They say Home is where the heart is but not always, sometimes being at home becomes suffocating and this is when we need to go out and have some thrilling fun and a blast of fresh air to nourish our mind and bodies.
But sadly, our lifestyle makes it tough to travel wherever we please as we’re quite busy trying to make ends meet. And when the holiday bell finally blares and we have enough budget to travel, we realize that we don’t know where to go. It’s an uncommon thing when we don’t want it we think up all our travel plans but when we want it, nothing comes in our heads.
If you’re an Indian, you might find foreign lands quite exotic, but have you completely discovered India? I guess not. The irony is, while we want to travel to foreign lands, the people in those foreign countries want to travel to India. Why so? Simply because India is incredible. I know you might think otherwise, but it’s our own people who’re wrecking India’s beauty.
India is Ancient, and over time it has accumulated one of the best histories the world has to offer. As a tourist, if I were to travel through India, I’m pretty sure I’ll find something of historical importance at every 100kms. Even if you were to cut and simply pick the top destinations in India, they’ll go over 1000 easily, and writing them is a massive chore and also a reading chore, so this article has selected the top 77 which are worth visiting in India.
So giddy up, we’re going to take a walk. Do note that this blog has been split into various sections for your convenience.
Historical sites
As mentioned before, India has a history so rich, that wherever you visit. You’ll come across a couple of historically important sites.
Here are the Historical Destinations In India:
Taj Mahal
Whenever one says the word “India” the first thing that comes in our minds is the majestic Taj Mahal. Its beauty doesn’t need any description as I’m afraid I’m incapable of doing so.
The construction of the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his departed wife, who had died while giving birth to their 14th child (don’t giggle and new mothers, please don’t look aghast). Taj Mahal took 20 years to be constructed and over 20,000 workers(They weren’t killed). And since the day it was completed it has been the epitome of Love and Beauty.
Taj Mahal might already be on your itinerary, no matter who you are or where you are from. Try to be at the ticket booth by 5:30, or you might spend an hour in the queue. And stick to eastern or western gates.
Timings: 30 mins before Sunrise and Sunset
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
India Gate
Originally it was named “All India War memorial” but later on changed to “India Gate”. It was constructed as a memorial to 70,000 British Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Names of nearly 13,000 servicemen have been engraved on this Gate.
The Amar Jawan Jyoti was installed later on as a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Bangladesh war in 1971. Try not to miss out on the India gate and pay your respects to the brave warriors who protected our Nation. The National War Memorial is also located nearby.
Timings: 24/7
Location: Eastern edge of New Delhi
Jallianwala bagh
Even if the History textbooks may have changed, It still tells the gruesome tale of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The act was so gruesome that even writing about it is heartbreaking. Nearly 400 unarmed civilians who had gathered to celebrate Baisakhi were slaughtered in cold blood due to the order of Acting Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.
The soldiers who acted under his orders have been said to have left the military or did suicide.Try not to miss this place that started a fire to overthrow British Power in India at the cost of nearly 400 lives.
Timings: 6:30am to 7:30pm
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a 5-story pyramidal building constructed entirely of Pink and Red sandstone. Although Hawa Mahal is located behind City Palace, it gives off the vibe of being the Entrance to the palace.
The sole purpose of the Hawa Mahal was to serve as a viewing platform for the Royal ladies who had to obey the strict rules of “Purdah”. Hawa Mahal is nicknamed “The palace of Breeze” as it has an amazing ventilation system which makes it pleasantly cool during the summer.
Hawa Mahal is the cultural and architectural reflection of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is located at the heart of Mysore in Karnataka. Mysore is known as the “City of Palaces” as there are many palaces other than Mysore palace. Mysore Palace was constructed between 1897- 1912 when the then Old Mysore palace was turned to ashes during the Dussehra festival.
After the Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace is the most famous tourist destination with 6 million Annual visits. Mysore Palace is a place that can easily leave you awestruck.
Timings: 10:00am to 5:30pm
Location: Mysore, Karnataka
Raigad fort
Raigad is the Pride of Maharashtra. Formerly it was known as Rairi and was built under the order of Raje Chandrarao More, but later on, it was annexed by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and made it into his capital in 1674.
To reach the summit, you’ll have to climb 1737 steps (Great Leg workout) or take the aerial tramway or rope-way. Although not much is left except the ruins, it’s still a hotspot for tourists, especially trekkers.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
Sindhudurg fort
Sindhdurg fort lies in the north of Goa in the town called Sindhudurg. It was constructed by Hirojee Indulkar under the orders of Shivaji Maharaj.
The most astonishing fact about Sindhudurg is that it was constructed within 3 years by 200 vaddera people whom the Shivaji Maharaj had brought. It has been crafted so well, that if an enemy were to attack, they’ll have a hard time finding the main entrance. If you’re a Maharashtrian, then this fort is a must-visit.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Malvan, Maharashtra/Goa
Qutub Minar
Qutub might be the oldest Mughal era architecture in India. It was constructed in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak shortly after the fall of Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. According to inscriptions, nearly 27 Hindu and Jain temples were broken down and used in the construction of the mosque.
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which lies at the base of Qutub Minar is considered as the first mosque in India. Although visiting inside the Minar has been banned, it still is a must-visit destination.
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Mehrauli, Delhi
Gingee fort
Although it is now in ruins, Gingee fort was once tagged as the most impregnable fortress by Shivaji Maharaj and nicknamed the “Troy of the East” by British.
