12 Best Tourist Places in India

India has some of the finest architectural heritage, the largest pool of tiger reserves, magnificent landscapes, and serene ghats. Our country is one of the oldest civilizations globally and a perfect blend of traditional and modern thoughts. It ranks second in terms of population and has a diverse culture and multireligious society. It represents strong social bonding among the people.

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra

Address: 64, Taj Road, Agra- 282001

It is one of the seven wonders World and a symbol of love. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The wonder is named after his wife's name, and around 20,000 laborers were used to construct the structure. The structure is designed based on Islamic values and tradition. The arches, onion-shaped dome, minarets inlaid around the entrance, and black calligraphy of the Taj Mahal represent Islamic value. Best time to visit the Tajmahal is dusk or dawn when the climate is good. Try to look for the Taj Mahal's reflection in the water of the Yamuna. Do not forget to click selfies with iconic Tajmahal.

2. Varanasi- The Holy City of India

Varanasi has made significant contributions to India's History and is one of the oldest cities. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and it has long associations with the sacred river Ganga. Hindu faiths are deeply associated with the place. Varanasi is known for its marvelous ghats and Kashinath Vishwanath Temple. People from the Hindu community believe that taking a bath in the sacred Ganga washes all away sins from their lives. Ghats, which are made on the bank of Ganga, add more beauty to it. Some of the largest ghats in Varanasi are Assi Ghat and Dasashvamedha Ghat. Later in the night, a grand Aarti is performed along with chanting of Hindu mantra by the priest that gives goosebumps to the people present at that time.

Banaras Hindu University is also a worthwhile place to visit, founded in 1917. It is one of the oldest universities in India, known for its excellence in academia. Bharat Kala Bhavan museum is situated in the Varanasi and is known for its palm-leaf manuscripts, miniature paintings, local history exhibits, and sculptures.

3. The Golden Temple of Amritsar

Golden Temple is situated in the Amritsar, Punjab. A lake surrounds it with dazzling water. Some of the appealing features of the Golden temple are pleasant ambiance, 750 Kg of pure gold, and sanctified crystal clear water. It is a symbol of purity and harmony. Visiting the Golden temple will instill the values of calmness and unparalleled peace and will make you travel through ecstasy and mysterious holiness.

Ways to Visit Golden Temple

Nearest Airport: Raja Sansi International Airport.

It is 15 km from the City Center and gives international and domestic flights to the passengers.

Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Railway Station

Amritsar is well connected with other parts of India through the Rail networks of India.

Roadway Services: Roads are well connected with Amritsar districts. Direct Bus service operates from the cities like Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jammu.

4. Jaisalmer- The Golden City of India

It is a magnificent blend of old architecture that arises from the Thar Desert's dunes. It is named after the yellow sandstones that are used for the construction of most buildings and structures. Earlier, this city was treated as an outpost for strategic purposes, but now it is filled with magnificent gateways, Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as Golden Fort, and splendid old mansions.

Apart from having these structures, the city takes pride in having temples, palaces, and fine old homes. Their fortress has 99 bastions and massive gates that will take you to the main courtyard to see Maharaja's Palace. The successive rulers made these palaces in History for their comfort. The Palaces have intricately carved stone doors and spaces decorated with tile imported from China and Italy. Jaisalmer also has Jain temples built around the 12^th and 16^th centuries that are decorated with palm-leaf manuscripts, sandstone images, fine marbles, and brightly painted ceilings. You can also visit the well-known library, which is 1000 years old library called Gyan Bhandar that houses antiquities and manuscripts.

5. The Red Fort, New Delhi

Nearest Metro Station: Chandini Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) and Lal Quila (Violet Line)

Red Fort is spread over 2 square kilometers and surrounded by a large moat. The name is derived from the red sandstone used in the construction of the structure. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed it in 1648, and it is a symbol of Mughal power and dominance in India. The main highlights of the Red Fort are the magnificent Delhi Gate, which was being used in History as an entrance gate for the emperors for grand functions, and Lahore Gate, which is the main entrance of the fort.

Red Fort has a special place in Indian History. Near the Red Fort is a famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar where travelers can explore from silk to jewelry and delicious food items. At the Red Fort, guided tours are offered in which you would be made aware of the importance of the building. Lights show is held each evening, highlighting the role and importance of the Red Fort in Indian History.

6. The Gateway of India -Mumbai

Mumbai is a highly urbanized city and houses the headquarters of some of the largest multinational companies and banks. Mumbai is also called as Financial Capital of India and is Maharashtra's capital. The Gateway of India is 26 meters tall and stands in front of the Arabian Sea. It is a must-see structure whenever you visit Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife, Queen Mary, in 1911. The magnificent structure was opened in 1924 with much celebration and grand fanfare. It is the tallest structure in the city. It is constructed with concrete and yellow basalt and Indo- Saracenic design.

Near The Gateway of India, the impressive and beautiful Taj Mahal Palace is very famous for serving delicious tea.

Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj Terminus is one of the oldest Railway stations you must visit.

7. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Address: Hyderabad, Telangana, 500002

It is one of the oldest and world's largest mosques in India, and construction of the mosque started in 1614 under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah'rule and was completed in 80 years. It has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 devotees. Mosque's 15 huge pillars and arches were each wrought from a single slab of black granite that was brought to the construction site using large cattle trains consisting of 1,400 bulls.

