The Best Cities to Visit in India

India is an enchanting mosaic of diverse cultures, centuries old traditions and customs, un-matched heritage, jaw dropping landscapes and exotic wildlife adventures.

The cities in India are melting pots of the diverse culture and traditions and are as intriguing as the enchanting villages.

If you are planning on a visit to India, there are some cities that you can’t miss!

Here is our list of the 15 best cities to visit in India.

We begin with cities located in the northern plains and Himalayan foothills of India and move our way down to the coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Pondicherry.

So, if you are planning on visiting the south of India only (or looking to begin your journey in the South), please scroll the list from the bottom up.

Let us get into it!

Top 15 Cities to Visit In India

1.Delhi

 

Delhi, the nation’s capital, is a historical crossroads of history, culture, and civilization.

Located at a strategic junction of the Indian subcontinent (where South India met Central Asia, Persia and the larger Eurasian continent through the ancient Silk Road) Delhi is a legatee of thousands of years of civilization, cultural, and artistic exchange.

Some of India’s most iconic heritage and contemporary landmarks are located in this grand old city of forts, mausoleums, ancient bazaars and heritage monuments.

If your tour to India is focused around the north of the country, Delhi is a great place to start.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Delhi

• THE INDIA GATE (Originally built as a War Memorial to pay homage to 84,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War).
• THE RED FORT (built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 AD/ fort-residence and seat of the Mughal Emperor of India until 1857 AD when the British formally took over)
• JAMA MASJID (Built in 1650-56 AD by Emperor Shah Jahan – second only to the Taj Mahal in terms of its architectural magnificence).
• Qutab Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 8000 years old considered the tallest medieval brick tower in the world).
• LOTUS TEMPLE (One of the seven main Baha’i faith Houses of Worship in the world)
• CHANDNI CHOWK (One of the oldest markets in India famous for its old-world charm, labyrinth-like narrow streets and bazaars).
• AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE (a spiritual-cultural complex built in 2005 as a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan)
• THE NATIONAL MUSEUM (devoted to Indian art and archeology. where 200,000 items are on display)

 

2. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

 

 

When you have landed in the Indian capital and enjoyed its royal mystique and old-world charm, chances are your next stop can be AGRA – the seat of the Taj Mahal.

Once the capital of Mughal India (later replaced with Delhi), this grand city located on the banks of the sacred Yamuna river (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) is a place of ancient heritage, royal mystique, legend, and romance.

The Taj – one of the greatest wonders of the world, the ultimate ode to eternal love — is undoubtedly the city’s greatest attraction. Arguably one of India’s most visited landmarks, the Taj Mahal has captivated the imagination of artists, poets, historians, lovers and architects for hundreds of years.

But there is more to Agra than the Taj Mahal.

 

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Agra (other than the Taj Mahal)

Agra teems with heritage.

Forts, mausoleums, old bazaars, mouth-watering Mughal cuisine, temples and ancient city quarters — Agra has got it all.

We recommend that you visit:

• The magnificent Agra Fort (built by Emperor Akbar in 1565-73 AD)
• The old city of Fatehpur Sikri located 25 miles from the Taj (capital of the Mughal Empire before Agra),
• Mausoleum of Itimad ud Daula (popularly known as Baby Taj) and the architectural blueprint for the Taj Mahal
• and the old working-class settlement of Kachpura on the other side of the Yamuna River which is still inhabited by descendants of workers that built the city and Taj Mahal.

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3. Jaipur, Rajasthan

 

The capital of Rajasthan (the land of Kings) is known for its royal elegance, regal charm, aesthetic appeal, and old-world Rajputana cultural ethos.

Popularly known as the “Paris of India” for its majestic palaces and forts, Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in North India and one-third of the trio of cities (along with Agra and Delhi) that make up the famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit.

Also known as the “Pink City” (most of the palaces and landmarks are painted in a pink hue – the colour of hospitality and royalty in Rajasthan)Jaipur is home to majestic palaces and forts, in addition it also offers to its visitors dazzling palaces-turned-heritage-hotels, royal charm and cultural vibrancy.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Jaipur

 

• Jaipur’s City Palace built by the Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh II in 1720s is one of India’s most important palaces.
• The 16-th century Amber (Amer) Fort famed for its towering structure, giant Darbars (courtyards) and labyrinthine secret passageways.
• The Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts located on the Aravalli Hills overlooking the Jaipur city. These two forts combine with Amer Fort to form a bulwark of defense against outside invasions.
• Shopping in the Johari Bazaar (famous for gold jewelry), Tripolia Bazar (famous for bangles), Kishanpol Bazaar (famous for ethnic wood carving and dyed fabrics), Bapu Bazar (famous for camel leather goods) and Nehru bazaar (famous for traditional garments).

 

4. Srinagar, Jammu And Kashmir

 

The capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its picturesque Dal Lake, beautifully-manicured Royal Mughal Gardens, sumptuous Kashmiri cuisine, pleasant weather and natural beauty.

