Top 10 Tourist Destinations in India: Discover History, Cultures, Nature, Architecture, and More

Jal Mahal in Jaipur, India, beautifully illuminated under a full moon, experienced by Travel with Vasco's guests during their India Group Tour.

India is rapidly becoming a sought-after 10 Top Tourist Destinations in India for globetrotters. Its rich heritage, deep-rooted cultural diversity, architectural treasures, art, and diverse language orientation attract people worldwide. India is the 7th largest country by size, and it’s certainly hard to explore every corner of it in one go.

Hence, here we have brought to you the top Indian destinations to visit. Know about their history, culture, places to visit, and more. 


Incredible India – an ancient land of languages, culture, history, and heritage

India is an ancient country with one of the oldest human civilisations in the world, the Indus Valley Civilisation. Its roots lie deep into historic events and human evolution into the society we see today. Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas are speculated to be 6000 years old.

Hence, the country is home to very deep cultural values, various religious ethnicities, 100+ languages, dialects, and beliefs. Yet, the country lives and thrives in harmony, peace, and mutual respect. 

Every part of India has a different story, language, and cuisine, thus making it an interesting place to explore and experience. Even in geography and climate, the country offers some of the most spectacular landscapes to see and cherish. Read till the last and know about the 10 Top Tourist Destinations in India you must explore when in India. 


Top Tourist Destinations in India


1. Udaipur – The city of lakes

Udaipur - the city of lakes Top Tourist Destinations in India
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If there is a city that’s blessed with nature, culture, architecture, and art, it has to be Udaipur – topping our list of top Indian Destinations. Udaipur, phrased as the ‘city of Lakes’, ‘the White City of India’, and the ‘Venice of the East’, is beautiful in Rajasthan, India. This small yet beautiful city is nestled between several beautiful lakes, which are artificial and were made to meet the water requirements of the city during its princely times. Another alluring fact about Udaipur is its affinity with hand-made paintings. Throughout the city, you’ll notice some really beautiful paintings on walls, doors, and even windows. A stroll across the streets of Udaipur will give you a sense that the entire city is like a canvas with beautiful artists all around. 


Places to visit in Udaipur 

  1. City Palace – The imperial palace of the King of Udaipur
  2. Jag Mandir Palace – a palace amidst the lake
  3. Lake Pichola – the most beautiful lake in Udaipur
  4. Fatehsagar Fort – Monsoon Palace
  5. Vintage Car Museum – a piece of history, all in one place
  6. Gangaur Ghat – a must-visit spot to soak in the landscape beauty of Lake Pichola
  7. Old Udaipur Market – a treasure chest of art pieces, handicrafts


2. Agra – Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal

Agra - home to the world famous Taj Mahal Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Agra city is home to the architectural gem – the Taj Mahal, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The monument is a magnificent piece of art and architecture. It is a Wonder of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Top Tourist Destinations in India. The city of Agra is an amazing place to explore. It’s dotted with a total of 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Delving deep into Mughal history and heritage, Agra city presents you with a full experience of its long history, heritage, architecture, and different art forms.


Places to visit in Agra 

  1. Taj Mahal – the wonder of the world
  2. Agra Fort – the Imperial fort of the Mughal Empire
  3. Itimad-Ud-Daulah – the jewel box and ‘Baby Taj’
  4. Fatehpur Sikri – the short-term capital of the Mughals
  5. Mehtab Bagh – Mughal era paradisical garden
  6. Kinari Bazaar – Mughal era trade markets


3. Jaipur – The Pink City of India

Jaipur - the Pink City of India Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Jaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Enriched with beautiful history, embellished architecture, separate heritage, and a modern city, and amazing cuisine to enjoy. Jaipur gives you a full circle of exploration, experience, tranquility, and joy. 

Jaipur is a unique city for different reasons. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city, India’s first planned city, and it is said that the entire city was painted Pink (the colour of hospitality) to welcome the King’s guests. Interestingly, still today, the Jaipur Old City is clad in a unique shade of Pink, red, and orange. 


Places to visit in Jaipur

  • City Palace – the royal palace of Jaipur’s King and family
  • Hawa Mahal – Wind Palace, admired for its unique structure
  • Jantar Mantar – a pre-modern Astronomical Observatory
  • Amer Fort – A citadel on the top of the Aravalli Hills
  • Nahargarh Fort – a magnificent old fort
  • Albert Hall Museum – explore a rich collection of artefacts


4. Delhi – The Indian capital city

Delhi - the Indian capital city Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Delhi is divided into two – Old Delhi and New Delhi. New Delhi is the administrative capital of India, while Old Delhi assimilates the old establishments from pre-independent India. Exploring Delhi is an immersive experience as it shows you the city’s past from where it is coming from, and the modern part, where the city is heading towards. 

