16 India’s Most Popular Best Places to visit
It’s a country that has a lot of different things going on at the same time. People from both the old and the mix of the new world in India. As the world’s seventh-biggest country in land area and second-biggest in people, India has a rich cultural history that comes from centuries of different civilizations and religions leaving their mark on the country’s landscape.
There are a lot of things to do in India, like visit sacred places and have spiritual encounters. Nature lovers will enjoy the country’s sun-warmed beaches, lush national parks, and fascinating wildlife sanctuaries.
From the Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, there are a lot of things to see and do in India. This exotic country is home to a treasure trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical artifacts that visitors can enjoy at their own pace.
Check out our list of the best things to do in India often to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
At the Taj Mahal, there is a city called Agra
People around the world know the Taj Mahal as a symbol of the power of love. It is also one of the most well-known buildings in the world. Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, died in 1631, and the construction of this beautiful mausoleum began after her death. It was finished in 1648 after 20,000 people worked on it.
The Taj Mahal is a white marble building that has many elements of Islamic design, like arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance. In the world, it is the most popular place for tourists to go. The piece is even more beautiful because it has delicate floral designs inlaid into the fabric, as well as stones like jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.
The best time to go is at dawn or dusk when the lighting changes so much that it changes the mood. This is an easy way to take a selfie that will be both memorable and safe. You can try to get a picture of the Taj Mahal’s reflection in the Yamuna River from the other side.
2. The city of Varanasi is the holy city.
As far back as the 8th century BC, Varanasi has been home to people. This makes it one of the world’s first towns to be continuously inhabited. This holy city has long been linked to the powerful Ganges River, which is one of the most important symbols of the faith. It is a popular place for Hindus to go on pilgrimage.
Visiting Varanasi isn’t the only reason to go. You can tour the Old Quarter near the Ganges, where you’ll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which was built in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple, which is made up of seven separate temples, is also worth seeing.
Bathing in the Ganges is very important to Hindus, and there are places called “ghats” that have stairs that lead down to the water where people bathe before they start their morning and evening prayers. Double Ghat and Assi Ghat are the two most important places. The latter, which is near the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers, is very important to Hindus.
Banaras Hindu University, which was founded in 1917, has a huge library with more than a million books. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has a huge collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and local history displays, is also worth seeing.
It’s called Harmandir Sahib, which means “Golden Temple.”
In 1577, Ram Das built Amritsar, which is a big place in Sikh history and culture because it was the first place to be built. The main thing to see in this area is the Harmandir Sahib, which was built in 1604 and is still called the “Golden Temple” because of its beautiful gold decor.
One of India’s most important Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple, is one of the world’s most important places of worship. It was built with Hindu and Islamic designs in mind, making it one of the world’s most important places of worship. The lower marble piece has a lot of intricately carved floral and animal designs. The huge golden dome is shaped like a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity for Sikhs and represents a lotus blossom.
A beautiful design and a spiritual atmosphere make this temple one of the most popular places to visit in India. Prayers from the Sikh holy book, which are sung in a continuous loop and broadcast through the complex, add to this.
Visitors are encouraged to eat one of the 50,000 free meals provided by the attraction every day as part of the whole experience.
4. Jaisalmer: The Golden City
You can see a lot of beautiful old buildings in Jaisalmer, which has been called the “Golden City” because most of its buildings are made of yellow stone. It is an oasis of old architecture that rises from the Thar Desert. The city of Jaisalmer, which was once a strategic outpost, is now full of beautiful old homes, majestic gateways, and the huge Jaisalmer Fort, which is also known as the Golden Fort.
Besides its palaces, temple, and lovely old homes, the castle has 99 bastions and huge gates that lead to its main courtyard, where you’ll find the seven-story Maharaja’s Palace, one of the world’s largest royal homes. The palace was built on a foundation that was laid in the early 1500s and kept growing until the 19th century. It now has sections that are open to the public, including areas that are decorated with beautiful tiles from Italy and China and stone doors that are carved with intricate designs.
A lot of Jain temples from the 12th century to the 16th century are very well-decorated. They have marble and sandstone statues, palm leaf texts, and brightly painted ceilings, among other things. Visit the 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, which has a lot of manuscripts and other things from the 16th century. It’s worth your time.
New Delhi’s Red Fort is on the list.
Construction on the Red Fort in New Delhi began in 1648 and went on until 1857 when it was demolished. When it was built, the fort was named because of the beautiful red sandstone that was used. It covers more than two square kilometers and has a huge moat around it, which is one of the world’s largest.
One of the most important things about the fort is its two biggest gates, the Lahore Gate (the main entrance) and the intricately designed Delhi Gate, which was used by the emperor for ceremonial processions when he was still in power.
A 17th-century covered bazaar called Chatta Chowk is a must-see when you visit. It has everything from jewelry to silk clothes and souvenirs and food items for sale. If you want to learn more about life and times under the Shah, you can go on a guided tour of the fort. You’ll get a chance to see the beautiful white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwani-Am), where he met with members of his subjects.
