India Is Famous for Its Incredible Culture, Tasty Cuisine, Scenic Beauty and Heritage Sites(2019): Take a Look, Below, at Some of the Best Cities in India. Have the Best Trip Ever.

14/11/2019 Newest

It comes as no surprise then that when we start thinking of destinations to travel to, India pops up quite quickly. The thing is though, India is a huge country and so it’s not just the kind of place where you can just rock up and “do it all” in a week. To that end, and to help you start to narrow down what top cities in India to visit, we wanted to show you a few gems you shouldn’t miss.

India, arguably the only country in the world, where languages and cultures change at every turn. For its rich cultural and geographical diversity, India attracts tourists from the world over to enjoy the marvels this country has to offer. Every region in India has its historical significance dating back centuries and the influx of colonials pre-independence only adds to the dynamic cultural heritage. Right from snow-capped mountains in Srinagar to the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland at Dhanushkodi, and from the mighty salt marsh at the Thar Desert to the riverside and tropical jungles of the Assam Valleys – offering you a plethora of choices to pick your holiday for a perfect Indian experience.

The vastness of the Indian sub-continent makes it impossible to travel all over in one go. So here is a comprehensive list of the best cities in India to help you get started with.

Indian Cities with Historic Significance

Udaipur

Source www.travelogyindia.com

The Venice of India, Udaipur will make you fall in love with itself. Sitting on the famous Lake Pichola and surrounded by Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is amongst the most beautiful cities of India and is also backed with a rich history of culture and heritage. If you are looking to experience the footprints of the royal life, then Udaipur tops the list. Udaipur offers you an enthralling experience like no other city in India with its majestic palaces, grand forts, centuries-old temples, luxurious mansions and tranquil lakes on all sides. For foreigners travelling to Udaipur, you might get some respite from locals as they are super friendly and will not overprice items.

What to See: Udaipur’s main attraction is the royal palaces: City Palace, Lake Palace, and Monsoon Palace. Lake Pinchola is the famous and the prettiest of the four surrounding Udaipur. Rajasthan is popular for its textiles, accessories and handprints, so if you are looking to shop then head to Hippie Market. You can also trek to the Aravalli hills, go on a boat tour, get a traditional ayurvedic massage, and catch the sunset dancing at Bagor Ki Haveli.

Where/What to eat:Chicken and mutton kebabs and Rajasthani dal batti at Jagat Niwas, Chirag rooftop restaurant, a mix of Western and Indian at Charcoal by Carlsson, Grasswood Café for healthy food, Ambari for the authentic Rajasthani food with the best view of the city, Lotus Café, Sunset View Terrace, Jaiwana Haveli, and Udaivilas.

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Mysore

Source www.goibibo.com

Officially called Mysuru, this was once the capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty from the 14th century to the 19th century. This cultural capital of Karnataka, sitting at the foothills of the famous Chamundi Hills, is one of the cleanest and greenest destinations to visit in India. Even today, the family of Wodeyar resides within the main palace. Although relatively a smaller city to visit, a walk down the lanes of old Mysore will enchant you with its rich history and heritage. Unlike most Indian cities, Mysore is laid-back with empty lanes and very little traffic.

What to See: Start your day by visiting the majestic Mysore Palace of the 1890s built on wood and standing strong even today as the most famous tourist attraction of Mysore, Brindavan Garden, Mysore Zoo, Karanji Lake, Main Market, Mysore University, Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary on the banks of Kaveri River, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalit Mahal Palace, Jayalakshmi Villas, Rajendra Villas and Chamundi Hills. The century-old Devaraja Market is a must-visit. If you have an extra day in hand, take a half an hour drive out of Mysore's main city to Srirangapatna – the then capital of Tipu Sultan.

Where and What to Eat: mutton biryani at RRR, authentic dosas at the original Mylari joint, Mahesh Prasad for vegetarian Kannada thali, and GTR.

Bonus Tip: Unless you are visiting Varanasi to offer prayers and carry out poojas, it is advisable to not get into the Ganga river.