It has been said that Mughal led a siege on this for 7 years, but failed to conquer it. As a History lover, it makes me quite excited to know that there existed a Fort that was a perfect shield and a perfect sword. Personally, one has to visit this fort and glimpse it and understand how it defended nearly perfectly.
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu
Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort is one of the jewels of Madhya Pradesh. It consists of various great archeological buildings like Man Mandir, Gurjari Mahal, Teli ka Mandir, Saas-bahu temple (behold the Indian soap opera), etc. The king who ruled Gwalior was suffering from Leprosy, a disease with no cure at that time.
A sage cured his disease by offering water from a sacred pond. King renamed his city after that sage, Gwalipa. It went in the hands of various rulers after that. During the rule of Mughals, Gwalior fort was used as a prison for royal people. Every day in the evening, the fort hosts a light and sound show.
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Bhangarh fort
Bhangarh Fort is known as the most haunted spot in India. It was once a beautiful kingdom that is now known for its ruins. Its history is associated with several stories and unanswered mysteries.
Some say that it’s a den of ghosts, some say that it’s not at all haunted. It has a serene atmosphere, and stories of this place attract many tourists during the day time. Entry to Bhangarh Fort is prohibited after sunset and before sunrise.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Bhangarh, Rajasthan
Nalanda University
Everyone loathes their universities, except the studious folks. But Nalanda University as it’s one of the oldest universities in the world, Existed even during the era where the majority of people around the world were illiterate.
Nalanda was the Oxford of 5th Century CE and many princes across the ancient world studied. There were two major universities out of which Takshashila now lies in Pakistan. If you’re a student, try not to miss these ruins also try not to think your university might look in ruins.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Rajgir, Bihar
Museums
After Historical sites, Museums the Indian history is located. Try not to miss out on these as you might see quite many interesting things in Indian museums.
Here are the Best Museums In India:
Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is one of the earliest museums in India and works as the State Museum of Rajasthan. Albert Hall Museum is a model of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Albert Hall has rich artifacts such as jewelry, Persian carpets, coins from various dynasties, stone, metal, ivory, and crystal sculptures. Albert hall also houses an Egyptian Mummy, let’s hope it doesn’t come to life. If you want a taste of Rajasthani culture, Albert Hall Museum is where you need to be.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
India Museum
This is the largest museum in India and also one of the oldest museums in the world. Indian Museum houses over 100,000 artifacts dating back to the Wooly Mammoth era.
Indian Museum is split into 35 galleries of cultural and scientifically important artifacts. It also houses many of the rare artifacts of both Indian and trans-Indian specimens. In short, even if you aren’t a History lover, you need to visit this place at least once.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
National Museum
The National Museum was established in 1946. National Museum covers over 5,000 years of history and houses over 200,000 works related to the art of Indian and Foreign origins Art lovers mustn’t miss this place as it holds one of the rarest works of art from around the world.
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Janpath, New Delhi
Salarjung Museum
Originally Salarjung was a private museum of the Salarjung family, but after the death of Salar Jung III, it was endowed to the Nation and is one of the three National Museums of India. Salar-Jung holds various scriptures, manuscripts, artworks, metallic artifacts, clocks, and many other things from various countries like Japan, China, Nepal, Persia, Burma, North America, and Europe.
Salarjung Museum is also one of the largest Museums in the world. Apart from the museum, Salarjung also has a library that holds around 80,000 printed books (Booklovers Alert!). You must visit this museum and try not to miss the Double statue, Musical clock, and veiled Rebecca.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Closed on Friday’s)
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Abbreviated as CSMVS and also known as King Shivaji Museum. It was constructed in the early 20th century to ceremonate the visit of the then Prince George V of Wales in India. CSMVS houses around 50,000 artifacts from India as well as foreign lands. It also houses the artifacts from the Indus valley civilization era and the Rastrakuta era. Even though this museum is small when compared to the others above, try not to bail out on CSMVS.
Timings: 10:15 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tripura State Museum
How much would you like if the Museum you visit was also a beautiful Palace? A lot I guess. As the name suggests, The Tripura State Museum is located at Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, Tripura and serves as the State Museum. It was first introduced as a cultural museum to showcase the rich Tripura and North-eastern culture.
The museum houses around 1400+ historical North Eastern tribal paintings and sculptures dating back to 1050 CE. Tripura Museum also houses a section dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore. Try not to miss Tripura Museum as it offers you a good dose of the Northern culture.
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location: Agartala, Tripura
Chennai Rail Museum
Chennai Rail Museum is a unique place that takes you through the history of Indian Railways and the premium rail coach manufacturer. This Museum doesn’t only offer you Train models but also Art. This museum houses various types of coaches, locomotives, scale models, and joy train rides.
Chennai Rail museum is the perfect place to spend a day with your family, you might be surprised to know how much Rail Museum has to offer.
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery
Baroda Museum is located at Sayaji Baug in Vadodara. Baroda Museum houses lots of artifacts ranging from old weapons, clothes, skeletons of Extinct species, statues, and many others. It’s a good place to visit with kids but if they get bored, you can take them to the joy train ride and bumping car rides that are close by.
The museum also houses the skeleton of a baby Blue whale and an Egyptian Mummy. I wonder what all these Egyptian Mummies are doing in India either way, it’s a place where you can have lots of fun and gain insight on many things. Do note that the Museum gets quite Humid in Summers.
