Taj Mahal, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India

Lying on the banks of the Yamuna river and in the south of New Delhi, Agra is a populous city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It tops the list of the best places to tour in India due to holding a number of wonders that are designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The Taj Mahal in Agra is accepted by many as the symbol of India and it is the very reason why millions of tourists make their excursion to Agra each year. This extraordinary mausoleum of white marble, which was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, is a jewel of Islamic art and probably the most sophisticated example of Mughal architecture in India. Other notable Mughal masterpieces include the Agra Fort, a historic fort with double ramparts and monuments; the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, a mausoleum known as the “Bachcha Taj” or the ‘Baby Taj’; and the Tomb of Akbar the Great, an ornate 17th-century Mughal memorial with trimmed gardens.

New Delhi (Capital of India)

New Delhi, the capital of India, is a very active city with a lot of tourist attractions. Since it is the national capital of the country, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is located here which you can visit if you wish. It is home to many important historic landmarks such as the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal imperial residence with museums; the Qutb Minar, a 73 metres tall victory tower of five stories which is considered to be the country’s tallest minaret; Humayun’s Tomb, a red-sandstone 16th-century tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun which is known to be the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent; and the India Gate, the iconic triumphal arch and war memorial commemorating the Indian soldiers martyred in the First World War. Explore Chandni Chowk, the city’s most hectic shopping area where almost every kind of goods and food are available.

Mumbai (Maharashtra), India

Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is a bustling coastal city on the west coast of India. This large city is the country’s financial and economic centre. It is also the heart of Bollywood, the Indian film industry, and the residences of most of the Bollywood Stars are located in the city. The city is further recognised as the richest city in India with the highest number of millionaires and billionaires in the whole of India living in it. Mumbai is home to numerous historic sites and some of them are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Elephanta Caves, a collection of 7th-century cave temples devoted to the Hindu god Shiva; Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a historic railway station which is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India; and the attractive Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings. Visiting the Gateway of India, a 20th-century waterfront Indo-Saracenic arch-monument, is a must. For more genuine and local vibes, consider exploring the Chor Bazaar or Thieves Market, one of the largest flea markets in the country with a whole variety of goods on offer.

Rajasthan (Northern India)

Rajasthan, which literally means the “Land of Kings”, is the largest state by area in northern India with remnants of the former kings and queens. Its medieval forts, palaces and temples make it a significant place to visit on your trip to India. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known worldwide as the “Pink City” due to its trademark pink buildings. It remains one of the best places to travel in Rajasthan with lavish City Palace complex, 16th-century hilltop Amber Palace, pink sandstone Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory. Jodhpur is another attractive city to be visited with Mehrangarh Fort, a 15th-century massive palace that is now serving as a museum. The city has most of its buildings painted in blue and therefore, it is acknowledged as the “Blue City”. Rajasthan’s Udaipur can be a romantic destination with its flower-lined streets, a set of artificial lakes like Lake Pichola and several lakeside royal residences. Last but not least, the golden city of Jaisalmer is a must because of its really impressive yellow sandstone architecture such as Jaisalmer Fort and traditional Rajasthani mansions or “Havelis” like Patwon ki Haveli and Salam Singh ki Haweli. It does not matter where you find yourself in this magical state of Rajasthan, you are bound to be impressed anyway.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Rishikesh, the holy city and yoga capital of the world, is located alongside the Ganges River in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It has been a centre for yoga and meditation; and therefore, it is an ideal destination for spiritual-minded people. Around the city, there are many ashrams and temples, including Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Lakshman Temple, Triveni Ghat and Gita Bhawan, which offer spiritual activities and courses in yoga and meditation. The city is also home to Beatles Ashram, the historic place which was visited by the pop band Beatles in the late 1960s. Also called by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, it now showcases Beatles art and graffiti. If you are in Rishikesh – not for any spiritual purposes, but for enjoyment- the best places to go are Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, the iconic suspension bridges that award spectacular scenic views.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Varanasi, also identified as Benares or Banaras, is one of the earliest holy cities on the banks of the Ganges River, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. With thousands of Hindu pilgrims coming to the city every now and then to bathe in the sacred water of the Ganges River and perform rituals, it can be defined as the spiritual capital of India. Along the river, there are a number of ghats or sets, including Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, where religious ceremonies and Hindu cremations take place. As a tourist, you can take part in spiritual activities or watch them from a fairly close distance. There is a sort of spiritualism in engaging yourself in activities such as taking sunrise boat tours and releasing Diya and Baati or floral blessings that float on the river water. The city has about two thousand temples along its streets and among them, the most prominent are Kashi Vishwanath, Shri Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir and Tulsi Manas Mandir.

