: Tales of Temples
The city of Madurai, being one of the few oldest cities of South East Asia was a great commercial and political capital of the Hindu Pandyan dynasty.
Its flourishing trade and great cultural effervescence led the ruling class to construct the famous and majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple which remains one of the greatest man-made structures ever.
The city continues to host a swelling number of tourists from all over India and accommodate almost an endless bunch of celebrations and festivities.
Fatehpur Sikri: The Ghost Town
A complex of some of the most magnificent monuments and structures of the medieval era, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar from 1571 to 1585. Akbar planned a great city around the hospice of his spiritual mentor and Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti whose prayers had blessed Akbar with his first surviving son and heir.
The city stands as an icon of exquisite Hindu-Muslim architectural synthesis. Out of the many elegant structures inside, the tomb of the Chisti Saint, Diwan-i-Khas( House of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Aam(House of Public Audience), Palace of Jodha Bai and the Majestic Buland Darwaza are notable and a visual treat.
Outside the citadel, there is a vibrant bazaar and the village of Sikri, few kilometers away is beautiful and worth a visit.
Ajanta Caves: Carved in Stones
An absolutely stunning marvel of human ingenuity and imagination, Ajanta caves, a UNESCO world heritage site, is remarkable tourist spot located at about a 100km of Northeast of Aurangabad.
Carved out of the sheer vertical horseshoe-shaped ravine, these structures were hewn somewhere around 2nd century BC to about 6th century BC before they were lost to obscurity after a brief period of spotlight.
They were accidentally rediscovered by the British and turned out to be a major site of great historical value. One of the greatest significance of these caves is the numerous frescos which are found in many caves in addition to the sources of the colors that are used which is simply amazing. It remains one of the must-see destinations for tourists in India.
Kochi: The Port City
A cool and peaceful town and an important sea port for about 600 years, Kochi or imperial Cochin is a landscape of picturesque beauty with a unique blend of divergent themes of history enmeshed with each other to create a wonderful blend.
Kochi is an exquisite place to spend some quality time in the fascinating Keralite culture or pass a night in some exotic heritage accommodation.
One of the best places to enjoy Keralite art and finesse, Kochi is also a wonderful place to see tokens of the local identity like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.
Things to do in Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Kathakali Performance
- St. Francis Church
- Shopping
- Fort Kochi
- Princess Street
Best time to Visit Kochi : October to March
Hampi: Legends of the Fall
One of the most spectacular compound of monuments, Hampi is reminiscent of a flourishing medieval Indian Hindu empire is a place of wonder.
The complex made of a number of Hindu and Jain temples looks majestic, exhibiting the magnificence of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire of lore.
There is a market outside the main structures known as the Hampi Bazaar, which has a number of small shops, restaurants, lodges which prevail, overlooked by the grand edifice of Virupaksha Temple.
One cannot sightsee Hampi in one go, thus visitors may need to spend a day or two a get a whole feel of the town and enjoy its ambiance.
Kabini: Rendezvous with Wild
Popularly known for its tigers, leopards, Indian bisons and elephants, Kabini was the hunting ground for the erstwhile rulers of Mysore before a small wildlife sanctuary was established here after independence in 1955.
Subsequently, the area was expanded and it became a national park and a Project Tiger Reserve eventually.
Kabini offers a wonderful opportunities for tourists to indulge in a number of fun and adventure activities like trekking, safaris, boat ride that take them through the stunning landscapes and backwaters of Kabini and revel in bird watching and catching a sight of different beasts.
The evenings could be enjoyed at the lodge treating oneself in the delectable dishes ranging from Indian, Continental and Chinese in the comfortable and luxurious setting of the place.
Sikkim: India’s Best kept Secret
A tiny, picturesque state, sandwiched between Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, Sikkim is a haven for tourists traveling to North East.
For most of its history, Sikkim remained a remote and isolated region, largely influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture and accommodating a number of monasteries and Hindu temples.
The state now has a pre-dominantly Hindu population with majority of Nepali speaking inhabitants who are particularly patriotic and jealous about their homeland.
There is a good scope for a number of tourist activities, the most highlighting is the Nathu-La, the natural route and border between India and China, the lies 56 km from Sikkim’s capital Gangtok.
Besides there are monasteries, scenic lakes, urban malls and restaurants that furnishes a lot of dimension for enjoyment and fun.