Timings: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Telangana state Archeology Museum
Talking of Skeletons and Mummies, the Telangana State Museum of Archeology is full of old Archeological finds mummies. This Museum is the oldest Museum in Hyderabad. The museum was built when Henry Cousens first explored the Hyderabad site and excavated artifacts from the place where the Museum now stands.
The main attraction of this Museum is Mummy of Princess Naishu which the Nizam bought for 1000 pounds. I think the Princess might’ve gotten pretty furious to be bought for such a low price. There’s also a bust of Buddha which dates back to the last century and other artifacts from the Kakatiya dynasty era.
Timings: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art may be the last on this list but it’s the most important place to visit for various painters and artists as it is a place a treasure that only a few can cherish apart from Painters and artists. The museum has a collection of Pablo Picasso’s works among many other famed painters and sculptors.
Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Beautiful Beaches
If it’s not beaches, where else can you relax and recharge yourself? That feeling of white sand under your feet and the salty breeze is the Air is enough to make you intoxicated.
Baga Beach
What to do: Make sandcastles, Play in the water, water sports, enjoy the mesmerizing sunset, make memories.
Goa is easily a place where the fun never ends, the reason for this might be its beaches and the club’s near them. There are quite many beaches in Goa but Baga Beach is loved by all. Baga Beach is just what you need to relax and recover from your heavy work life. Baga Beach offers water sports and has plenty of shacks nearby where you can taste rich Goan foods. You can also gaze at the mesmerizing sunset from Baga Beach, the last week of the Year is especially entertaining due to the Nightclub on the beach.
Do note that Baga Beach can get quite crowded. Its fame is what causes its downfall, so get ready for the noise or visit in the late evening to enjoy its silence. You can also visit any other beach where it’s relatively less crowded.
Location: North Goa, Goa
Marina Beach
What to do: Watch the Sunrise, Horse riding, Watch out for Dolphins and Sharks, Ride the Merry-go-round, Taste the local cuisine near the beach.
With a length of 13km, Marina beach is the longest natural urban beach in the country. Unlike other beaches, Swimming has been prohibited at Marina beach due to strong undercurrents but there are two large pools available for swimming close to the beach.
You can do lots of things at the beach like horse riding or toy gun shooting. You can also shop at the small shops on the beach that sell various items made out of seashells. If you’re dating then marina beach might be your paradise.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Muzhappilangad Beach
What to do: Drive on the beach, watch the sunset, collect seashells.
Muzhappilangad beach is a must in your bucket list if you’re traveling in your car or bike as it is the only beach in India where you can ride your car or bike through the waves. Not only that, but this is the only beach in India which is least crowded. But you must take care of a few things. Don’t park close to the waves, the car might get jammed. Don’t drive deeper into the water, it might damage the car or blow the spark plug.
Other than the points given above, everything else is simply pleasant.
Location: Kannur, Kerala
Tarkarli Beach
What to do: Scuba Diving, Jet Skiing, Banana boat riding, parasailing.
Tarkarli beach is quite a good alternative to Malvan beach as it is relatively less crowded and offers a plethora of water sports such as Scuba diving, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, and Parasailing. Tarkarli beach is a perfectly suitable place to spend your day with your family, friends, or alone and have a blast! Do try not to leave your trash behind.
Location: Malvan, Maharashtra
Ganpatipule Beach
What to do: Watersports, trying delicious food, walking on the beach.
Ganpatipule Beach is the cleanest and less crowded beaches in Maharashtra. Ganpatipule Beach is pristine with its clean water and a temple nearby but sadly it doesn’t have shacks where you can grab snacks, so get your own snacks and remember not to throw them around carelessly.
Location: Maharashtra
Puri Beach (Golden beach)
What to do: Swimming, surfing, buying souvenirs in local shops.
Puri is famed for its temples, and so is its beach. This beautiful beach is located far from the noise of the city and offers you serenity and peace. Puri beach is also known for its choppy waters that are perfect for surfing or parasailing, although swimming can get dangerous oftentimes due to riptides.
Try visiting Puri beach at sunrise, you can get amazing sunrise pictures. Also if you visit in November you get to attend the annual Puri beach festival which is held for five days in November.
Location: Puri Odisha
Kovalam Beach
What to do: swimming, visit the Halcyon palace, gaze at the mesmerizing sunsets, lighthouse.
Kovalam is one of the most pristine beaches in India. Kovalam is quite famed for its warm, shallow waters and low tidal waves so get ready for a swim or surf. Kovalam is a black soil beach and this soil is quite prone to get heated, so try to keep your flip-flops on. Apart from that, you can buy tribal souvenirs at the local shop and taste the delicious fresh foods at the shacks.
Location: Kovalam, Kerala
Radhanagar Beach
What to do: Nothing just take a walk through this beautiful beach.
Unlike other beaches on this list, Radhanagar beach is located on the Indian union territory of the Andaman Islands. In my personal opinion, this is a Must-visit beach due to its stunning blue waters and white sands.
Radhanagar beach is a picture of serenity and peace, there aren’t many things you can do here, but why not just lay down on your beach bed and forget about everything else? Although do keep your sunscreen handy.
Location: Havelock Island, Andaman
Auroville Beach
What to do: Swimming, boat riding, tasting fresh fish.
You haven’t lived till you visit Pondicherry. Even though it’s a union territory and a state of India, Pondicherry is quite small but is way incredible than any other city in India.
Auroville beach is also known as Auro beach as it is located quite close to Auroville. Auro beach offers shallow waters and low tides which is perfect for swimming but do keep a watch on your kids as the waves are still quite strong. The best time to visit Auro beach is on weekdays as it’s rather crowded on weekends. Do try to wake up early and visit the beach before sunrise, you definitely won’t regret waking up early.
