India is a nation that cannot be fully experienced through one city and one architectural monument alone. From Mughal architecture and colorful Rajasthan to spiritual cities and tropical wetlands and wildlife parks, each area in India provides a unique experience.
But for a first time visitor to India, deciding which areas to visit can be a bit difficult since India is vast and traveling to destinations takes some time. Thus, for those who are planning their first vacation and are unsure of what top tourist attractions of India should be visited, you should consider visiting destinations that will provide you with a blend of history, culture, architecture, and nature.
Here are 10 top tourist attractions in India that you should visit.
Why Visit India?
India is best suited for those tourists who like to experience more than just touristy activities in their tours. One can visit the ancient forts of Rajasthan in the morning hours, can have local cuisine from the local market in the afternoon and then experience cultural shows in the evening.
The list of experiences that India has on offer is diverse, including heritage trips, wildlife tours, spiritual pilgrimages, beach vacations, desert tours and luxurious getaways.
As compared to other states of India, Rajasthan is especially good for new travelers because many popular destinations can be included in one road trip.
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Pink City
One of the most well-known cities of India that is indispensable to the Golden Triangle circuit is Jaipur. Also referred to as the Pink City, Jaipur is a unique blend of royal structures, colorful bazaars, and rich heritage.
This city is home to many famous monuments of Rajasthan like the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. One can also explore the handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics, and cuisine of Rajasthan while strolling around the old city of Jaipur.
Highlights
- Amber Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Jaipur's traditional markets
Best Time to Visit
October to March is usually good for sightseeing.
Nearby Attractions
Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum & Galta Ji Temple.
Travel Tip
Start early if you plan to visit Amber Fort and other outdoor destinations.
Get organised with Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Packages arranged by Rajasthan Tourism Bureau.
2. Taj Mahal, Agra – The Symbol of Love
Taj Mahal is definitely among the most famous tourist spots in India. The Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as an ode to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal has a varying appearance during the course of the day due to the changing light on the marble structure. Early mornings are especially beneficial for travelers who would like less harsh light and less crowds.
Highlights
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Mehtab Bagh
- Mughal architecture
Best Time to Visit
October to March is typically regarded as the most comfortable time.
Nearby Attractions
Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Mehtab Bagh.
Travel Tip
Plan a trip to Agra along with Delhi and Jaipur to create the classic Golden Triangle itinerary.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan – The City of Lakes
While Jaipur lets you experience the royalty of Rajasthan, Udaipur is where you will be able to see the romantic side of Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by Aravalli hills and is famous for its lakes, palaces, and serene ambiance.
One of the most popular places in Udaipur is City Palace that overlooks Lake Pichola. A boat ride through the lake, especially at the time of sunset, gives wonderful views of the city.
Highlights
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Jag Mandir
- Saheliyon-ki-Bari
- Lake views
Best Time to Visit
October to March would be the best time to visit this city.
Nearby Attractions
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake and Eklingji Temple.
Travel Tip
Visitors should keep at least two days for Udaipur rather than trying to cover everything in just one day.
Visitors who want an customized trip to Rajasthan may consider visiting Rajasthan Tourism Bureau's customised holidays.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – A Spiritual Experience
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in India and a very important place to visit in terms of culture. Located on the banks of the river Ganges, Varanasi is famous for its ghats, temples, streets, and spirituality.
Ganga Aarti is one of the attractions in the city that is performed in the evening on the Dashashwamedh Ghat. However, visiting Varanasi should be done leisurely by walking through the streets of the old city and boating in the river Ganges.
Highlights
- Ganga Aarti
- Ganges boat ride
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Old city lanes
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Best Time to Visit
October through March is best for pleasant weather.
Nearby Attractions
Sarnath, Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.
Travel Tip
Be respectful of local traditions and attire when visiting religious sites.
5. Jodhpur, Rajasthan – The Blue City
Jodhpur is renowned for its blue-hued houses and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The fort is itself an experience that can take up at least a few hours, with massive courtyards and museums to explore as well as beautiful views of Jodhpur. Post visiting the fort, one should visit the old market areas near the Clock Tower.
Highlights
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Blue City
- Clock Tower Market
- Local Rajasthani cuisine
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time for sightseeing.
Nearby Attractions
Mandore Gardens, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.
Travel Tip
Bring some good shoes as you will be walking a lot while visiting the fort and the city.
Jodhpur can easily be combined with Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer on a longer Rajasthan tour package.
6. Kerala Backwaters – A Different Side of India
India has more than just historical landmarks and cities. The backwaters of Kerala give tourists a whole new experience to enjoy.