6. Mumbai is the gateway to India, so it’s called “the gateway.”
The Gateway of India is a must-see when you visit Mumbai. It stands 26 meters tall and looks out over the Arabian Sea. In 1911, King George V and his wife, Queen Mary, came to the city. To celebrate their arrival, this beautiful piece of architecture was built. It was unveiled with a lot of pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was the tallest building in the city for a while during that time.
When the United Kingdom gave India independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, a group of British soldiers made their way through the Gateway of India, which is made of yellow basalt and concrete. Modern times: The huge archway is a beautiful backdrop that both locals and tourists love to use.
7. The Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad
A huge mosque in Hyderabad, called Mecca Masjid, was built in 1614 during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. It took about 80 years to finish. It is one of the world’s largest mosques and one of the oldest in India. It is also one of the largest in the world.
There are 15 huge arches and pillars in this magnificent mosque, which can hold up to 10,000 worshipers. They were made from single slabs of black granite that were brought to the site by huge cattle trains that had up to 1,400 bulls.
The name of this amazing building comes from the bricks above the central gate that was brought from Mecca. It has the main entrance, a big plaza, and a huge built-in pond as some of its other features. There’s also a room for the Prophet Mohammed’s hair, which is on show.
There are also Quranic inscriptions above many of the doors and entrances, a beautiful ceiling in the main hall, and cornices that go around the whole mosque. Keep an eye out for the intricate floral designs and friezes that are on the arches of the church.
Eighth: Amer Fort, Jaipur
Fortress: Maharaja Man Singh I built the Amer Fort in 1592, and it has been the capital of Jaipur ever since. People visit the fort in the area all the time, even though it’s a long way up. You can get there on foot or by taking a shuttle bus from the town below (better still, let an elephant do the work).
With its many decorated elephants and temple to the goddess of war on the first courtyard, the Jaleb Chowk is one of the most interesting places to visit. The Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am), which is next, is also worth a look because of its beautiful walls and monkey-friendly terraces.
Also, the Hall of Pleasure (Sukh Niwas) has a lot of flowerbeds and a channel that was once used to cool water. The Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir) has a lot of decorative panels, colorful ceilings, and great views of the palace and the lake below.
People built the Jaigarh Fort, which is near the Amer Fort and was built by Jai Singh in 1726, into a fortification. It has tall towers that lookout, strong walls, and the largest wheeled cannon in the world. Keep an eye out for chances to walk around the walled Old City of Jaipur, which has three beautiful gates and some of the best markets in the world. A beautiful complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings is found in the City Palace. It’s well worth your time to see it!
Beaches on the island of Goa
Goa’s western coastline, which looks out over the Arabian Sea and has long been known in India as the place to go for a great beach vacation, has only recently been found by tourists from other parts of the world. Goa’s coastline, which is more than 60 miles long, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Each one has its unique appeal.
Calangute Beach is the most commercial and crowded of the beaches in the area. Agonda Beach, on the other hand, is a great choice for people who want to be alone and relax. Indians and Westerners who have a lot of money like to go to places like fancy resorts, yoga retreats, and spa vacations. The beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are popular with both groups. Palolem is one of the most famous beaches in the state of Goa, and it is in a beautiful setting.
Make sure you visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary while you’re in Goa. It’s a great place to see wildlife. Deer, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers are just a few of the animals that live there. There are also king cobras and more than 200 types of birds. You must see it if you’re interested in wildlife!
People who live in Old Goa should go to Divar Island, which can be reached by ferry and is worth a trip. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Compassion, which is in Piedade, a typical village in the state of Goa. It has beautiful stucco work, Baroque plaster embellishments, and altars. The Church of Our Lady of Compassion is also a great place to look out over the beautiful countryside around you.
10. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai, is number ten.
For irrigation and water, it was built by British engineers in 1895. It is built around a lake, which was made by them in 1895. More than a million people visit the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary every year.
There are a lot of different kinds of animals in this beautiful park, which was opened in 1934. There are Indian elephants, otters, lion-tail macaques, and more than 20 Bengal tigers. It is also a popular place for tourists. As a favorite pastime, bird-watching is a favorite pastime, with sightings of species like darters and storks as well as a variety of unique butterfly types.
A lake boat or a guided jungle walk are the best ways to see the park’s beautiful mountain landscape. The latter gives visitors the chance to come face to face with elephant herds and see other animals from watchtowers and viewing platforms.
11. The Agra Fort
It was built as a military fort in 1565 by Emperor Akbar and later expanded by Shah Jahan. The beautiful Agra Fort (also known as Agra’s Red Fort) combines Hindu and Muslim styles to make an unusual architectural mix.
The Amar Singh Gate, which is less than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, is the way to get to the fort. It has a low wall and a dogleg design that was meant to confuse would-be attackers. At the entrance, you’ll see two huge sandstone buildings that look like they’re connected. The Akbari Mahal and the Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private mansions in the compound, are the first two.
