India is a vast and diverse country. Bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, the country also has coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This geographical diversity means India has a variety of places to explore. With more than 20 national languages, multiple religions, and diverse cuisines, traveling to India is essential to understanding its culture and history. Here are some of the best places to visit in India:
Rajasthan
In northwest India is Rajasthan, which borders Pakistan and is home to deserts. Rajput history begins here, and views of the Aravalli mountains are also available. Some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan include Jaipur, the Pink City, which is the capital of Rajasthan and a beautiful place to start the journey. Rajasthan is home to three forts, numerous temples, and the magnificent City Palace, among other architectural structures. Other notable places to visit in Rajasthan are Jodhpur, the so-called Blue City, which serves as the entry to the desert and is home to the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort.
Agra
Agra is one of the most visited cities in all of India. The capital of the Mughal Empire was Agra, and the magnificent Taj Mahal is located here. The white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century and is considered a monument to love. Although beautiful, the Taj Mahal can be crowded to visit. Also worth visiting in Agra is the Agra Fort, which resembles the Red Fort of Delhi. One can tour this 16th-century fort and even go inside its beautiful palace.
Kerala
Kerala is the southwestern state of India and is a haven of tropical beauty. Palm trees, white sand beaches, and eco-tourism are some of the reasons to visit this region. Its famous backwaters, beautiful houseboats, and temple festivals are spectacular. The center of Kerala is the city of Kochi, where the modern colonial architecture and the local fishing industry will fascinate you. Kochi is ethnically and religiously diverse, with Jewish shrines, a Dutch palace, the Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and the Hindu Thrikkakara Temple worth visiting.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest surviving cities in the world, with a history of over 3,000 years. Situated in northern India on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi has been an important center of learning and a major pilgrimage site for Sanatan religions. Varanasi is considered a holy city for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The people here believe that the soul of the deceased is freed from the cycle of reincarnation and that bathing in the Ganges absolves one’s sins. It is called the city of temples because of its thousands of temples. Notable temples here include Shiva’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, known for housing numerous monkeys.
The most famous places in this city are the ghats. The steps of the embankment lead down to the river Ganges, where many people gather to bathe. The oldest and main ghat is Dashashwamedh Ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is a burning ghat where Hindu cremations and death anniversary ceremonies take place. The best time to visit the ghats is during sunrise. Silk is very popular in Varanasi, with many shops and markets selling silk products like sarees and scarves, along with other handicrafts.
Ellora and Ajanta Caves
You can explore the caves of both Ellora and Ajanta in the state of Maharashtra. Ellora has a huge complex of temples carved out of the rocky landscape. These 34 cave temples are up to 1,500 years old and come from three distinct religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Two hours away is Ajanta, home to 29 caves. The Ajanta Caves are covered in murals and paintings, many of which reflect Buddhist stories. Although the two cave complexes are two hours apart, it is worth visiting both places to compare these incredible attractions.
