Top 15 tourist places in northern India

India is a diverse country, with an amalgamation of distinct cultures, religions, food and altitude (if you read that as ‘attitude’, well, that’s true too). Given its diversity, India has no shortage of tourist places and attractions. In this article, we explore northern India and take a look at the top 15 places to visit in north India.

 

Tourist places in northern India: 15 places that are magical

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

 

Shimla, the charming capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the best tourist places in northern India, offers a distinctive travel experience with its snow-capped mountains, woods, lush green valleys, tranquil lakes and comfortable climatic conditions. Shimla is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. Along with these natural wonders, the area is home to museums, historical buildings, churches, and the bustling Mall Road. Shimla is one of the top honeymoon destinations in north India, because it is apart from the bustle of big cities.

Read more about places to visit in Shimla

By train: There are different ways you can reach Shimla. The closest wide-gauge railroad station near Shimla is Kalka, which is located 89 kms away and serves Shimla and its surrounding areas. It is one of India’s oldest and busiest railway stations. 

By air: The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport which is 25 kms away. 

By road: If you reside in Himachal Pradesh, you can reach Shimla either by car or local transport. Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between tourist destinations.

 

New Delhi

 

The capital city of India, is a traveller’s delight. Delhi, a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties, is home to several monuments and historical sites that honour its illustrious cultural and political past. While Delhi has a wide variety of historical sites to see, the city also has plenty of parks, gardens, museums, and places of worship. It also has adventure destinations and amusement parks. Delhi tops the list of the greatest tourist locations in north India when you consider the bustling local marketplaces, shopping areas and street cuisine. Delhi is an ideal tourist place in northern India. 

Check out the best places to visit in Delhi

By train: The primary railway station in Delhi is called New Delhi Railway Station. It is located in the heart of the city, between Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj, roughly 2 kms north of Connaught Place. In terms of the number of trains and the volume of people using them, it is one of the busiest railroad stations in the nation. 

By air: If you want to reach New Delhi, you can also fly to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. 

By road: You can reach Delhi either by car or local transport. Taxis, buses, and rickshaws are easily accessible from anywhere to travel between places.

 

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

 

The famed Taj Mahal is located in Agra, which is one of the best tourist places in northern India to visit. The medieval city in Uttar Pradesh is a kaleidoscope of impressive structures, outstanding design, and enchanting views. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several attractive gardens, lively local markets, emporiums, and mouth-watering street food are just a few of its many attractions. Agra is included in the renowned Golden Triangle circuit. 

By train: There are different ways you can reach Agra. Agra Fort Railway Station is Agra’s main railway station and serves Agra and its surrounding areas.

By air: In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the airport known as Agra Airport serves both the civilian and military aviation needs of the city of Agra. The air force station, one of the Indian Air Force’s main air bases, has been linked for more than 50 years to the Taj Mahal. 

By road: Agra has a wide range of public transportation options, including buses, taxis, railways, rickshaws, and tongas. The public bus system in the Uttar Pradesh region, which includes the city of Agra, is run by the UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation).

Read more about other places to visit during your Agra trip

 

Kullu and Manali, Himachal Pradesh

 

The Himachal Pradesh twin towns of Kullu and Manali are among the most popular hill towns in North India, thanks to their lush foliage, clear streams, flower-filled meadows, and agreeable climate. These towns are tourist places in northern India around 40 kms apart. There are many places to see in Manali and Kullu, with attractions including waterfalls, hiking trails, apple orchards, churches, cute villages, museums, and trendy cafes. While Kullu and Manali are popular with couples, they are also top destinations for those seeking adventure who like to go trekking, paragliding, camping, river rafting, etc. 

By train: The closest rail station to Manali that connects the hill station with numerous significant cities in the nation is Jogindernagar. Other train routes to Manali include those through Chandigarh and Ambala. One can access a variety of affordable transportation options, such as taxis and buses, from railheads. 

By air: The Kullu Manali Airport is the closest airport to Manali, and it is in Bhuntar, about 50 kms from Manali town. Direct domestic flights from Chandigarh and Delhi arrive at this airport. 

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between the tourist destinations.

