With Greater Himalayas forming the crown of incredible India to the
Arabian Sea that washes the shores of the nation in the South and from
the golden deserts in the West to the culture and tribes of East, when
it comes to tourist attractions in India and places to visit, there is
so much to see and do in that could keep even the fussiest of travelers
busy.
Attractions in India include mountains,
monuments, beaches, tropical islands, jungles, hill stations, temples
and an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There is
the stunning Taj Mahal in Agra that draws millions of visitors from
across the globe, and then there are the resplendent forts and palaces
in Rajasthan that is yet another draw.
Serene
Backwaters of Kerala, balmy hill stations in Nilgiris and the tiny
emerald of Goa renowned for its neaches, parties and nightlife.
For higher calling, there is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Tirupati Balaji in South and the Vaishno Devi in North.
Group of Monuments also form major attractions in India especially the Khajuraho, Hampi, Halebidu and Mahabalipuram and Konark.
Take
your pick from our list of attractions in India to plan your holiday.
Be it south, North, East or West, we have compiled the most
comprehensive list of things to do in India to help you plan a memorable
vacation in India.
Top States
Rajasthan
- One of the most visited states in India, Rajasthan is the abode of
the erstwhile royal Maharajas (kings) and Maharanis (queens). A number
of magnificent forts, palaces, havelis, museums, monuments and other
legacies of royalty dot the land. What also makes Rajasthan attractive
is its desert area. A part of Rajasthan lies in the great Thar desert.
Traversing through the sandy regions on the back of a camel or on aborad
a jeep is a unique experience. Also camping on the sand under the
moonlit starry night is a huge attraction for the visitors.
Kerala
- Rajasthan is known more for its royal heritage. In contrast, Kerala
is more of nature lover's delight. The state is referred to as called
'God's own country' .
The natural beauty of Kerala is refereshing,
be it the backwaters of Allepey and Kumarakom or the tea gardens of
Munnar. The wildlife sanctuaries - Periyar, Kumarakom and Wayanad - are
abode to both ferocious and beautiful flora and fauna. Also, the people
of Kerala, their lifestyle, cuisine, festivals are very different from
what you will come across in Rajasthan.
Goa - No
other destination in India matches up with the fun loving spirit of
Goa. The beaches are the prime attraction here where you can enjoy both
leisurely walks and adveturous water sports. The churches are not only
attractive because of their architectural style but also because they
stand reminder to the centuries of Portuguese rule that Goa has seen in
the past. The New year celebration and the Goa Carnival in February are
the time when maximum number of tourists visit this state.
Uttaranchal
- Carved out from the state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranachal is a
destination picked up those looking for a adventurous and religious
holiday. The mighty hills, rushing rivers, snowy peaks are just perfect
for an adventure activities like trekking, rafting and skiing. The
pilgrimage destinations, specially the Chardham offer your soul a peace
that you have been yearning for a long time now. Apart from this,
Uttaranchal is also quiet well known for its wildlife sanctuaries and
ayurvedic therapies.
Himachal Pradesh - The
north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh boasts of a natural beauty that
is awesome. Nestling in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, the state has a
number of valleys and passes with a captivating beauty. Adventure
options in Himachal is as vivid as it is in Uttaranchal. You can go
trekking, skiing, rafting, gliding, skating or anyother form of
adventure activities. Himachal is also a pilgrimage destinations for
Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. The culture of the state is also distinct.
Top Cities
Jaipur -
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh and
is also known as the Pink City. The main drawers of tourists in this
city are the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort. The
city is also a stop in the royal journey of the luxury train, Palace on
Wheels.
Agra - Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of
the world is what draws a major bulk of tourists to Agra. However, this
city in Uttar Pradesh has whole lot of other attractions to charm
tourists after they have paid a visit to the Taj. Prominent amongst them
are the Agra Red Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb. A little distance
away from the city, the remains of Fatehpur Sikri is definitely not be
missed out attraction. Shopping is also high on the list of visitors
here. Apart form the miniature models of Taj Mahal, you can also pick up
marble items from the government emporia.
