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19 Best Tourist Places to Visit in India on Your Next Trip
India is an extremely diverse country, and thus, tourists can be assured of a memorable experience no matter which region they visit. Whether it’s the majestic Taj Mahal at Agra, the royal palaces of Rajasthan or the vibrancy of the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, there is something for every visitor.
This blog solves your problem of planning a holiday by listing the best places to visit in India. Read on and enjoy your holidays.
List of Best Tourist Places in India
The greatest advantage of holidaying in India is that you’ll never feel bored. The country offers tourist attractions for all kinds of travellers. Given below is a list of the top places to visit in India :
1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Agra is a must-visit destination for the architectural wonders of the Mughal era, including the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a place where you can get a slice of Mughal history.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
- Places to Visit: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra Fort, Itmad Ud Daulah’s Tomb
- Things to Do: Explore Fatehpur Sikri, Watch Light & Sound Shows at Agra Fort, Boating at Yamuna river, Shopping at Kinari Bazar and Tasting delicious Mughlai cuisine.
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Agra Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
- By Train: Agra Cantonment Railway Station
- By Road: One can travel to Agra via buses plying from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow and Kanpur. Driving along well-maintained national highways and the Yamuna Expressway is a delight for all drivers.
2. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
- The capital city is one of the best places to visit in India as it has many places of historical significance. Delhi houses many Mughal architectural wonders, heritage sites, museums and colourful bazaars. Apart from the tourist attractions, Delhi’s uniqueness lies in its vibrant energy.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 4 – 5 days
- Places to Visit: Humayun’s tomb, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Ji
- Things to Do: Visit the historical monuments, explore Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, shop at Dilli Haat, and enjoy street food of Delhi at Parathewali Gali
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Indira Gandhi International Airport
- By Train: New Delhi Railway Station
- By Road: The national capital of the country is well connected vai national highways. One can go on a road trip along well-maintained roads to reach the city.
3. Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Known for its rich Bollywood heritage, it is one of the largest cities in India. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the City of Dreams.
- Best Time to Visit: October to September
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3-4 Days
- Places to Visit: Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Marine Drive, Siddhivinayak Temple, Powai Lake.
- Things to Do: Take a tour of the Elephanta Caves, go for driving at the Bandra-Vorli Sea Link, spend a day at the Marine Drive and the famous Juhu Beach
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Internal Airport
- By Train: Mumbai Central Railway Station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station
- By Road: Mumbai is well-connected by the inter-state buses in Maharashtra.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Udaipur, also known as City of Lakes or the City of Dawn is architecturally and culturally vibrant. Located towards the southern side of the Aravalli Hills, this city in Rajasthan has majestic ancient structures like palaces, museums, etc.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 -5 days
- Places to Visit: Lake Pichola, City of Palace, Shri Ekling Ji Temple, Jagdish Temple, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari
- Things to Do: Take a boat cruise from Lake Pichola during sunset, visit Bagore-Ki-Havelli for exploiting the classic, try authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Jagat Nivas, Tour the Majestic City Palace.
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Maharana Pratap Airport
- By Train: Udaipur Railway Station
- By Road: Regular buses to Udaipur are available from cities like Delhi, Indore, Kota, Jaipur. You can take a bus from these cities according to your budget and itinerary.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Also known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage. The fascinating monuments in Jaipur is enough to make you fall in love with the city.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
- Places to Visit: Amber fort, Hawa Mahal, Choki Dhani and City Palace.
- Things to Do: Soak in the royalty of the city by taking the tour of monuments, discover the ancient astronomy at Jantar Mantar, witness the beauty of Jal Mahal, go for a shopping spree at the city’s market for handloom purchases
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Sanganer Airport
- By train: Jaipur Railway Station
- By Road: Jaipur is well-connected to the neighbouring cites like Ajmer, Delhi, Kota, Udaipur by bus.
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Tourists from all over the country visit Varanasi to experience the vibrancy of this place. It is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. Moreover, Varanasi holds special significance for Hindus who consider it to be a sacred abode of Lord Shiva and His consort.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 - 3 Days
- Places to Visit: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath Museum, Ramnagar Fort, Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Things to Do: Visiting temples, shopping for Benarasi sarees, eating Benarasi food, visiting the Ghats of Benaras
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
- By Train: Varanasi Junction
- By Road: Many state buses and private luxury buses travel to Varanasi daily. The city boasts good connectivity with major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Allahabad and Patna. Well-maintained national highways make driving to Varanasi an enjoyable experience.