Things to do & places to visit in Sikkim
- Cable Car Ride Gagntok
- Nathula Pass
- Rumtek Monastery at Gangtok
- Yak Ride at Gangtok
- Trekking in Goecha La Trek
- River Rafting Sikkim
- Sikkimese Nightlife
- Paragliding in Sikkim
- Shopping at the MG Road
- Ganesh Tok
- Khecheopalri Lake Pelling
- Kanchendzonga waterfalls at Pelling
Best time to visit Sikkim: October to June
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Rann of Kutch: The Vast Nothingness
An astonishing natural tract of land spreading in a vast expanse, The Great Rann of Kutch is an immense marshland and the world’s largest salt desert. During monsoons, it is completely covered with sea water and remains submerged.
However, during winters, the pristine natural beauty of the place emerges and The Rann gets transformed into stunning white glory especially majestic during the full moon.
Besides the village of Kutch hosts a number of different tribal groups who create a different colorful embroidery and fabrics with exotic mirror-work and other textiles offering a wonderful attractions for the tourists acquainting them with the local life.
The best time to visit this region is during annual Rann Mahotsav when this entire region comes alive with spirit of festivities and cultural extravaganza.
Ooty: Queen of the Southern Hills
Christened to be the “Queen of Hill Stations” the upper Ooty is a lovely, scenic and romantic hill town with a cool and frosty ambience with pleasant gardens, beautiful British-Era buildings and bungalows.
Enveloped in a thick swarm of pine with roads crisscrossing through its terrain, Ooty has an old, nostalgic charm that exudes a cozy, soft feeling. It was initially established to be the summer capital of the Madras government that provided a much-needed relief from the hot, burning plains of the Tamil country.
Now a popular hill destination, the journey leading up to the town is covered in the special toy train that leads through wonderful scenery and scenic landscapes. Ooty is also one of the top places to go for honeymoon in India.
Also Read:
Springs at the Queens of Hill Ooty
10 Honeymoon Destinations in India newlyweds must know
Ooty tour packages
Pondicherry: Savor the Colonial Charm
Pondicherry or now renamed Puducherry was the capital of French in India during their heyday. Getting inside the town, one can see a considerable French influence in the streets, houses and neighborhood, especially in old Puducherry.
The new part of the town has more Tamil preponderance and is generally more cluttered and chaotic. Puducherry has a number of elegant buildings like churches, townhouses, public buildings constructed in typical imperial style that looks dreamy and enchanting.
One of the main attraction of the town is the famous Aurobindo Ashram and its branch, just outside, in Auroville, that draws a number of people and seekers from around the world.
Kaziranga National Park: Abode of the Rhinos
Home to about two-thirds of the population of the rare and exotic one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park is an expansive, world-class national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located about 430 km east of Guwahati, the park, in addition to the rhinos, also has one the largest density of tigers as also elephants and a rich bird life which includes storks, fish eagles, kingfisher, herons, and grey pelicans.
The park organizes a number of adventure excursions for tourists, including elephant safaris and jeep safaris that take them deeper and closer into the jungles for a thrilling rendezvous with the animals.
During the monsoon season, the national park remains closed to visitors. It is open from November to April, which is also the best time to visit Kaziranga. In these months, the weather is cool, perfect for sightseeing.
Kaziranga wildlife tour packages
Hassan: Chronicles of Hoyasala
The district of Hassan is an important center and focal point of other influential townships like Belur, Halebidu and Srvanabelagola. For example, Belur, situated on the banks of river Yagachi was the capital of Hoysala during the medieval times.
Chennakeshva Temple, located in its precincts is a wonderful proof of olden Hindu architecture with a magnificent gateway called gopura rising above the flutter of the market area below.
Similarly Sravanbelagola, called the “Monk of White Pond” is one of the most important center for Jains with the majestic statue of Lord Babhubali situated at this site.
Also, the town of Halebidu was an important part of Hoysala Empire and has magnificent temple structures, typical of Hoysala architecture which are great sites for sightseeing. Thus, the town of Hassan is the center which connects these crucial and vital destinations.
Kanha National Park: Lure of the Jungle
One of the most important natural habitats for Tigers and considered to be greatest wildlife reserves in India, Kanha National Park is beauty spread in a vast expanse.
The park, home to some of the most wonderful wealth of creatures, including exotic birds, animals and other beasts, has plenty to offer, including scenic and picturesque landscape, grassy meadows with a thick envelope of Sal, teak and other deciduous species.
The Park organizes 4WD safaris at two slots per day whose bookings are done about 120 days before. These excursions let visitors to see a the huge range of diverse fauna including barasingha, chital, monkeys, langurs, dhol, sambar leopard and many exquisite bird species.
Jodhpur: The Blue City
Elegant and beautiful, called the “Blue City”, Jodhpur is a chaotic and crowded, though inviting town, lying 340km south-west of Jaipur.