The Khas Mahal (Private Palace), which has a beautiful copper roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), which is a jigsaw-shaped Mughal garden with a lot of fountains and water channels, as well as screens, are two other things to look out for. The Musamman Burj tower, which is octagonal, was Shah Jahan’s prison until he died. There are also many other interesting buildings in Agra.
In the city of Aurangabad, there are the Ellora Caves.
In the 5th and 10th centuries, monks from different religions built the Ellora Caves. They are famous around the world. They are about 300 kilometers from Mumbai and make for a great day trip.
UNESCO has made 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples, 12 of which are Buddhist, 17 of which are Hindu, and five of which are Jain, one of its World Heritage Sites, because of how well they were made. They were built next to each other, which shows how Indians were more open to other religions during this time.
Several shrines in the Buddhist caves have a carving of Buddha and saints from the fifth to seventh centuries, as well as the Carpenter’s Cave, which is thought to be one of the best examples of Indian Buddhist architecture.
The Hindu caves, on the other hand, are a lot more complicated and were carved from the top down, which meant there was no need for scaffolding to help them. Most impressive is the Kailasa Temple, which is a huge rock-cut temple that looks like Mount Kailasa and took 200,000 tonnes of granite to build.
13: Mehrangarh Fort, in the city of Jodhpur.
One of the largest fortifications in India, the Mehrangarh Fort, stands above the old city of Jodhpur. It was built in the 15th century to protect the people of the “Blue City,” as the name suggests. Because of its indigo-colored houses, which are painted blue to keep the heat out, Jodhpur is still known by this name even though the city has changed.
Mehrangarh, which is perched on top of a high rock outcrop, is an amazing piece of architecture. Its huge walls seem to be impenetrable by any means. Seven beautiful gates are used to get into the palace. They include Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter still bears scars from cannon attacks).
Visiting the fort’s courtyards and palaces, as well as a museum that has a huge collection of Maharaja-related artifacts, are two of the highlights of a trip. Check out the historic center of Jodhpur if you get the chance. It’s famous for its eight city gates, a beautiful old clock tower, and a lot of bazaars that sell everything from vegetables to sweets and handmade crafts.
14. The River Ganges.
The Ganges River, also known as “Ganga” after the Hindu goddess who made it, has long been one of India’s most beautiful natural things. It is also one of the most popular places to visit in India, with a lot of people from India coming to do religious things and tourists from all over the world coming to see the river’s power.
Most people go to Varanasi to see the river and the many cultural attractions that have grown up along its banks. Even though there are a lot of cities near the river, Varanasi is where most people go. Even though the city is small by Indian standards, there are a lot of temples and other important religious buildings in it. Many of them are built near or on the River Ganges.
Numerous “ghats” have been set up on both sides of the river. People who want to pray or see the river can get right next to it. There are a total of 88 places where you can get to the River Ganges. Each one has steps that lead right into the river. People love to take pictures in these places because they’re so beautiful. Many of them are hundreds of years old and haven’t been changed much since then. With their colorful ceremonies and festivals, they’re some of the best places to take pictures in India.
Make the most of your time in the city by taking a trip on the River Ganges from one of the ghats. In the early morning hours, the dawn cruises are the most beautiful. To finish the experience, buy one of the small, floating things from a vendor and float it down the river (camera at the ready, of course).
15. The Mysore Palace
Visiting the big city of Mysore will give you a great mix of old colonial architecture, regal Indian palaces, and lush, well-kept gardens, among other things. While people who like to shop will enjoy spending time in the city’s famous silk and sandalwood markets, the main attraction is the Mysore Palace, which is in the middle of the city and is a great place to see.
In 1897, this three-story palace was rebuilt from the ground up after a devastating fire. It has a lot of interesting features, like elegant square towers and domes, ornate ceiling pillars, and glazed floor tiles in the Durbar Hall, as well as the Marriage Pavilion, which has beautiful stained glass, artwork, and jewelry displays. It’s also where the Golden Throne is shown from time to time, which is a sight to see.
Do not miss the spectacular light shows that happen every Sunday and on holidays. The palace is lit up with more than 90,000 lights at these times. A free bike tour of the palace’s huge grounds and gardens is a great way to get a better sense of the place after you’ve been inside.
16. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya, which is thought to be the holiest Buddhist place on the planet, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. All of them come to the site to meditate and pray with the monks who live there.
One of the most beautiful buildings in this area of pilgrimage is the Mahabodhi Temple, which was built near the spot where Buddha became enlightened and began to write down his life philosophy. In the temple, which was built in the 6th century, there is a big gilded Buddha statue. It has been rebuilt many times since then. The temple is topped with a beautiful pyramidal spire and has been repaired many times.
Even though Buddha spent seven days meditating under the original Bodhi tree, which is now gone, the site’s pipal tree, which is the descendant of that tree and is thought to be one of the oldest and most revered trees in the world, is worth a visit.
edited and proofread by: nikita sharma