7. Amritsar, Punjab
- One should visit Amritsar to pay obeisance at the famous Golden Temple and watch the Wagah-Attari border ceremonies at the India-Pakistan border. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre site will bring a tear to your eye.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 4 – 5 days
- Places to Visit: Golden Temple, Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib, Gobindgarh Fort, Partition Museum, and Mata Lal Devi Mandir
- Things to Do: ‘Langar Seva’ at Golden Temple, Have delicious Punjabi cuisine, visit Suncity Amusement and Waterpark, and Shop for beautiful and colourful souvenirs
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport
- By Train: Amritsar Junction
- By Road: Buses ply from Delhi, Shimla, Dehradun, Jammu and other places in North India. One can easily drive or hire a car to travel to Amritsar from neighbouring states.
8. Panaji, Goa
- Also known as the capital city, Panaji is overlooking the banks of Mandovi River. The charm of the city is seen in its cobblestone streets, its colonial buildings, plethora of Gulmohar trees etc. When in Panaji, you will have a variety of options from serene beaches to churches, museums etc. for making your vacation memorable.
- Best Time to Visit: Late October to April
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
- Places to Visit: Dona Paula Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Se Cathedral, Reis Magos Fort
- Things to Do: Indulge in watersports like banana ride, snorkelling, visit Casino Pride, Goa Archaeological Museum, Reis Magos Fort. Try authentic Goan cuisine like different fish curries. Try Xacuti, a popular spicy mutton or chicken curry. Go for a shopping spree at the Panjim Market
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Goa International Airport
- By Train: Thivim, Madagaon, Karmali Railway stations
- By Road: One can travel to Panjim via road from cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Mahabaleshwar, Navi Mumbai.
9. Kannur, Kerala
- Kunnar, situated in Kerala, is a coastal city known for its beaches, temples and flora. This city in Kerla is also famous for its historical heritage.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter Season: July, August, September, October, November, January, February and March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Places to Visit: Payyambalam Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach, St Angelo Fort, Kannur Lighthouse
- Things to Do: Make a visit to the sparkling waterfalls, take a kayak ride on the Dharmadam Beach, visit the countryside of Nileshwar, watch a Theyyam Performance
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Calicut International Airport, Bajpe Airport, Kannur International Airport
- By Train: Kannur Railway Station
- By Road: The city is Well-connected to other cities of Kerala like Mangalore, Thalassery, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut via bus routes.
10. Kolkata, West Bengal
- Art, culture, literature and fashion blend beautifully in Kolkata to make it the ‘city of joy’. Tourists from all over the world visit this city to experience its unique charm caused by the amalgamation of old-world charm and modernisation. Kolkata is a traveller’s delight, with its street food, shopping complexes and malls and cultural centres.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 4 - 5 Days
- Places to Visit: Victoria Memorial, Science City, Dakhineshwar Kali Temple, Belur Math, Kalighat, Indian Museum, Eden Gardens, St Paul’s Cathedral
- Things to Do: Exploring Park Street, visiting temples and museums, enjoying rollercoaster rides and Nicco Park, shopping for beautiful sarees and handicrafts, eating delicious Bengali cuisine and lip-smacking street food
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- By Train: Howrah Railway Station, Sealdah Railway Station
- By Road: Well-maintained national highways and other roads connect Kolkata to other places in India. Private buses ply to places like Puri and Darjeeling. National highways 2 and 6 link Kolkata to major Indian cities.
11. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Also known as the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular Indian hill station. The city is famous for its old school colonial architecture and the Mall Road.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and December to January
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Places to Visit: The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Mall Road, Kalka Shimla Railwa, Kufri, Christ Church etc.
- Things to Do: Pass through the Green hills by enjoying the toy ride, go for a shopping spree at Lakkar Bazaar, Rafting at Tattapani, witness the beauty of Chadwick Waterfalls, go camping in the woods
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Chandigarh Airport
- By Train: Kalka Railway Station
- By Road: Shimla is well connected to the North Indian cities. You can take a bus from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi to reach Shimla
12. Mysore, Karnataka
- Famous for its magnificent palaces and historical monuments, Mysore is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Along with this, Mysore is also addressed as the Palace City of India. The city has an amalgamation of history and nature.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to Visit: Mysore Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace, St. Philomena’s Church, Bylakuppe Buddhist Golden Temple, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam
- Things to Do: Enjoy the Splendidness of Mysore Palace, Gape at the architecture of Somanathapura Temple, Enjoy the Lush greenery of the Brindavan Gardens
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Bangalore International Airport
- By Train: Mysore Junction Railway Station
- By Road: You can self-drive from Bangaluru to Mysore via Kengari, Ramnagram, and Mandya
13. Leh, Ladakh
- The scenic beauty of Leh has attracted tourists from all across the world. Amidst the beautiful landscape, one can disconnect from the worries of urban city life.
