1. Varanasi

Ghats of Varanasi (Kashi) on the Holy Ganga River in Varanasi

One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is arguably the holiest place in India. The spiritual activities take place along the sacred Ganges River, where pilgrims bathe and mourners cremate recently deceased relatives in plain view of passers-by.

Tourists, on the other hand, find their own flavour of spiritualism taking sunrise boat rides, releasing floral blessings that float on the river, and watching the fire-filled Hindu chanting ceremonies from the steep ghats.

Away from the water, the streets of the old town twist and turn like an endless maze. Legend has it that there's still no accurate map of Varanasi, and once you experience the labyrinthine city for yourself, you'll be inclined to believe it.

2. Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh has been on the radar for spiritually minded travelers since the late 1960s, when the Beatles spent time in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram—now an abandoned site that has become an off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction for class="dark_paras"fans.

The town is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the holy Ganges River, and serves as a center for yoga and pilgrimages. Take part in the action, or just enjoy the sounds of the temple bells and sightseeing from Rishikesh's two suspension bridges, often guarded by assertive families of monkeys. Keep your distance.

3. Agra

If there was just one symbol to represent all of India, it would be the Taj Mahal. The monument inspires millions of tourists to make the trip to Agra every year, waking up before dawn to see magnificent structure radiate at sunrise. But Agra tops the list of the best places to visit in India for reasons that go beyond India's most famous attraction.

Taj Mahal in Agra

The city in Uttar Pradesh is chock-full of marvelous Mughal monuments, like Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Akbar's Mausoleum, decked out in hypnotic inlaid marble designs from top to bottom. Plus, tourists can also see another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Agra Fort. With so many wonders in just one place, Agra is a must-visit city for tourists in India.

4. New Delhi

Humayun's Tomb

Despite its crowds and chaos, New Delhi offers tourists a lot to love. The colourful capital of India is the perfect marriage of heritage and modernity. Old Delhi contains some of the country's most treasured attractions, including the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk shopping thoroughfare. But throughout the sprawling city, tourists can explore countless other sites of spiritual and cultural importance.

Top tourist attractions in New Delhi include the Lotus Temple; India Gate; Humayun's Tomb; and India's tallest minaret, Qutub Minar. Fill your days exploring these mesmerizing sites, and refuelling at street-side chai stalls and high-end restaurants.

5. Mumbai

The Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai

Want to see a more cosmopolitan side of India? Head to the energetic, coastal city of Mumbai—home to ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs and the hottest Bollywood actors. Tourists are never far from five-star hotels or gourmet restaurants in this luxe city. And even if those activities are out of budget, a cruise down the beloved Marine Drive will make you feel like royalty as you catch a glimpse of the scenic coast and glamorous Art Deco buildings.

You can also see a more authentic, local side of Mumbai in the bustling "Thieves Market" or at the Churchgate railway station, where hundreds of thousands of homemade lunches are packed up for delivery to the city's office workers every day.

Make sure you devote a day to checking out Sanjay Gandhi National Park and exploring the 2,000-year-old Kanheri Cave carvings.

6. Aurangabad (Ajanta and Ellora Caves)

Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves

Time travel isn't a reality for travellers quite yet, but you can get pretty close at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the caves feature intricate carvings from at least 1,500 years ago.

The Ajanta Caves are the oldest of the two attractions, featuring around 30 Buddhist cave monuments cut into the rock as far back as the 2nd century BC.

Around 100 kilometres southwest, the Ellora Caves contain nearly three dozen Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu carvings, the most famous of which is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a massive structure devoted to Lord Shiva that features life-size elephant sculptures. The magnificent carvings at both sites will leave you filled with wonder.

7. Jaipur

Jaipur, part of the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit, which also includes Agra and New Delhi, is one of the top places to visit in Rajasthan. Dubbed "The Paris of India," it's known for its characteristic pink buildings, lavish City Palace, and jewellery stores galore. Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City of India, is the largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is also the capital of Rajasthan. Known for Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar and several other places to visit, Jaipur has numerous stories to tell. Each place has a history of its own and the stories, legends and myths make it even more special.

Hawa Mahal

Jaipur is one of the first planned cities in India. It was planned according to Indian Vastu Shastra by a Bengali architect named Vidyadhar Bhattacharya in 1727. The directions of each street and market are East to West and North to South.

The observatory, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, is one of the World Heritage Sites. It is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh who was a Rajput king, who was interested in learning about the sky.

8. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur

Gadi Sagar Temple in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The "Blue City," Jodhpur, offers tourists an equally unforgettable experience in its hilltop Mehrangarh Fort.

