Exploring India: Top places to visit for travellers

With a country as culturally and geographically diverse as this, there is certainly no shortage of unique and truly unforgettable places to go in India. From serene, temple-dotted countryside to vibrant cities brimming with buzzing street scenes and world-class attractions, there are incredible experiences awaiting every type of traveller. Whether you are travelling solo or as part of a group, it’s well worth planning ahead for this enormous country.

With so many fabulous locations to explore, the real challenge begins in deciding where to go. Perhaps you'd like to immerse yourself in culture in Mumbai, or are longing for simpler pursuits on the sun-drenched beaches of Goa. Maybe you fancy a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala or a few days spotting tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Whatever type of holiday you are craving, you can find it in India - you just need to decide which part of the country to explore first.  

With this in mind, we've put together a list of our picks of the best places to visit in India in each region. 

North

Shimla

As the capital of Himachal Pradesh, India's most northerly state, Shimla is undoubtedly one of India's best places to visit for those wanting to enjoy picturesque natural surroundings while still having the buzz and convenience of the city. Green and mountainous, Shimla is also a great place to escape the sweltering heat in other Indian cities, with temperatures in the high 20s in summer and snow blanketing its peaks in the winter.  
  
Aside from marvelling at the surrounding Himalayan landscapes, there is a great variety of things to do in Shimla. The 18th century Tara Devi Temple provides the chance to take in history and Hindu beliefs in a serene setting 2,200 metres above sea level. There are also a number of buildings and landmarks harking back to the days when Shimla was a summer retreat under British rule, including the elegant Viceregal Lodge and the neo-Gothic Christ Church. 

Agra 

Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is best known as being home to the bewitching Taj Mahal, which also gave the city its affectionate nickname of India's "city of love". There are a plethora of adjectives that could describe this city, but "lively", "colourful" and "historical" come to mind first.

The city forms part of the Golden Triangle, the most popular tourist route in India. This is, of course, on account of its world-famous white marble mausoleum, but there are other sights and attractions to experience. Once the capital of the Mughal empire, the city still retains reminders of these powerful rulers, most notably at Agra Fort, an imposing red stone 16th-century fortress that served as both a military base and royal residence. Aside from the historical attractions, the city's lively marketplaces and bazaars provide a colourful if sometimes chaotic shopping experience to hunt for souvenirs. 

Bikaner

One of the lesser-known best places to visit, India's desert gem Bikaner is located in the state of Rajasthan. Enveloped by the Thar Desert, the city is off the main tourist trail for those visiting northern India, despite having plenty to offer. For a start, there is the Junagarh Fort, an impressive complex dating back to the 16th century that is complete with ornate architecture, including grand halls and palaces, and a museum showcasing traditional art and textiles.  

Old Bikaner is a captivating labyrinth of narrow lanes and old buildings that provides the feeling of stepping back in time, despite the buzz elsewhere in the city. For a taste of desert life, join a camel safari or opt for a night among the sand dunes at a desert camp where you can enjoy a meal while stargazing. 

West

Goa

If it's white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters you want, you should definitely add Goa to your wishlist. This tropical state is replete with idyllic stretches of sand, from trendy and lively Baga Beach to the more relaxed Querim, as well as peaceful little fishing villages like Agonda and Betul. A captivating mix of Indian and Portuguese influences, Goa has its own unique culture, culinary scene and architecture.  

When it comes to the best places to visit in Goa, India's island paradise offers something to suit all tastes. Nature lovers will no doubt delight in Dudhsagar Falls and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and history buffs can explore sights like the expansive Aguada Fort and the 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus, while foodies can sample local delicacies like fish curry and pork vindaloo as well as fresh seafood galore. 

Aravalli Range

Stretching 670 kilometres across India's north-west, the Aravalli Range boasts spectacular mountain scenery and an abundance of unspoilt nature. Unsurprisingly, this area is ideal for travellers seeking adventure, with rappelling, rock climbing, paintballing and wild camping all popular. The Aravalli Range is also home to Mount Abu, a peak standing more than 1,700 metres tall that provides plenty of hiking opportunities. 

Wildlife watching is another popular activity, with a diverse array of animals calling the region home, including leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, hyenas, langurs, and macaques. If you would prefer to unwind with a rather more gentler itinerary, there are a number of resorts in the area that provide a comfortable base to enjoy the surroundings from. 

South

Ooty

Set amid the Western Ghats mountains, the lively resort town of Ooty is one of the best places to visit in South India to escape the heat. While April can get quite hot with highs of 30°C, the rest of the year stays pleasantly cool compared with many other places in the country. Home to lush valleys, serene lakes and rolling hills, the town is one of the best-loved destinations in the state of Tamil Nadu. 