Khajuraho
- Khajuraho is a small place in Madhya Pradesh and is known world over
for its cave temples. There were originally 85 temples, however, today
you will get to see the remains of only 20 temples. Those of you
interested in exploring the cultural heritage of India should not miss
out a trip to the Khajuraho.
Varanasi -
Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the holiest
destinations for the Hindus. The ghats and temples of Varanasi see a
number of tourists coming in every day to pay their respect to sacred
river Ganges and prominent Hindu deities. A visit to Varanasi is
important for those desirous of knowing more about Hindu religion.
Cochin
- A city in the south Indian state of Kerala, Cochin attractions are
multifold. Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis
Church showcase the cultural heritage of the city while the Cherai Beach
and the Cochin backwaters expose visitors to the natural beauty of the
area. Take a trip to it and unravel its other treasures.
Top Monuments
Taj Mahal
- Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's greatest contribution to the world - a
magnificient masoleum built in the memory of his beloved spouse Mumtaaz
Mahal. An insignia of eternal love in white marble, the Taj, appears
amongst the seven architectural Wonders of the World and accounts for
over 3 million tourists per year. A trip to it inevitabel once you come
to India.
Red Fort - This red-sandstone
multiplex was once the palace of the erstwhile Mughal Maharajahs who
ruled India for generations. A plethora of other palaces in its campus
and the antique Meena Bazaar where the royality once shopped make it a
day-long tourist jaunt. Indian Prime Ministers till date deliver the
Independence Day speech for the nation from the Red Fort.
Jaisalmer Fort
- Witness to generations of tired merchants and travellers, caravans
and camels, a 10th century fort still stands proud and tall amidst
endless expanse of deserts and sand-dunes. The temples, intricately
carved havelis and a feel of the life in the arid desert make Jaisalmer a
must-visit for tourists. Camel and jeep safaris add to the excitement
all the more.
Hawa Mahal -Jaipur's Hawa Mahal or
the Palace of Winds is an architectural marvel, befitting the
appelaltion well with its abundance of windows that circulate tranquil
breeze and its look, that resembles more a cascading screen than a
building.
City Palace - A blend of Mughal and
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace of Jaipur was once the emblem
of power of the mighty Rajputs that lorded the deserts. The palace
complex is knitted with lush lawns and a deluge of theme palaces making
it one of the most visited tourist hangouts.
Top Religious Attractions
The Golden Temple
- Adherents of the Sikh religion need no introduction to their sacred
pilgrimage seat. Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, named so due
to the quintessential golden hue that the monument is bathed in, is
laced by the equally sacred waters of the Amrit Sarovar or the Pond of
Nectar. On a jewel-studded platform is the Adi Grantha or the sacred
scripture of the Sikhs wherein are enshrined holy inscriptions by the
ten Sikh gurus and various Hindu and Moslem saints.
Meenakshi Temple
-Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi or the Fish-eyed one are the
reigning deities here in this typical, yet classic representative of
Dravidian temple architecture with its gopurams (large sclupted
gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls). Don't miss out a regal
safari on elephants embellished in bright clothes and the regal
umbrella.
Koark Sun Temple -The 13th Century Sun
Temple or the Black Pagoda at Konark is one of the World Heritage Sites
built in the shape of a magnanimous 24-wheeled chariot with 7 huge
stallions - a classic vehicle for the Sun God to soar the heavens. The
fascinating beach flanking it is ideal for holiday-makers.
Akshardham Temple -Flanking
the banks of river Yamuna across is this 2 billion architectural
grandeur - an initiative of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). A fine blend of faith and technology,
Akshardham Temple complex is replete with a majestic 11 ft statue of
Lord Swaminarayan, 20,000 other statues, an IMAX theatre, artificial
lakes and an elaborate musical fountain.
