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Best places to visit in India

Discover the best places to visit in India.
With time-stamped temples, lush green national parks and more colourful cities than you can shake a stick at, India has a lot to offer. So, when planning the ultimate India itinerary, it’s hard to know where to start. Let us do the hard work for you. We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in India, including those Golden Triangle hotspots – all you have to do is decide when to jet off…

1. SOUTH GOA

This exotic slice of India is tucked into a tiny pocket of land on the country’s west coast. As far as scenery goes, South Goa is starry-eyed territory. Take the beaches, for starters. They’re what Goa does best – think soft sands, palm-thatched bars and nodding coconut groves. Head inland, meanwhile, and it’s all hidden temples, foaming waterfalls and Mediterranean-style churches.

Check out our holidays to Goa.

2. TAJ MAHAL

This world-famous marble mausoleum has been iconic since it was built in the early 17th century, as a tomb for the wife of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. It’s not hard to see why the Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This postcard-perfect tourist attraction is seriously beautiful and makes plenty of people’s bucket list. It’s no wonder it took 21 years and 20,000 artisans to finish the job.

Visit the Taj Mahal on our Golden Triangle tours.

3. ALLEPPEY, KERALA BACKWATERS

Kerala – a high-altitude town known as a hill station – is known for serene waterways fringed by palm groves and paddy fields. These canals offer a view of traditional life – they were the main mode of transport before bridges were built between the islands. Alleppey – also known as Alappuzha – is the most important town in this area. Take a boat ride along the canals in a houseboat and you’ll have a window into the region’s past.

Find out more about getaways to Kerala.

4. MAHARAJA’S CITY PALACE, JAIPUR

There’s so much to do in Jaipur. From snapping pictures of the rose-tinted walls and buildings that give the city its nickname – the Pink City – to haggling in the colourful markets that quilt the streets. The must-see, however, is the Maharaja’s City Palace. Take a tour of this grand complex, which is home to not one, but three royal palaces, as well as flower-studded gardens and ornate temples.

5. FATEHPUR SIKRI, BETWEEN JAIPUR AND AGRA

Think you know cities in India? Fatehpur Sikri breaks the mould. This ‘ghost city’ was abandoned in the 16th century as the water system couldn’t support the population. However, its impressive palaces and traditional Mughal architecture has been so well preserved that it looks exactly as it did when in its heyday.

6. AGRA FORT

South India is not short of UNESCO-accredited sites, but the red sandstone Agra Fort is one of the most-notable. Marking the map near the beautiful gardens of the Taj Mahal, this 16th-century fortress was once a military building that protected the banks of the Yamuna River. Fast forward some years and Shah Jahan transformed it into a majestic palace.

7. GOLDEN TEMPLE, AMRITSAR

If you’re visiting Amritsar, pack your sunglasses – the Golden Temple is a dazzler. The majority of this elaborate temple is coated in gold foil, which really makes it stand out. It’s one of the most popular tourist places in India, not just for its looks, but its history. It’s home to Sikhism’s holy book, the Guru Granth.

8. THE RED FORT, DELHI

If you fancy a glimpse into the past, Delhi is for you – it’s thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Make The Red Fort your first port of call. Constructed in the early 17th century, this bright red fortress was once the political centre of the Mughal State, home to Mughal emperors for over 200 years. Nowadays you’ll find a couple of well-stocked historical and archaeological museums.

9. UDAIPUR PALACE

Temple-freckled Udaipur is one of the prettiest destinations in India – it’s set on the edge of Lake Pichola and is famous for its Medieval palaces. The 16th-century Udaipur City Palace is the best of the bunch. This majestic building took nearly 400 years to build and is the largest of its kind in Rajasthan. It’s bagged a hilltop spot, so it comes with some pretty spectacular views over the city.

Feeling inspired? Now it’s time to book your holiday to India.

Plus, find out when’s the best time to visit India and what jabs you’ll need when you go. And, discover how you can see India on one of our Multi-Centre holidays.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles. ​

Author: Danielle Penny

Last updated: 05.10.2018

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Destination

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