What Is India Famous For? Top 25 Popular Places & Things

India is one of the world's most attractive countries, and multiple factors have increased its popularity among tourists. Its natural wonders, artificial marvels, national parks, theme parks, etc., have made it a popular name for tourism. Further, it is a land famous for its diverse cultures and enchanting landscapes.

However, are you wondering what India is famous for? This article will provide a comprehensive guideline about the same.

Below are some of the popular places that are a must to explore in India:

1. Goa

source: serenity

Goa is a must–visit tourist destination if you want to experience the nightlife. In addition, you can attend beach parties, visit Churches, or opt for a cruise ride while touring around Goa. Some of the main tourist attractions of Goa are Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna, Benaulim, Colva, Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Mae De Deus, and Temple of Bodgeshwar.

2. Jammu and Kashmir

source: tripsavvy

Kashmir is often denoted as the 'heaven on earth.' The main reason for this is the presence of a plethora of flower gardens, snow-covered mountain peaks and beautiful valleys. Nevertheless, the top attractions of Kashmir include Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Hazratbal Mosque, Parimahal, Shankaracharya Hill, Indira Gandhi Memorial, and Tulip Garden.

3. Andaman

source: news18

There are a variety of water sports to enjoy in Andaman, like scuba diving, parasailing, snorkelling and cruise rides to make your holidays more interesting. The top attractions of Andaman include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail National Memorial, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Complex in Port Blair, and ChidiyaTapu.

4. Coorg

source: cntraveller

Also known as the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg offers breathtaking views of lush green forests, hills, and coffee plantations. Apart from the scenic beauty, some top attractions of Coorg include Nalknad Palace, Barapole River, Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Peak, Namdroling Monastery, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, ziplining, and angling in River Kaveri, and Microlight flight at Chelavara.

5. Kerala

source: thetravelhack

The 'God's own country,' Kerala, has several beautiful backwaters, pristine beaches and beautiful lakes that are sure to enchant you. Additionally, you can explore several tea and coffee plantations, flora and fauna restricted to Kerala. Kerala's top attractions are Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, and Pathiramanal.

6. Kutch

source: tripsavvy

Kutch is a tortoise-shaped island and a must-visit before you turn 30. You must visit the desert during the kite festival to witness the vibrant and beautiful kites across the sky. A few tourist attractions of Kutch are Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum, Kalo Dungar, Archaeological Museum, White Desert, Mandvi Beach, AinaMahal, and more.

7. Rishikesh

source: imgix

You can explore several water adventures when you are in Rishikesh. For example, you can try out river rafting with your friend in this region. The top attractions include Rajaji National Park, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Shivpuri River Rafting Point, Ram Jhula, and more.

8. Shimla

source: clubmahindra

This is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the enchanting scenic beauty attract tourists from across the country. Shimla's top tourist attractions include Kufri, Chadwick Falls, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Annandale, Scandal Point, and more.

9. Jim Corbett National Park

source: devilonwheels

In this national park, you can witness several amazing wildlife here. In addition, you can stay inside the park itself for a thrilling experience. It is famous for having the highest number of tigers in Indian national parks. The top attractions of Jim Corbett are Jim Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Falls, Ramganga Dam, Corbett Tiger Reserve, and more.

10. Udaipur

cource: imgix

Also known as the 'Venice of the East,' Udaipur is a picturesque city in Rajasthan with several attractive heritage places. Udaipur's top tourist attractions are Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, Bagore ki Haweli, and Gangaur Ghat. Additionally, you can also opt for several adventurous activities such as trekking, boating and sightseeing.

11. Jaisalmer

source: cntraveller

If you are looking forward to exploring desert camping, Jaisalmer is the perfect city. The Golden city offers the mesmerising Thar Desert and some exciting desert activities like camel safari, dune bashing, etc. Some of the top attractions of Jaisalmer include Jaisalmer Fort, Folklore Museum, Bada Bagh, Sam Sand Dunes, and Desert Cultural Centre.

12. Varanasi

source: worldatlas

Situated on the bank of the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the most ancient inhabited cities in the world, also referred to as Banaras or Kashi. It is majorly popular for panoramic ghats, boat rides, aartis and prayers. Some of the top tourist attractions of this place include Assi Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and Durga Temple.