Location: Auroville, Pondicherry
Dhanushkodi Beach
What to do: Watch the sunrise and sunset, roam around, taste the delicious food, watch out for Adam’s bridge, and Pamban bridge.
The Southernmost tip of India and also one of the most religious places. A trip to Rameshwaram is a must for a lot of reasons and Dhanushkodi beach is one of those reasons. As Rameshwaram is the southern tip, this is the only place with-in India where you can gaze at uninterrupted sunrises and sunsets.
Rameshwaram is also the point where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and gives off a surreal wild feeling. You can also climb the Pamban rail bridge which is considered as the old rail bridge in India or visit the mythical Adam’s bridge.
Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Religious Monuments
India is a place that houses over 10,000 religious deities. Our religious monuments are where our culture and heritage come from and hence not paying homage to these religious abodes is like visiting Agra and missing the Taj Mahal.
Here are the Best Religious Monuments in India:
Golden Temple
Golden Temple or better known as Harmandir Sahib is the most important place of pilgrimage in Sikhism, Golden temple was first built in 1589 and later on underwent destruction too many times due to Afghanistan and Mughal rulers. In 1809 Maharaja Ranjit Singh renewed it in copper and marble after forming the Sikh empire. Gold foil was added later on in 1830.
Last time it was damaged 1984 during Operation Blue star which was undertaken to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from Akal Takht, who along with his mulitrants sought to create a new nation named Khalistan with the help of Pakistan’s ISI.
The Golden temple might be the only place where any person can worship regardless of gender or religion. Although I am an Atheist, the Golden temple makes me feel calm and relaxed. If you’re in trouble, Golden temple is where you go, because help shall always be given at Golden temple.
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Jama Masjid
Masjid e Jahan Numa (Jama masjid) is one of the largest Mosques in India. It was sanctioned by Shah Jahan and established in 1656. Originally, Jama Masjid and Red fort were supposed to be a larger planned city named Shahjahanabad (what is it with kings naming places after them?)
The mosque has the best architecture among other Mughal era Mosques. It boasts an impressive mixture of Limestone and Marble. I won’t give you dimensions because it makes me feel like I’m solving a Math question, so well Jama masjid is huge and has a large red sandstone porch, 3 gates, and 2 neck achingly tall minarets. Its courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshipers… you can visit during weekdays to glimpse this marvelous piece of Architecture.
Location: New Delhi, Delhi
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
My reason for picking St. Thomas over Bom Jesus Basilica which is a UNESCO heritage site is–palayur is the oldest church in India. It has been said that it was built by St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ in 52AD. St.Thomas was the one who brought Christianity to India and hence this church is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage and a tourist hotspot.
Location: Palayur, Kerala
Sanchi Stupa
Construction of Sanchi stupa was sanctioned by Samarth Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was originally a hemispherical brick structure that enshrined the relics of Buddha, the original stupa was also half the size of the current stupa and it was enlarged later on simultaneously with the extension of many other Buddhist structures. Till date, Sanchi stupa is one of the most important Buddhist stupas and also a tourist hotspot due to the original Ashoka pillars.
Location: Sanchi town, Madhya Pradesh
Dilwara Jain temple
the Dilwara Jain temple is so beautiful that it’s nearly on par with the Taj Mahal. It’s so incredible and unique that the more you roam around the more you realize that every sculpture is different. There are a total of 5 temples and the oldest one dates back to 1031 A.D.
To visit the place, your best bet would be renting a car and visiting during summer, as the marble floor can get quite cold during winters and you’ll have to barefoot, don’t miss this out on stunning beauty and Hey! It’s open 24/7.
Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Venkateswara Temple
Which Indian doesn’t know Balaji? Especially Tirupati Balaji. Venkateshwara Temple or better known as Tirupati Balaji is one of the major pilgrimage destinations in India. Tirupati is also known as the spiritual capital of Andra Pradesh. Considering the world follows the Suryavanshi calendar, there are quite many temples for the Sun god across the world. India has a bunch of sun temples but Konark sun temple steals the cake as it is quite exquisitely sculpted and near-perfect depiction of the Sun chariots and path.
The chariot has 12 wheels that depict the 12 months (it was constructed in 13-century mind you) and this 12 wheeled chariot is shown to be pulled by 7 horses (wondering If they depict weeks or weathers…). It has been said that there used to be a diamond that reflected the rays on the statue but now both idol and the diamond aren’t in the temple. Anyways, let’s not leave a sun temple out of the bucket list and dare to make the Sun god angry. And Oh! This Sun Temple is also among the UNESCO heritage sites.
Location: Tirupati, Andra Pradesh
Khajuraho temple
Khajuraho is a group of archeological sites, most of which are either Hindu or Jain temples. According to the archeologists, the survivor series temples were completed between 900 C.E. to 1000 C.E. so the oldest ones should’ve been dated back to some 500 C.E hopefully.
Nevermind that, if you miss Khajuraho and later on see its pictures, you might start regretting it due to its brilliant architecture. Um! Well, its sculptures mostly depict Celestial nymphs in various erotic poses (whoever sculpted them was definitely a great sculptor). Apart from the sensual sculptures, there are other intricately carved sculptures that are worth beholding.
Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
What’ll you do if you unearth gold ornaments worth billions? Personally, I’d definitely faint. Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple shocked the whole nation when gold ornaments worth billions were uncovered. Yeah, now it’s officially the Gold temple. The temple itself is quite old and is renowned in the Tamil literature dating back to the 6th century.
