India is the seventh-largest nation in the world, extending from the high Himalayan highlands to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the holy Ganges to the dunes of the Thar desert. Its population of over one billion people is split into two thousand ethnic groupings and speaks over two hundred distinct languages.

India is so large and contains so many people that it offers an almost infinite number of diverse cultures, landscapes, monuments, and locations to explore. Ancient ruins, interesting religious buildings, exotic towns, and different landscapes are just some of the vast collection of tourist attractions & things to do in the India. These attractions will never cease to awe and enchant visitors who come to see them.

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum made of white marble that is located in Agra. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to be erected between the years 1632 and 1653 in remembrance of his beloved wife. It has been described as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity” and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is also a popular tourist destination in India. The Taj Mahal is comprised of a number of other stunning structures, reflecting ponds, and huge scenic gardens that are filled with blooming trees and plants in addition to the white marble mausoleum with a dome on top.

The finest times to visit are at dawn or dusk when the changing lighting dramatically alters the mood. If possible, attempt to capture a glimpse of the Taj Mahal’s reflection from the Yamuna River’s far bank–it makes for a great (and safe) selfie.

2. The Holy City of Varanasi

You may have heard of the Ganges River, which is well-known as a symbol of Hinduism. Varanasi is mostly known as a tourist attraction in India due to its association with this sacred river. The riverside has various stairways that go to the water, where prayers may be sincerely bathed. These stairways are known as “Gath,” and the most well-known are Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. While seeing the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges, you may also visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You may also learn about the city’s rich history by visiting the Banaras Hindu University library, which has over a million books. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum has rare relics from the bygone ages.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Varanasi: Best Areas & Hotels

3. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Ellora Caves, one of the world’s greatest monastery-temple cave complexes carved from rock, takes cave art to new heights. It features 100 caverns, but only 34 are open to the public. The Kailasa Temple has the biggest single monolithic rock excavation, covering an area twice the size of Athens’ Parthenon. The caverns were built during the seventh and ninth centuries and are dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain deities.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Aurangabad: Best Areas & Hotels

4. The Golden City of Jaisalmer

The Golden City of Jaisalmer built made of the gleaming golden sands of the Thar desert, sparkles like a magnificent diamond adorned with the jade green of trees and the turquoise of the river. The city is home to a wide range of architectural styles, which contribute to its status as one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Notable examples of these styles include the Jaisalmer Fort, the Maharaja Palace, several temples, and local residences. As the Jaisalmer fort rises above the town, passing through the gigantic gate, it ends in the lower part with the jewelry Maharaja palace, which is embellished with Italian and Chinese tiles and painted ceilings. Consider visiting the 1,000-year-old library to see rare manuscripts and artifacts if you want to delve further into this city’s rich past.

5. Harmandir Sahib

The temple was constructed in a combination of Hindu and Islamic designs, making it the holiest of India’s numerous Sikh temples (it also draws many Hindus and people of other faiths). Its bottom marble piece is embellished with elaborate inlaid floral and animal designs, while the huge golden dome depicts a lotus blossom, a Sikh symbol of purity.

Visitors are also struck by the spiritual environment of the temple, which is made stronger by the prayers that are constantly read from the Sikh holy book and aired throughout the complex.

6. The Red Fort, New Delhi

The magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1648 and served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. It got its name from the stunning red sandstone that was used in its construction, and it encompasses a vast area that is greater than two square kilometers and is surrounded by a large moat.

The fort’s two biggest gates are the majestic Lahore Gate (the main entrance) and the intricately designed Delhi Gate, which was previously utilized by the emperor for ceremonial processions.

Exploring Chatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar selling everything from jewelry to silk clothes, as well as souvenirs and refreshments, is a pleasant aspect of a visit. While visitors may explore the fort on their own, guided tours are available that give an interesting insight into Shah’s life and times, including a peek inside the spectacular white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) where he greeted his subjects.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in New Delhi: Best Areas & Hotels

7. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is one of Asia’s most stunning wildlife reserves and one of the greatest spots in India to see a tiger. Kanha’s thick Sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and ravines inspired Rudyard Kipling’s classic book “Jungle Book,” making it one of India’s top attractions.

8. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort, Jaipur’s biggest tourist attraction, is known for its remarkable architecture. The structure, which sits atop a hill, is a fusion of Hindu and Rajput traditions. The pink and red sandstone and marble edifice, built in the late 16th century, has appeared in Bollywood films. It is well known for the Mirror Palace, a magnificent chamber with a pure glass ceiling. Here, the Queen can watch the stars before falling asleep. Access is possible by foot, by 4WD vehicle, or by the elephant.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Jaipur: Best Areas & Hotels

9. The Gateway of India, Mumbai

The Gateway of India is noteworthy for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and was built completely of yellow basalt and concrete. In 1948, when India earned her independence from British rule, the Gateway of India was also the location of a parade of British troops that was not particularly joyous. These days, the massive archway serves as a breathtaking backdrop that is adored by both residents and visitors alike.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mumbai: Best Areas & Hotels

10. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Mecca Masjid is one of the world’s biggest and oldest mosques, so it took so long to construct. The 15 large arches and piles were individually sculpted from black granite. It was delivered by massive cattle trains, including up to 1,400 bulls. The bricks above the central gate, brought from Mecca, were the most significant stones imported to create this monument. It features several areas to visit, such as entrances, a vast plaza, a large artificial pond, and a location where some strands of Prophet Mohammed’s hair are lodged. The walls and roofs are exquisitely adorned with floral themes and friezes, as well as Quranic texts.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hyderabad: Best Areas & Hotels

11. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are rock-cut cave structures that date back to the second century BC. The spectacular Ajanta caves were abandoned in 650 AD and forgotten until 1819. They were discovered by a British hunting team. Their solitude led to the excellent condition in which some of their works are preserved to this day. The paintings, which are in good condition, portray everything from battles to sailing ships, city streets. The city of Aurangabad serves as the entryway to the stunning Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

12. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort is an enormous, stern-looking fort that rises atop a hill overlooking Jodhpur and is one of India’s biggest. Visitors may still see cannonball impressions on one of the seven entry gates, which were built as a defensive mechanism in the mid-15th century. Inside the fortifications, tourists can see gorgeous, ornately adorned palaces. The museum inside the fort has an impressive collection of palanquins, musical instruments, royal cradles, and costumes. The walls, which house an antique cannon, provide stunning views of Jodhpur.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Jodhpur: Best Areas & Hotels

 

FAQs

Which is the No 1 tourist place in India?

The Taj Mahal is no doubt the No 1 tourist place in India.

What are three tourist attractions in India?

There are many tourist attractions in India, but here are three popular ones: Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and Ellora Caves

What is India famous for?

India is famous for its iconic monuments.

Which type of tourism is famous in India?