Bricks that are above the central gate are brought from Mecca. The complex comprises a large artificial pond, the main gateway, and an enormous plaza. A special room is there in which Prophet Mohammed's hairs are placed.

Some of the interesting features of the mosque include inscriptions from the holy book Quran above many of the doors and arches, cornices around the entire mosques structures, and the exquisite roof of the main hall.

8. Amer Fort- Jaipur

Jaipur is Rajasthan's state capital. Amer, which is also sometime pronounce as Amber. Maharaja Man Singh I constructed a fortified palace called Amber in 1592, and it also facilitated as the capital of Jaipur. The palace is constructed on the high hillside, and you can reach up to the fort with footsteps or by shuttle rides that you can get from the town below. Some of the highlighting features of the fort are Jaleb Chowk. It was the first courtyard that had been decorated with elephants and consisted of Shila Devi Temple- The Goddess of the War.

Notable features include the Hall of Public, also known as Diwan-i-Am, which has terraces frequented by monkeys and designed walls. Sukh Niwas, also known as the Hall of Pleasure, contains channels and flowerbeds and carries cooling water. Jai Mandir-The Temple of Victory has colorful ceilings, decorative panels, and excellent views over the lake below and the palace.

Jaigarh Fort is situated above the Amer Fort, and the Jai Singh constructed it in 1726; that features formidable walls, tall lookout towers, and the world's largest wheeled cannon. It would be best if you wandered in the bazaars of the old city of Jaipur.

9. The Beaches of Goa

Goa is well known for its tourism and its associated beaches. It is a "go to" destination for the beach lover who wants to spend some quality time with their family and friends. Goa is situated along the western coastline of India and faces the mighty Arabian Sea. Goa has been explored by mainly overseas tourists. Goa houses the world's loveliest beaches, and each beach has its own charm and appeal.

Those who want peace may visit isolated Agonda beach. Calangute beach in Goa is the most crowded and commercial. For tourists who want yoga gateways, spa vacations, and posh resorts, then the beaches of Ashwem, Morjim, and Mandrem are best suitable for them and are trending among elite Indians and tourists who are from the Western Countries.

If you are a wildlife lover, then you go to see Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an excellent attraction and home to plenty of fauna, including black panthers, leopards, elephants, deer, and India's well-known king Cobras; and also houses some of the 200 species of birds and thick forest.

It will be worthful if you visit to watch Divar Island where you can reach using the ferry from the old Goa. Some of the major highlights include Piedade: it is a Goan village, and it contains the Church of our Lady of Compassion with some exciting Baroque plaster decorations, stucco work, and a magnificent view of the aligned countryside and altars.

10. Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar National Park, Madurai

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is South India's major tourist attraction, and the park is situated around a lake. British Engineers constructed it in 1895 with the purpose of providing water and irrigation to the beautiful city of Madurai.It was established in 1934, and the amazing park is home to more than 20 Bengal tigers, numerous species of mammals that includes wild boar, a large free-roaming Indian elephant population, the long-tailed macaque, and otters. Bird watching is a popular activity that happens in a park, and it includes continuous seeing of species such as kingfishers, storks, darters, hornbills, racket-tailed drongos, and also some good varieties of butterflies.

Some of the best ways to get the feel of splendid mountain scenery are to travel on a guided jungle walk or lake-cruise and giving a chance to visitors observe elephant herds face to face from viewing platforms and watchtowers.

Important tip: If you are visiting Madurai, and you did not go to spice, coffee, or tea plantations, then you have missed the amazing and exciting part of the Madurai. Madurai also has some magnificent temples, visit them, you will surely enjoy it.

11. Agra Fort

Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282003

Akbar built it in 1565 as a military structure, and some additions were done by the Shah Jahan. The marvelous Agra Fort is also sometimes called as Agra'Red Fort because Red Fort is built in the same style. It is a perfect blend of Muslim and Hindu cultures.

Agra Fort is located 2 kilometers away from the Taj Mahal. You can enter the fort through Amar Singh Gate, and its dogleg design and the low outer wall were constructed to confuse the invaders. Once you go inside, you will get to see two huge interlinked buildings, i.e., Jahangiri Mahal and Akbari Mahal, and also the largest private residence in the complex. A major highlight of the Agra Fort includes the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden) and Khas Mahal (Private Palace). It also has Mughal Garden that is designed in jigsaw patterns having numerous water channels and wonderful fountains.

12. The Ellora Caves - Aurangabad

It was constructed around the 5^th and 10^th centuries by the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Monk, and it is 300km away from Maharashtra's State capital Mumbai. UNESCO (United Nations body) considers Ellora Caves a World Heritage Site. Ellora Caves is a collection of chapels, 34 monasteries, and temples; it includes 17- Hindu, 12 of them Buddhist, and 5- Jain Temples. They are built nearer to each other, and it represents the religious tolerance that coexisted during that era of the Indian History of India. Buddhist Monastery Caves represent a number of shrines that features the beautiful Carpenter's Cave, believed to be one of the finest in India, and carvings of Buddha and the Saint.

Kailasa Temple: it is an enormous rock-cut temple that features Mount Kailasha, and it required the removal of 200000 tons of rock. Hindu Caves were complex in nature and were carved out from the top down.