India is One Travel Destination Where You Get to Experience Everything There is, from Sandy Beaches to Snow-topped Mountains: Top 10 Tourist Places in India (2020)

India is One Travel Destination Where You Get to Experience Everything There is, from Sandy Beaches to Snow-topped Mountains: Top 10 Tourist Places in India (2020)

India represents the entire world through many factors. Besides Hinduism, India has also accepted Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity, and India is also a homeland for numbers of languages. Along with cultural heritage, India is rich in topography and climate. All in all, India has become a tiny globe sharing the things which countries of the world possess individually, and for this reason, we bring you the top 10 tourist places in India.

Related articles

Why India is the Most Diverse Travel Destination in the World!

  • Epic History and Architecture: One of the oldest habitats in the world is India, and here several civilizations and empires evolved, ruled and died out, and some still exist. Mohenjo Daro is now no more, but its remains are still there, and the research is going on. Mughal Empire is the perfect example of an authoritative regime that shares the Mughal architecture and history of Agra and the Taj Mahal. There are several places for historical and architectural importance, and for these reasons, visitors come to India.

  • Famous Festivals and Foods: India celebrates the richness in cultures and traditions, and there are innumerable festivals held in India throughout the year. From fireworks to colours, every community and group has individual festivals, and they respect each other’s culture. There is no lack of food celebration in India as each house showcases unique types of cuisines based on the daily routine or special occasions.

  • Spirituality, Yoga and Ayurveda: India is the peaceful land of Ashram, temples, pilgrimage sites, or any of many spiritual landmarks. For that, crowds of pilgrims visit India each year. India is the land where Yoga was born and practised, and thousands of tourists come here solely for meditation. The forest and natural vegetation, where herbs are found, make it possible for Ayurveda Science, and they have been practising it for centuries.

  • Adventure and Wildlife Safari: India possesses extensive geography, including mountains, hills, valleys, terrain, deserts, and others. Through the variety of topography, tourism of India makes it possible for every sort of recreational facilities including paragliding, scuba diving, paramotor gliding, dune bashing, camping, trekking, and much more. National parks and sanctuaries are spread over the vast regions in India and you can witness Bengal tigers, antelope, Asiatic lions, Chital, huge elephants, and more. And in the forests, you can enjoy jeep safari, elephant safari, and also canter rides.

Top 10 Tourist Places in India

Agra

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is in Agra, and it can be the sole reason millions of people visit India. Agra glorifies the Mughal Empire and preserves the history and architecture of that Empire on the bank of River Yamuna. Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra is also the famous destination for Fort Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Mehtab Bagh.

Agra is also known as one of the most romantic cities in India, for the story of Shah Janha and Mumtaz. Plus, visitors can enjoy the sunset on River Yamuna, shopping at Kinari Bazar and can watch the Kalakriti Dance Drama Show, which is held every evening at 6:30 PM. If you are planning to visit Agra, choose the holiday between November and March, and never miss trying Agra Ka Petha, which is sweet delicacy which would make you want for more!

Shimla

Shimla is a beautiful hill station and is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Mountains, dew filled pine forests, lush valleys, fresh plantation and its famous toy train are enough reasons to attract thousands of tourists to Shimla.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Shimla thoroughly, you must go to the top attractions such as Summer Hills, Jakhoo Hill, Kufri, Chai, The Scandal Point Green Valley, Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Mall Road and Himalayan Bird Park. Shimla has saved cultural heritage for generations and you can explore it in places such as The Shimla State Museum, Johnnie’s Wax Museum and the Institute of Advanced Studies.

Tara Devi Temple and Christ Church are the religious places where people pray roaming around the Shimla. As Shimla is filled with romantic spots and luxury resorts, you can do lots of things here such as camping, bonfire, paragliding, cycling, trekking, and more.

Besides these, primarily, tourists love riding toy trains, shopping at Lakkar Bazar and Mall Road, rafting at Tattapani, enjoying the sunset at Scandal Point and exploring the pine forests. From March to June is the best season to visit, but if you plan for a honeymoon in Shimla, from December to February will be the best time.