Srinagar is among India’s most beloved hill stations and a popular honeymoon destination. It is flocked by visitors in the summer months as it provides a splendid respite from the heat of the Indian plains.

 Places to Visit/Things to Do in Srinagar

 

• A houseboat stay in the famous Dal Lake located in the middle of city (around which much of the life in the city revolves). Do not forget to also take a local Shikara ride (Gandola/little rowing boat) in the lake.
• Pay respect at the shrine of the Sufi Saint (patron saint of the city) Dargah Hazratbal and the Shankaracharya Temple.
• Leisurely evening and early morning strolls in the Mughal Gardens.
• Play a round of Golf in the Royal Spring Golf Course.

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5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

 

If you are looking for a good old-fashioned relaxing mountain holiday in the Himalayas, then look no further than Shimla, the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

It became the summer capital of the British Indian Government in 1864 and has enjoyed the status of a major tourist attraction in the Himalayan foothills.

Shima is famed for its serenity, old-world colonial charm, nature walks, and Raj-era architecture.

 

Places to Visit/Things to Do

 

• Take leisurely walks on the main promenade of the city, THE MALL ROAD, which is lined with shops, traditional stalls, restaurants, parks and cafes.
• Visit a scenic view point called the RIDGE which gives you excellent views of the city.
• Pay your respect to LORD HANUMAN in the JAKHU TEMPLE.
• Ride the KALKA-SHIMLA TOY TRAIN which is sure to excite you like a child.
• Visit the erstwhile residence of the British Viceroy of India – THE VICEREGAL LODGE.

 

6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

 

Before we move to cities in the central and South Indian regions, we recommend that you also check out the most popular Himalayan stopover in the state of Uttarakhand – RISHIKESH.

Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, this lovely little city surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains is different things to different people.

To Hindus, it is an important pilgrimage site. To adventure-seekers and outdoor buffs, it is one of the best places for adrenaline-pumping adventures like white-water rafting, hiking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports. To others, it is just the perfect holiday destination for a quiet time in the Himalayan.

But aside from all of these things, most international tourists are drawn to Rishikesh due to its significance as a centre of excellence in yoga and meditation. Home to many spiritual leaders, Gurus and Rishis (enlightened souls), and Ashrams (spiritual communes) Rishikesh is the place to be for spiritual healing and rejuvenation.

 

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7. Udaipur, Rajasthan

 

There is more to Rajasthan than just Jaipur. The charming lake city of Udaipur is known as the “Venice in the East” for it’s Venice-like romantic aura, serene lakes, royal palaces, Havelis (traditional mansions) and cultural festivals.

Seven large lakes interconnected by a series of bridges and canals make up the city of Udaipur. Surrounded by the lush green Aravalli Hills Udaipur boasts a range of cultural and heritage attractions.

 

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Udaipur

• Stay like a Maharaja in a Palace/Haveli-turned heritage hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola. We recommend the Taj Lake Palace located on an island in the middle of the Lake.
• Explore the City Palace of Udaipur. Sunset boat rides in the lake. Heritage Walks in the city (stopovers at City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari Garden, Vintage Car Museum).
• Witness a performance of the famous Udaipuri Ghoomar dance.

 

8. Amritsar, Punjab

 

Locally known as Ambarsar, the second-largest city in Punjab is a holy city in the Sikh faith, as it is home to the sacred Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib (popularly known as the Golden Temple).

Amritsar is noted for the religious heritage of the Sikh faith, the legacy of the Partition of India (as it was the main theatre for the unfolding of this historic event), Punjabi cuisine and crafts, folk dance and poetry.

 

Places to Visit/Things to Do in AMRITSAR

 

• Haziri (attendance) at the Golden Temple. We recommend that you visit either early in the morning around dawn (to beat the crowds and watch a majestic sunrise) or late in the evening as the crowds thin out.
• Heritage Walking Tours in the city (stopover at Gurdwaras, Partition Museum, Akal Takht (seat of Sikh authority), Shri Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Jallianwala Bagh Monument).
• Attend the Beating Retreat (Flag lowering ceremony) held every evening at the Wagah border with Pakistan.

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9. Mumbai, Maharashtra 

 

The “City That Never Sleeps” —home to 22 million Indians from all nooks and corners of India— is the place where dreams are chased and fortunes are made.

Mumbai is the very essence of the Indian Dream. It is a larger-than-life fast-paced metropolitan that is the driving spirit behind a rising India.

Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is home to Bollywood and is a bustling coastal mega-city which is considered the economic heart of India.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Mumbai

• A visit to the hub of Bollywood in Film City (Goregaon) to get a glimpse of the glitz of the showbiz life and watch a movie being shot.
• A TOUR OF THE CITY. Visit the Gateway of Explore the stunning Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and visit the Dharavi Slums. Enjoy the nightlife. Visit the beach. Go on a street food tour for Pav Bhaji, Dahi Batata, Pani Puri and Kulfi.
• Trip to adjacent attractions – UNESCO World Heritage Site Ajanta & Ellora or the Elephanta Caves located off the coast of Mumbai. Another place you can consider is a wine-tasting tour to the wine-producing region of

 

10. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

 

Benaras has been described as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”

Previously known as Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is thronged by millions of devotees, pilgrims and tourists all over the world throughout the world.