 

Auli, Uttarakhand 

 

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There is no shortage of natural beauty in Auli, which is scattered with apple orchards, ancient oaks, and pine trees. In addition to skiing, the slopes of the Garhwal Himalayas offer a variety of excursions where you may take in the breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains. In the Himalayan range, Auli is a well-known hill resort that dates to the eighth century AD and is an ideal tourist place in northern India. 

By train: Auli is 273 kms from Haridwar, the closest railway station, which is located in that city. The closest rail hubs to Auli are likewise thought to be the railway stations in Dehradun and Rishikesh. You can take a bus to Auli from Haridwar or you can take a taxi to Joshimath, where you must take a cable car or a bus to get to Auli. 

By air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Auli. The most practical way to go to Auli from Dehradun is to take a bus or a taxi. Only Joshimath is reached by bus; from there, one must take a road or a ropeway to go to Auli. 

By road: In order to get to Auli, you must take a bus or a taxi to Joshimath. Joshimath is easily accessible from major Uttarakhand cities, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. There are buses that travel from Delhi to Joshimath as well. Auli is located 10 kilometres from Joshimath, and you may get there by road or ropeway.

 

Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

 

When discussing sacred sites in north India, it is hard to leave out Rishikesh and Haridwar. Haridwar and Rishikesh, regarded as twin national heritage cities, have a spiritual aura that draws tourists and pilgrims from all over the world, including the Beatles who visited Rishikesh in the 1960s. Apart from a dip in the sacred Ganges, thrill-seekers are drawn to its white rapids, making it one of North India’s most well-liked adventure destinations. Both towns have a tradition of wonderful street cuisine and vegetarian culinary culture. Furthermore, Rishikesh serves as the Char Dhaam Yatra’s departure point. 

By train: Although Rishikesh has a station, there aren’t many trains that go from there, so it’s best to catch trains to Haridwar and then continue on to Rishikesh. 

By air: The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, around 35 kms from Rishikesh, is the closest airport to the city. All of the main airlines control services and connections from Dehradun to major cities. To get to Rishikesh from Dehradun, taxi services, cabs, and buses wait outside the airport. 

By road: Rishikesh is easily accessible from all regions of the nation thanks to its excellent connections to all main roads and interstates. 

Read our article on the top 10 places to visit in Rishikesh

 

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

  

Srinagar, sometimes referred to as ‘Heaven on Earth’, is as picturesque as a beautiful painting. Located on the banks of the Jhelum river, this tourist place in northern India has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, which contributes to the constant influx of tourists to this city, which offers a variety of breathtaking scenic vistas. 

By train: Either Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station must be reached in order to take a train to Srinagar. The stations have good connections to several regions of India. To go to this wonderful location from these stations, you can take a taxi, a private bus, or a state government bus. 

By air: Srinagar Airport or Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport has flights operating to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, this airport is well-linked. The distance between the airport and the city centre is only 15 kilometres. 

By road: If you reside in Jammu and Kashmir, then you can reach Srinagar either by car or local transport. Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between tourist destinations.

 

Amritsar, Punjab 

 

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Amritsar is a veritable gold mine of artistic beauty, both spiritual and physical. The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest temple for Sikhs and is located there. The city of Jallianwala Bagh serves as a sombre reminder of India’s war for independence, because of the bullet holes that are still evident on its walls. Another reason to visit Amritsar is the nightly Change of Guard ceremony that the Indian and Pakistani armies perform at the Wagah-Attari border. 

By train: Nearly all major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Agra, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, are connected to the city of Amritsar via the railway station.

By air: The Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is about 11 kms from the city centre, offers more than 160 domestic and international flights each day. Daily direct flights are available from and to Kuala Lumpur, Doha, London, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Chandigarh. 

By road: Due to its location on National Highway 1, Amritsar has excellent access to the road system. There are regular bus services to and from Ambala, Patiala, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu, both public and private. You can ride rickshaws, auto rickshaws, taxis, or buses to go around the city.

 

Chandigarh, Punjab

 

Chandigarh, the first planned city of independent India, was created by Le Corbusier. It is a beautiful tourist place in northern India. Even now, despite changes to the façade, the city still has wide boulevards, gardens, lakes, and majestic structures. The city serves as both, the entry point to many of Punjab’s smaller communities and a well-liked shopping locale. Chandigarh is home to several beautiful monuments, unique gardens, lakes, and picnic areas. While it boasts upscale eating establishments and gourmet restaurants, it also serves mouth-watering street cuisine. 

