Diverse and with a population numbering approximately 1.2 billion, India’s geographical location places it in a superb area for those who wish to explore Asian culture. Three bodies of water surround the country: the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
Though various countries, such as China, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, surround the peninsula, its rich topography and presence of the Himalayan Mountains gives it a very distinct feel. India boasts a varied landscape ensuring that tourists of all backgrounds and interests will find plenty of activities to engage in.
India is rich with cultural significance including exquisite monuments and architecture that have dazzled visitors for thousands of years. Though the list of the seven wonders of the t world often varies, many historians recognize India’s Taj Mahal as one of the wonders.
Built in the mid 1600s, the Taj Mahal is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is just one of the structures visited in the country. There are many destinations that visitors will want to see during a trip to India although many wish to stay clear of the rainy season, as it is during this time that monsoons become frequent.
As India is extremely vast, a visit to India often includes focusing on a specific region. The country stretches approximately 2,000 miles from north to south and the land becomes increasingly diverse according to the area traveled. Northern India is composed of Jammu, Kashmir, the Himalayan Mountains, Rajasthan, and Sarnath. Northern India features a number of wildlife attractions and Bengal tiger reserves. Beautiful archaeological structures, such as the Golden Temple, Taj Mahal, and Khajuraho Temples are located in Northern India.
A popular tourist destination is the Golden Triangle as it features some of the most visited locations by travelers worldwide. The Eastern Himalayan mountain range provides a scenic view while some of the main sites include New Delhi, Jaipur (Pink City), and Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. As the country is large, a vacation to the Golden Triangle ensures that tourists take in the beauty, prestige, and magic of India.
As the three main points are well separated from each other, a tourist package to the Golden Triangle often includes additional flights and hotel stays. The Golden Triangle includes trips to the north where New Delhi is located, south to the Taj Mahal and then west to Jaipur (Pink City).
Here are the top 15 destinations to visit when in India.
1. New Delhi, Qutub Minar
There are plenty of India destinations that will make your visit a memorable event, but many can plan an entire trip to New Delhi and take in numerous sites. New Delhi features a number of preplanned tours and is full of great eateries, museums, and luxurious hotels. Three of the top New Delhi destinations include the NeoVeda Spa, Humayun’s Tomb, and Swaminarayan Akshardham. Those visiting New Delhi may contact the Government of India Tourist Office to arrange for daily tours.
2. Agra – Taj Mahal
Home to the Taj Mahal, a visit to India must include a tour through Agra, which is located approximately 125 miles southeast from Delhi. There are preplanned tours that will ensure you take in the most notable sites. In addition to the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is another popular tourist attraction. As a popular tourist destination, the city is easily accessed via plane, train, or automobile.
3. Jaipur – Pink City
the beautiful sites of the Pink City. From the Amber Fort and City Palace to the Palace of the Winds, you can take a professional tour that includes top destinations. Those planning to visit Jaipur from Agra will find the trip is approximately four hours. Built in the 18th century, Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan.
4. Bandhavgarh National Park
A tour package that includes Bandhavgarh National Park makes certain you get the most out of this treasure. With diverse wildlife, the park is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. In the midst of Madhya Pradesh, the National Park is one of the most highly visited attractions throughout all of India. In addition to the tigers, there are caves, the Baghel Museum, and the Bandhavgarh Fort that must be visited.
5. River Ganges
Take a cruise along the beautiful River Ganges, which is considered by the Hindus as the most holiest of rivers. There are many tours that you may take, allowing you to visit many of India’s cities by way of the river.
6. Khajuraho Temples
Visit the Khajuraho Temples that have stood for centuries. They were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. in Madhya Pradesh. Known for their distinctive and unique appearance, the Khajuraho Temples were deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are now protected, and will be preserved. Those touring the temples may find that utilizing a bicycle is the best mode of transportation, providing you with an easy to navigate mode that allows you to take in all of the sites.
7. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
A tour of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves will not disappoint as these have been added to the seven wonders of India. There are 34 Ellora caves and 39 Ajanta. As a popular tourist attraction, you’ll find that transportation to the caves is plentiful.
8. Konark Sun Temple
Known for its rich architectural beauty, the Konark Sun Temple was created for the sun god or “Surya.” The temple is located in Orissa and stand overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The magnificent architectural structure was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains one of India’s more frequently visited attractions.
9. Amer Fort
Built of red and white sandstone, the amazing fort is located in Jaipur, which is the capital city of Rajasthan. Those visiting Jaipur make a visit to the fort one of their primary attractions. Built between 1600 and the early 18th century, the fort holds a long, significant history for residents.
10. Sundarbans National Park
One of India’s most amazing national parks, Sundarbans features more than 250 tigers, rhesus monkeys, and chital deer. The National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Bengal. Comprised of numerous mangroves, the word “Sundarban” is translated in English as “beautiful forest.” Those visiting the park may wish to rent bicycles as this provides an excellent means of transportation throughout the grounds.
11. Jim Corbett National Park
Located at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, Jim Corbett National Park is a haven for wildlife. Tigers, deer, and a plethora of birds may be viewed from the park. One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the region is to enjoy an elephant or jeep safari.
12. Kanha National Park
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a popular tourist attraction as it was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s novel “The Jungle Book.” It is home to tigers, the swamp deer, and a wide variety of birds and not only attracts tourists on a regular basis but professional wildlife photographers. Those visiting the area may also wish to see the Kanha Museum, which is housed within the national park.
13. Swaminarayan Akshardham
Those interested in viewing Indian culture firsthand will want to visit New Delhi’s Swaminarayan Akshardham. Gardens, temples, and modern attractions make the Akshardham a top tourist attraction. Sometimes the Akshadrham is referred to as Delhi Akshardham.
14. Humayun’s Tomb
ILocated in Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb boasts Mughal architecture and is one of the most visited Indian tourist sites. It is also referred to as the “Tomb of Humayun” and was built in 1562 AD. The architecture stands out for its magnificent use of red sandstone, which was pioneering at the time it was built.
15. NeoVeda Spa
Located within the Metropolitan Hotel in New Delhi, the NeoVeda Spa is revered worldwide for its Ayurvedic treatment. The spa boasts teams of experienced practitioners that will pamper you while your body, mind and spirit is refreshed. Those who want to ensure that their trip to India includes some of the world’s most renowned techniques for relaxation and tranquility will want to spend some time at the NeoVeda Spa.
A trip to India will not disappoint, as it is diverse with incredible wildlife, national parks, and features many wonders to behold. There is no question that India is a plethora of natural environments from the beauty of pristine beaches to majestic mountain peaks.
Though some areas are steeped in poverty, the extravagance of many architectural structures is sure to amaze. Cricket is the most popular pastime and it seems that this sport holds many of the various cultural groups that make India their home together. With numerous activities to engage in, sights to see, and fine dining experiences there is no question that India is one of the most frequently visited countries worldwide.
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