Taking a cruise down the waterways of Alleppey on board a houseboat lets the tourist visit villages surrounded by coconut trees, fishing boats, and people's daily activities on the canal. A stay overnight on a houseboat gives tourists the most relaxing experience of Kerala.
Highlights
- Houseboat cruise
- Alleppey backwaters
- Village landscapes
- Traditional Kerala cuisine
Best Time to Visit
The months between October and February are usually good for backwater exploration.
Nearby Attractions
Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake and Marari Beach.
Travel Tip
One night on a houseboat will be sufficient if it’s your first time visiting.
7. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – The Golden City
It is in Jaisalmer that the desert terrain of Rajasthan starts adding to the charm of the journey. Jaisalmer is a city constructed largely of sandstone colored golden yellow.
The most impressive Jaisalmer Fort is the biggest draw in the city. Moving away from the fort, tourists can visit the Sam Sand Dunes for camel riding and desert safaris.
Highlights
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Camel safari
- Desert camping
- Patwon Ki Haveli
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the ideal time for outdoor desert adventure.
Nearby Attractions
Kuldhara Village, Gadisar Lake and Bada Bagh.
Travel Tip
Temperature in the desert area changes drastically, so you should take light clothing as well as something warm for the evening.
8. Goa – Beaches and Portuguese Heritage
Tourists visit Goa, which is one of the most visited states in India not only for its beaches, but also because of the mixture of sea views, Portuguese-style buildings, delicious seafood and night life.
North Goa is famous for its beaches and night life, while South Goa is usually favoured by tourists seeking peace and quietness.
Highlights
- Baga and Calangute beaches
- Old Goa churches
- Portuguese heritage
- Seafood
- Water activities
Best Time to Visit
November to February is the favorite time for tourists interested in beach vacations and other outdoor activities.
Nearby Attractions
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Panjim, Dona Paula and Fort Aguada.
Travel Tip
Scooter rental or local cab services can help you explore various places in Goa.
9. Delhi – India's Historic Capital
Delhi is the entry point for most tourists heading to India, but Delhi should be visited for its own sake. As the capital city, Delhi combines Mughal architecture, colonial architecture, modern neighborhoods, and great street food.
Do not miss out on visiting the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate, but also spend some time exploring Old Delhi and its famous markets.
Highlights
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun's Tomb
- India Gate
- Old Delhi
Best Time to Visit
October to March is better suited for sightseeing.
Nearby Attractions
Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Travel Tip
Delhi traffic could be random, so plan your sightseeing in such a way that you group together places located nearby each other.
10. Ranthambore, Rajasthan – Wildlife and Forts
If you wish to make your Rajasthan holiday an even more exciting experience by observing wildlife, then Ranthambore National Park will be a very popular place to visit.
This park is well known for its tiger sighting, but that is not all that you might come across in this jungle. You can also spot leopards, sloth bear, deer, crocodile, birds, etc.
Ranthambore Fort is a historically significant fort that lies inside this national park.
Highlights
- Jeep safari
- Canter safari
- Bengal tigers
- Ranthambore Fort
- Birdwatching
Best Time to Visit
The months between October and June are typically the period of Safari.
Nearby Attractions
Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Surwal Lake and local villages.
Travel Tip
No sightings of wildlife can ever be assured. Approach the tour with realistic expectations and relish the beauty of the forest.
Best Time to Visit India
This does not mean that there is one ideal month for the whole of India due to the varying climate of India in various parts of the country.
There are a lot of North Indian tourist destinations like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur where the period from October till March is pleasant for sightseeing.
In case you are planning a holiday involving beaches or the south, please check the weather for the region.
How to Plan a Trip to India
The best way to plan a first visit to India is to organize your visits to places by their geographical locations, rather than trying to fit all of India into your itinerary.
For a first-timer, the Golden Triangle consisting of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is a great place to start with. If you have extra days, you could continue the trip through Rajasthan visiting Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.
Those who want to observe animals can visit Ranthambore, and those with extra time on their hands can visit other regions of India like Kerala or Goa.
It could also be beneficial to have an personalised tour arranged for those who are traveling with their families, friends, or groups.
Final Thoughts
India’s main appeal lies in its diversity. There is no need to decide whether you would like to see its historical, cultural or adventurous side because in India you will be able to enjoy all three aspects in one holiday.
Rajasthan with its majestic Jaipur, its blue walled Jodhpur, its lakes in Udaipur, golden desert in Jaisalmer, Taj Mahal in Agra and forests in Ranthambore offers a lifetime experience within India itself.
When it comes to making plans for the first time visit, there is no need to try to make a complete round of India. Just pick the route that appeals to you most, give yourself some time between different cities and leave some space for surprises which usually turn into the best memories of India.