Indian Cities with Cultural Significance

Varanasi

Source www.swantour.com

Sitting on the banks of Ganga, Varanasi is among India's holiest cities, a sacred place for both Hindus and Jains. It is also considered the oldest inhabited city in the world. People from all over India come here to carry rituals of life and death on the banks of the Ganges. With an intricate labyrinth-like structure, Varanasi showcases the essence of colour and chaos associated with India. Varanasi offers you a one of a kind spiritual experience so make sure you visit during Diwali or Holi to see its vibrant colours and lights adorning the entire city. Keep in mind, visit Varanasi is not to enjoy a laid-back holiday but to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the place. The old town sits on a total of 84 ghats (riverfront stairs) where you will find locals offering prayers to their ancestors. Locals come here to cremate bodies in the water, although that might be a shocking sight to watch, the whole experience of Varanasi will compensate for it.

What to See: Unlike other Indian cities bustling with activity, visit Varanasi to soak up the divine experience. You can also take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the magical sunrise. There are various temples and ashrams along the river – the most famous being the Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath Temple). The prominent Ghats to visit are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Shivala Ghat, and Darbhanga Ghat. Make sure to catch the majestic Ganga Arati, a prayer ceremony, either as part of the Ghat audience or from the river.

Where to Eat: Varanasi’s culture is also intricately woven with street food. Make sure to have kachori sabzi, choor matar, dahi chutney gol gappe, baati chokha, malaiyyo, and rabdi jalebi. If you are looking for a break from Indian food, you can visit Dosa Café, Niyati Café, Pizzeria Vatika Café, Aum Café and Open Hand Café. Please note, no alcohol is served around the temples and Ghats of Varanasi.

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Kolkata

Source www.radissonhotels.com

Kolkata offers you the perfect trifecta of lavish food, marvellous historic architecture, and unique culture. The former capital of British India, known as Calcutta, is one of the most underrated cities in India. Also proudly known as the land of festivities and deep-rooted culture, Kolkata is best visited between October to February if you want to experience Kolkata for what it truly stands for. Kolkata also boasts of a strong literary legacy, art museums and heritage sites of the colonial past. It is one of the cities that will not fall heavy on your wallet.

What to See: As part of your Kolkata sightseeing tour, make sure to not miss the Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Tagore’s House, Sundarbans, Alipore Zoo, Churches of St. John and St. Andrews, the Flower Market, Dakshineshwari Temple, Birla Mandir, Indian Museum, State Archaeological Museum, Academic of Fine Arts and Hugli River for all the artistic grandeur, walk down the literary legacy and vibrant colours.

Where and What to Eat: The best part about Kolkata is cheap and delicious street food. You must try the roadside phuchka, kathi rolls at Nizam, Luchi – Alu Dom at the Fairlie Place, Chill, Dal Pakori and Dahi Chaat on the Stock Exchange Street, Decker’s Lane rated by WHO as one of the best street food places in the world, Sondesh at Nakur Nandy, Kosha Mangsho (mutton curry) at Golbari, Tibetian Food at Territi Bazaar, Chelo Kebab at Peter Cat, Macher Jhol (fish curry) at Bhajahori Manna, Kalika Mukhorochok Telebhaja on College Street, Biryani at Arsalan& Royal, and last but not the least, authentic Bengali sweets at KC Das or Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick.

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Indian Cities for a Wholesome Experience

Delhi

Source www.dwih-newdelhi.org

Much unlike most of the cities mentioned in this article, Delhi is your quintessential Indian city for a wholesome Indian experience. Delhi offers you a perfect blend of urban city life with historic connections of both the Mughal and the colonial past. Delhi is a true testament to the mix of history and westernization. Being the capital of India, Delhi attracts a huge number of tourists all around the year. Contributing to the largest commercial influx in the North, Delhi brings to you a number of historical monuments, shopping areas, eating spots, gardens and more.

