Travel Options in India: Top 10 Must Visit Places in India

What are the Top 10 must visit places in India? There are so many of them – not easy to pick just 10! Of course, picking just 10 must visit spots in India is a very subjective thing and a matter of personal preference. 

Just like everything about India, the 10 must visit places are also very diverse, with little in common with each other. Let’s find out more about them!

Taj Mahal, Agra

Of course, that’s why people visit India – to see the Taj Mahal, the monument of love. Everybody around the world knows how the Taj Mahal looks like – it is a large, majestic white domed marble mausoleum, an ode to perhaps one of the most beautiful women that ever lived, built by the man who loved her, Emperor Shah Jahan. 

There are other great places to visit in Agra as well, such as  Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Emperor Akbar's tomb and Sikander Fort.

Varanasi

Hindus hold a deep reverence for Varanasi, perhaps the spiritual capital of India. It’s a city like no other, a mystical holy place visited by millions of devotees every year. 

The temples and the riverside ghats of Varanasi are a joy to behold, calm and serene and perfect spots for a quick meditation or a deep contemplation. Anyone who wants to truly understand India has to visit Varanasi.

Goa

There’s always a party in Goa! Perhaps the most popular spot in India among foreign tourists, Goa is where you go to for sunbathing, a bit of hedonism and general, all round fun, on the glorious, sandy beaches.

 For the thrill seekers, there are so many exciting adventure sports to participate in, such as windsurfing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, snorkeling, hand-gliding and so on. For the more serious tourists, Goa has an intriguing mix of history, nature and culture, which might interest them.

Kashmir

Kashmir has been described as a Paradise on Earth. The natural beauty of the place draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. 

Experience the snow clad peaks, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, Alpine villages and flower gardens of Kashmir. Take a boat ride on the lovely Dal Lake. Visit  Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Nagin Lake, Pari Mahal and the Shankracharya shrine. 

Madurai

Madurai is perhaps the most important temple town in India. It is home to the Meenakshi Temple, which is visited by thousands of devotees each day. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in the world and is believed to be over 4,500 years old. 

Madurai is also the center of Tamil culture. The historic city of Madurai is a must visit for any thinking traveler.

Kerala

Kerala is easily the greenest state in India, with a lush green landscape, a rich wildlife, crystal clear rivers and lakes and the friendliest locals. 

A trip on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala would be an amazing experience to have. Enjoy the calm and tranquility of the place, and do try out the Kerala cuisine, which is one of the best in India.

Delhi

The busy, bustling, thriving capital city of India is also a tourist hotspot. People either love Delhi or hate it – there is no telling how you’re going to feel about it, but you’ll probably visit Delhi anyway during your visit to India, so better make the most of it. 

Delhi has forts, mosques, monuments and more that have survived the march of time. Old Delhi is a lovely place, but crowded and chaotic. New Delhi is modern, brash and a different world altogether.

 Udaipur

Udaipur is the city of lakes and palaces and perhaps the most romantic place in India. It’s a great place to take your spouse on a honeymoon or a wedding anniversary. 

The hotels and other living accommodations here are absolutely world class.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of Sikhs and attracts pilgrims from India and abroad. The Golden Temple is just as popular with Hindus as it is with Sikhs. In fact, it gets more visitors than even the Taj Mahal. The Golden Temple is visually stunning and particularly delightful at night, with its brightly lit golden dome.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta and Ellora are India’s most popular and historic caves that were carved into a large hillside rock in the state of Maharashtra.

 Some of the most beautiful carvings can be seen in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves that are said to be over 3500 years old. The caves present a stunning sight and are a must see for someone visiting India for the first time.