Amritsar, Punjab, India

Amritsar is a sacred city, particularly for the followers of Sikhism, in the Indian state of Punjab bordering Pakistan. It is regarded as the “Jewel of Punjab” and is generally known for its gilded Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, which is the most sacred Gurdwara and one of the country’s most significant pilgrimage sites of the Sikh religion. As it is the central place of worship, Sikhs from different parts of the world arrive here to pray. The Langar Hall at the Golden Temple is one of the largest community kitchens in the world where nearly 100,000 devotees or travellers can eat on average daily for free. Although dominated by the Sikhs, the city has a few Hindu temples like the Durgiana Temple and Param Pujya Mata Lal Devi Mandir. Consider spending an afternoon at the border to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony when the ceremonial closing of gates and lowering of flags of India and Pakistan take place.

Goa (Western India)

Goa, a relatively small coastal state in western India, is undoubtedly a perfect holiday destination for every class of travellers. It is famed for its incredible beaches namely Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Agonda Beach, Arambol Beach, Benaulim Beach, Sinquerim Beach and so on. Almost all of these beaches provide a festive atmosphere, various water recreations such as boating, parasailing and water skiing, and eateries or eating facilities. Due to its long history with the Portuguese, the Portuguese heritage in the state is quite evident in its tropical spice productions and preserved architectures such as Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Se Cathedral, Cabo de Rama etc.

Kerala, India

Kerala, popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country, is a gorgeous little state in South India. Its spectacular palm-lined beaches, beautiful backwaters, and unique culture and tradition make it one of the most sought-after tourist stops in the world. If you looking for a break from the crowd, the peaceful state of Kerala should be your destination. The state offers some quite unique experiences, particularly, the experience of getting on a traditional thatched-top houseboat in the city of Alappuzha and gently gliding through tranquil canals and lagoons. It is also home to several stunning natural sights and national parks such as Eravikulam and Periyar, which are the dwelling places of wildlife like elephants, tigers and monkeys.

Darjeeling (West Bengal), India

Darjeeling, a city in the West Bengal state of India, is a great destination for sightseers. It is well-loved for its emerald-green tea plantations and towering dignified mountains including Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is recognised as one of the highest peaks in the world. It is its mountain range that makes the area an ideal place for a mountain trek or mountain biking event. Darjeeling is also home to numerous Buddhist monasteries such as Ghum Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Dali Monastery, Japanese Buddhist Temple, Bhutia Busty Monastery and so on. One of the main attractions in this town is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the “Toy Train”. Get on this 140-year-old train for a fun ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, which is counted among the most picturesque train tours in the world.

Kolkata (West Bengal), India

Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. During the British Raj, it was the capital and a significant commercial centre of India. Now tourists are attracted to this city due to its magnificent colonial architecture, museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals, for which it is acknowledged as the “cultural capital” of India. The highlights of the city include Victoria Memorial, a grand white marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria; Howrah Bridge, an extensive cantilever road bridge over the Hooghly River; Dakshineswar Kali Temple, an excellent 19th-century riverside temple; and Park Street, a well-known thoroughfare with shops, restaurants and pubs.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), India

Simla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a very popular summer holiday destination in India because of its cooler climate. Its serene atmosphere makes it also a proper honeymoon spot. The most popular thing in Simla is to take a ride on the Kalka–Shimla railway which runs from Kalka to Shimla offering scenic views of the hills and surrounding villages. Shopping lovers can visit Simla’s Mall Road, a famous shopping market with handicraft shops, and the Lakkar Bazaar, a comprehensive marketplace with shops mainly selling wooden items. The Ridge, which is located nearby these markets, is a large open space that is the centre of all cultural activities in Simla.

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