What to See: Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Connaught Place, Purana Quila, Chandini Chowk, Chattarpur Temple, Akshardham Temple, Raj Ghat, Jantar Mantar, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Nizamuddin Dargha, shopping at Sharojini Market, Asia’s largest Spice Market next to Fatehpur Masjid, walk down Lodhi Art district,Hauz Khas Complex, Tomb of Safdarjung, National Museum of New Delhi, and Dilli Haat – Handicraft market.

Where/What to Eat: Authentic Tibetan food at Little Tibet, Kinzum Travel Café, Aloo chaat as part of Street Food experience, Chinese at Ichiban, Kebabs at Islamic Centre and in Old Delhi.

Bonus Tip: If you have an extra day, make sure you visit Agra. It is about 3 hour’s drive from Delhi so leave early in the morning to spend an entire day at the Taj Mahal in all its spectacular glory. You can also pit stop at Fatehpur Sikri.

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Kochi

Source www.oyorooms.com

Kochi in Kerala offers you an unparalleled experience with its Indo-European influence in architecture, Chinese fishing nets from the 14th century and rich culture of art, literature, dance and music. Famously known as the Queen of the Arabian sea, tourists from all over the world visit Kochi for its vibrant energy. Kerala is also a famous destination for ayurvedic spas, so make sure you book yourself a massage appointment before you leave Kochi. Kochi’s literary and art International festival, Biennale, has beautified this city with wall arts and graffiti. Visit during December to witness artists sprawled on the roads and beach to leave behind a bit of their artwork.

What to See: Mattancherry Palace gifted by the Portuguese to the King of Kochi, Pardesi Synagogue originally built in 1568 for Jews exiled from Europe, Elephant Training Centre at Kodanad, Kathakali performance, Kerala folklore at theatre and museum, scuba diving at Scuba Kochi, St. Francis Church, shopping at Princess Street, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Sunset cruise, catch a ferry to Vypeen Island, tour around Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Palace, Marad Beach (away from the city), Backwaters houseboat and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Where/What to Eat: Kochi has a host of restaurants that offer amazing seafood and other meat options. The best dishes to have are biryani, beef fry, mutton roast, and different variety of fried fish. Some must-visits are: Sri Murugan Café, Arca Nova, Grand Pavilion, Quality Bakers, Kayees Rahmathulla Café, Madhu Seafood, Vella Kathari, Fathima’s Fast Food, Shibu’s Puttu Kadai, Sri Muruga Café, Ojeen, thaKadaloram, Fort House Restaurant, Kashi Art Café, Ginger House Museum Hotel, Malabar Junction, The Rice Boat and finally, no trip to Kerala is complete with some Todi (local palm wine) – visit Nettoor Todi Shop.

3 Tips/Guidelines for Travelling in India

Source www.theprofessionalbookkeeper.com

If you are planning a trip, keep these tips in mind for a smoother travelling experience:

Be wary of scamsters. Always check for reviews and ratings before booking hotels or transportation. It is safer to stick with government transport services (State-run buses and Railways) were available. Scams can happen while booking tickets, making reservations at places or even at temples/heritage sites. Do not pay unless you are completely sure of the seller's identity.

Keep a power bank always in hand. Most Indian cities have issues of an electrical outage. A power bank can help keep your phone on at all times. Make sure to charge it at your lunch/dinner pitstops. Install Google Maps and Google Translate on your phone, it comes in handy when you least expect it to. If you are visiting a remote location with no mobile network coverage, download an offline map of that entire region on your device to reduce your dependency on mobile data. Learn a few basic local words and with the aid of Google Translate, you won't be completely at loss with unfamiliar languages.

Check the weather conditions beforehand and plan according to the weather. The cities mentioned above are predominantly hot for most of the year. Pack an umbrella, sunglasses and a bottle of water where ever you go.

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Count Your Change Very Carefully

This is a tip that applies almost anywhere in the world. Whenever you are buying items or paying for something, make sure that you check your change and count it carefully. It happens very often that someone will make a “mistake” and give you back the wrong amount of change.