Goa

Goa is one of the most visited cities sin India for a beach adventure, seafood and vibrant nightlife. White sandy beaches, palm trees, the low tax rate and coastal cuisines play a vital role in attracting a large number of tourists in Goa. Along with these, Goa possesses historic and ancient architecture, spice plantations, trekking destinations, and a lot more.

If you want to explore Goa through the lane, you can hire the bikes and roam. Besides Goa beaches, the popular attractions include Dudhsagar waterfalls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Sahakari Spice Plantation, Dona Paula, Mandovi River, and Se Cathedral.

Goa is the favourite spot for foreign tourists, and here they can do lots of recreational activities, including hot air balloon safari, scuba diving, Ayurveda treatment, banana boat rides, water scooter and jet skiing. If you are planning for a Goa holiday, visit here between October and April.

Darjeeling

With its natural beauty and tourist spots at the height of 2,050 meters, Darjeeling has become the queen of India’s hill station. Known for the tea industry, Darjeeling covers lands of fragrant tea gardens where you can find tourists, trekkers and artists roaming easily.

Snow-clad Kanchenjunga, toy trains and Tibetan cuisines still add the popularity to Darjeeling. While in Darjeeling, visit the famous attractions that include Tiger Hill, Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Railway, and Singalila National Park. If you think of visiting Darjeeling, April to June will be the best time.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is the wettest land of India, in the state of Meghalaya. Spectacular waterfalls, mysterious caves, and deep valleys are the prime factors that make Cherrapunji more alluring. Plus, living root bridges are the attractions for which Cherrapunji is solely important, and they are the result of bioengineering practised by the locals.

If you are in Cherrapunji, never miss the other popular attractions that include Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai Caves, Nohkalikai Falls, and Dainthlen Falls. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is from October to March.

Leh Ladakh

Known for the adventure capital of the country, Leh Ladakh is India’s most remote and least populated region. But this isolated place is proud of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, glassy lakes, and Buddhist monasteries. Plus, Leh Ladakh is a blessed place with unique culture, serene priorities, incredible nature and best of all, hospitality.

This place has an endless dirt road surrounded by mountains, which is the best to have a bike trip. The famous destinations in Leh-Ladakh are Nubra Valley, Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Namgyal Tsemo, Stock Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Sangam Valley, Pangong Lake, and Jama Masjid. In Leh-Ladakh, visitors can participate in activities like jeep safari, camel safari, motorbiking, shopping, and attending famous fairs and festivals and more. If you are planning to come to Leh Ladakh, from April to August will be the best time.

Alleppey

None can deny the fact that South India is rich in tourist resources, and Alleppey is also the part of Kerala, which is called the Venice of East. Alleppey is the place of water culture and tourism that includes backwaters, houseboats and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts, boarding the Laccadive Sea. Through the houseboat cruise, visitors can catch the view of green paddy fields, choir making activities, beautiful avifauna, and witness the local lifestyle.

Besides that, Alleppey grows the gem of coastal activities on the Alleppey beach. A 137-year-old pier into the sea and the 17th-century lighthouse built by Portuguese adds the historic glamour to Alleppey. While in Alleppey, tourists can enjoy all the recreational facilities that one plans before boarding to destination. And if you come here in August and September, you can witness the traditional snake boat race.

Varanasi

Varanasi is named after the rivers ‘Varuna’ and ‘Assi’. It is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus in India. It is believed that no Hindu pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Varanasi. So, thousands of pilgrims come here as they believe that dipping in Ganga River can wash away their sins. Varanasi is rich in religious heritage and culture with a sacred place possessing numerous alleys, temples, and ghats.

If you are once in Varanasi, complete the tour of prime holy destinations which include Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Ramnagar Fort and Museum, Chunar Fort, Sarnath, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Man Mandir Observatory, and Godowlia market.

