Must-See Places to Visit in India

India, the most populous democracy in the world and second-largest nation by area stretch from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, covering more than 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles).

It has a very rich history and a cultural heritage that goes back more than 3,000 years. The vast country includes historic cities such as Delhi and Agra as well as modern metropolitan areas such as Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore (formerly Bangalore).

Traveling to India can be an unforgettable experience. Here are 10 must-see places to visit in India on your next vacation!

As of March 27 2022 after a 2-year ban, India will drop Covid travel restrictions and restart international flights, let's GO!

Jaipur

From adorning pink elephants and mystical forts to bright yellow taxis and colorful bazaars, Jaipur is a city that’s quickly rising among travelers.

The Rajasthani capital has a lot of culture, heritage, and history—what else could you ask for? Make sure to visit Jantar Mantar, which is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India.

Agra

Nestled against Agra’s red sandstone cliffs is one of India’s most famous sights: The Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it’s considered one of the world's greatest wonders, so it should come as no surprise that a trip here would be high on any traveler’s list.

However, tourists often overlook other places that are just as beautiful and enjoyable.

New Delhi

There are several things for tourists to see and do in New Delhi, including monuments like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb.

Shopping is also an option here, with boutiques and malls spread throughout Delhi. This city attracts millions of visitors annually; some of whom travel here just for these sites!

And don’t forget to try typical Indian cuisine while you’re here. Yum!

Goa

Renowned for its white-sand beaches, Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.

Within minutes of arriving at a hotel on any of Goa’s 15 beaches, you are likely to be approached by an eager merchant hawking tourist trinkets or transport.

Chandigarh

It’s difficult not to love Chandigarh, as it has a surprising blend of natural beauty and urban aesthetics.

It also has several museums and art galleries, making it a great stop for cultural vultures. But if you are more into fun and entertainment, Chandigarh still has you covered with its nightlife.

From hip bars to pubs, there is no shortage of places to visit in India that make a night out one you won’t forget.

Still, have time? Go watch a movie at one of two well-maintained movie theaters or take an afternoon shopping trip to Liberty market (ask your hotel staff where exactly it is; most tourists don't find it on their own).

Mumbai

Home to some of the world’s biggest Bollywood celebrities, it’s a place where slums and multi-million dollar mansions live side by side. A city that never sleeps, Mumbai is also a shopper’s paradise. Dress codes are relaxed and you can visit its monuments and tourist attractions with ease.

Kerala backwaters

Kerala’s backwaters are a set of interconnected lakes and rivers that flow across central Kerala. The backwaters connect, as well as with other water bodies such as canals, rivers, and lagoons. This network allows for boats and houseboats to travel through most of these lakes and waterways.

This unique system also provides shelter for a variety of plants and animals; it is considered an important wetland area by conservationists.

Ladakh

One of those places is Ladakh, an autonomous region on India’s northern border with China.

The mountainous region is popular for its Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan culture but still largely unknown to Western tourists. Though it lacks infrastructure for a tourist boom, Lonely Planet describes it as one of Asia’s last true adventure travel destinations.

Rajasthan

Known for its rugged terrain, Rajasthan is an exotic destination that can be toured by road, rail, or air. There are many tourist attractions in Rajasthan including palaces and temples, among others.

Sights like Amber Fort and Jaipur have been famed since time immemorial as they are known for their grandeur. When visiting Delhi, tourists should make it a point to see Laxmi Narayan Temple while Agra is worth visiting to see the Taj Mahal.

Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal.

With a history that dates back to 1690, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is home to many tourist attractions such as Victoria Memorial Hall and The Asiatic Society of Bengal.

Other destinations to visit in West Bengal include Darjeeling, Jorhat, and Bhubaneswar.