13. Kolkata

source: goibibo

Kolkata is famous among tourists for the Durga Puja festival, Bengali sweets and lip-smacking delicacies. During this festival, you can witness several themed pandals and grand artis. Some of the top attractions of Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Birla Planetarium, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

14. Delhi

source: britannica

The capital city of India, Delhi, is mainly famous for some beautiful monuments from the Mughal Dynasty. Additionally, you can pay a visit to the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan and stop by Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for some mesmerising Qawwali. Some of the top attractions of Delhi include The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Akshardham, and Humayun’s Tomb.

15. Agra

source: britannica

Agra houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love that can mesmerise you with its beauty. You can also witness some additional monuments in Agra, such as the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Guru ka Tal, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Chini Ka Rauza, Fatehpur Sikri, Moti Masjid,  Great gate (Darwaza i rauza), Dilli Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Kaanch Mahal, and Sikandra.

16. Visakhapatnam

source: wikimedia

Visakhapatnam is not only famous for beaches, but you can also get to explore cable car rides, submarine tours, museums, temples, wildlife sanctuaries and caves. Visakhapatnam's famous tourist attractions include Kailasagiri Hill Park, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, INS Kursura in Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, Rushikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Mission Beach, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Tenneti Park, Yarada Beach, Ross Hill, and Lawsons Bay Beach Park.

17. Kodaikanal

source: cntraveller

The lush green forest, along with the mesmerising scenic beauty of the hills and picturesque waterfalls, is sure to enchant you during your trip. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal include Pillars Rocks, Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Devil's Kitchen, Dolphin's Nose, Bryant Park, and Berijam Lake.

18. Nainital

source: clubmahindra

Nainital is one of India's most frequented tourist spots, as the climate remains mild all year round. When in Nainital, you can go sightseeing, boating, and shopping at the market. Some of the famous tourist attractions of this place include Naina Peak, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Sariyatal Lake, Khurpatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, and The Mall Road.

19. Wettest Place on Earth

source: indiatimes

Meghalaya in Mawsynram receives an annual rainfall of about 11,872 mm. There is a town in Meghalaya named Cherrapunji which receives an annual rainfall of about 11,872 mm. This accounts for Cherrapunji being one of the wettest places in the world.

Read more about:

• Buddha Temples in India
• Best Amusement Parks in India
• Best Beaches in India
• List of Airports in India

Apart from the places, you must also be aware of some of the famous things in India that contribute to its popularity. Below are some of the things that are extremely popular in India:

20. Statue of Unity

source: galaxy

The 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity happens to be the tallest statue in the world. This statue is of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was an eminent freedom fighter and the first Home Minister after India gained independence. It is present in Ahmedabad on a river island named Sadhu Bet.

21. Kumbh Mela

source: hindustantimes

This is one of the most celebrated congregations in India that takes place at an interval of 12 years. It is held in the city of Allahabad to celebrate the completion of one revolution of Jupiter. There are many pilgrims who walk to Kumbh Mela barefoot due to their religious beliefs.

22. Largest Producer of Spices

source: spicecravings

India is a prime producer of about 75 spices out of the 109 available worldwide. Moreover, India accounts for about 70% of the available spices, making it the largest producer of spices worldwide.

23. The Golden Temple

source: wikimedia

This is a two-storeyed structure which is a famous pilgrimage for the Sikhs. It organises langar daily, where they feed about 1,00,000 people irrespective of their religion and gender. This makes Golden Temple famous and attracts tourists from all over the world.

24. Bandra-Worli Sea Link

source: mageba-group

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, it represents one of the best engineering works in India. It efficiently connects Worli in South Mumbai and Mumbai’s Western Suburbs via the sea route. The sea link is about 5.6 km long and 8-lane wide, which was opened in 2009. It is one of the popular things that India is known for across the world.

25. Indian Food

source: theplanetd

There are several finger-licking cuisines in India that are a must to try. These are extremely spicy as they contain a variety of spices in the right proportion to add the perfect taste to a dish. Some of them include biriyani, kebabs, pakoda, chaat, samosa, and much more. Additionally, there are several regional sweet dishes you must try when visiting those places. Some of them include, rasgullas, payasam, kalakands, ghewar, halwa, and much more.

Now that you know what India is famous for, you must explore them with your family and friends. Additionally, you can plan your tour in a way to cover the maximum number of places and enjoy some of the flavours of India.