India is an enormous and diverse destination. Bordered by seven different countries, notto mention the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, means that there are many differentsides to the country. More than 20 official languages, multiplereligions and a variety of cuisines exist within India’s borders. To truly experience the breadth of Indianculture and history, travel is key. Here’s a look at the best places to visitin India:
Number 10. Udaipur. The city of lakes, Udaipur glistens romanticallyon the edge of the desert in Rajasthan. The city is protected by lush hills and iswhere you can find the mesmerizing Lake Palace in the middle of a tranquil lake. Another captivating sight is the imposingbut graceful City Palace, along with the Monsoon Palace, which stand out with walls made ofgleaming white marble. Explore old temples, walk the winding streetsof this fanciful corner of India, and slip into times past inside its ancient bazaars.
Number 9. Amritsar. The Punjabi city of Amritsar lies on the borderwith Pakistan and is home to the holiest of Sikh sites. The Golden Temple is in the heart of the oldwalled city; this serene Sikh shrine provides a place for reflection and inspiration. You can tour the Golden Temple regardlessof religion, but you will need to show respect by covering your head and removing your shoes. The streets surrounding the temple are a freneticfusion of people, markets and activity. Be sure to pick up some traditional goods,such as hand-embroidered fabrics and delicately ornate shoes.
Number 8. Ladakh In northernmost India, in the heavily disputedKashmir region, is the mountainous destination of Ladakh. This region is large, but it has a low populationdensity and a number of nomadic residents. Breathtaking, pristine scenery is a majordraw to the area, but virtually all travelers will also spend time in the town of Leh. The town is located at a very high elevation,and it is home to the 17th century Palace of the King of Ladakh. Buddhist culture is also prominent in Leh,and you may wish to explore some of the many Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Number 7. Goa Beaches. On the western coast of India is Goa, a formercolony of Portugal that blends Indian culture with colonial influences and plenty of internationaltourism. Goa is popular largely because of its spectacularbeaches. The busiest of all is Candolim Beach, wheretravelers from around the world flock to soak up the sun. Anjuna Beach, by contrast, is far less crowded. It is also an amazing place where you canwalk to Chapora Fort and admire the sandy coastline from a new perspective. Palolem is considered one of the most beautifulbeaches in all of Goa with it’s natural bay surrounded by lofty headlands on eithersides.
Number 6. Delhi. If you’re spending any time in NorthernIndia, you will almost certainly visit the capital city of Delhi. The enormous sprawling destination is hometo several districts, and it is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world. One of the top sights in Delhi is the RedFort, which was built in the 17th century. The Red Fort is made from sandstone, and youwill be able to walk through its Lahore Gate, into the bazaar, through the jewel palaceand even into the former residence of the sultan. While in Delhi, you should also make timefor the many museums and religious structures that make up the city. Number
5. Ellora and Ajanta Caves. In the state of Maharashtra, you can explorethe caves of both Ellora and Ajanta. At Ellora, there is an enormous complex ofshrines carved from the rocky landscape. These 34 cave shrines are up to 1,500 yearsold, and they are from three distinct religions: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Two hours away is Ajanta, which is home to29 caves. The Ajanta caves are covered in murals andpaintings, most of which reflect Buddhist stories. While the two cave complexes are two hoursaway from one another, it is well worth visiting both to compare these incredible attractions.
Number 4. Varanasi. A city that may seem strange to many Westerners,Varanasi is of great religious importance. The holy city sits on the banks of the divineGanges and is believed by Hindus to be a sacred place of pilgrimage. The city is known for the religious practicesthat take place on the ghats alongside the river; pilgrims wash themselves in the watersof the Ganges and the bodies of Hindus are cremated. The sights of life and death along the riversidecan be shocking, but a visit to Varanasi is also contemplative, and ultimately, helpsvisitors to further understand India’s deep cultural and spiritual practices.
Number 3. Kerala. The southwestern state of India known as Keralais a place of tropical beauty. Palm trees, white sand beaches and eco-tourismare all big reasons to explore the region. Besides its famous backwaters, elegant houseboatsand temple festivals, Kerala is also home to the Thekkady Tiger preserve. The hub of Kerala is the city of Kochi, whereyou can see the local fishing industry thriving along with modern high-rises and colonialarchitecture.
Number 2.AgraAgra is known for one thing – the iconicand ultimately impressive Taj Mahal. Set on the south bank of the Yamuna River,the Taj draws millions of tourists a year. Built by an emperor as an extravagant memorialto his wife, the mausoleum’s porcelain white marble is an emblem of romance and adventure. Agra itself sits in the shadow of its imposingmonument, but is a small and welcoming city. The ancient Mughal-era Agra Fort is an attractivespot to visit – peer over the walls here and catch your first hypnotizing glimpse of the Taj.
Number 1. Jaipur. The Pink City of Jaipur is the capital ofRajasthan and is where you can find the beautiful Amber Fort – a sprawling, stunning complexset in the hillside overlooking a lake. Located just outside of the city and builtin 1592, the grandiose citadel was also a palace for some time but is now an impressivetourist attraction. Make sure to take a trip to the opulent citypalace with its stunning courtyards and gardens, plus the amazingly intricate Palace of Winds. Jaipur forms one corner of the Golden Triangle,and it also makes a great gateway into the lesser-known destinations within Rajasthan.
Agra is known for one thing – the iconicand ultimately impressive Taj Mahal. Set on the south bank of the Yamuna River,the Taj draws millions of tourists a year. Built by an emperor as an extravagant memorialto his wife, the mausoleum’s porcelain white marble is an emblem of romance and adventure. Agra itself sits in the shadow of its imposingmonument, but is a small and welcoming city. The ancient Mughal-era Agra Fort is an attractivespot to visit – peer over the walls here and catch your first hypnotizing glimpse of the Taj.
The Pink City of Jaipur is the capital ofRajasthan and is where you can find the beautiful Amber Fort – a sprawling, stunning complexset in the hillside overlooking a lake. Located just outside of the city and builtin 1592, the grandiose citadel was also a palace for some time but is now an impressivetourist attraction. Make sure to take a trip to the opulent citypalace with its stunning courtyards and gardens, plus the amazingly intricate Palace of Winds. Jaipur forms one corner of the Golden Triangle,and it also makes a great gateway into the lesser-known destinations within Rajasthan. 
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