India is a healthy country with amazing comparisons where both the traditional and modern worlds meet. The seventh largest in the world by area and the second largest in terms of population, India boasts a rich heritage that is the result of centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark.
Things to do in India include the opportunity to experience many of the sights and spiritual reunions, while nature lovers will enjoy its sun-drenched beaches, lush country parks and delightful wildlife sanctuaries.
From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the shrines of the Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Temple of Gold) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this unusual land will discover many spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures .
To help you make the most of your time in this amazing country, check out our list of the most popular tourist attractions in India.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Perhaps the most recognizable building in India, the Taj Mahal, is also the world's most famous monument of romantic power. Named after the Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this magnificent mausoleum was erected at his death in 1631 and occupied 20,000 workers until 1648.
Incorporating many aspects of Islamic design including arches, minarets, onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy placed near the door, the Taj Mahal is made mostly of white marble. Adding to its splendor are floral patterns adorned with gemstones and gemstones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.
The best time to visit can be in the morning or late at night when the atmosphere is changed dramatically by a change of light. If possible, try to capture a view of the Taj Mahal statue from the far bank of the Yamuna River - make your photo shoot memorable (and safe).
2. The Holy City of Varanasi
Since the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities still built in the world. A major Hindu pilgrimage, this holy city has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the most important religious symbols.
Varanasi offers many reasons to visit, at least the opportunity to explore the Old Quarter near the Ganges where you will find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780. The New Temple of Vishwanath with its seven separate temples is also impressive.
Bathing in the Ganges is very important to Hindus, and many places known as "ghat" have stairs leading to the water where the faithful bathe before prayers. Great Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and the Asian rivers, is generally considered sacred.
Also worth seeing is Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1917 and known for its large library of more than a million books, as well as the magnificent Bharat Kala Bhavan museum with beautiful collections of small paintings, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and exhibitions of local history.
3. Harmandir Sahib: Amritsar Gold Temple
Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important center of Sikh history and culture. The most impressive place here is the Harmandir Sahib, which opened in 1604 and is still commonly called the Temple of Gold because of its beautiful gold ornament.
India's most sacred temple of many Sikhs (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other religions), the temple is built with a combination of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its lower part of the marble has rich features such as elaborate statues of flowers and animals, while the large gold dome represents the lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Sikhism.
In addition to its magnificent design, visitors are equally impressed by the spirit of the temple, a result that is enhanced by ongoing prayers that are sung in the Sikh scriptures and are widely distributed.
Part of the whole experience - and guests are welcome to participate - is the opportunity to enjoy the 50,000 free meals served by guests every day.
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
4. City of Gold: Jaisalmer
Named after the yellow sandstone used in many of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is a hotbed of fine old-fashioned architecture from the sand dunes of the Thhar Desert. A city that once had a beautiful army, today is filled with mansions of old houses; beautiful gates; and the great Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a formidable 12th-century tower rising above the city.
In addition to its palaces, temples, and magnificent old houses, the castle has 99 towers and huge gates leading to its main courtyard where you will find Maharaja's seven-story Palace. Beginning in the early 1500's and added by successive emperors until the 19th century, the palace offers sections that are open to the public, including beautifully decorated tile floors from Italy and China, as well as intricately carved stone doors.
There are also dozens of 12th- or 16th-century Jain temples, each adorned with elaborate marble statues and sandstone, palm-leaf manuscripts, and a brightly painted roof. Be sure to check out the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and artifacts.
5. Red Fort, New Delhi
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power - a position that lasted until 1857 - the beautiful moon-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the magnificent red sandstone used in its construction, covers more than two dozen places. square miles, all surrounded by a huge canal.
Highlights include its two main gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the main entrance to the castle) and the elaborate Delhi Gate, once used by the emperor for the procession.
An exciting part of the tour is the Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered market that sells everything from jewelry to silk goods, as well as souvenirs and food items. While you can explore this castle, guided tours are provided and provide an interesting insight into Shah’s life and times, including a glimpse into the spectacular White Marble Community Audience (Diwan-i-Am) where he found his studies. .
