10 Best Things To Do When Visiting India (Must See Sights!)
India is the second most populated country in the world with approximately 1.2 billion citizens. The country has a rich and storied history that captivates people from around the world. As such, India is steadily growing as a tourist destination. Both citizens and foreign visitors flock to India’s most popular landmarks every year.
Don’t miss these 10 best things to do in India!
10 Best Things to Do in India
1. The Taj Mahal, Agra
One cannot think of tourist spots in India without considering the Taj Mahal. With nearly 4 million tourists arriving at the Taj Mahal every year, it is considered to be the most visited attraction in the country. Built between 1632-1653 in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is often listed as one of the Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was said to have achieved enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. Near the temple is the Mahabodhi Tree.
3. Tomb of Humayun, Nizamuddin East, Delhi
This tomb to the Mugal Emperor Humayun was commissioned in 1562 and was built over the course of eight years. If you are traveling to Delhi, you should consider visiting this tomb, as it has undergone extensive restoration in recent years.
4. The Beaches of Goa
Goa is one of the most visited spots in all of India, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the country’s tourist revenue. The most popular spots to visit in Goa are the many beaches, particularly those in North Goa. Anjuna, Baga, and Calungute draw the largest number of tourists, though beaches in Southern Goa, like those in Varca, are becoming increasingly known for hosting world class resorts.
5. Lotus Temple, New Delhi
Those taking flights to Delhi cannot pass through without paying a visit to the Lotus Temple. Formally called the Baha’i House of Worship, Lotus Temple is given its nickname due to the unusual shape of the building.
6. Mysore Palace, Mysore
The second most visited tourist attraction in India, Mysore welcomes about 2.7 million visitors annually. The palace welcomes the most tourists in September and October during the Mysore Dasara festival. During the festival, the palace is decorated with nearly 100,000 lights to pay homage to the Goddess Durga.
7. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Gulmarg is known for its winter sports. A popular tourist destination between December and March, skiing enthusiasts can choose from one of over 40 hotels in the region.
8. Elephanta Caves, Elephanta Island, Mumbai
Located about six miles from Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves are a group of five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves that contain intricately carved stone sculptures.
9. Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
The Harmandir Sahib is popularly known as the Golden Temple due to the fact that the upper floors are covered in gold. The construction Harmandir Sahib was completed in 1604, but attacks left it seriously damaged until the time that it was rebuilt in 1764.
10. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
This steam locomotive railway system passes through 26 miles of land over the course of about nine hours. Tourists can pass over 250 bridges and can enjoy the steepest train track in Asia.
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Photo Credit: Trey Ratcliff at Stuck in Customs
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Just Wow!!! Nice post about India. I am from India. Other than these places i would suggest you to visit these ones. Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg, Rock Garden in Chandigarh, Fatehpur Sikri Agra are some not-to-be missed places in India.
Just Wow!!! Nice post about India. I am from India. Other than these places i would suggest you to visit these ones. Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg, Rock Garden in Chandigarh, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri are some not-to-be missed places in India.
Very true !!
thanks to this post no i have an idea when i go to india 😀
I was captivated by this top 10 list, especially Taj Mahal. It symbolizes love and I would love to go to that place and feel the ambience of pure love. Are there customs that needs to be done when entering this place?
Aww, India has never been a great place to visit for me. I don’t know, maybe I’ve just read too much bad things about them… but then after reading this blog I think I’ll visit India soon! Oh, and by the way, I hope all 10 recommended places got their own photos.
A few Personal Highlights from my trip to India in ’96 when even a mobile was unheard of on your traveks.Yep old skool.lol.
Two in Rajahstan;the beautiful tranquil Jaisalmer,miles from anywhere,arriving from an overnight train.And the wonderful surreal Pushkar Camel Fayre,usually coinciding with full-moon festival??Too long to remember,lol.
McCleod Ganj,Dharamsala in the mighty Himalayas.The temporary settlement of hundreds of Tibetans in this lovely spot.
And finally if you fancy a get away from it all beach time to re-charge,forget Goa and try Varkala further south in Kerala state.Smaller than Kovalam but smaller and finer.Back-water canal trips also memorable.India is truly Fantastic.whatever your desires,it shall fulfill.
Gez.
You have actually added the two most must see spots to this rather incomplete seeming list.. The amazing thing about India is that you could have seen all these places and there will still be a whole lot more you missed. Rajasthan’s palaces in Jaipur & Udaipur and Kerala’s backwaters are not to be missed if you are visiting India.
Ummm did you know I was about to head to India in a few days? This came in right on time. I leave to India on the 4th for 3 months! Thank you so much for these highlights. I am jotting them down and going to try and visit them all. Oh & if you have any other tips email them to… would love to hear them all!!!
That is so exciting, Jaime! I wish I had more tips for you, but unfortunately this was a guest post and Scott and I have yet to visit India ourselves. 🙁 I bet we can get people to add their tips in the comments! I’ll add something in the post to see if we can get some ideas for you. I’m so excited for you!
Hampi! If you are going to be in the south, make the effort to go to Hampi. The entire area is dotted with ruins and temples and odd shaped boulders as if a giant was playing a game of marbles. I traveled through India for 6 months and this is definitely a special place – one of the highlights!