Must-See Destinations in India

 

Whether you’re an adventure-seeking backpacker or a laidback traveler, India should definitely be on your bucketlist. With the variety of attractions and experiences, you’ll find that trips to India are positively life-changing. So, we’ve compiled an enticing list of where you should go in your next visit.

Goa Beaches

The India we see in movies is usually of crowded marketplaces and colorful temples, so you may not know that they have amazing beaches too! 

If you’re a beach bum who likes relaxing on the shore and soaking in the sun, the beaches in Goa are the perfect destination. The western coastline faces the Arabian Sea, and you can select a beach that matches your vibe. The Agonda Beach is great if you prefer a bit of isolation, and the Calangute Beach is for those who want a more lively stay. 

For a more relaxing holiday, Goa also offers a variety of resorts for the upper class experience. Resorts, spas, and yoga getaways can be found as well. As such, you can truly engage yourself in soul-enriching activities and free your mind from the bustles of everyday life.

Delhi 

Of course, trips to India would be incomplete without visiting the busy capital. Delhi is home to tons of heritage monuments, shopping centers, architectural wonders, crowded bazaars, and delicious Indian cuisine. 

Tourists flock to Delhi every year due to the abundance of must-see places in the city. The Hamayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the 700-year old Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah are some spots that will allow you to appreciate Mughal architecture.

Plus, there’s a wide plethora of authentic Indian cuisine you can try out in Delhi. In the streets of Chandni Chowk, the jalebi from the Old Famous Jalebi Wala is the real thing. After all, it’s a popular jalebi joint that stood since 1884. 

Taj Mahal, Agra

What says India more than the Taj Mahal? The grandeur of this white marble mausoleum is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World, meaning you don’t need further reason not to visit this heritage. 

The classic Islamic design is really reflective of India’s culture. You’ll see the onion-shaped dome, inlaid black calligraphy, arches, floral patterns, and stones such as jade and lapis lazuli all coming together magnificently. But aside from the physical splendor, the Taj Mahal has a rich history as well. It’s a symbol of love and named after Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife. The mausoleum was started in 1631 and was finished almost two decades later in 1648.

Aside from the Taj Mahal, Agra also boasts of two other world heritage sites: the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri. 

Jaisalmer

Want to dive deeper into the historical stories of India? The golden city of Jaisalmer is the place to go.

Yellow sandstone is used in most of the buildings in the city, making it look like straight from “Arabian Nights”. If you’re thinking exotic, harems, deserts, and camels, then this city is the perfect getaway for you. And if you’re a Disney fan, Jaisalmer has “Aladdin” written all over it with all the yellow houses.

But the city doesn’t fall short of experiences. You can enjoy a royal-like stay in luxurious Haveli rooms, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert, enjoy a beautiful starry night, and enjoy local food like the junglee maas. 

And if you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a fort, the Sonar Quila is a living fort that contains half of the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, and you can stay in hotels located inside! 

Mumbai

Ah, the home of Bollywood. Hindi cinema is famous throughout the world. Indeed, the Indian passion for movies and theater still stands strong even in the modern age. 

Visiting the cinemas and theaters in Mumbai will definitely give you an authentic experience of their Bollywood culture. You can also visit the studios of Film City in Goregaon or take a stroll through Bandra, which is the equivalent of Beverly Hills as this is the neighborhood of Bollywood movie stars.

But aside from Bollywood, there are other great reasons to visit Mumbai as well. For one, it’s where the 26-meter tall Gateway of India is lsocated. It’s an architectural masterpiece that was built to honor the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary back in 1911.

If you’re looking for a gastronomic experience, Mumbai will most definitely not disappoint. From the food stalls in streets to exclusive restaurants, your taste buds will have an explosive experience tasting all the colorful delicacies and dishes Mumbai has to offer.

Final Words

For any kind of traveler, trips to India are the whole package. It’s a country rich in culture, history, cuisine, art, and architecture. So whether you’re looking for a historical trip, a gastronomic getaway, a laidback holiday, or an outdoor adventure, India has it all. Apart from all the experiences you can get, the hospitality of the Indian people is sure to tug at your heartstrings and keep you coming back.