A former summer retreat under British India, Ooty is known for its tea plantations and English-style gardens. The result is an intriguing blend of British and Indian influences, with Hindu temples set alongside Protestant churches. In addition to exploring the hill station's colonial past, there is also the opportunity to learn about the Toda people, who called the area home long before the British arrived in the 18th century, particularly at the Government Museum. Other attractions include the Kew-inspired Botanical Gardens and the incredibly scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway. 

Kochi

If you're looking for fascinating history, captivating art and cosy cafes, Kochi will make an excellent addition to your itinerary. One of the best places to visit in Kerala, this ancient port city offers an array of attractions. Once known as Cochin, this former trading hub is perhaps best known for its colourful old town, Fort Kochi, where the famous Chinese fishing nets can be seen. Elsewhere in the city, the "Dutch" Mattancherry Palace is home to 17th century Hindu murals as well as artefacts such as coins, weapons, furniture and artworks. 

Having been ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the city is home to varied architecture reflective of each country's rule. From the elegant 16th-century Santa Cruz Basilica to charming Dutch bungalows to 19th century warehouses and administrative buildings built for the British Raj. To enjoy a taste of traditional culture, be sure to catch a Kathakali dance performance. 

East & Northeast  
 
Darjeeling 

Located in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is a former summer resort for British elites who came to enjoy its cool climate and Himalayan landscapes. Today, the scenic hill station continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Its Toy Train, constructed in 1881 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers picturesque views of the mountains. Speaking of views, the Passenger Ropeway and Observatory Hill shouldn't be missed, as well as the town's famous tea plantations.

Set in the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-tallest peak, the town is a paradise for those seeking adventure in the form of trekking, paragliding, rock climbing and hot air ballooning. Those in search of gentler activities should fear not; there are plenty of other things to do, including shopping the Mall, wandering around the monasteries, or just sitting back with a cup of that beloved black tea and a good book. 
 
Kolkata 

Also located in West Bengal, Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta) is India's third biggest city. For those with a penchant for striking architecture and rich history, this vibrant city can certainly be considered one of the best places to visit. India's "City of Joy" is home to grand colonial buildings and monuments thanks to its former status as capital of the British Raj. The finest example is the Victoria Memorial, dedicated to Queen Victoria, is a stunning white marble palace with beautifully manicured grounds.  

The city is also home to the oldest tram network in Asia, although much of it has been phased out in favour of more modern transport alternatives. Millennium Park is a nice place for a stroll along the waterfront and to enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River. Something of a cultural hub, Kolkata has a burgeoning art scene as well as several excellent museums and a large number of trendy  bars and restaurants. 

 
 
Central  
 
Bandhavgarh National Park

 
For those in search of the elusive tiger, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the very best places to visit in India, if not the world. The reserve has the largest concentration of tigers anywhere in the wild, meaning that even a couple of days of safari here will offer the chance to spot them. In addition to Bengal Tigers, the park is home to the White Tiger, and it is even believed that all white tigers can trace their origins back to the park. 

A former royal hunting reserve, the terrain of Bandhavgarh National Park is relatively diverse, with rocky peaks, sweeping forest and grassy meadows, making it a haven for a wide variety of animals. In addition to tigers, you can glimpse leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, sambar, Bengal foxes and barking deer. The south of the park also boasts the remnants of ancient Bandhavgarh Fort. While its exact origins are something of a mystery, it is believed to have roots dating back to the third century. 
 

Khajuraho 

Khajuraho is a historic town in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is best known for being home to a variety of UNESCO-listed temples. Built between 950AD and 1030AD, these temples were dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism, indicating a policy of religious tolerance during the period. There were said to be around 85 temples on the site by the 12th century, but today only 25 remain. The temples are thought to have fallen into disrepair from the 13th century under Muslim rule. It wasn't until 1838, when a British engineer was guided to the site by locals, that they once again became known on the global stage.

The best known of the temples is Kandariya Mahadev, is also the largest and one of the best-preserved examples of mediaeval Indian architecture. If you look closely at the carvings across the temples you will notice some erotic depictions among the ornate work. 

So, that completes our round up of some of the best places to visit in India. Of course, this list represents only a small fraction of the breathtaking locations on offer. Being a country rich in natural scenery, incredible culture and captivating history, it was no mean feat to compile this list, but we've included our favourite places for each region. It would take many visits to the country to see all of the wonders that it has to offer, but we think these destinations are a great place to start! 

Looking for more inspiration for places to go in India? Take a look at our multi-region tours of India to start planning your adventure.