Top 15 Visiting Places In India | Best Tourist Places in India



India is a vibrant land of startling contrasts where both the traditional and modern worlds meet. The world's seventh largest nation by area and the second largest in terms of population, India boasts a rich heritage resulting from centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark.

From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover a trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures.

To help you make the most of your time in this amazing country, often refer to our list of the top tourist attractions in India.

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra


1. The Taj Mahal, Agra



Perhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal, is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen until 1648 to complete.

The Taj Mahal is largely constructed of white marble, incorporating many elements of Islamic design, including arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance. Adding to its splendor are delicate inlaid floral patterns and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.

The best time to visit is either at dawn or dusk when the atmosphere is brilliantly altered by the change in lighting. If possible, try to catch a view of the Taj Mahal's reflection from the far bank of the Yamuna River-it makes for a memorable (and safe) selfie.


Location Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Area 17 hectares[1]
Height 73 m (240 ft)
Built 1632–53
Built for Mumtaz Mahal
Architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
Architectural style(s) Mughal architecture
Visitors 6,532,366 (in 2019)
Governing body Government of India
Website www.tajmahal.gov.in

2. The Holy City of Varanasi


Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, this holy city has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious symbols.

Varanasi offers many reasons to visit.

Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance to Hindus, and numerous locations known as "ghats" feature stairways leading to the water where the faithful bathe before prayers. The largest is Dasashvamedh Ghat and  Assi Ghat. The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers, is considered particularly holy. Not least of them is the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges, where you'll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple, with its seven separate temples, is also interesting.

Also worth seeing is Banaras Hindu University, established in 1917 and noted for its massive library with more than a million books, and the superb Bharat Kala Bhavan museum featuring fine collections of miniature paintings, sculptures, and palm-leaf manuscripts, and local history exhibits.

Country  India
State Uttar Pradesh
District Varanasi
Government
 • Type Municipal Corporation
 • Body Varanasi Municipal Corporation
 • Mayor Mridula Jaiswal (BJP)
 • Divisional Commissioner Deepak Agarwal, IAS
 • District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma, IAS
 • Inspector General, Varanasi Range Suvendra Kr. Bhagat, IPS
 • Commissioner of Police A. Satish Ganesh, IPS
Area
 • Metropolis 82 km2 (32 sq mi)
 • Metro 163.8 km2 (63.2 sq mi)
Elevation
80.71 m (264.80 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Metropolis 1,212,610
 • Rank 31st
 • Metro 1,432,280 (32nd)
Demonym(s) Banarasi
Language
 • Official Hindi
 • Additional official Urdu
 • Regional Bhojpuri
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)


Website Varanasi. nic. in



3. Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar


Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, which opened in 1604 and is still often referred to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration.

The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was built in a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its lower marble section features such flourishes as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of purity to Sikhs.

In addition to its splendid design, visitors are equally impressed with the temple's spiritual atmosphere, an effect enhanced by the prayers continuously chanted from the Sikh holy book and broadcast throughout the complex.

Part of the overall experience – and visitors are welcome to participate – is the chance to enjoy one of the 50,000 free meals the attraction serves visitors daily.

Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006


Golden Temple
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ
Harmandir Sahib
Durbār Sahib
Golden Temple nighttime.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Sikhism
Location
Location Amritsar
State Punjab
Country India

4. The Golden City: Jaisalmer


So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, today the city is filled with splendid old mansions; magnificent gateways; and the massive Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a daunting 12th-century structure that rises high above the town.

In addition to its palaces, temples, and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 bastions along with massive gates leading to its main courtyard, where you'll find the seven-story-tall Maharaja's Palace. Starting in the early 1500s and added to by successive rulers until the 19th century, the palace offers sections open to the public, including beautifully decorated with tiles from Italy and China and intricately carved stone doors.

Several Jain temples dating from the 12th to 16th centuries, each decorated with fine marble and sandstone images, palm-leaf manuscripts, and brightly painted ceilings. Check out the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and antiquities.