- Best Time to Visit: April to July
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 4- 5 days
- Places to Visit: Pangong lake, Magnetic Hill, Diskit Gompa, Kargil, Royal Leh Palace
- Things to Do: Visit the hills, monasteries and pristine lakes, take a bactrian camel safari, try yak cheese momos at the Yak Cheese
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Leh Airport
- By Train: Railway Station at Jammu Tawi (700 km from Ladakh)
- By Road: One can easily travel to Leh by road from Manali in Himachal Pradesh or Srinagar in Kashmir.
14. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- This picturesque hill station offers the beautiful sites of the Nilgiri Hills, pristine lakes, picturesque landscape and tea estates. It’s a popular destination for newly-married and young couples.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 – 4 days
- Places to Visit: Avalanche Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Annamalai Temple, Kalhatti Falls, Rose Garden
- Things to Do: Visiting tea gardens, boating, picnicking, bird-watching, nature photography
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Coimbatore International Airport
- By Train: Udagamandalam Railway Station
- By Road: Government and luxury buses ply from Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore. If one wishes to go on a road trip to Ooty, one will have an unforgettable experience driving through either Mysore or Chamarajanagar.
15. Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra represents Indian history in all its glory. Ellora is 1500 years old cave-shrines depicting Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Ajanta houses 29 caves and has murals and paintings of Buddhist stories. Tourists can visit these cave shrines to marvel at the craftsmanship of ancient sculptors and artists.
- Best Time to Visit: June - March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 – 3 days
- Places to Visit: Ajanta Caves, Grishneshwar Temple, Buddhist Caves at Ellora, Bibi ka Maqbara
- Things to Do: Explore the historical sites of Ajanta, Ellora and Aurangabad
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Aurangabad Airport
- By Train: Aurangabad and Jalgaon Railway Stations
- By Road: Busses ply from major cities in Maharashtra. One can also drive or hire cabs to visit this historical place.
16. Gangtok, Sikkim
- Gangtok is one of the most popular tourist destination in Sikkim for those seeking to spend their vacation among scenic beauty and peace.
- Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to June
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 2-3 days
- Places to Visit: Nathula Pass, MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake
- Things to Do: Take a Cabe Ride and witness the beauty of Gangtok, go for a Yak Safari, River rafting in the waters of Gangtok, visit the sunset point at Tashi View point, enjoy the tranquilty of Tsuk La Khang Monaestry
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Bagdogra Airport
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
- By Road: Busses–both state run and ones run by private operators–ply from neighbouring cities like Kalimpong, Darjeeling,Siliguri and Kurseong
17. Shillong, Meghalaya
- The capital city of Meghalaya state is Shillong, and it’s known as ‘Music Capital of India’. The Abode of Clouds is also known for its scenic beauty, pristine lakes, mountain peaks, cafes and museums.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, July to September, October to February
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 days
- Places to Visit: Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Churches, Police Bazar
- Things to Do: Trekking through the mountains, cliff jumping, picnicking and shopping for beautiful north-eastern handicrafts
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Shillong Airport
- By Train: Guwahati Railway Station
- By Road: National Highway connects Guwahati with Shillong while Meghalaya Transport Corporation ply several busses within the state as well as neighbouring state.
18. Munnar, Kerala
- This beautiful hill station located in Kerala is famous for its spice and tea plantations, rolling hills, waterfalls, lush green forests and winding walkways. Munnar’s distinct feature is its colonial charm. Its scenic beauty, along with colonial architecture, regularly attracts tourists from all over the world.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 - 4 Days
- Places to Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Pallivasal Falls, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Rose Garden, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to Do: Visiting plantations, going for boat rides at Kundala Dam and Lake, horse-riding and speed-boating at Mattupetty Dam, trekking, rock climbing
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Cochin International Airport
- By Train: Aluva Railway Station
- By Road: One can travel to Munnar by state-run or private buses plying from various cities and towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. One can easily drive to Munnar from Madurai, Coimbatore or Ernakulam. Munnar is 110 km away from Cochin.
19. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Dharamshala, also known as the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its Buddhist charm. The city has been Dalai Lama’s home and is capped with beautiful mountains.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 3 - 4 Days
- Places to Visit: McLeod Ganj, Tibetan Mini Market, Gyuto Tantrux Monastery Temple, Kangra Fort
- Things to Do: Make a visit to the Dal Lake, Jwalamukhi Temple, opt fo activities like camping, trekking and paragliding
- How to Reach:
- By Plane: Kangra Airport, Dharamshala-Kangra Airport
- By Train: Pathankot is the nearest railway station
- By Road: Connected with the major cities in Himachal Pradesh by state buses
FAQs about the Places to Visit in India
Which are the best places for vacation in India?
Some of India's best places for vacation include Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, Sikkim and Shillong. Tourists can choose the destination at their convenience.
What is the most famous landmark in India?
Taj Mahal in Agra is an iconic monument of India. Other iconic sites include the palaces of Rajasthan, Mysore palace, houseboats of Kerala, Gateway of India
Which is the safest city in India for a solo trip?
Mumbai has been ranked as the safest city in India.
What are the most visited places in India?
The most visited places in India are Taj Mahal (Agra), Udaipur and Jaipur (Rajasthan), Goa, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Golden Temple (Amritsar), Backwater (Kerala), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Ooty (Tamil Nadu), Mysuru (Karnataka), Leh-Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).
Which is the No.1 tourist place in India?
Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the World's Seven Wonders and the top tourist destination in India because of its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Which places are best for a 4-day trip in India?
India has many places that are best for a 4-day trip; with little time you can still visit some of the most significant sites in major cities such as Jaipur (Rajasthan), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Manali and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Coorg (Karnataka), Taj Mahal (Agra), Goa, Andaman, Lakshadweep, Darjeeling and Gangtok (West Bengal), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Alleppey (Kerala).
These places has perfect blend of history, nature and culture. Plan your itinerary and explore these places to make a memorable journey to one of these incredible destinations for a short escape in India.
Which are India's most beautiful places?
India's most beautiful places are Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), Dal Lake (Srinagar), Kashmir Valley and Leh-Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir), Andaman Island, Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Gokarna (Karnataka), Dudhsagar Falls (Goa), Yumthang Valley (Sikkim), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).
What are the top tourist attractions in India?
The top tourist attractions in India are Gateway of India, Marina Beach, Ellora and Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra); Dudhsagar Falls and beaches (Goa); Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan); Alleppey Backwaters (Kerala); Golden Temple (Amritsar), River and Temples in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Taj Mahal (Agra).
What are some historical places to visit in India?
Some famous historical sites to visit in India are the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar (Delhi); Taj Mahal (Agra); Amer Fort (Jaipur); Lakshmi Vilas Palace (Vadodara); Konark Sun Temple (Odisha); Charminar (Hyderabad); Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Aurangabad); Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh); Hampi (Karnataka) and Gateway of India (Mumbai).
Which are the best places in India for adventures?
Some of the best places in India for adventures are Meghalaya for ziplining and river canyoning; Andaman Islands for snorkelling and scuba diving; Karnataka for mixed adventures such as camping, jungle safari and kayaking; Jammu and Kashmir offer ice climbing; Jaisalmer for camel safari; Rajasthan for a hot air balloon ride; Himachal Pradesh for snowboarding and skiing; Bir Billing for parasailing and Rishikesh for white water rafting, bungee jumping and zip lining.
Which are the most peaceful places in India?
The places for peaceful retreat in India are Auroville (Puducherry), Pangong Tso (Ladakh), Tosh (Himachal Pradesh), Lansdowne (Uttarakhand), Dzukou Valley (Nagaland), and Champawat (Uttarakhand).
Which are the best places to visit in India in the summer?
The best places to explore India in summer are Leh-Ladakh, Shimla and Manali (Himachal Pradesh); Darjeeling and Sikkim (West Bengal); Coorg (Karnataka); Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Rishikesh and Nainital (Uttarakhand); Kodaikanal and Ooty (Tamil Nadu) and Munnar (Kerala).
Which are the best places to visit in India in the winter?
The best places to visit in India during winter are Goa, Jaipur (Rajasthan); Ladakh, Manali and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh); Wayanad and Munnar (Kerala); Auli (Uttarakhand); Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh); Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir); Andaman and Nicobar Island; Darjeeling and Sikkim (West Bengal); Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Coorg (Karnataka).