Udaipur oozes romance with its flower-lined streets and fantastic City Palace Complex, where the royal family still lives today.

And Jaisalmer looks like an Arabian Nights fairy tale brought to life, with its yellow sandstone structures and historic havelis (mansions). No matter where you end up in this desert state, you'll be captivated by the magic of Rajasthan.

9. Amritsar

The Golden Temple in Amritsar

Amritsar, the "Jewel of Punjab," has made its claim to fame with its remarkable Golden Temple. One of the holiest places in the world for Sikhs, the gilded structure is a sight to behold, glistening in the sun and reflecting into the large pool that surrounds it.

The attraction also boasts the world's largest community kitchen, which serves 100,000 diners (including curious tourists!) lentils and curries every day.

While in Amritsar, plan to spend an afternoon at the border of Pakistan to see the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Goose-stepping guards from long-term rivals India and Pakistan open and close the border gates at dusk in an over-the-top ceremony you'll never forget. Get there early to dance to blaring Bollywood music with locals in the streets.

10. Goa

Palolem Beach, South Goa

India's not just full of big cities and holy sites—it also has incredible beaches down south in Goa. Its stretches of golden sand along the Arabian Sea offer something for every type of tourist, whether you're interested in hanging out with the backpacker crowd in laid-back beach huts or having a ritzy tropical getaway at a five-star resort.

One unique part of Goa is its blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. You'll experience the fusion throughout the destination, from its Baroque architecture and cathedrals to its spicy vindaloo curries and seafood dishes.

11. Kerala

Houseboat in Kerala

Head south of Goa, and you'll trade beaches for tranquil backwaters in Kerala. Nothing beats the experience of hopping aboard a traditional thatched-top houseboat in Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) and slowly floating through palm-fringed lagoons and rivers, either as a day trip or overnight adventure. You'll enjoy freshly cooked Indian cuisine on the water and breathtakingly beautiful natural sights and wildlife.

Easygoing Kerala is like a breath of fresh air from the intensity of cities like New Delhi and Jaipur up north. Schedule some time here when you're in need of a break from the chaos.

12. Darjeeling

Darjeeling with snow-capped Khangchendzonga Mountain in the distance

Sightseeing in India doesn't get much better than what you'll discover in Darjeeling. The hill station in West Bengal is beloved for its lush green tea plantations, awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks (including Khangchendzonga, the world's third-highest mountain), and serene Buddhist monasteries. This is the perfect place to arrange a mountain trek or mountain biking adventure.

One of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling is taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Powered by an antique steam locomotive, the 140-year-old "Toy Train" takes tourists on two-hour fun rides from Darjeeling to Ghum—a journey that's regularly counted as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

13. Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

India's third-largest city, Kolkata, is a time withstanding masterpiece of former British India, brimming with colonial-era architecture. ‘What Bengal thought today, India thought tomorrow’, is a famous line associated with the city for having produced some of the greatest thinkers, artists, film makers and writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Satyajit Ray. Indeed, ideas in Kolkata in the fields of art, literature, cinema and theatre have provided inspiration to rest of the country.

The top things to do in Kolkata include seeing the Victoria Memorial, a white marble monument that features a museum with dozens of galleries, and Park Street, a famous thoroughfare with shops and restaurants that bustle 24/7, especially during the holidays.

But Kolkata is as much about the sites as it is about the emotions. This is a city that will somehow induce every one of your emotions with the highs and lows of life taking place in plain view on every street. Brace yourself, and be open to the experience.

14. Ahmedabad

The elaborately carved Adalaj Stepwell on the outskirts of Ahmedabad

The largest city in Gujarat, Ahmedabad is a noisy, overwhelming metropolis that somehow wins over the tourists who make their way here. The historic city of Ahmedabad earned the coveted title of India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017 for its rich architecture, walls and gates, and significant Hindu and Jain temples.

On the western bank of the Sabarmati River,, tourists can wander around Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi's headquarters from 1917 to 1930. Its museum talks about the life of the Indian hero, and displays his iconic spectacles and spinning wheel. While you're in the city, sample the street food—some say it's the best in all of India.

15. Runn of Kutch

Experience Kutch at its colourful and exotic best during the Rann Utsav which is celebrated every year from November to February. This festival offers an opportunity For visitors to attend folk dance and music concepts, to watch artisans at work, to Shop directly from NGO’s craftspeople and village co-operatives, to see the great Historical monuments in the state, and to visit places off the usual tourist trail.

