Best Places To Visit In India

India is a country with diverse landscapes and cultures. India has a historically and culturally rich heritage that has fascinated people all over the world. The places to visit in India are plenty in number due to the varied geological structure of the country. The famous places in India include mountains, lakes, beaches, plains, forests, woods, deserts, and even swamps and backwaters in India.

Table of Contents

India’s varied landscape, along with its remarkable culture and diversity, has made it a top country to visit. You can choose to marvel at the Himalayan mountains in the north, desert in the West, lowlands and forests in the east, or rocky green hills of the South. India, being a peninsula, also has its fair share of beaches that cover the borders of most Eastern, Western, and Southern states.

If you are travelling to India or want to travel within India, here are some top tourist places in India to check out.

10 best places to visit in India

These are some of the must-visit places in India. Take a look at the tourism hubs and places in India to get your adventure on.

Agra

Source: Pinterest

Agra is one of the most visited places in India. It is also number one among the best places to visit in India. Agra houses the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for travel and history enthusiasts.

Agra itself does not just draw its glory from the Taj Mahal. The city is a great place to visit due to its rich history. Agra was the seat of the Mughal Empire from Babur to the great Shah Jahan. The Agra Fort, Tomb of Akbar, Mehtab Bagh, and Fatehpur Sikri, are some architectural beauties that reflect the grandeur and culture of the Mughal period. Agra is definitely a famous tourist place in India which you should not miss.

By air:- Agra Airport is the best way to reach Agra city by air. This domestic airport serves as the main air link to the city. International travellers can reach Mumbai or Delhi airport to get connecting flights here.

By rail:- Agra railway station is well connected to other parts of India. You will find plenty of direct trains to Agra from all major Indian cities. It is the cheapest way to travel in India.

Jaipur

Source: Pinterest

Jaipur is another city that rightly falls under the list of famous tourist places in India. Located in Rajasthan, Jaipur is another historically influential place and home to the Rajput warrior clan. The city is formed by a melee of castles and forts, which are marvels of Indian architecture from the pre-colonial periods.

The top tourist places here include Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Jaigarh Fort, Galtaji Temple, Jal Mahal, Amrapali Museum, and Patrika Gate. Additionally, you can shop at the local markets for authentic Kundan jewellery and glass bangles which are a speciality of Rajasthan. Munch on some delicious Rajasthani thalis and sweet Ghevar at the local restaurants and street shops. You can also take short trips to nearby cities to further explore the glorious architectural beauties of the Rajput empire.

By air:- Jaipur has its own international airport, which is connected to major airport cities in India and abroad. Tourists in India can readily get domestic flights to Jaipur from their location.

By rail:- Jaipur railway station also serves as the main rail link in the state of Rajasthan. The city is connected by direct trains from Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai. You can also get connecting trains here from other Indian cities.

Delhi

Source: Pinterest

A tour of the best places in India will be incomplete without a visit to its capital city Delhi. Delhi was a seat of the Mughal empire well before becoming the country’s capital in the colonial period. Delhi has its fair share of architectural beauty from the Mughal and colonial times. The list of tourist places in Delhi is almost countless.

The must-visit places in India, especially in Delhi, include Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas Village, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, and so on. You can also visit the famous market places of Delhi, which include Chandni Chawk, Sarojini Nagar, and Connaught Place. The Delhi museums like the National Museum and Museum of Modern Art are also special attractions. The nightlife of Delhi can be enjoyed by people looking for some relaxation. Delhi is the perfect combination of history and modernity in one place.

By air:- Delhi International Airport is the most important air link in India. The airport receives both international and domestic flights and is one of the busiest air links in India. If you are an Indian tourist, you will find plenty of direct flights here from any airport in the country.

By rail:- New Delhi Railway station is located in the heart of the city and is well connected by rail links to other cities. Both passenger and local trains come here everyday from various parts of India.

Srinagar

Source: Pinterest

The Kashmir Valley is the pride of India and easily ranks among the best places to travel in India. Srinagar is one of the largest cities in Jammu and Kashmir, and its beauty is truly unmatched. Srinagar has some beautiful gems to offer to all tourists travelling to India. If the beautiful valleys and large meadows do not impress you enough, its huge natural lake surely will.

Rightfully termed as India’s Switzerland and ‘heaven on earth’, Srinagar will give you a glimpse of the ethereal beauty of the Himalayan mountains. The places to visit in Srinagar are Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Nigeen Lake, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Pari Mahal, Hazratbal Masjid, Shankaracharya Mandir, Jamia Masjid, and, Badamawari Bagh, Chashma Shai. Additionally, you can take a boat ride on Dal Lake and stay at the famous Boat Houses on the lake, which offer spectacular views. Hot air balloon rides are also available for adventure and entertainment.

By air:- Srinagar airport is located in Srinagar city and is the fastest way to travel here. However, this is a domestic terminal and doesn’t allow international flights. International travellers can simply travel to Delhi international airport and take connecting flights to Srinagar.

By rail:– Srinagar doesn’t have its own railway station since it is situated on the mountains. However, you can travel to Jammu Tawi railway station and then take a cab ride to Srinagar.

Coorg

Source: Pinterest

The beauty of the Indian subcontinent is not limited to the Himalayas only. The western ghats of south India are a special attraction due to their exotic and push green landscapes. The western ghats offer some breathtaking views of hills and cliffs covered by rain-fed vegetation. The hill station of Coorg is located in the heart of Karnataka and ranks among the best places in India to visit any time of the year.