Jaisalmer
City

Nickname(s): 
The Golden city

Country India
State Rajasthan
District Jaisalmer
Founded by Rawal Jaisal
Government
 • Member of Parliament Kailash Choudhary
 • Member of Legislative Assembly Rooparam
 • District Collector & District Magistrate Ashish Modi, IAS
 • Superintendent of Police Dr. Ajay Singh, IPS
Area
 • Urban
62.38 km2 (24.09 sq mi)
Elevation
225 m (738 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • City 65,471
Languages
 • Official Hindi and Rajasthani
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
345 001
Telephone code 02992
ISO 3166 code RJ-IN
Vehicle registration RJ-15
Website jaisalmer.rajasthan.gov.in

5. The Red Fort, New Delhi


Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power – a role it maintained until 1857 – the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by a large moat.

Highlights include its two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the fort's main entrance) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.

A fun part of a visit is exploring Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar selling everything from jewelry to silk garments, souvenirs, and food items. While you can explore the fort yourself, guided tours are offered and provide a fascinating insight into the life and times of the Shah, including a peek into the stunning white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) where he received his subjects.

Hot Tip: Try to stick around for the sound and light show each evening featuring important events in the fort's history.

Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006


Red Fort
Delhi fort.jpg
A view of the Red Fort's Lahori Gate
Location Old Delhi, Delhi, India

Height 18–33 m (59–108 ft)
Built 12 May 1639 – 6 April 1648; 373 years ago
Architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Architectural style(s) Indo-Islamic, Mughal
Owner
  • Mughal Empire (1638–1771)
  • Maratha Empire (1771–1803)
  • British India (1803–1947)
  • Government of India (1947–present)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name Red Fort Complex
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iii, vi
Designated 2007 (31st session)
Reference no. 231rev
State Party India
Region Indo-Pacific
Red Fort is located in Delhi
Red Fort
Location in DelhiIndia, Asia


6. Mumbai: The Gateway of India


Standing an impressive 26 meters tall and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see in Mumbai. Built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary in 1911, this stunning piece of architecture was opened with much pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest structure in the city.

Constructed entirely of yellow basalt and concrete and notable for its Indo-Saracenic design, the Gateway of India was also the scene of a rather less jubilant procession of British soldiers in 1948 when India gained its independence. These days, the huge archway provides a stunning backdrop that is as popular among locals as tourists.

Gateway of India
Mumbai 03-2016 30 Gateway of India.jpg
The Gateway of India

General information
Type Triumphal arch
Architectural style Indo-Saracenic
Location Mumbai, India


Construction started 31 March 1913
Completed 1924
Inaugurated 4 December 1924
Cost 21 lakhs
Owner Archaeological Survey of India
Height 26 m (85 ft)
Dimensions
Diameter 15 meters (49 feet)
Design and construction
Architect George Wittet
Architecture firm Gammon India
Renovating team
Architect George Wittet
Website
gatewayofindia.org

7. Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad



Construction of Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid, one of the world's largest mosques – and one of the oldest in India – began in 1614 during Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah's reign and took almost 80 years to complete.

Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this beautiful mosque's 15 enormous arches and pillars were each wrought from single slabs of black granite dragged to the site by huge cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls.

Taking its name from the bricks above the central gate of Mecca, these impressive complex features highlight its main gateway, a huge plaza, and a large manmade pond. There's also a room that houses the hair of Prophet Mohammed.

Other notable features include inscriptions from the Quran above many of the arches and doors, the exquisite roof of the main hall, and the cornices around the entire mosque structure. Look out for the exquisite floral motifs and friezes over the arches.

Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002


Makkah Masjid
Mecca Masjid Hyderabad.JPG
Religion
Affiliation Islam
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Mosque
Location
Location Hyderabad
State Telangana
Country India


Architecture
Style Indo-Islamic architecture
Completed 1693
Specifications
Capacity 10,000
Length 67 m
Width 54 m
Height (max) 23 m
Materials granite

8. Amer Fort, Jaipur


Amer Fort (often also spelled "Amber") was built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and has long served as the capital of Jaipur. Carved high up into the hillside, the fort is accessible on foot via a steep climb or shuttle rides from the town below (better still, let an elephant do the work).

Highlights include Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard with its many decorated elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also of note is the adjoining Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am) with its finely decorated walls and terraces frequented by monkeys.

Other highlights include Sukh Niwas (the Hall of Pleasure) with its many flowerbeds and a channel once used to carry cooling water, and the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), notable for its many decorative panels, colorful ceilings, and excellent views over the palace and the lake below.

Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh and featuring tall lookout towers, formidable walls, and the world's largest wheeled cannon. Be sure to also spend time wandering the walled  Old City of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and splendid bazaars and the delightful City Palace, a massive complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.

Amer fort
Part of Jaipur
Amer, Rajasthan, India
Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg




Type Fort and Palace
Site information
Controlled by Government of Rajasthan
Open to
the public
Yes
Condition Good
Site History
Built 967
Materials Sandstone and marble
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iii
Designated 2013 (37th session)
Part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Reference no. 247
State Party India
Region South Asia

9. The Beaches of Goa


Long known within India as the "go-to" destination for those seeking a great beach holiday, Goa's beautiful western coastline, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has only recently been discovered by tourists from overseas. Goa's more than 60 miles of coastline is home to some of the world's loveliest beaches, each with a particular appeal.

For those looking for peace and quiet, isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice, while Calangute Beach is by far the most commercial and crowded. For those in search of posh resorts, yoga getaways, and spa vacations, the beaches of MandremMorjim, and Ashwem are fashionable among wealthy Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is another one of Goa's popular beaches in a beautiful setting.

While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This superb attraction is home to thick forests and plenty of fauna, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, black panthers, India's famous king cobras, and some 200 species of birds.

Also worth a visit is Divar Island, accessed by ferry from Old Goa. Highlights include Piedade, a typical Goan village and home to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its interesting stucco work, Baroque plaster decorations, and altars, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

10. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai


One of South India's most popular tourist attractions, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, is centered around a lake built by British engineers in 1895 to irrigate and provide water to the city of Madurai.

Established in 1934, this beautiful park is home to numerous species of mammals, including a large free-roaming Indian elephant population, wild boar, otters, the lion-tailed macaque, and more than 20 Bengal tigers. Bird-watching is popular with frequent sightings of species such as darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos, along with a wide interesting variety of butterflies.

The best ways to enjoy the park's splendid mountain scenery are to take a lake cruise or guided jungle walk. The latter allows visitors to meet with elephant herds and observe other wildlife from watchtowers and viewing platforms.

Hot Tip: Be sure to visit one of the nearby spices, tea, or coffee plantations for a tour.

Periyar National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Periyar National Park.JPG

Periyar NP
Location Idukki and Pathanamthitta, Kerala state, India
Nearest city Kottayam, Kochi

Area 350 km2 (140 sq mi)
Established 1934-1950 (As Nellikkaampetty Game sanctuary), 1950-present(As Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
Visitors 180,000 (in 1986)
Governing body Department of Forests and Wildlife (Kerala)

Field Director: Sri. Georgi P Mathechan

Deputy Director: Smt. Silpa V. Kumar

11. Agra Fort


Built as a military structure in 1565 by Emperor Akbar and later additions by Shah Jahan, the stunning Agra Fort (also known as Agra's Red Fort) is an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim influences.

Located more than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, the fort is entered through Amar Singh Gate, with its low outer wall and dogleg design built to confuse attackers. Once inside, you'll see two large interlinked sandstone buildings, Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private residence in the complex.