There’s still 1 more door to be unlocked at the temple but people are scared due to a legend and according to them the door can be safely opened with non-existent Garuda Mantra. If you’re a mystery lover, this place is what you need.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Varanasi
Varanasi is a city that invites everyone uncaring their race, religion, and caste. It’s a chaotic place but its chaos will make you feel alive due to its highly spiritual and religious place. Varanasi has been the most important religious site since ancient times and has been mentioned in nearly all of the Hindu scriptures.
You need to visit Varanasi to witness the mesmerizing evening Aartis, the Assi Ghat, and many other things. Although Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Shiva, you can find temples of many other deities here.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Packed with the rich legends, Sri Ranganath Swamy temple is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganath who was a form of Lord Vishnu. It’s located on an island between Kollidam and Kaveri rivers so it is flood-prone yet the temple has managed to survive for so long.
There are over 600 scriptures on the temples and according to them it also served as an economic center and educational center. The best time to visit this place is between Dec- Jan due to the annual 21 day festival. Do note that this festival attracts nearly 1 million pilgrims and tourists.
Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu
Hampi
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Hampi as Hampi was one of the most wealthy cities of ancient India and also the second-largest medieval-era city. Hampi is the best place if you want to see what the ancient city looked like. There are over 1600 surviving remains of the Vijayanagar Kingdom, which was the last Hindu Kingdom in India.
Although most of the ruins are of the Vijayanagar kingdom, there are also few ruins that date back to the Ashoka period. Hampi also finds its roots in Ramayana and Puranas. If Mughals hadn’t destroyed it, Vijayanagar might’ve become the best city of the modern era. Well even in ruins it holds its grandeur and is a must-visit.
Location: Ballari, Karnataka
Mysterious Caves
Caves fall into Ecological destinations but as there are many man-made caves that are truly incredible and worth visiting, which caves got its own point.
Krem Liat Prah
Meghalaya is ecologically diverse and a must-visit destination for nature lovers, it has high waterfalls, deep forests, and of course caves. Krem Liat Prah has been tagged as India’s longest cave. It has over 150 caves (known, more yet to be found) and over 34 km long. It’s most prominent feature is the wide passage which is nicknamed “Aircraft hanger”. I’ll keep it short so the cave maintains its mystery.
Location: East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
Ajanta and Ellora caves
Whenever an Indian thinks about caves, Ajanta and Ellora caves are what first comes in his mind, and rightfully so as these caves are one of the most exotic caves in India. Both caves are located close to the other in Aurangabad and both are rock-cut caves. Ajanta caves are slightly older than Ellora caves and have 29 caves while Ellora has 34 caves. Ajanta and Ellora are a combination of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism as the caves consist of Buddhist monasteries, Jain, Hindu temples (religions united!).
All the sculptures within the caves are sure to leave you flabbergasted. Ajanta and Ellora also house the Kailash temple which is the world’s single largest monolithic structure. Visiting these might give you the true taste of Indian Art.
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Elephanta caves
Seems like Maharashtra is home for some of the most impressive caves after the Ajanta-Ellora caves, they are the best caves in Maharashtra. Elephanta caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva but there are few Buddhist monuments. Elephanta caves get its name from the massive Elephant statue that acted as a landmark to distinguish it from other islands but the British tried to remove it and take it to England but it was shattered and now the broken pieces stand outside Jijamata udyan in Mumbai.
The caves were exquisite but Portuguese used them as a firing range and Mughal destroyed them, so now most of the Elephanta caves are in shambles but there are still few things worth seeing such as Trimurti and Natraja statues.
Location: Elephant Island, Maharashtra
Badami caves
Badami caves are among the earliest Hindu temples in the Deccan region. These caves are also called the cradle of temple architecture as most of the Hindu temples were influenced due to Badami caves architecture. Badami caves are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and are a formation of 6 sandstone caves. Apart from Hindu, there are also a few Jain monuments at Badami caves. The Sculptural beauty of Badami caves is sure to make you hold your breath.
Location: Badami, Karnataka
Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves
Reading about all these caves and other things must’ve made you sleepy but well, most of what India has to offer is Historical and comes in a bunch, Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves is among that bunch, these caves are partially natural and partially man-made but they’re sit worth visiting, especially Udaygiri if you want to see the sculptures.
Khandagiri was apparently mostly used for mediation purposes so nothing much in them. Udaygiri houses sculptures that depict scenes from the Kalinga war and scriptures related to the first Jain Tirthankara.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Karla caves
Lonavala is one of the must-visit places as it’s a place stuffed with Fresh Air (uck! City air!), Magical and mystical beauty as it’s right at Western ghats. Karla caves depict Sri Krishna and it has been said that it dates back to the Mahabharata era, it also enshrines Buddhist monasteries that date back to 1 century. Lonavala is a great place to visit in Monsoon but stay away from the caves as it gets quite muddy. And get some famed Lonavala Chikki without fail.
Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
Borra caves
Finally a natural cave with natural beauty but sadly no sculptures. Borra caves are made up of Karstic limestone and are abode to many stalactites and stalagmites. If you know how long it takes for those to form, you might start appreciating them. Borra caves are also considered as one of the deepest caves in the country, but tourists are allowed to about 350m inside the cave. The caves are colorfully illuminated which makes it quite interesting.