By train: Chandigarh Railway Station, which is roughly 8 kms from the city centre, is served by a number of frequent trains from New Delhi. 

By air: Chandigarh Airport, which is around 12 kms from the city centre, provides a vast domestic aircraft network connecting the city with the rest of the nation. There are frequent flights to Chandigarh from Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Srinagar, and Ahmedabad. 

By road: Excellent road connections connect Chandigarh to its neighbouring cities. From cities like Mussoorie, Shimla, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, Delhi, Kullu, etc., there are numerous direct buses accessible. Chandigarh and Delhi are connected via the National Highway 1, which takes four to five hours.

 

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

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Dalhousie is a haven for environment lovers, surrounded by pine-covered valleys in the summer and snow-capped slopes in the winter. This is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in north India for lone tourists, in addition to couples and families. Dalhousie, which is spread out over five hills and valleys, is home to numerous bungalows, churches, and cottages that were built during the British era. It boasts scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes, dams, and a wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 100 unique species of birds and animals. It also abounds in natural beauty. 

By train: Dalhousie’s closest rail station is Pathankot, which is 80 kms away. With the aid of express, mail, and fast trains, it is connected to major Indian cities. 

By air: The closest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal Airport, which is located about 130 kms away. To get to Dalhousie from outside the airport, you can take a bus, rent a private taxi, or both. 

By road: Regular bus connections from adjacent cities to Dalhousie are offered by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HPTC) and the Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). The drive from New Delhi to Dalhousie is around 565 kms and the time it takes to get there through NH 1 is roughly 11 hours.

If you are looking for more places in the state, check out the top 10 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh

 

Mathura and Vrindavan

 

The cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, the tourist places in northern India where Lord Krishna was born, are among the most sacred in all of north India. These cities, only 10 km apart, feature 25 ghats lining the Yamuna and are dotted with temples. Mathura previously housed several Buddhist sculpture remains and was a significant Buddhist centre. Throughout the year, pilgrims visit this place, but Holi and Janmashtami deserve a special note because of the large number of visitors they draw. 

By train: Central and Western Railways’ Mathura Junction is a significant rail hub. As a result, travellers can take trains to Mathura from major cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, Varanasi, and Lucknow. From Delhi, Bharatpur, Alwar, and Agra, one can also board local trains that stop at Mathura’s other three railway stations. 

By air: The closest airport to Mathura is in Agra. However, because there aren’t many passenger flights here, Mathura’s closest major commercial airport is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. From any Indian or foreign city, travellers can take a flight to Delhi, then take a bus, taxi, or rail to Mathura. 

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between the tourist destinations.

 

Jaipur, Rajasthan

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Jaipur is a dynamic, colourful city with a long history that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Palaces, some of which are still occupied by the Royal family, forts, and monuments dotted across the city, are evidence of its illustrious past. Jaipur is home to numerous beautiful gardens and lakes. As camels and buses share the same area, the city strikes a balance between its historical roots and all the modern comforts of a metropolitan metropolis. It is a component of the Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra Golden Triangle circuits. 

By train: Jaipur is connected to a number of cities through the railway junction there. A person can ride the Palace on Wheels for a regal experience. This train travels between many Rajasthani cities and departs from Delhi. 

By air: The airport closest to Jaipur is Sanganer Airport. It is located 10 kms outside the city centre. There are flights between the airport and important Indian cities, including Mumbai and Delhi. From the airports in Mumbai or Delhi, international travellers can take connecting flights to Jaipur. 

By road: An excellent road system connects Jaipur to important Indian towns. The primary national highways linking the city of Jaipur with other cities are NH 8, NH 11, and NH 12. Taxis, buses and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between tourist destinations.

 

Leh Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

 

 

One of North India’s most beautiful adventure destinations is Leh-Ladakh. Its unusual topography includes snow-capped mountains, pure blue lakes, pockets of lush greenery, shifting dunes in the Nubra valley, and meandering rivers. It is home to many monasteries with mystical, spiritual vibes. Adventurers find Leh-Ladakh thrilling for trekking via the Zanskar range, mountain biking, and rafting the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Tibetan culture has a significant impact on the local people, culture, and cuisine. 