Lotus Temple
-A piquant lotus-shaped insignia of the Bahai faith - the Lotus Temple -
its quietitude a stark contrast to the bustling purlieu of Kalkaji
where it stands. The Lotus Temple is the meditative refuge that draws
people from across the globe irrespective of creed and community.
Top Wild Attractions
Ranthambore National Park -
One of Rajasthan's premier wildlife sanctaury, Ranthambore National
Park is well known for its Tiger and also variety of floral variety. The
Ranthambore Fort stands impressively in the park.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary -The
most famous sanctaury of Kerala, Periyar is where the large herds of
elephants, over 300 species of birds and around 120 species of
butterflies greet visitors. The park also has a tiger population which
you can look out for during your trip.
Jim Corbett National Park -The
first National Park and Tiger Reserve of India, Corbett National Park
in Uttaranchal offers visitors great opportunity to spot wild animals
and birds. Spotting tigers, however, requires bit of patience since the
king of best doesn't gives frequent appearance.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
-The last natural habitat of the Asiatic Lions, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
in Gujarat makes for an interesting visit. Apart from the Lions, the
park is also home to 300 species of birds.
Kaziranga National Park -The
Kaziranga National Park in the Jorhat district of Assam is just the
place if you wish to see the one horned rhino. The park also houses a
healthy population of tiger, wild buffalos and elephants. Rare species
of birds like hornbill are also a major drawer of tourists.
Top Luxury Trains
Palace on Wheels
- This is perhaps the most luxurious and popular of all the luxury
trains in India. The Palace on Wheels begins its royal journey from the
Indian capital city, Delhi and takes its visitors on a memorable trip to
Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Udaipur and Agra before
returning to Delhi. On board, for eight consecutive days, it is the
royalty of the erstwhile Rajasthani rulers that replaces the monotonous
lifetsyle of the passengers. A trip on the Palace on Wheels is a must
for those looking to enjoy a royal and luxurious lifestyle.
Deccan Odyssey
-If the Palace on Wheels lets you explore the regality of Rajasthan,
then the Deccan Odyssey is no way behind in unfurling before you the
glorious past of Maharashtra. For a week, the Deccan Odyssey takes its
passengers on a tour to the heritage spots of Maharashtra. Beginning
from Mumbai, the train proceeds to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur,
Pune, Aurangabad (Ellora), Nasik (Ajanta) and Mumbai. At the end of the
tour, the experience is something that is difficult to encapsualte in
words.
Top Hill Stations
Munnar
-This beautiful and serene hill station is located in the south Indian
state of Kerala. Prime attractions here are the green tea gardens,
breathtaking waterfalls and the Ervikulam National Park. Shopping is
Munnar means picking up items like tea, strawberries and spices. A visit
to Munnar is for those looking for a quiet but enjoyable time.
Shimla -One
of the most famous hill stations in India that draws tourists in large
number, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station
has been benevolently blessed by mother nature and offers its visitors a
visual treat in form of pine clad hills, beautiful valleys and
waterfalls. The Mall is the prime attraction of Shimla.
Natural Attractions
Dal Lake, Kashmir
-A pristine lake nestled in the enchanting Kashmir Valley, amidst the
lush Mughal gardens flanked with multi-colored flora and avian
metropolis, antique monuments and plummetted orchards. Other than to
feel nature-at-its-best tourist attraction is the quiet boat ride in one
of the thousand odd elongated and elegant shikaras or houseboats that
float on the Dal.
Kerala Backwaters -The
Backwaters of Kerala are the place meant for those in search of a
peaceful moments amidst natural beauty. The main backwater destinations
in Kerala are Kumarakom, Allepey, Cochin, Trivandrum and Kollam.
Cruising along these backwaters on board the houseboats or Kettuvallom
is one experience that is forever cherished by visitors to the state.