Borra caves were discovered when a shepherd lost his cow, and as there was a stone shaped like a lingam he thought Lord Shiva saved his cow (like Lord Shiva would ever bother about a cow…) and so the Shepherd told the villagers about his discovery also added that lord Shiva saved his cow, and the villagers believed it (weird religious flex, but Okay). After you’re done with checking out the caves, don’t miss the bamboo chicken.
Location:Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley of the Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh
Bhimbetka caves
Bhimbetka caves are where you can pay your respects to our prehistoric ancestors as these caves are over 100,000 years old. These caves give you a rare glimpse of the evolution of Humans from Hunter-gatherers, to agricultural and further developed beings.
Bhimbetka caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are spread over 7 hills and around 750 caves (sadly only 15 are open for tourists.) at a 10km radius (you’re looking at the first community). At Bhimbetka caves you will be rejoiced to see art worse than you can draw, Bhimbetka is recommended if you’re a history Lover.
Location: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh
Bhaja caves
Bhaja caves are the third well-known caves in Maharashtra. Bhaja caves are rock-cut caves related to Buddhism, these caves are like miniature versions of Ellora caves but share their architecture with Karla caves yet these caves are unique.
Bhaja caves have 22 entrances and houses many stupas, the most prominent feature of Bhaja caves is its Chaitya. Bhaja caves also provide important proof that Tabla was used in India since 200 BCE and not introduced to India by Turko-Arabs (I really people saying that India was nothing before the Mughal era.)
Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
Varaha caves
Varaha caves are the main complex of the Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram. This cave was sculpted near-end of the 7th century and is one of the finest testimonials of the Vishwakarma sthapathis (which crudely means Hindu temple architecture and Vishwakarma is a God who is said to have taught India the style of architecture.) Varaha caves are so extensively sculpted that you can believe that it is a cave.
Although it’s a Hindu cave, if you are into ancient architecture you’ll notice that it has slight ancient European styled architecture too. The most prominent feature of Varaha cave is the statue of Lord Varaha rescuing Bhumi Devi (Earth goddess) from a snake (Sounded slightly like Egyptian mythology). The sculptures at Varaha caves are impressive and all those sculptures surviving so long are even more impressive.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Ecological destinations
After the hustle and bustle of City Life, we all need a break from it and be one with nature and behold its beauty. India is ecologically diverse and it is also the only place where you can see both Lions and Tigers.
Sadly, today’s generation of city Kids haven’t felt the joy of chasing after butterflies and many of the kids have seen butterflies or fireflies a lot. Below are a few places that make a perfect getaway from city life and to enjoy the wildlife.
Here are the Best Ecological Destinations In India:
Kuno Sanctuary
Kuno Wildlife sanctuary is now known as Kuno National sanctuary and is the most potential place for relocation of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat and there has been a talk about reintroduction of Cheetah at Kuno sanctuary as well. Kuno has a good population of Deers, Blackbucks, Water buffalos, Soft-shelled turtles, and over 129 different varieties of Birds, so even without Lions or Cheetahs, Kuno still has a lot to offer.
Location: Sheopur, Madya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National park is the second National park from Madya Pradesh and while Kuno houses Lions, Bandhavgarh houses tigers. Bandhavgarh boasts 8 tigers per square km, which is one of the highest in India.
Bandhavgarh is home to around 37 mammals, 350 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies. The top attraction of Bandhavgarh is its Tigers which are around 44-49 in population and according to them if you don’t at least one tiger, you’re unlucky.
Location: Umaria, Madya Pradesh
Khangchendzonga National Park
Khangchendzonga National park is Indian’s first mixed-criteria UNESCO heritage site and is one of the few high altitude National parks in India. Khangchendzonga National park gets its name from Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is the third tallest peak in the world. Although it is a high altitude, Khangchendzonga still houses some exotic flora and fauna. One can find maple trees, fir, willow, oak at the base and medicinal plants on the higher grounds (Obi-Wan might like that.).
As for the fauna, Khangchendzonga houses Red panda, rare Asiatic Wild Dog, Himalayan Black bear, Tibetan wild Ass (Don’t think!), Snow Leopard and many others. The park also is a home for around 550 species of birds! Who knew birds liked the cold. Khangchendzonga is a must-visit place for trekkers and bird watchers.
Location: West Sikkim, Sikkim
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is the third sanctuary from Madya Pradesh and also the largest National park in central India.
Kanha is better known as Kanha Tiger reserve and has a healthy population of Bengal Tigers, Sloth bears, Barasingha (swamp deer), Indian Leopards, and wild dogs. It is the forest that has been included in the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.
Kanha is also the first Indian tiger reserve to introduce a mascot (Behold Bhoorsingh the Barasingha). There are many places available to stay at Kanha National Park so you can be completely at ease and along with wild.
Location: Kanha, Madya Pradesh
Kaziranga National Park
About time Kaziranga showed up. Back in school, we had a lesson that mentioned Kaziranga National park and now it’s nearly 7 years since school day but I can still remember what I learned that day. Kaziranga National park is India’s reserve which works to preserve the endangered one-horned Rhinoceros.
(Rhino babies are cute…) apart from Rhino’s Kaziranga boasts highly diverse animal species as it lies on the edge of the Himalayan biodiversity spot. Kaziranga also houses Asiatic Fox (Must see!), Barking deer (Ah! A Bilingual Deer), and River Dolphin. Kaziranga National park is a must-visit place in a lifetime.