Other highlights include the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its splendid copper roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-patterned Mughal garden with numerous wonderful fountains and water channels as well as screens that once offered a private area for the emperor and his entourage. Also of note is the octagonal Musamman Burj tower, which later served as Shah Jahan's prison until his death.

Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003


Agra Fort
Agra 03-2016 10 Agra Fort.jpg
Agra Fort
Location Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Area 94 acres (38 ha)
Built 1565–1573
Built for Akbar
Architectural style(s) Mughal
Owner
  • Lodhi Dynasty (1504–1526)
  • Mughal Empire (1526–1540)
  • Suri Dynasty (1540–1555)
  • Mughal Empire (1556–1761)
  • Bharatpur State (1761–1774)
  • Mughal Empire (1774–1785)
  • Maratha Empire (1785–1803)
  • British Empire (1803–1947)
  • Government of India (1947- present day)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria Cultural: (iii)
Reference 251
Inscription 1984 (8th Session)

12. The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad


The famous monumental Ellora Caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks and make for an excellent excursion from Mumbai, some 300 kilometers to the west.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable collection of 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples – 12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five belonging to the Jain faith – were built near each other, a reflection of the religious tolerance that existed during this period of Indian history.

The highlights of the Buddhist monastery caves include several shrines featuring carvings of Buddha and saints dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, as well as the stunning Carpenter's Cave, considered one of the finest in India.

The Hindu caves are much more complex and were carved from the top, so scaffolding was unnecessary. Of these, the best is the Kailasa Temple, an enormous rock-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and requiring the removal of 200,000 tons of rock.

Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves, India, Kailasanatha Temple 2.jpg
Cave 16 of the Kailasanatha Temple, Interior
Type Monolithic caves
Location Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India


UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type Cultural
Criteria I, iii, vi
Designated 1983 (7th session)
Reference no. 243
UNESCO Region Asia-Pacific

13. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur




Dominating the old city of Jodhpur, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest fortifications in India, was built in the 15th century to safeguard the people of the famous "Blue City." Jodhpur is still known by this name, derived from its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to deflect the heat.

Built on top of a towering outcrop, Mehrangarh is an amazing feat of construction, its massive walls all but impenetrable. Access is via one of seven splendid gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter still bears scars from cannon attacks).

Highlights of a visit include exploring the fort's fascinating network of courtyards and palaces and a museum housing a splendid collection of artifacts related to the Maharajas. Be sure to spend time in the historic center of Jodhpur itself, famous for its eight city gates, a lovely old clock tower, and numerous bazaars selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.

Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Official site: www.mehrangarh.org

Mehrangarh
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Mehrangarh Fort.jpg
View of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh is located in Rajasthan
Mehrangarh
Mehrangarh

Type Fort
Site information
Controlled by H H Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur
Open to
the public
Yes
Site History
Built by Rathore dynasty of Jodhpur

14. The Ganges River


The Ganges River, or "Ganga" after the Hindu goddess, has long been one of India's most revered natural wonders. It's also one of the country's leading attractions, drawing crowds of Indian nationals to partake in its religious ceremonies and tourists to enjoy this mighty river's splendor.

While many cities dotted along the river, it's to the city of Varanasi that most tourists will travel to experience the Ganges and the cultural attractions that have sprung up along its banks. Although relatively small by Indian standards – its population is around 1.2 million people – the city is chock-full of temples and other important religious sites, many of them focused on the worship of (or on) the Ganges.

Numerous "ghats" are set along the river banks, making it easy for worshippers and tourists to get up close. Made up of sometimes steep steps leading directly into the water, 88 of these entry points to the Ganges are, in fact. While most are many centuries old, they were extensively reconstructed and improved in the 1700s, and with their often vibrant, colorful ceremonies and celebrations are some of the most beautiful places to photograph in India.

If you've time, opt for one of the Ganges river tours available in the city from any of the ghats. The most memorable is the early morning sunrise cruises. Top the experience by purchasing one of the small, floating offerings available from a vendor and set it off down the river (camera at the ready, of course).

