India is a land of variety. A variety in cultures, tribes, foods, attires, races, religions, traditions, colors, landscapes and many such social factors. People come to India to witness and experience these varieties. There are innumerable tourist places in India for people to explore.
Another thing India is famous for is yoga. Yoga is a practice that helps you attain a wholesome wellness including both the body as well as the mind. The practice finds its roots 5000 years back in India. It was founded by yogis to attain nirvana.
The practice was then introduced to the international audience by Swami Vivekananda. In today’s date, there are many yoga practitioners who are taking up yoga as entire careers and a lifestyle. Yoga teacher training in India is widely famous and has many takers.
Here are the top 11 places in India you must visit when you can.
1. Delhi
You can’t say you have travelled a country if you haven’t toured in the capital! And so, when in India, visit Delhi. This city has a lot of structures that are a part of the historic heritage of the country. There is a surprise element to the cultural variety in this city. The city is home to many awe striking mosques, monuments and forts that were remains of the Mughal empire that ruled the city in their times. Some ruined forts and some wonderful architecture, is what makes Delhi a must visit. It helps you understand what the heart of the nation feels like! Some of the top attractions in Delhi are the Delhi-6 area, Red Fort, Jama Mashjid, Agrasen ki Baoli, Chandni Chowk, Jantar Mantar, and Modern Art Gallery.
2. Agra
One of the 7 wonders of the world includes the Taj Mahal. This is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The masterpiece is a feat of exceptional skills and emotion. The emotion behind the monument being that Emperor Shah Jahan wanted to make a tomb for his deceased wife Queen Mumtaj. And he is known to have severed the hands of the laborers who worked to build the structure.
Now, it is recognized as the symbol of love and remembrance. There are thousands of people visiting the Taj Mahal all round the year except for the winters. In the winters, the fog makes it hard to have a good look at the Taj Mahal.
3. Amritsar, Golden Temple
The Golden Temple at Amritsar is a marvelous structure and the domes of the Gurudwara are made of real gold. The Gurudwara was founded in the year 1577 by Guru Ram Das who was also known as the fourth Sikh Guru. The golden temple is a pilgrimage site for the Sikhs. The name of the Gurudwara translates to “the holy pool of nectar”. The golden temple is surrounded by a body of water. At night the golden temple looks exceptionally marvelous due to the lights anointed on the domes that light up, enhancing the golden dome.
4. Leh-Ladakh
This union territory of India has an out of the world experience to offer. The landscapes are that of a cold desert. If you look far enough you will notice that the land is surrounded by snow capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain range, alpine forests, tranquil still water lakes and magnetic roads. Lately the region is hosting a lot of trekkers and intrepid travelers. The Ladhaki community is mostly a Buddhist community, so one may come across many Buddhist monasteries, Thanka paintings and Chortens along the way. When in Ladhakh, be sure to visit this national park, the Hemis monastery, the Pangong lake and if they are lucky the frozen Zanskar river.
5. Sikkim
Sikkim is a part of the north eastern states. The eight sisters of the north east are a part of India that is another world altogether. Sikkim is the gateway state to the northeast. Sikkim is known for its rich flora and fauna and pristine lakes and glaciers. The famous Goechala trek happens in Sikkim. When in Sikkim, do visit the capital city of the state. Gagtok, is known for its beautiful cobblestone path way called the M.G. Marg which is a popular destination. The Rumtek monastery and Jhankri falls are also popular attractions. The Nathula pass is another famous attraction.
6. Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is a wide stretch of white salt that looks like a white parched desert. This wide stretch of white salt id submerged under water for 4 months in a year. The natural beauty of the place is absolutely breathtaking. A famous festival takes place in the Rann of Kutch and it is called the Rann Utsav. This colorful festival is a great place to catch live folk music, camel safaris, and a nomadic style accommodation premise and dance shows.
7. Kerala
Kerala is also known as the “god’s own country”. The flora and fauna in Kerala is very rich and the foliage is extremely lush and green. A lot of coconut plantation happens everywhere in the state. Along with that, Kerala is also famous for its peaceful backwaters. One can easily book a boat house for a day to get an experience of living on the water inside a house boat. Sipping authentic Kerala coffee as the rain falls outside your house boat and a spicy fish curry is cooking in the kitchen of your house boat, is one of the best experiences you can have in the backwaters of Kerala.
8. Darjeeling
Yes, the best Tea in the world comes from the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a hill station that is a mesmerizing place to catch some peaceful hilly landscapes, glimpses of the Mount Kanchenjunga, mesmerizing sun rises and some authentic liquid wonder in the form of the types of teas. All along the way, one can easily find tea plantations scattered on vast amounts of land. A visit in Darjeeling brings back the feel of a rustic district with cobblestone roads and all things cozy and hilly!
9. Goa
Goa is the party state of India. This state is a coastal region and so there are is a long list of beautiful beaches. Some of the most famous beaches are the Calangute Beach and the Gokarna beach. The night life of Goa is equally happening.
10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
These islands are extremely scenic. The landscapes are a perfect mix of the land, the seas and the skies all completing any kind of landscapes. The virgin beaches of Andaman and Nicobar make for a great escape from all the city sounds. The sounds of the water make you instantly re-connect with nature’s forces.
11. Hampi
This is an ancient city that was a part of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire that reigned from the 14th until the 16th century. The ruins of Hampi are a popular attraction. Once in Hampi, be sure to visit the Vijaya Vittala Temple and the Achyutaraya Temple. If you get the chance to, also take a visit to the Hampi Utsav which is a celebration of the culture and the extravagant performances.
India is an amazing nation with plenty to explore and witness. These 11 spectacular destinations are a must visit if you really wish to discover the true beauty of this fascinating land.