Location: Golaghat, Assam
Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary
Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and is a hotspot for trekkers. Kalsubai offers 6.6km trek with moderately high difficulty(You hear that trekker?) As Kalsubai is located within a Sanctuary and in Western ghats, you are sure to get a good dose of wildlife and a blast of fresh air. If you ever visit Kalsubai, don’t miss out on Lake Arthur (hope you find a sword in the stone!) And of course! check out the mountain forts along the way too.
Location: Border of Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Kerala backwaters
Kerala Backwaters are unique and the most important part of Kerala tourism. Backwater is a network of canals. These canals are both manmade and natural. It’s a place where you can feel pure tranquility (it’s actually quite romantic).
You can hire a homely boat (I’m sure you guys would have drawn a scenery in your childhood, a lake surrounded by green vegetation and homely boats in that lake). You can experience the beauty of Mother Nature and the heavenly view of migrating birds. A boathouse trip would be the best gift that you can give yourself.
Location: Kerala
Manali
Manali is situated in the North of Kullu valley, and that’s why many times Kullu and Manali referred to the same place. They are two different towns though. Any newly-wed here? Manali is one of the best honeymoon stops. Manali offers incredible views of snow-covered mountains and various snow sports.
You can have an aerial view of the valley by paragliding and without rafting your adventure trip will remain incomplete. Manali is a beautiful blend of culture, adventure, and breathtaking views. You can go trekking, and Yes! don’t forget to capture memories while riding a Yak.
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Coorg
Coorg aka Scotland of India.A place which will make you feel connected with mother earth. It is a place where you’ll find layers of greenery, chain of mountains enveloped in misty clouds, world-class green coffee plantation, water gushing from the forest rivers, and a wide variety of biodiversity. It’s a place where you can think about life (I know that sounds cliche).
You can visit Abbey falls, Dubare Elephant Camp and other national parks(wildlife lovers), Bylakuppe(for cultural delight), go trekking, star gazing (with no pollution, you can see various constellations), etc. I’m sure you will forget about your mobile phones there.
Location: Kodagu, Karnataka
Peacock bay
Peacock bay is a piece of Khadakwasla Dam’s lake and is owned by the National Defence Academy of Pune. It offers beautiful sights for nature lovers and if you want to enjoy some quiet and peaceful time, this is the place to be.
You would also find a large number of peacock’s in monsoon (adding more colors to the atmosphere) and other than that there are deers, lion-tailed monkeys, etc. It is also famous for hosting competitions (water sports). Peacock bay is definitely worth a visit.
Location: Khadakwasla, Pune
Bhandardara
Bhandardara, is a hill station. It is packed with various attractions and peaceful places where you can hear the sounds of nature. Those various attractions include Amruteshwar Temple (it is said Pandavas built this temple in one night), waterfalls (sit under waterfalls and become a mystic monk), forts, and valley and many more places.
Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra is also close-by. Several routes formed to trek and climb the mountain, including a small trek that leads to Ratangad Fort (known for its boat rides). The sole reason to visit is for trekking is to find peace and by the captivating sight of fireflies (Bhandardara is known for it).
Location: Tehsil Akole Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
Garhwal
Uttarakhand is divided into two parts, Garhwal and Kumaon. Garhwal region is further distributed in 7 districts.
- Chamoli – Scenic towns surrounded by mountains covered in snow like Badrinath. Don’t miss out on the Valley of flowers and many other amazing places.
- Dehradun – Capital of Uttarakhand. A very well maintained city, which offers exciting adventures, caves, waterfalls, rivers, monasteries, museums and much more. It’s a perfect place for a photographer.
- Haridwar – It’s a colorful and captivating blend of culture. A place that will take you back in time.
- Pauri Garhwal – Lined with River Ganga and mountains. You can visit Chaukhamba viewpoint, Khirsu(for trekking) and many other enchanting destinations.
- Rudraprayag – Small town, named after Lord Shiva. It is famous for its temples and natural beauty.
- Tehri Garhwal – It is one of the holiest places of Uttarakhand. Where River Ganga’s real form arrives at Devprayag. It is famous for its lakes and impressive dams.
- Uttarkashi – It is also known as Devbhumi. This region was famous for its religious tourism but nowadays it became a stoppage for non-religious tourists as well because of adventurous activities.
Location: Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand
Theme parks
Here are the most amazing Theme Parks to visit in India:
Adlabs Imagica – Maharashtra
Ticket Price:
Theme Park – Ranges from 1000 – 2000 Rs
Water Park – Tickets starting Rs. 999
Adlabs Imagica is a theme park filled with thrill rides, voice-guided tours, comedy shows, indoor attractions, Bollywood Hall of fame and many more things (explore and find out yourself). Imagica covers Theme park, Water park, and Snow park. It is Adrenaline pumping and feeds your craving for thrill and adventure, or whatever you want. Try to enjoy Imagica to the fullest and make memories. Adlabs Imagica is a perfect getaway with friends and family.
I would suggest you reach the park early in the morning as it gets quite crowded or book tickets online, And yes! They have souvenir shops, huge stores with all types of chocolates, cafes. So don’t bother about bringing food.
Timings: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
Location: Khopoli, Maharashtra
Kingdom of Dreams
Timings: 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Ticket Price: Ranges from 3000 – 4000 Rs
Kingdom of dreams is famous for their live shows and theatre, it’s the first-ever park to provide these kinds of entertaining performances. If you are a sucker for arts, crafts, culture and of course food, the Kingdom of dreams should definitely be in your bucket list.