The monsoons in Coorg are a sight to behold as the rainwater replenishes the waterfalls and makes everything look greener. If you want to visit tourist places in India that are quaint and free from crowds, nothing will be as peaceful as Coorg. You can book a hotel at the edge of the hills and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The places to see around Coorg include Raja’s Seat, Coorg, Abbey Falls, coffee plantations, Namdroling Monastery, Tadiandamol, Iruppu Falls, Talakaveri, Dubare Elephant camp, Omkareshwara temple, and Honnamana Kere Lake.

By air:– Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport to Coorg and located about 160 km away from the town. The airport is connected by domestic flights from around India. International travellers can travel to Mumbai or Chennai International Airport and then take connecting flights here.

By rail:– Mysore Railway Station is the nearest railway from Coorg and situated about 107 kms away. A cab or bus ride from this railway station will take you through extremely picturesque roads before reaching Coorg.

Shillong

Source: Pinterest

Shillong is the ideal place to visit for its breathtaking scenic beauty, soothing weather, and rich culture. Located in Meghalaya, this small town belongs to the gems of the northeastern states of India. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of the Khasi and Jaintia hills once they visit Shillong. Meghalaya itself is known as the land of clouds due to its foggy and cloudy weather. Close to Shillong lies the wettest place on Earth, Mausim Gram. There are several natural root bridges near Shillong, which are also marvels of nature.

Take a quaint boat ride at the Nan-Polok and visit the beautiful Elephant Falls. You can also take a short ride to Cherrapunji to see the seven sister falls. The local cuisine of Shillong is spectacular, and you can visit nearby restaurants and street food stalls to have their famous Jadoh and burnt chicken.

By air:- Guwahati Airport is the nearest airport to Shillong. Tourists need to reach Guwahati Airport by domestic flights and then travel to Shillong by road. International travellers can first reach Kolkata or Delhi international airports and then take connecting flights.

By rail:- Shillong is a hill station located high in the mountains. Therefore, no direct rail link is available here. However, you can travel to Guwahati railway station and take a cab or bus to reach Shillong.

Darjeeling

Source: Pinterest

Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal which has been a popular tourist destination since colonial times. This quaint hill station offers some spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Darjeeling is also rich in architectural beauty with well-preserved colonial buildings and hotels.

The majestic tea gardens of Darjeeling produce some of the best tea varieties in the world. The places to visit in and from Darjeeling are Tiger Hill, Darjeeling zoo, Lamahatta Park, Lepchajagat, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Mirik, Tinchuley, Shillong, Kalimpong, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Makaibari Tea Estate, and many more. The majestic mountains and lush green tea garden make it one of the best places to visit in India.

By air:– Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Tourists travelling in India can take domestic flights to Bagdogra Airport and then travel to Darjeeling. The town is located about 3 hours away from the airport, and the roads leading to the town pass through the beautiful mountains.

By rail:- New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest railway station to Darjeeling. This station is well connected to other parts of India. From New Jalpaiguri, you can also opt for a toy train ride to Darjeeling town, which travels along the mountain roads.

Ladakh

Source: Pinterest

Ladakh is a union territory of India located in the Karakoram range. Ladhak is a famous tourist place in India with thousands of people travelling there every year. It is the highest plateau in India and a completely landlocked region. The Indus river flows through its heart and provides nourishment to the little, sparse vegetation of the place. Ladakh is known for its lakes and rivers. These water bodies change colour from teal to turquoise and grey depending on the day.

Ladakh also has some beautiful monasteries for the mainly Buddhist local population. It is also a popular biking and trekking place perfect for an adventurous soul. The places of interest in Ladakh are Pangong Lake, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Sangam, Shanti Stupa, Tso Moriri, Magnetic Hill, and Zanskar Valley.

By air:– Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the air link of Ladakh town. It is located within the town itself, so there will be no need to travel long distances by road. However, this is a domestic airport, so only domestic flights arrive here.

By rail:– There is no direct railway link to Ladhak. Tourists can instead reach Jammu Tawi Railway Station and then take flights to Ladakh Airport. Alternatively, you can also travel to Ladakh from Jammu through roadways.

Goa

Source: Pinterest

To experience the beauty of the Indian peninsula, its beaches should be a must-visit. Goa is an extremely popular tourist place in India, especially among youngsters. Located on the Konkan coast, this beach city was an important destination for Portuguese settlers in India. The beach city has since flourished both in natural beauty and rich architecture. Portuguese-inspired buildings are spread over the city and can be visited by locals and tourists. Goa’s beaches also receive a large number of tourists who come to enjoy the party ambience and nightlife. The other important places to visit are Calangute beach, Baga beach, Fort Aguada, Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church. The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By air:- Dabolim Airport in Goa is the best way to travel here by air. It is an important domestic terminal with a few international flights travelling from Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

By rail:- Goa is also well connected by rail links. Madgaon Junction is the most important railway station in the state. The station is well connected to other parts of India and is the cheapest way to travel here.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Source: Pinterest

Did you know India also has a number of islands within its territory? The Andaman And Nicobar Islands are the perfect destination and best place to visit in India if you love sea beaches. The beauty of the Andaman And Nicobar Islands is unmatched. The white sands and protected coral reefs are marvellous to watch. All beaches around the island will give you a view of bright blue waters free from pollution and waste. The popular places to visit here are Swaraj Dweep, Port Blair, Cellular jail, Baratang, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Havelock Islands, and much more. You can also take cruise rides and Elephant rides in and around the islands.

By air:- Veer Savarkar International Airport is located in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The airport receives both domestic and international flights so travelling here won’t be a problem for anyone.

By waterways:- Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also well connected by waterways from cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. You can take a cruise ride from these ports and reach these amazing islands.