No trip to India is complete without a trip to Varanasi. This holy city embodies the spiritual soul and consciousness of India. The sacred river Ganga and the Ghats of Varanasi (embankments) have seen the ebb and flow of the drama that is human existence ever since the beginning of civilization. No other place in India has such a powerful sense of present, past and destiny.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Varanasi

 

• Witness the Ganga Aarti Ceremony (elaborate set of rituals to pay homage to the divine Ganga river) held every evening at the Ghat embankments of the River.
• Sunset and sunrise boat rides in the holy river.
• Heritage tours of the old city. (Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited city in India and home to many ancient heritage sites).
• Visit the city of SARNATH (located 6 miles from Varanasi) where LORD BUDDHA is believed to have delivered his first sermon. The site is considered holy by Buddhists.
  
• Meditation, yoga and spiritual discourse with the enlightened souls.

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11. Goa

 

Goa is the OG of all beach destinations in India.

This “Beach Capital of India boasts” almost a 100 miles-long coastline of pristine sand beaches and a rich Portuguese colonial heritage.

Goa is India’s smallest and richest state. It exudes a unique old-world Portugal meets old-world Hindustan aura to a blending of the two cultures. This remarkable fusion of the two cultures has left an unmistakable mark on the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the region.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in GOA

 

• Stay a luxurious Beachfront Villa with a small slice of tropical beach paradise all to yourself. Exclusive beachside picnics on off-beat beaches with your loved one or family.
• Check into a luxurious spa or yoga retreat (some of India’s finest destination spas are located in Goa).
• HERITAGE TOUR OF VELHA GOA (old Goa) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique monuments.
• Private yacht cruises in the Arabian Ocean.
• Rolling the dice in the Casino. Nightclub-hopping in India’s hippest nightlife circuit.
• ADVENTURE SPORT: scuba diving, deep sea diving, bumper riding, banana riding and speedboating.

 

12. Kolkata, West Bengal

 

The capital of West Bengal, Kolkatta is the birthplace of not just modern Bengali literature and cinema, but also the birthplace of modern Indian consciousness and nationalism.

This bustling metropolitan has a legit claim to be the cultural and academic capital of India. This city produces more Nobel laureates, world-renowned novelists, fiction writers, creators and writers than any other place in India.

Places to Visit/Things to Do in KOLKATA

• Heritage Tours to significant sites of colonial era (Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, Indian Museum, Fort Williams and Howrah Bridge).
• Witnessing a classical Indian music and dance performance.

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13. Hyderabad, Telangana

 

Located on the banks of the Musi River in the Southern Indian state of Telangana, “the City of Pearls” Hyderabad is a city known for its grand palaces, delectable food, culture allure, vibrant festivals and excellence in IT.

Today it is one of the spearheads behind the rise of India as an IT giant.

 

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Hyderabad

 

• Visit the magnificent Chowmahallah Palace built by the Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty. It remained the seat of the dynasty from 1720 to 1924.
• Stay in the Falaknuma Palace built in the 1890s. Built as a summer retreat on the top of a hill that overlooks the city of Hyderabad, the “Mirror of the Sky” Falaknuma Palace is today one of India’s greatest heritage hotels where you can enjoy a glimpse of the royal way of life.
• HERITAGE TOURS OF THE CITY: (Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, Qutb Shahi Tombs).

 

14. Pondicherry

 

Also known as Puducherry, this small former trading outpost/colony of the French Empire is known as the “French Capital of India”.

Not only is it famous for a fusion heritage of  India-meets-France but also its pristine beaches, Ashrams (spiritual communes), old churches, water sports adventures and the world-famous Auroville International City (an all-accepting visionary city built in the vision of Shri Aurobindo).

Places to Visit/Things to Do in Pondicherry

 

• Explore the old French Quarters of the city (stopovers: French War Memorial, the statue of Dupleix, café and boutique, the Raj Niwas Palace of the French Governor and the famous Roch Beach (promenade).
• Enjoy a serene stay at a secluded seaside beach.
• Visit to the Auroville City.
  
• Boating and Birdwatching the world-renowned OUSTERI LAKE which is home to 40 rare bird species including the Greater Flamingos, Pied Avocets, Storks and the Black Tailed Godwit.

 

15. The Andamans (Havelock Island)

 

We end our list with a secluded picture-perfect beach destination off the coast of India.

The Andaman Islands are a collective of 572 islands nestled at the confluence of Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, only 37 of which are inhabited by humans.

These islands are India’s answer to the Bora Bora and the Maldives islands: the perfect tropical getaway!

If Goa is too crowded, and you want a more pristine white sand beach paradise nestled far away in an idyllic natural landscape, the Havelock Island in the Andamans is the place for you.

Shimmering white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees, emerald ocean water, biodiverse coral reefs (perfect for deep sea diving, marine life explorations and scuba diving) and world-class hospitality—these are the things Havelock offers you!

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