The foundations of Jodhpur were laid in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who was a Rajput Chief. After conquering neighboring areas, he founded the city as the capital of his kingdom of Marwar.
Later on Marwar went on to become an important kingdom during the medieval times. Vibrant with the typical Rajasthani culture, the center of attraction is the mighty and majestic Mehrangarh fort that overlooks the city at one corner.
Down the main city is bustling with traffic, noise, chaos and pollution, characteristic of old cities finding to adjust with modernity. Visitors can enjoy trek along its confusing alleys and will find the colorful and dynamic life particularly attracting.
Jodhpur tour packages
Mumbai: The City of Dreams
Bustling with life, full of energy, dreams, drama, fashion, style, poverty, affluence, business, industry, finance, achievements and failures.
Mumbai is “the maximum city” as well as one of the most popular places to visit in India. It is its financial powerhouse and its entertainment hub and one of the most diverse cosmopolitan cities.
Turning aside its maddening crowd and all the hustle, one can have a look at its elegant colonial architecture, poke into its unique street food and try to soak in to its distinct and characteristic way of life. But the city is dominating.
One needs a tremendous amount of stamina and perseverance to get along the pace, to endure its killing humidity, traffic and crowd. But Mumbai is sure to take your heart away.
It has an element of charm that is magnetic, something exclusive that captures the imagination. For rest, you have to experience it yourself!
Best places to visit in Mumbai
- Marine Drive Mumbai
- Gateway of India
- Chowpatty Beach
- Juhu Beach Mumbai
- Elephanta Caves
- Haji Ali
- Mumbai Dabbawalas
- Rajabai Clock Tower Mumbai
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Mumbai tour packages
Mysore (Mysuru): The Sandalwood City
A traditional and elegant place to be, hosting a stunning royal heritage and home to the famous palace, Mysore has an ambiance that is captivating for a discerning tourist.
Besides the monumental glory, Mysore stands as an important center for silk production, incense and sandalwood.
Thus, there is a scope for exploring and experiencing the city with its markets, people and also an international yoga center that is quickly becoming a major draw.
For cultural interaction, this city is best visited during the annual fest of Mysore Dasara which is celebrated with great fervor.
Kausani: Honeymooner’s Paradise
Subdued in a relaxing, peaceful environment with a picturesque panoramic view, Kasauni is quickly becoming a frequented tourist destination for travelers, both local and international.
The expansive, cool and wooded valleys with an amazing backdrop of snow-capped hills provided a pleasing experience whereas the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, the temple of Baijanath and the site of Bageshwar offers sightseeing for visitors.
The place also has good accommodation facilities that helps to make this soothing journey worth taking.
When it comes to honeymoon, Kausani with its scenic surroundings, spectacular views of Himalayas and serene ambience is among the top places to visit in India.
Varkala: The Beach Retreat
Lying parallel to along the high red laterite cliffs, Varkala is a wonderful and scenic beach resort which is increasingly gaining popularity amongst tourists flocking to India.
The site however remains one of the important Hindu religious spots with people coming from far off Thiruvanthapuram to immerse the ashes of their loved ones.
However, its religious significance notwithstanding, its distinct location, with seaside restaurants, shops and hotels calling out for prospective tourist rupee and its majestic sights of sunrises and sunsets makes it one of the top tourist places to visit in India.
About India:
India, as it is said, is one of the most unique places on earth. A wonderland of enormous diversity, stretching in a tremendous expanse, it is blessed with boundless gifts, from stunning natural beauty to one to most heterogeneous people on Earth.
Customs, rituals, manners, traditions, languages, people exsit in a startling contrast from one region to another. A continuous civilization alive for thousands of years, chances are that the street you are crossing by maybe the one traversed by Buddha 2,500 years ago or the scene of a history changing battle.
A country that is breathtakingly dynamic and bustling with life is also one of the largest democracies on earth. A trust of a billion people reposing faith in a single constitution, India is one of the most unexpected political unity varied across a staggering range of dimensions.
With such an overwhelming history and equally an astonishing story, there is hardly any place that does not has a tale to tell. Out of these innumerable and amazing multitude of places we have chosen top 51 tourist places to visit in India. Ready for the wonderful experience called India?
Surely the information is really helpful. Please do write about Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala- Khandala, Aurangabad and adjoining places of Vidabha or Marathwada region. There are lot many visiting place for exploring in those places.
Also, about Mangalore and its pristine beaches.
very informative post… thanks for sharing with us
India is very interesting country. people come all over the world. Jodhpur is my favorite city in India.
Great to know about your liking. Jodhpur definitely has a surreal atmosphere with the quintessential Indian desert charm. One of more lovable tourist destination. 🙂