Hot Tip: Try to stick to an audio and simple evening program that covers important events in castle history.
6. Mumbai: India Gate
Standing in a spectacular 26-foot-long distance and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see for Mumbai view. Designed to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife, Queen Mary, in 1911, this magnificent architecture opened with a magnificent ceremony in 1924 and, for a time, was the tallest building in the city.
Built entirely of yellow and concrete basalt and notable for its Indo-Saracenic design, Gateway of India was also the site of an unhappy British army march in 1948 when India gained its independence. These days, the great archway provides a stunning backyard that is as popular with locals as it is for tourists.
Hot Tip: After visiting the Gateway of India, head over to the Taj Mahal Palace and the nearby Tower for a delicious High Tea, an exciting thing to do in Mumbai since this magnificent hotel opened in 1903.
7. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
The construction of the Hyderabad Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world - and one of the oldest in India - began in 1614 during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah and took about 80 years to complete.
Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this magnificent 15-acre mosque, each composed of black desert stones, was erected on the site of large cattle trains known to have about 1,400 bulls.
Based on the bricks above the central gate brought here from Mecca, this impressive complex has features such as its huge gate, a large plaza, and a large man-made pool. There is also a living room for the Prophet Muhammad's hair.
Other notable features include texts from the Quran in addition to the many arches and doors, the beautiful roof of the main hall, and the corners around the entire Islamic building. Notice the variety of beautiful flowers and freezers over the arches.
Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
8. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort (often spelled “Amber”) was built as a walled palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and has long served as the capital of Jaipur. Tucked away in a hilltop, the castle is accessible only on foot by climbing a cliff or riding a motorbike from a town below (preferably, let the elephant do the work).
Outstanding include Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard, with many ornate elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also noteworthy is the spacious Community Audience Hall (Diwan-i-Am) with its ornate walls and monkeys.
Other highlights include the Sukh Niwas (Recreation Hall) with its many flower beds and a water-cooling station, as well as the Triumphant Temple (Jai Mandir), marked by its many decorative panels, colorful roofs, and magnificent views of the palace and the lake below.
Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh and has towering viewing towers, awesome walls, and the world's largest wheeled cannon. Be sure to also spend time wandering around the old walled City of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and beautiful markets, as well as the delightful City Palace, a vast complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
9. Goa beaches
Formerly known within India as a "destination" for those looking for a beautiful beach vacation, the beautiful west coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has recently been discovered by tourists from overseas. Goa coast, more than 60 miles away, is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, each with its own attractions.
For those who want peace and tranquility, Agonda Beach alone is a good choice, while Calangute Beach is a very commercial and very crowded place. For those looking for luxury resorts, yoga resorts, and spa resorts, the beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are in vogue among wealthy Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is one of Goa's most famous beaches.
While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This spectacular attraction is home to dense jungles and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers and black deer, as well as the famous Indian cobras and some 200 species of birds.
Also worth a visit is Divar Island, which is accessible by boat from Old Goa. Highlights include Piedade, a typical Goan town and home to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its stately stucco work, Baroque plaster ornaments, and altars, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
One of South India's most popular tourist attractions, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary focuses on a lake built by British engineers in 1895 for irrigation and water supply in the city of Madurai.
The park was established in 1934, and is home to many mammals, including many Indian elephants roaming, wild boar, otters, lion-tailed macaque, and more than 20 Bengal tigers. Bird watching is a popular and frequently featured activity for species such as darters, storks, kingfisher, hornbill, and rongoet-tailed drongo, as well as many interesting species of butterflies.
The best way to enjoy the beauty of the park's mountain landscape is to take a lake cruise or jungle walk, this allows visitors to meet face-to-face with herds of elephants and to view other wildlife from viewing towers and viewing platforms.
Hot Tip: Be sure to stop at one of the many places nearby for spices, tea, or coffee to visit.
11. Agra Fort
Built as a military base in 1565 by Emperor Akbar and later added by Shah Jahan, the magnificent Agra Fort (also known as Agra's Red Fort) is a delightful blend of both Hindu and Muslim influences.
