India is a vast and varied destination. Bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, as well as the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the country has many different faces.
Within India’s borders, there are over 20 official languages, numerous religions, and a wide range of cuisines. Travel is essential for experiencing the breadth of Indian culture and history. Visit as many of these best places to visit in India as time allows.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in India 2022
1. Mysore
Mysore is located on the southern part tip of India. Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, is best known for its magnificent Mysore Palace. The palace is the epitome of opulence, and a tour through the structure will reveal upscale touches such as carved rosewood doors, ivory-decorated ceilings, and numerous paintings on the walls.
If you’re in Mysore, don’t miss the incredible Devaraja Market, an outdoor experience on Dhanwanthri Road where you can buy some chai tea before browsing stalls selling produce or sandalwood carvings.
2. Amritsar
Amritsar, a holy city and Sikh pilgrimage site, is located in the northern province of Punjab. The Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib, is Amritsar’s main attraction. This temple, which was built over 400 years ago, is truly golden, and it is always packed with Sikhs from all over India and the rest of the world.
You can visit the Golden Temple regardless of your religion, but you must show respect by covering your head and taking off your shoes. Enter the temple through the main entrance, Ghanta Ghar, and admire the Amrit Sarovar, a pool surrounding the temple where pilgrims bathe.
3. Ladakh
Ladakh is a mountainous destination in northernmost India, in the hotly contested Kashmir region. This area is vast, but it has a low population density and a large number of nomadic residents. The area’s breathtaking, pristine scenery is a major draw, but almost all visitors will also spend time in the town of Leh.
The town is situated at a high elevation and is home to the 17th century Palace of the King of Ladakh. Buddhist culture is also prevalent in Leh, and you may want to visit some of the numerous Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Old Town.
4. Goa Beaches
Goa, a former Portuguese colony on India’s western coast, combines Indian culture with colonial influences and plenty of international tourism. Goa’s popularity stems primarily from its beautiful beaches.
Candolim Beach is the busiest and most popular of all, attracting visitors from all over the world. Anjuna Beach, on the other hand, is much less crowded. It’s also a great place to walk to Chapora Fort and see the sandy coastline from a different angle.
Palolem, with its natural bay surrounded by lofty headlands on either side, is regarded as one of Goa’s most beautiful beaches. Goa is popular among adventurers, and recreational activities abound for those looking for some fun in the sun.
5. Delhi
If you spend any time in Northern India, you will almost certainly visit Delhi, the capital city. The massive sprawling destination is home to several districts and is regarded as one of the world’s oldest cities. The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, was built in the 17th century and is one of Delhi’s most popular attractions.
The Red Fort is made of sandstone, and you can walk through its Lahore Gate, into the bazaar, through the jewel palace, and even into the sultan’s former residence. While in Delhi, you should also visit the city’s numerous museums and religious structures.
6. Ellora & Ajanta Caves
Ellora and Ajanta caves can be visited in the state of Maharashtra. Ellora has a massive complex of shrines carved into the rocky landscape. These 34 cave shrines date back up to 1,500 years and belong to three different religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
Ajanta, which has 29 caves, is two hours away. Murals and paintings cover the Ajanta caves, the majority of which depict Buddhist stories. Despite the fact that the two cave complexes are two hours apart, it is well worth visiting both to compare these incredible attractions.
7. Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, dating back more than 3,000 years. Varanasi, located in North India on the banks of the Ganges, has long been an important center of learning as well as a major pilgrimage destination for many Hindus.
Varanasi is revered by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists as a sacred city because it is believed that dying here frees one’s soul from the cycle of reincarnation and that bathing in the Ganges cleanses one’s sins.
Varanasi has sights and experiences that are not found anywhere else in the world. Because of its thousands of temples, it is known as the “City of Temples.” The Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva, the Durga Temple, and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which is known for housing numerous monkeys, are among the most important.
The ghats, a series of embankment steps leading down to the Ganges River, are probably the city’s most well-known attractions. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest and most important ghat. The Manikarnika Ghat is a burning ghat where Hindu cremations and death anniversaries are held on a regular basis. Other activities available include yoga, shaves, and massages. The best way to see the ghats is to take a sunrise boat ride.
8. Kerala
Kerala, India’s southwestern state, is a place of tropical beauty. Palm trees, white sand beaches, and eco-tourism are all compelling reasons to visit the area. Kerala, in addition to its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, and temple festivals, is home to Thekkady, a tiger preserve where you can admire flora and fauna without crowds.
Kerala’s commercial center is Kochi, where the local fishing industry coexists with modern high-rises and colonial architecture. Kochi is ethnically and religiously diverse, and you can visit a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch palace, the Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and the Hindu Thrikkakara Temple in a single afternoon.
9. Agra
Agra is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire, is now home to the Taj Mahal, an iconic structure. The white marble mausoleum was constructed in the 17th century and is widely regarded as a love monument.
While breathtakingly beautiful, the Taj Majal can be extremely crowded. The Agra Fort, which is similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, is also worth seeing in Agra. You can tour this 16th-century fort and even go inside its beautiful palace.
10. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, which borders Pakistan and is home to the Thar Desert, is located in northwest India. Rajasthan has some of the best places to visit in India, whether you’re interested in Rajput history or views of the Aravallis Mountains. Jaipur, also known as Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and an excellent place to start your journey.
It is home to some incredible architecture, including three forts, numerous temples, and the magnificent City Palace. Jodhpur, the so-called Blue City that serves as the gateway to the Thar Desert and is home to the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, is also worth a visit in Rajasthan.