Top Travel Destinations In India

Which are the best places to visit in India? Many travelers find it hard to choose because India is such a large and culturally diverse country and has so many amazing places to visit. Of course, some places are always more popular than others. Whether you want to be inspired by classic Golden Triangle cities or the relaxation in Kerala and Goa in the south, I’ve selected the best destinations for you.

1. Delhi for history and food

2. Agra for the iconic Taj Mahal

3. Rajasthan for forts and palaces

4. Ranthambore as a place for wildlife

5. Goa for Beaches

6. Backwaters of Kerala – a getaway for relaxation

7. Munnar for tea and nature

8. Madurai for South Indian culture

1. Delhi for history and food

India’s capital, Delhi, is a fascinating fusion of cultures that has everything from rich history to delicious food. Delhi is a city built upon cities, which means it has ancient sites and monuments from different eras. You can go sightseeing here for centuries, taking in the 17th-century Red Fort, one of India’s largest mosques, Humayun’s Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and many other historical figures’ tombs and temples.

With some of the best food scenes in the country, Delhi is referred to as the culinary capital of India. You should not miss trying some of the famous Delhi dishes while in the city, whether at a coffee shop or street stall. It is best to eat butter chicken, kebabs, dal makhani, samosas, kulfi, etc. The most enriching experience is to take a food tour of Old Delhi with a local guide, combing history, culture, and cuisine.

The following are just a few things you can expect on a tour of Old Delhi

For the most comfortable weather, visit between October and March

2. Agra for the iconic Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic attraction, making Agra one of the most visited cities in the country. It makes up one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, which was built by the fifth ruler of the Mughal Empire as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Every year, millions of visitors come to admire this beautiful mausoleum and learn about its fascinating history. There have been famous visitors such as Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton, and Mark Zuckerberg. 

As well as Agra fort, one of the finest Mughal forts, itimad ud daulah’s tomb is another noteworthy site. You should also consider taking a side trip to Fatehpur Sikri to see some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

Best time to visit Agra: Between October and March.

3. Rajasthan for forts and palaces

Rajasthan, literally “Land of the Kings”, is the most colorful state in India and is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful landmarks. This city is known for its magnificent forts and palaces. They were built by the chivalrous Rajputs (members of Indian Hindu warrior castes) hundreds of years ago. Some of the palaces and forts in Rajasthan have been converted into elegant hotels and fascinating museums.

Jaipur, the capital and gateway to the state, is known as “The Pink City” since the old city is filled with pink buildings and walls. The city ranked as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in the World as selected by millions of real travelers in 2019. The City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jantar Mantar, an observatory, are among its heritage sites worth exploring.

4. Ranthambore as a place for wildlife

In India, Ranthambore National Park, named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and once a hunting ground for Maharajas, is where some of the best tiger sightings can be observed. There are about 70 tigers in the park, and Zone 6 has the best chance of seeing them (the park has ten zones). Tigers aren’t the only animals found at the park; sloth bears, leopards, and more than 300 different species of birds also reside there.

Tip: There is a suggestion that if you want a greater chance of seeing tigers, or as many animals as possible, you take more safaris, such as two or three days.

It is the best time of year to visit Ranthambore: the national park is only open from October to June. The rest of the year is closed because of monsoon rains. In the winter, from October through December, there are cooler temperatures. If you do not mind the hot weather, March and June are the best months for wildlife viewing as most animals seek out water.

5. Goa for Beaches

Goa, India’s smallest state, is located on the western coast with stunning coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. This city was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and has well-preserved colonial architecture. Among Goa’s biggest draws are its beaches, each of which has its own unique look and feel. Beaches in the north are usually more developed and action-packed, while those in the south are usually quieter. There is Anjuna, where you can experience hippie bliss, Palolem for soft sands surrounded by palm trees, Mandrem for laid-back ambiance, Agonda for tranquility, and many other spots to suit a wide spectrum of tastes.

Travelers often practice yoga and meditation along with sunbathing on the beach. There are sunrise yoga sessions you can attend. There are several other things you may like to do while in Goa, including tasting the local food, visiting a spice farm, and exploring the Portuguese colonial heritage, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral, and A church dedicated to Lady of Rosary, as well as the cathedral.

The best time to visit Goa is from October to March when it is dry and warm. It is hot and humid in April and May, and monsoon rains arrive in June and September.

6. Backwaters of Kerala – A getaway for relaxation

The state of Kerala is dotted with glistening backwaters, sandy beaches, and verdant hills. One of the most popular attractions in the state is the well-known Kerala backwaters, with Alleppey being the meeting point of the backwaters. There is no better way to capture all the beauty of this peaceful, palm-fringed network of waterways, lagoons, canals, and rivers than by taking photographs.

You can experience the backwaters best by taking a traditional houseboat, which was once used by locals to carry fish, rice, and spices, but is now a “floating hotel”. Spend a night or two on the water eating Indian food prepared fresh on board while watching the world go by. It is one of the best Kerala experiences and should definitely be included in your South India vacation.

Best time to visit Kerala: between October and March when the weather is mild and pleasant. The hottest months are April, May, and June. From July through September, there are heavy monsoon rains.

7. Munnar for tea and nature

Munnar, which sits high atop a hill at over 1,500 meters / 4,921 feet, is a scenic stop in South India where you can escape the heat of the plains and get close to nature. With its beautiful valleys, mountain streams, and emerald-green tea plantations, it is the perfect getaway for honeymooners, leisure travelers, and nature lovers. There is also a large tea-growing area here in South India. Take a nature walk through tea estates that date back to the 19th century, watch women picking tea leaves, or visit a factory to learn what goes into making a cup of tea. Don’t forget to sample the local tea and to take some home as a souvenir.

Best time to visit Munnar: Enjoy the most pleasant weather from October to March. Also, a good time is April to June. Its monsoon season (July to September) can hamper your travel plans, but it also gives the hill station a fresh look.

8. Madurai for South Indian culture

Madras, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s oldest cities, with a history spanning over 2,500 years. It is still a thriving center of Tamil culture and learning, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists in search of a genuine taste of south Indian culture.

Known as the “Athens of the East”, the city is best known for its temples. In south India, Meenakshi Temple is the most dazzling and important temple with a zoo-like structure. A huge temple complex with 14 towers and the Hall of Thousand Pillars is situated here. A night ceremony is performed during which the image of Shiva joins that of his consort Parvati. It is therefore recommended that you explore the temple during the day and see the ceremony at night in order to have a more rich experience.

Located 2 kilometers / 1.2 miles southeast of Meenakshi Temple is the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, the second largest attraction in Madurai. The palace was constructed by King Tirumala Nayaka, who ruled Madurai between 1623 and 1659. The architecture is a combination of Dravidian and Islamic styles and features huge, beautiful pillars. On every evening, several light and sound shows are performed to tell the story of the earliest Tamil epic, Silappathikaram.

After reading this post, you may have an idea where you want to go in India.