During the festival, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat ltd. arranges tours with Transport, accommodations, food and guided sightseeing. Do not miss this chance of a lifetime to visit one of India’s most colourful regions.

The cool winter breeze and soothing rays of full-moon night welcomes about 8,000 tourists in the Great Rann of Kutch for the three-day long Rann Mahotsav.

The tourists would be taken on entourage of Kala Dunger (Salty Hill), located on outskirts of Rann, popular handicraft village 'Ludia' and eco-friendly Hodko village by the GSTNL.

16. Gir Lion Safari

Over beautiful beaches and old forts of Veraval and Junagadh lies the thick jungles of Sasan Gir which is believed to be the last refuge of magnificent Asiatic Lions - the sanctuary is spread in an area of 1412-sq-km and apart home to other varied species of animals, birds, plush flora. Sasan Gir is a place where wildlife is celebrated and preserved well enough to experience the lifestyle of jaw dropping beasts taking a leisure walk on their home land.

17. Shimla, Manali

Shimla

When the temperatures skyrocket in New Delhi and other cities in North India, tourists and locals alike make their way to cooler climates in the hill stations, the most popular of which is Shimla. The cloudy weather and forested hillsides make for a satisfying escape from the heat, as well as a placid place to spend a weekend or more. The atmosphere in the hilly central part of town, where traffic is banned, is just as pleasant as the scenic outskirts.

While you're in the area, make a reservation on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 96.6-kilometer-long railroad, which has been running for over a century, is renowned for its stunning views and authentic vintage experience.

18. Gangtok

Gangtok, city, capital of Sikkim state, north-eastern India. It lies on a tributary of the Tista River in the southeast-central part of the state at an elevation of about 5,600 feet (1,700 metres).

Gangtok (image Pius Lee/Fotolia)

The city’s name means “Top of the Hill.” Gangtok rises over slopes extensively terraced in corn (maize). It was an important point on the India-Tibet trade route via Nathu Pass (Nathu-la), 13 miles (21 km) northeast, until the border with Tibet (China) was closed in 1962. The pass was reopened for trade, however, in 2006. From Gangtok the North Sikkim Highway (1962) reaches the Tibetan border areas via Lachung and Lachen, and the National Highway runs southwest to India.

The city’s Deorali Orchid Sanctuary houses some 200 species of orchids found in Sikkim. Among the protected natural areas near Gangtok is Kanchenjunga National Park, which is centred on Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest peak) and its environs.

19. Chennai

Fort St. George

This was the first fortress built in India by the British in 1639. It is one of the city’s prestigious landmarks and houses the State Legislature and Secretariat. The St. Mary’s Church inside the complex was built in 1860. The fort also has an interesting museum within its walls.

St. George Museum

This museum was opened to public on 31st January 1948, and is being maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. It is inside Fort St. George, and has a variety of Swords, Daggers, Rifles, Pistols, Mortars and a Canon on display. It also showcases the uniforms of officers of various ranks in the British Army. It has Ten Galleries spread over three floors.

The Marina Beach

The pride of Chennai and the second longest beach in the world, it runs from Fort St. George in the North, to Foreshore Estate in the South, covering 6 kms. It is a sandy beach with an average breadth of 300 meters.

The beach was conceived by Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff, the Governor at that time, who built the promenade and aptly named it the Madras Marina.

It has the light house, and the entire stretch is interesting with memorials, statues of public figures and literary icons, and stately buildings that are remnants of the British past.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Believed to have been originally built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese over the remains of St. Thomas, an apostle, it was rebuilt as a Cathedral by the British in 1893. Since then, this is popularly called as Santhome Church. Pope John Paul II visited and prayed at this tomb on 5th February 1986.

20. Kanyakumari

Bhagavati Amman Temple

As ancient as 3000 years, it is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kumariamman, who stands an eternal vigil on its shores facing the east.

She stands as a charming Kanya [young girl] with a rosary in her hand in the posture of penance. The idol is believed to have been installed by Sage Parasurama.

Vivekananda Rock

Built in 1970, this is a memorial for the charismatic philosopher Swami Vivekananda. He is supposed to have attained sainthood here. Legends say that Goddess Kumari performed tapas to Lord Shiva here. And, just next to the rock, there is a shripada [divine footprint of the Goddesses feet].

Tiruvalluvar Statue

Poet saint Tiruvalluvar composed numerous epithets on the aspect of right conduct. The 95-foot Statue that represent the chapters of “Wealth” and “Pleasure” is erected on a 38-foot pedestal which represents the 38 chapters of "Virtue" in the Thirukkural.