By train: The closest rail station, Jammu Tawi, is about 708 kms away from Ladakh. You must take a taxi or catch a bus from outside the railroad station to get to Ladakh. It will take about 15 hours to get to Ladakh, the city’s centre. 

By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest airport to Ladakh. Taxis are waiting outside the airport at all times, making it simple to travel to the centre of Ladakh. One of the highest commercial airports, it has direct connections to important cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. 

By road: Ladakh is accessible by car via the two major highways. One is the 473-km Manali-Leh Highway, which begins at Manali. The other roadway, which spans a 434-km stretch, is the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

 

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

 

One of India’s coldest regions, Spiti gives breathtaking glimpses of the icy desert. Only the summer months are suitable for visiting the location. Spiti is a trekker’s delight because of its extensive network of hiking paths that provide sweeping vistas of the Himalayas. Bikers also like it because of the long, winding roads. Whitewashed chortens, Tibetan prayer flags flapping in the breeze, and charming monasteries all add to the area’s natural splendour. The slopes are covered in a carpet of lovely flowers as the snow melts in the summer. 

By train: 360 kms separate Spiti Valley from Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is about 160 kms from Manali and is the closest railway station to Spiti Valley. 

By air: The closest airport is Kullu Airport. To get there, one can take a cab or rickshaw from the airport. 

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between the tourist destinations.

 

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

 

The destination you should visit is Mussoorie if your notion of the ideal vacation includes serene hills, an unspoiled environment, and a vacation that is authentic in every way. With 7000 ft elevation above sea level and a calm, pleasant environment all year round, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, is tucked away in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan peaks. Couples on honeymoon frequently choose Mussoorie as their vacation destination, because of its unspoiled, natural beauty. There are many places to visit in Mussoorie and it is the place to be, if you want to take in the stunning sight of the gently sloping green mountains standing in stark contrast to the snow-capped summits of the Himalayas. 

By train: Dehradun is the nearest railway station and is connected to a number of major cities. The Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi Express is the best train to take from Delhi to Dehradun and vice-versa. A one-way trip takes roughly five-and-a-half hours. From the railway station, there are bus and taxi services to various tourist attractions.

By air: The closest airport to Mussoorie is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun. There are direct flights to Dehradun from Delhi and Mumbai. You can use local cabs or buses to get to Mussoorie from Dehradun.

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel between the tourist destinations.

 

Pushkar, Rajasthan

 

 

Pushkar is unique among all the towns in Rajasthan because of its intriguing mythology. It is a significant pilgrimage destination where people dance to the beat of drums and bells and devotional music. There is only one location in India where Lord Brahma has a temple. In addition, Pushkar boasts 52 bathing ghats and nearly 400 temples located all around Pushkar Lake. The village transforms into a lively, vibrant setting during the camel fair with cultural celebrations and distinctive activities. 

By train: The closest train station that may be easily reached to get to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction. Ajmer station, which is 11 kms away, has connections to many areas of Rajasthan and India.

By air: Despite not having its own airport, Sanganer airport serves as the gateway to Pushkar. All of the nation’s major cities have flights that can be used to get to Pushkar via Sanganer. Outside the Sanganer Airport, taxis, buses, and shared taxis are also conveniently accessible. 

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel.

 

FAQs

Is it safe to travel across the Northern States?

If you travel in a small group and adhere to all the published instructions, you can visit the majority of the above-mentioned locations and more as the tourism sector slowly begins to reopen. Before you leave, research the most recent travel advice, Covid-19 precautions, and the frequency of cases.

Which locations in north India are worth visiting in October?

North India's top tourist destinations in October are Jammu, Bir Billing, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Sikkim, Agra, Jim Corbett, Shimla, Nainital, and Mashobra. Travel to North India in October typically takes place in locations where visitors can take in the lovely weather and delightful surprises of autumn.

Where can I go in north India on a tight budget?

Dehradun and Mussoorie, McLeod Ganj and Kasauli, and Amritsar in Punjab are a few of the top destinations in north India that can be visited on a shoestring budget.

When is the ideal season to visit the north Indian hill stations?

Late December and January are ideal times to book a trip to Mussoorie, Chakrata, and Manali if you want to take advantage of the snow. As an alternative, one might visit the slopes from March through May and November when the weather is agreeable.