Nestled in the enchanting subcontinent of South Asia, India stands as a captivating land of diversity, mystique, and rich cultural heritage. From snow-capped peaks to sun-kissed beaches and bustling cities to serene spiritual retreats, this vast nation offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences that beckon travellers from every corner of the globe. Whether you seek grand architectural marvels, ancient historical sites, vibrant festivals, or serene natural wonders, India’s remarkable tapestry never fails to leave a lasting impression and you can easily book a holiday to India online right now.
In this article, we embark on a remarkable journey through the heart of India, unveiling ten of the very best tourist attractions that define its allure. From the timeless wonders of the north to the sun-soaked charms of the south, each destination is a testament to India’s deep-rooted history and vibrant tapestry of cultures.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.
Goa
Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the wintertime, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.
Kerala
Kerala is a state in the southwestern part of India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act bringing together the areas where Malayalam was the dominant language.
Kerala is a popular tourist destination famous for its backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments and tropical greenery. Kerala has a higher Human Development Index than all other states in India.
Himalayas
The Himalayas Range is a mountain range in Asia that separates the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The Himalayan mountain system is the planet’s highest and home to the world’s highest peaks, the Eight-thousanders, including Mount Everest and K2.
Ganges
The Ganges is the second largest river on the Indian subcontinent by discharge. The 2,510 km (1,560 mi) river rises in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims arrive at these three towns to dip in the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse oneself of sins and help attain salvation. The rapids of the Ganges also are popular for river rafting, attracting hundreds of adventure seekers in the summer months.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park acts as a protected area for India’s critically endangered Bengal tiger, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative.
Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and diverse wildlife. In recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. More than 70,000 visitors from India and other countries come to the park every season.
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India, are 31 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BC. The caves include paintings and sculptures considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art (which depict the Jataka tales) and frescos reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The caves were built in two phases starting around 200 BC, with the second group of caves built around 600 AD.
Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (199 mi) southeast of the state capital Lucknow. It is regarded as a holy city by Buddhists and Jains and is the holiest place in the world in Hinduism (and the centre of the Earth in Hindu cosmology). It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India.
Probably due to its unique culture, Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. A number of hotels are present in the city, as well as more efficient housing for Western student researchers.
Shimla
Shimla, formerly known as Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the “Queen of Hills,” a term coined by the British. Located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 2,205 metres (7,234 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters.
Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. One of India’s most famous tourist spots is the Amarnath cave, considered one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. While the cave is regularly visited by pilgrims making offerings, it has been a target for attacks by Islamic militants.
Have you ever visited India? Is there another place you would recommend for first-time visitors? Do let u know your thoughts in the comments below.