Ganges
Varanasiganga.jpg
The Ganges in Varanasi
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basins.jpg
Map of the combined drainage basins of the Ganges (yellow), Brahmaputra (violet), and Meghna (green)
Location
Country India (as Ganga), Bangladesh (as the Padma)
Cities Uttarakhand: Rishikesh, Haridwar

Uttar Pradesh: Fatehgarh, Bijnor, Kannauj, Bithoor, Kasganj, Kanpur,

 Allahabad, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Farrukhabad, Narora

Bihar: Bhagalpur, Patna, Hajipur, Katihar, Munger

Jharkhand: Sahibganj West Bengal: Murshidabad, Plassey, Nabadwip, Shantipur, Kolkata, Baranagar, Diamond HarbourHaldiaBudge BudgeHowrahUluberiaBarrackpore

Delhi: (Yamuna) tributary

Rajshahi Division: Rajshahi, Pabna, Ishwardi

Dhaka Division: Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Munshiganj, Faridpur

Chittagong Division: Chandpur, Noakhali

Barisal Division: Bhola
Physical characteristics
Source Confluence at Devprayag, Uttarakhand of the Alaknanda river (the source stream in hydrology because of its greater length) and the Bhagirathi river (the source stream in Hindu mythology). The headwaters of the river include: Mandakini, Nandakini, Pindar and the Dhauliganga, all tributaries of the Alaknanda.
 • location Devprayag, the beginning of the main stem of the Ganges
Mouth Bay of Bengal
 • location
Ganges Delta
Length 2,525 km (1,569 mi)
Basin size 1,016,124 km2 (392,328 sq mi)
Discharge  
 • location Farakka Barrage
 • average 16,648 m3/s (587,900 cu ft/s)
 • minimum 180 m3/s (6,400 cu ft/s)
 • maximum 70,000 m3/s (2,500,000 cu ft/s)
Discharge  
 • location Ganges Delta, Bay of Bengal
 • average 18,691 m3/s (660,100 cu ft/s)
Discharge  
 • location Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (Basin size 1,730,300 km2 (668,100 sq mi), Bay of Bengal
 • average 38,129 m3/s (1,346,500 cu ft/s)

43,900 m3/s (1,550,000 cu ft/s)

1,389 km3/a (44,000 m3/s)
Basin features
Tributaries  
 • left Ramganga, Garra,  GomtiGhagharaGandakBurhi GandakKoshiMahananda
 • right The YamunaTamsa (also called Tons), KaramnasaSonePunpunFalguKiul, Chandan, Ajoy, Damodar, Rupnarayan

15. Mysore Palace


The sprawling city of Mysore is a delight to explore, thanks to its eclectic mix of fine old colonial architecture, regal Indian palaces, and lush, well-manicured gardens. While those inclined towards shopping will enjoy spending time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood bazaars, the main attraction is the magnificent Mysore Palace.

Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this beautiful three-storied palace features highlights such as its elegant square towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and pillars in Durbar Hall; and the splendid Marriage Pavilion, with its glazed floor tiles, stunning stained glass, artworks, and displays of jewelry. It's also where, on special occasions, the exquisite Golden Throne is exhibited.

For a real treat, catch one of the splendid light displays held each Sunday and during holidays, when the palace is illuminated by more than 90,000 lights. A fun way to explore the palace's massive grounds and gardens is as part of a cycle tour, available free once inside.

Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001


Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace Morning.jpg
Mysore Palace is located in Karnataka
Mysore Palace
Location within Karnataka
Alternative names Amba Vilas Palace
General information
Architectural style Indo-Saracenic
Location Chamarajapura
Town or city Mysore
Country India

Current tenants Government of Karnataka
Construction started 1897
Completed 1912
Owner Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar
Design and construction
Architect Henry Irwin
Designations Royal Seat of the Maharajas of Mysore
Website
https://mysorepalace.gov.in







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