For decades, India’s unique blend of mountain monasteries, bustling cities, and delectable cuisine have beckoned adventurers from all over the globe. Home to one of the world’s seven wonders and boasting over 100 national parks, it’s no surprise India attracts millions of visitors every year.
It’s also one of the largest countries in the world. With sacred temples, colourful markets, and beaches that sprawl into the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, it can feel impossible to know where to go and what to see. So we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s our roundup of the best places to visit in India, featuring the most impressive sites from all over the country. For each main attraction, we’ve included an extra point of interest nearby to help maximize your time at each place.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Located in Uttar Pradesh in Northern India, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new seven world wonders. Renowned for its intricate Mughal architecture and stunning beauty, it joins marvels like the Great Wall of China and the Roman Colosseum as one of the best monuments on the planet. Its iconic white marble changes colour throughout the day, and heading to the site and its surrounding pools at sunrise make for a particularly magical experience. The Taj Mahal is a highlight on any Golden Triangle tour, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Places to visit nearby: Head to Agra Fort just a few kilometres / miles away. This huge sandstone fortress dates back to the 16th century and offers incredible views.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
No trip to India would be complete without taking a dive into Rajasthan’s vibrant culture and royal heritage. Try your hand at block printing and walk the streets of ‘The Pink City’ — so named because buildings and avenues were painted pink in the 1870s and many still retain the rosy hue today. Located in the northwest of the country, Jaipur is one of the most interesting cities in India, boasting landmarks like the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, astronomical wonders at the Jantar Mantar observatory and Rajasthani handicrafts in the colourful bazaars.
Places to visit nearby: Take a taxi 16 km (10 mi) from the city centre to Nahargarh Fort, located on the highest hill in Jaipur. We recommend visiting at sunset to enjoy panoramic views of the city in the golden evening light.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Continuing in northern India and up next on our list is the city of Varanasi. Considered the spiritual capital of India, it's also one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a rich 3000 year history. Meander down the narrow alleys of the old city, marvel at ancient temples, and take a guided tour to learn about customs, traditions, and legends. It’s also home to the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a sacred evening ritual performed on ghats along the Ganges River.
Places to visit nearby: Around 11 km (7 mi) to the northeast you’ll find the archaeological site of Sarnath, believed to be the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. This is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site but all visitors are welcome — just be sure to check rules and regulations and behave respectfully.
4. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in India and known for its ancient fort, dating back to the 10th century. Like Jaipur, it’s located in Rajasthan in the northwest, but offers unparalleled access to wildlife in India. Think jeep safaris, rich biodiversity, and bird watching to name a few! If patience is your game, dedicate two (but ideally more) days to tiger tracking with an experienced guide, though you also need luck to catch a glimpse.
Places to visit nearby: Just under 10 km (6 mi) from the main entrance you can find UNESCO World Heritage site Ranthambore Fort. Explore the ruins, surrounding stone walls and Ganesha Temple, and take advantage of the great views of the park.
5. Kerala backwaters
Consisting of more than 900 km of interconnected rivers, lakes, inlets, and canals, the backwaters of Kerala in southern India are famous for their small villages and unique houseboat cruise experiences. Take a night or two to glide through the serene waters on a Kettuvallam, many of which offer local Kerala cuisine onboard, or paddle into quieter waterways on a canoe to chance the odd kingfisher or otter sighting.
Places to visit nearby: The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is close to Alleppey and is not to be missed. If you’re a fan of bird watching, time your trip with migration season for sightings of hawk-cuckoos and egrets.
6. Goa
Combining vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches like Baga and Anjuna, and UNESCO World Heritage architecture, Goa offers the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Peak season is from November to February, which is great if you’re looking for a not-too-hot climate, but best to avoid if you’re not one for crowds. Goa is also the meeting point of Indian culture with Portuguese influence, following a 500-year occupation which is still notable in both architecture and cuisine today.
Places to visit nearby: If you’re in the area, check out the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in art and history, and home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier.
7. New Delhi
A sensory assault of movement and colour, New Delhi is the country’s capital and one of the unmissable cities of India. Discover the Paharganj district with a guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project and breathe in the sweets and spices of Chandni Chowk market. Uncover a unique blend of modernity, culture, and history, from the India Gate arch monument to the red sandstone colossus of Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India. Be sure to budget time to visit Humayun’s Tomb too, a stunning site built in 1570 and precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Places to visit nearby: Just a 30-minute drive from the outskirts of the city you can find Sultanpur National Park. Home to over 250 species of birds including the black-necked stork and Siberian crane, it’s the perfect escape with a good camera in hand.
8. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Located to the west and home to Bollywood — the world’s most prolific film industry — you’ll find the city of Mumbai. In this commercial heart of India, get a backstage insight into the show-stopping dance numbers and movie sets of classic Indian films, and explore attractions like Marine Drive promenade and the famous Gateway of India. But that’s not all — we’d be mistaken for including Mumbai on our shortlist without mentioning cuisine. A hotspot for street food, take a tour to sample the unique flavours of vada pav (Indian burger) and pani puri (stuffed fried dough balls).
Places to visit nearby: Don’t miss the ancient temples at the Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island about 10km (6 mi) east of Mumbai. This fascinating site contains a collection of cave temples with intricate carvings and sculptures cut directly into the rock.
9. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Colloquially known as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a picturesque spot that offers stunning views and a romantic ambiance. Think grand palaces and sunset boat rides on Lake Pichola, with courtyards, museums, and heritage aplenty. You can also visit Jagmandir Island and explore the stone-elephant-flanked palace, or take some time out at the restaurant, bar and spa, which are open to visitors.
Places to visit nearby: Visit the hilltop Sajjangarh Palace (also known as Monsoon Palace), for 360-degree vistas of Udaipur, its lakes and the surrounding Aravalli Hills. At an elevation of around 950m (3000 ft) above sea level, the view is worth going out of your way.
10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Calling all yogis! Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a major hub for both yoga and spirituality, and the perfect destination for retreats. Popularly known as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, this intriguing city nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the Ganges River attracts hordes of visitors every year looking for wellness experiences. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board also puts on an annual International Yoga Festival in March for enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you’re less downward dog and more white-water rafting or trekking, there are plenty of opportunities for both as well as pleasing cafés and shops.
Places to visit nearby: Head west to Rajaji National Park, about 20 minutes away by car for the chance to see elephants, leopards, birds, and tigers. Be sure to avoid the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.
11. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
About 800km (almost 500 mi) to the southwest of Rishikesh is the ‘Golden City’ of Jaisalmer, so known for its yellow sandstone architecture and desert landscapes. A truly mesmerizing destination, this must-see site is known for Jaisalmer Fort and camel safaris across the sand dunes. If you’re lucky enough to visit in February, you can even bear witness to the Desert Festival, a rush of colours and festivities spanning three days.
Places to visit nearby: Located deep into the Thar Desert, make the trip to Sam Sand Dunes just over 40km (24 mi) from Jaisalmer city. These dunes are some of the most famous in Rajasthan and promise better-than-picture-perfect sunsets.
12. Hampi, Karnataka
The final capital of the last Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar, Hampi is a city of ruins, temples, and boulders. Hire a guide to learn about the architectural marvel of Virupaksha Temple, or ride down the Tungabhadra River in a traditional bowl-like coracle. You can also climb the Hemakuta Hill for panoramic views — the ascent is manageable for anyone with a moderate fitness level and should take no longer than 15 minutes.
Places to visit nearby: You can’t visit Hampi without making a stop at the Badami Caves. These ancient cave temples feature a unique glimpse into India’s rich history, with stunning rock-cut structures and detailed carvings.
13. Amritsar, Punjab
Next on our list is Amritsar in northwest India. A major cultural centre and the largest city in Punjab, it’s known for its generosity. This is perfectly embodied in the Golden Temple which serves 100,000 free meals a day. Also known as the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is one of the holiest sites of Sikhism and is a breathtaking sight day or night. Visitors to Amritsar can also wander numerous historical sites like the Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh memorial to delve into India’s deep and complex history.
Places to visit nearby: At less than a ten-minute drive from the Golden Temple, Gobindgarh Fort is an educational site offering further cultural and historical insights into the region.
14. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Over vast stretches of hills, marshes, and grasslands, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best places to discover wildlife in India. It’s known mostly for its tiger reserves, but offers nature lovers a sprawling arena of flora and fauna too. Just don’t forget your binoculars — over 580 species of migratory and resident birds have been spotted in the park, along with an astounding 36 species of dragonfly.
Places to visit nearby: Take advantage of the close proximity to the Kosi River running along the eastern boundary of the national park. Think riverside picnics and scenic views, or river rafting if you’re open to something more upbeat.