Located a little over two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, the fort is entered through the Amar Singh Gate with its low outer wall and a dogleg design designed to confuse attackers. Once inside, you will see two huge sandstone buildings connected, the Akbari Mahal and the Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private residence in the area.
Other highlights include the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its magnificent bronze roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a Mughal garden made of jigsaw puzzles with amazing fountains and waterways and screens. the emperor and his team. Also noteworthy is the octagonal tower Musamman Burj, which later served as Shah Jahan's prison until his death.
Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003
12. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
The famous Ellora caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks, and made excellent excursions from Mumbai, some 200 miles [300 km] to the west.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent collection of 34 sculptures, monasteries and temples - 12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five Jains - were built next to each other, a religious expression. tolerance that existed during this period of Indian history.
In the caves of the Buddhist palace, the highlights include a number of shrines with statues of Buddha and saints from the 5th to the 7th century, as well as the magnificent Carpenter's Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in India.
Hindu caves are very complex and were carved from top to bottom, so there was no need to make scaffolding. Of these, the most magnificent is the Kailasa Temple, the largest stone-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and in need of removal of 200,000 tons of stone.
13. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Dominating the ancient city of Jodhpur, the great Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, was built in the 15th century to protect the people of the "Green City". Jodhpur is known by this name, which comes from its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to prevent overheating.
Mehrangarh, built on a very high plateau, is a magnificent building, with its massive walls inaccessible. Access is one of seven beautiful gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (these later had gunshot wounds).
Highlights of the tour include exploring the network of the castle courtyards and palaces, as well as a museum with a beautiful collection of artefacts related to the Maharajas. Be sure to spend time in the historical center of Jodhpur itself, famous for its eight city gates, a magnificent old clock tower, and many shops selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
14. Ganges River
The river Ganges, or "Ganga" following the Hindu goddess, has long been one of India's most revered natural wonders. It is also one of the main attractions, attracting large numbers of Indians to participate in its religious festivals, as well as tourists to enjoy the splendor of this great river.
Although several towns are located near the river, it is in the city of Varanasi that most tourists will travel to see the Ganges and the cultural attractions that populate its shores. Although small in terms of Indian standards - with a population of about 1.2 million - the city is full of temples and other important religious sites, many of which focus on the worship of (or) the Ganges.
Many "ghats" are set on the river bank, making it easy for worshipers and visitors alike to approach. Made at times by steep stairs leading directly to the water, there are actually 88 of these entrances to the Ganges. Although most are hundreds of years old, it was greatly rebuilt and developed in the 1700s, and with its often bright, colorful events and festivals it is one of the most beautiful photography sites in India.
If you have time, choose one of the Ganges river trips available in the city from any of the ghats. The most memorable is the early morning sunrise. On top of the experience with one purchase of small, floating donations available from the retailer and set it down by the river (the camera is ready, of course).
15. Mysore Palace
The flat city of Mysore is a delight to explore thanks to the eclectic mix of beautiful colonial buildings; Indian palaces; and green, well-maintained gardens. While those who are inclined to buy will enjoy spending time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood markets, the main attraction is the magnificent Mysore Palace.
This magnificent three-story palace was completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, with its magnificent features as its magnificent square towers and house; many ceilings and ornate pillars at Durbar Hall; and the splendid Marriage Pavilion, with shiny floor tiles, stunning colored glass, works of art, and jewelry exhibitions. It is also where, on special occasions, the magnificent Gold Throne is displayed.
16. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, considered a Buddhist shrine in the world, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, all being attracted to the local monasteries for meditation and prayer.
The focus of this tour is the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, built near where the Buddha came to Light and practiced his philosophy of life. Built in the 6th century and rebuilt many times since then, the temple is filled with beautiful pyramidal spire and has a large statue of Buddha.
Also of interest is the local pipal tree, a descendant of the first bodhi tree where the Buddha meditates seven days after the Enlightenment, which is said to be among the oldest and most revered trees in the world (you will know that you have found it there. You see a red sandstone marking the place).
Address: Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231