Here, visitors can shop for silk saris, milk sweets and learn Hindustani classical music and dance. Besides that, they can participate in the activities of sightseeing, boat riding, watching the Ganga Aarti Ceremony, and more.

Rishikesh

Another spiritual destination, Rishikesh, lies under the foothills of Himalayas by the Ganga River. This place is famous for meditation and Ayurvedic styled holiday, thereby becoming Yoga Capital of the World. The major attractions in Rishikesh include Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Shivpuri, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rajaji National Park, Parmarth Niketan, The Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh Waterfall, Swarg Ashram, Rishi Kund, Geeta Bhawan, Vashishta Gufa, Trayambakeshwar Temple, and Kunjapuri Temple*.

Rishikesh has been a favourite destination for travellers, adventurers and pilgrims alike where they enjoy activities such as rafting, zip-lining, bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, trekking, sightseeing, Camping, bonfire Ayurveda body Massages and Spa treatment. Rishikesh favours all seasons throughout the year, so you can come here any time.

Rann of Kutch

Rann means desert, and Rann of Kutch is a white salt desert located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The desert which has stretched in thousands of kilometres has no water body, no tree. But when the night falls, you can witness the real beauty of the desert. The moonlight sparkles over the white desert, and the sight looks absolutely stunning.

Along with natural beauty, the local culture of Kutch adds the flavour to Kutch tourism, and the Rann of Kutch is crowded during Rann Utsav. The famous destinations in Rann of Kutch comprise Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Museum, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Aina Mahal, Dholavira, Lakhpat Fort, Roha Fort, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace, Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, and Dhinodhar Hills. Visitors can enjoy camel safari, camping, sightseeing, shopping, and more. If you are planning for Rann of Kutch, from October to February will be the best travel time.

Some Important Travel Tips to Keep in Mind while Travelling in India

  • Know Basic Hindi Words: Knowing some simple words in Hindi can help you a lot because only a few people speak English in India. Some common Hindi words are Namaste, Acha, Thike Hay, Kitna Paisa, Madat, etc. It may sound something different and weird at first, but learning some basic words would be of much help!

  • Expect Noise and Heat: India is one of the fastest-growing countries and cars, bikes, throngs of people, and street hawkers have populated the city, making the streets and buildings busy. It is common in India that the heavy traffic remains for hours and people are accustomed to it. Besides mountain regions, the scorching sun hits the ground, and Cherrapunji is an example of it. So, for all these, prepare better yourself beforehand.

  • Make Flexible Plans and Expectations: Don’t fix your thoughts about the particular country based on the background you come from because each society has its unique cultural belief. Sometimes saying “No” means “Yes” and vice versa in India, and you should accept the cultural specifics. If you face frustrations about delays, cancellations, and other random situations, always have a Plan B.

  • Practice Bargaining: Sellers always put the higher price for foreigners as they have a misconception that foreigners are wealthy. Evaluate the goods and try to bargain with sellers for a good deal and for not being cheated. But artists and farmers are such people who hardly can make money for their living, so be humble about the price of their goods.

  • Consider Your Food Habits: On the first visit to India, the situation can be onerous if you do not consider Indian foods as they are full of spices. Indian people like to have a strong flavour. If you are not habituated Indian cuisine, ask the chef to prepare custom food. Always buy peeled fresh fruits and foods that have been either boiled or fried.

  • Follow Some Basic Etiquettes: Some basic customs of Indian culture include respecting elderly people and no public affection. Plus, dressing also matters when you go out in public. If you are vegetarian, you are going to love India. If you are entering pilgrimage sites, read the rules thoroughly and be informed about the future fines in these places.
Related articles
From our editorial team

"Atithi Devo Bhava": Indian People and Their Warm Hospitality!

Though only 10% of people of the nation speak English, it cannot be a barrier to communication between locals and foreigners. Indian people are simple, kind-hearted, and helpful, and you can trust them. They promote the slogan “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means guests and visitors Gods. This kind of warm hospitality you cannot find anywhere else!