It is an exemplary experience to explore Delhi as there are numerous experiences worth taking in the city; the old bazaars, the tongue-melting food, buildings from the Mughal era flaunting their signature arch, marble inlay artwork, and more. New Delhi offers you chic bazaars, museums, and amazing monuments from the British and Indian ruling.

 

Places to visit in Delhi – 

Old Delhi – 

  • Chandni Chowk
  • Jama Masjid
  • Red Fort
  • Raj Ghat

New Delhi – 

  • India Gate
  • Qutub Minar
  • Lotus Temple
  • Connaught Place
  • Hauz Khas Village


5. Ranthambore – Tiger Reserve and Indian National Park

Ranthambore - Tiger Reserve and Indian National Park. Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Ranthambore is a Tiger Reserve and an Indian National Park in the state of Rajasthan. The place is admired for its dense forest, which is also home to India’s Royal Bengal Tiger, along with several other species of flora and fauna. Exploring Ranthambore brings you close to India’s natural landscape, where you also get a chance to spot the royal Bengal Tiger. 

Another highlight that makes Ranthambore exploration interesting is that it is often paired with other destinations such as the Jaipur Tour, Agra Tour, Golden Triangle Tour. 


Experiences in Ranthambore National Park 

  • Wildlife Safari
  • Ranthambore Fort


6. Rishikesh – The Yoga capital of the world

Rishikesh - The Yoga capital of the world. Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination, getting thumbs up from both domestic and international tourists. The hill-stationed city has multiple dimensions for diverse people. It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site that attracts devotees during the Kumbh and Mahakumbh Mela. Along with this, Rishikesh is also regarded as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’ and hence, attracts practitioners of this health and well-being activity from all around the world. 

Places to visit in Rishikesh

  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram
  • Beatles Aashram
  • Triveni Ghat in the evening
  • Rajaji National Park


Experiences in Rishikesh

  • Yoga session
  • Yoga Treks
  • Ayurveda and treatments
  • Wildlife safari in Rajaji National Park


7. Mumbai – The City of Dreams

Mumbai - The City of Dreams Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Mumbai is a top Indian metropolis on the west coast of India. It is one of the major Indian cities with the highest GDP and one of the largest populations in the country. The city has a rich history of development, culture, Bollywood, and heritage. 

It is an altogether different experience to explore Mumbai, it is a fast-forward city modern city that mostly stays in a rush. The city is so vast that it will take days to explore completely. Hence, keep sufficient time to explore the city.


Places to explore in Mumbai

  • Marine drive
  • Gateway of India
  • Elaphanta Caves
  • Bollywood Studio
  • Royal Bombay Yacht Club
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
  • Bandra Skywalk
  • Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
  • Kanheri Caves


8. Jodhpur

Jodhpur Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Jodhpur is another beautiful city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city, because of its all-blue clad buildings, is also called as ‘Blue City of India’. The city is in line with other beautiful cities – Jaipur – The Pink City of India, and Udaipur – the White City of India. 

Jodhpur is 334 km away from the state capital Jaipur and is a popular tourist destination,n especially for foreign tourists. 


Places to visit in Jodhpur

  • Mehrangarh Fort
  • Umaid Bhavan Palace
  • Jaswant Thada
  • Blue City 
  • Desert Rock Park
  • Mandore Garden
  • Toorji ka Jhalra


9. Leh & Ladakh

Leh & Ladakh Top Tourist Destinations in India
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The region of Leh & Ladakh is an isolated cold desert in the northeast regions of India. Despite the rough terrain and thin oxygen, the region is a popular tourist destination for most domestic and foreign tourists. Check out the required permits before visiting Leh Ladakh. 


Places to visit in Leh & Ladakh

  • Leh City
  • Shanti Stupa
  • Nubra Valley
  • Thiksey Monastery
  • Hemis Monastery


10. Varanasi – India’s oldest city

Varanasi - India’s oldest city Top Tourist Destinations in India
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Called to be one of the oldest Indian cities, Varanasi is a spiritual centre for the Hindus. The city’s old neighbourhoods, temples, the saints, and the atmosphere still belong to centuries ago and will make you question multiple things all at once. Varanasi exploration is an unreal experience and will leave you with lasting memories. 


Places to visit in Varanasi

  • Hindu temples and Ghats
  • Sarnath
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum


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