Kingdom of Dreams is a culture and food boulevard. It’s like a miniature version of India as you can get a glimpse of different states at once. If it’s possible, visit at night as the place looks more surreal in the evenings.
Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Wonderla Amusement Park
Timings: 11: am to 5:00 pm
Ticket Price: Ranges from 3000 – 4000 Rs
With over 55 different dry and water slides, you hardly need any other reason to scream out your lungs when you are at Wonderla. Some rides are gentle while some invoke screaming. There are different slides for people of different ages. Wonderla is the largest chain of amusement parks in India. Book tickets beforehand so you don’t want to waste time in queue, wear comfortable clothes and keep your swimwear handy.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Ramoji Film City
Timings: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Ticket Price: Ranges from 3000 – 4000 Rs
Ramoji film city is the dream place for movie and theatre lovers. It’s one of the World’s largest film cities and has been certified by the Guinness World Records for the same. You can actually see the grassroots of how films are made there. The beauty, creativity and fun attraction of this place will not let you put your hand off your camera.
Still not convinced? Guess where was Bahubali shooting was done, Yep in Ramoji film city. It’s not limited to only live performances, film sets, and theatre. It also has theme parks, adventure rides, bird sanctuaries, and ecozones.
Spooky thing is, it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of dead soldiers. As the film city is in the middle of the Nizams battlefield it just adds more thrill to Ramoji Film City.
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Appu Ghar
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: Ranges from 3000 – 4000 Rs
Appu Ghar was the first and the most popular amusement park in the country. It was named after an elephant(mascot) named “Appu” Who became the star of Asian Games, held in. 1982 in New Delhi. It was shut down temporarily in 2008 and reopened in Gurugram in 2014. Their Skyfall is the highest water slide in India and many other amazing water rides.
Amazing thing is, you can feel the vibes of the actual beach there. If you are looking for some relaxing after a hectic week or want to get soaked in water on a Summer day, this is your one-stop destination.
Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Science City
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ticket Price: Rs. 60(entry fees, exclusive of some individual charged activities)
Science City is a perfect blend of education and fun. Science city should be your choice not only if you’re a student, or a science lover but also if you dislike Science. At Science city you’ll get familiar with Plants, Animals, and other things that are present in our surroundings and learn the basic principles of science through an interactive and open-air medium (It’s not boring! It’s better than college lectures).
Science City also houses an Aquarium, a butterfly nursery, 3-D vision Theatre, optical illusions, time machine (sadly it doesn’t work), and Earth exploration hall. Science city is an incredible destination for every person.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Della adventure resort
Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
If you are an Adventurous person, Della adventure is sure to get your mouth watering with its 70+ adventures. Even though it is famous for its luxury resort and hospitality it offers many adventures in a single place which are hard to find in cities. From Paintball to Motocross dirt bike, Archery to bungee jumping.
Beware, the environment might make you want to stay there forever. It has a 24/7 dining restaurant, spa, salon, fitness center, swimming pool, and so many unique stores. You need to visit Della adventure at least once, you definitely won’t regret it.
Location: Kunegaon, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Aquatica
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Ticket Price: Rs. 900(Adults), Rs. 450(Children)
Aquatica is a Fun-Filled and thrilling water park. You won’t find dry park rides there. Aquatica is the perfect remedy for hot summer days. Aquatica is prone to crowds during the Holi festival. As Aquatica and Nicco park are both in Kolkata there is some rivalry (just kidding!).
If you compare Aquatica and Nicco Park, Aquatica has got more exciting and interesting water rides. But if you want dry park rides too, choose the latter. It’s better to know swimming before you visit Aquatica.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Essel world
Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Ticket Price: Rs. 390(adults), Rs. 290(kids), Rs. 190(senior citizens)
Essel World lies in the heart of Mumbai. So if you visit Mumbai or already a resident, don’t miss out. You might find your heart doing somersaults in your body. It’s all about fun, thrilling rides, and munching over snacks. They have games like Laser tag, VR, etc. Essel world is fun for all ages and one can never have enough Essel world.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Nicco Park
Timings: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Ticket Price: Ranges from 300 – 1500 Rs
Nicco Park is the premier amusement park of Kolkata. It has a dry park which includes roller coaster, Bull ride, River cave, etc as well as a water park known as Wet-O-Wild with rides such as Water coaster, Wave runner, etc. They assess the quality of water constantly. As Aquatica and Nicco Park both are in Kolkata it might be a tough decision, but one tit-bit suggests that Nicco park is slightly more hygienic than Aquatica.
At Nicco, you can also enjoy the best bowling alley of Kolkata. Nicco’s bowling alley is a hotspot for bowling tournaments by various companies. So if you are a person who likes bowling, then visiting Nicco is a must.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Ocean Park
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:30pm
Ticket Price: Rs. 350 for Adults, Rs. 230 for children (excluding some rides)
Ocean Park is the oldest park in Hyderabad. As Summer approaches, one can’t help but think about Water parks. So yeah, one more amusement park where you can enjoy aquatic thrill rides. They’ve got rides for all ages. Some of the rides charged separately, from ticket charges. Ocean Park is divided into two sections, one for water rides and another for amusement games. They offer various water rides and dry rides, at Ocean park one can try jet skiing as well.
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Conclusion
As an Indian, it makes me quite proud and excited to live in a place that can change drastically by simply relocating to a different region.
Seeing the entire beauty of India in a single life is impossible, sure it’s possible if you just visit top destinations in all 29 States and 7 Union Territories but visiting every individual city or village in India and soaking in their uniqueness might take over 120 years
