Top 16 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in India

Ah, it’s so hard to choose! What are the best tourist places in India? A lot of the time, it comes down to personal preference. However, some places to visit in India remain perennially more popular than others. These are among the best destinations in India.

Best for Monuments: Delhi

Most first-time travelers to India usually land in Delhi, India’s capital city. It can be quite a culture shock. The city is primed to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. However, bear with it! Delhi’s top attractions feature spellbinding mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city. Many of these are set in beautiful landscaped gardens that are perfect for relaxing. The fascinating yet chaotic area of Old Delhi is also worth exploring. Plan your trip there with this city guide.

Best Iconic: Taj Mahal

Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India

Phone +91 562 222 6431

A part of India’s popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit, Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal. Enough said really. It’s India’s most iconic monument and a top historical attraction. For that reason, it’s impossible to leave it off the list. While you’re there, be sure to explore some lesser-known attractions around Agra as well.

Best Temple: Golden Temple

Amritsar is home to one of India’s most notable landmarks — the Golden Temple. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, it’s the spiritual capital of the Sikhs. The exquisite Golden Temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world, and the number of visitors it receives rivals that of the Taj Mahal. It looks particularly arresting at night when it’s beautifully illuminated and the imposing gold dome shines brightly.

Best Regal Splendor: Udaipur

Ah, Udaipur! This famed city of lakes and palaces is reputed to be the most romantic city in India. It is a must-visit to immerse yourself in regal splendor. The royal family has converted much of the sprawling City Palace into a museum that showcases priceless memorabilia, providing an extraordinary glimpse into their lives.

Best Ruins: Hampi

Hampi is one of the most popular places to visit in Karnataka. Known for its captivating ruins, it was the last capital of one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history. The ruins are intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that dominate the landscape.

Best for History and Architecture: Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Among the top caves in India, the ancient and awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora caves have been hand-carved into hillside rock in northern Maharashtra. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art that is simply magnificent.

Best for Spirituality: Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the top spiritual places in India, is a city unlike any other. This mystical holy city openly reveals its rituals along the many riverside ghats. It offers invaluable insights into ancient traditions in India.

Best for Culture: Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a fascinating but underrated city. Those who cherish history and day-to-day life will appreciate its diverse neighborhoods and the delicious Bengali cuisine.

Best for South Indian Culture: Madurai

Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, boasts the impressive Meenakshi Temple. The city is over 4,000 years old and has long been a major center for Tamil culture and learning. The town hosts the Chithirai Festival annually, featuring a re-enactment of a divine wedding.

Best for Tribal Culture: Northeast India

The Northeast region of India holds a multitude of tribal cultures. Indeed, along with Africa, India boasts one of the largest tribal populations. Many tribes inhabit the remote Northeast and usually welcome visitors.

Best for Relaxation: Kerala Backwaters

A trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala backwaters is tranquil and relaxing. The lush green landscape alongside the waterways creates a serene journey, enhanced further by freshly cooked Indian food on board.

Best for Beaches: Goa

Goa is India’s top beach destination, luring visitors with its vibrant culture, history, and discovery opportunities alongside its golden beaches. Each beach exudes its own character, making it essential to explore the region thoroughly.

Best for Wildlife: Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is regarded as a prime wildlife destination, known for its conservation efforts. Typically, safaris are conducted twice a day to observe the rich diversity of fauna, especially tigers.

Best for Adventure: Spiti

The remote Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh offers an array of adventure activities like mountain biking, hiking, and yak safaris amidst its stunning landscapes.

Best Offbeat: Kutch Region of Gujarat

Referred to as India’s “Wild West,” the Kutch region of Gujarat features vast stretches of desert landscape and seasonal wetlands, celebrated for its vibrant handicrafts made by artisan villagers.

Best Up and Coming: Odisha

Odisha has tremendous potential as a tourist destination and will attract more visitors over time as infrastructure develops. The state offers a plethora of attractions, including unique temples and vibrant festivals.