Best Holiday Destinations in India
1. Agra
Agra is a city, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Mughal emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Agra is one of the popular tourist destinations as it is home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Further, home to two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from its monuments, it also has some exciting food varieties for tourists. It is included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur. Hence, Agra is counted among the best holiday destinations for architecture and history lovers.
- Ideal time to visit: October to April
- Places to visit: Agra Fort, Abkar’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, and Dolphin Water Park.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in the northern part of India. Most famous for its beautiful historical hill forts and palaces. Also, Rajasthan hosts some of the most popular sanctuaries in India. They are filled with rare species, dense trees, lakes, beautiful nature, and many more. It is blessed with a rich variety of animal and bird species. More than millions of tourists flock to this place every year. Thus, it is one of the best sightseeing places in India.
- Ideal time to visit: October to April
- Places to visit: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Pushkar and Ajmer.
3. Goa
Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Famous for its beaches and places of worship. It has been a Portuguese territory for almost 450 years, the Portuguese architecture is nowhere as prevalent as in Goa. Apart from the golden sands, palm, and coconut trees, the beaches here are famous for hosting thrilling water sports and amazing late-night parties. Further, Goa is divided into two parts – North Goa and South Goa. While North Goa beaches are famous for water sports and adventure activities like parasailing, water skiing, and many more. South Goa beaches are the perfect location for luxurious resorts and laid-back beach vibes. Thus, Goa is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country.
- Ideal time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Benaulim Beach, Majorda Beach, Candolim Beach, Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach, Anjuna Beach, Church of Our Lady Of Hope, St. Alex Church, Mangeshi Temple, Tito’s Street, Reis Magos Fort, Bogmalo Beach, and Butterfly Beach.
4. Munnar
Munnar is a popular hill station, located in the state of Kerala. Also known as the “Kashmir of South India”. Situated at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar is famous for its mesmerizing viewpoints, misty mountains, rolling hills, beautiful tea plantations, winding walkways and forests full of exotic plants. This place attracts more than millions of tourists from all over the world. You can also involve in various adventure activities like boating, trekking, and paragliding. Thus, Munnar is one of the most interesting places to visit in India.
- Ideal time to visit: September to May
- Places to visit: Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pothamedu View Point, Echo Point, Marayoor, Kundala Dam & Lake, Attukal Waterfalls, TATA Tea Museum, Photo Point, and Wonder Valley Amusement Park.
5. Manali
Manali is a popular tourist town, located in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti districts as well as the city of Leh in Ladakh. Snow-covered mountains, beautiful valleys, dense trees, and sparkling makes it one of the most famous tourist destination to visit in India. Tourists can engage in various adventure activities including skiing, paragliding, trekking, and horse riding. It showcases a blend of rich cultural heritage and modernization. Further, Manali attracts more than millions of visitors every year for vacation. Thus, it is one of the must-visit places in the world.
- Ideal time to visit: October to February
- Places to visit: Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Hidimba Devi Temple, Beas River, Manikaran Gurudwara, Mall road, and Old Manali.
6. Delhi
Delhi is India’s capital territory and is also best known as the location of India’s national government. It is filled with iconic monuments, beautiful temples, heritage sites, colorful bazaars, shopping malls, planetariums, and museums, this attracts tourists from all corners of the country. The city also houses many places of political power which includes Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament of India, and India Gate. In Delhi, you also find a wide variety of food items from Kebabas to chaat. Thus, it is one of the most amazing cities to visit in India.
- Ideal time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: India Gate, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Bahai (Lotus) Temple, Hauz Khas, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Jama Masjid, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk, and Sarojini Nagar Market
7. Ooty
Ooty is one of the popular hill stations in India. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. Local residents call it the “Queen of Hills“. Ooty was considered the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, and can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. The cascading waterfalls, botanical gardens, bustling markets, emerald green tea estates, and striking lakes make it one of the most beautiful hill stations to visit. Further, the Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Also, boating, birdwatching, and photography are some of the best things to do in Ooty.
- Ideal time to visit: March to June
- Places to visit: Avalanche Lake, Pykara Falls, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Toy Train, Deer Park, Tea Museum, and Needle Rock viewpoint.
8. Shimla
Shimla is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 2200m above sea level. It is home to a number of buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures and also mesmerizes nature lovers. The rolling valleys, evergreen forests, beautiful lakes, pleasant climate, and colonial ambiance make this one of the most amazing places to visit. Apart from being a tourism center, this city is also an educational hub with a number of colleges and research institutions. Thus, Shima is undoubtedly the best choice for a holiday destination in India.
- Ideal time to visit: March to June
- Places to visit: Jakhu Temple, Kufri, The Mall Road, Kalka – Shimla Railway, Himalayan Bird Park, Shimla Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum, and The Ridge.
9. Varanasi
Varanasi is a city on the banks of the river Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Kashi or Benares or Banaras. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism. Varanasi has been a cultural center of northern India for several thousand years. The famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most visited and the oldest of the others. The ceremony of immense grandeur and spiritual enlightenment, the Ganga Aarti is a must-experience when in Varanasi. Further, it is also famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Thus, it is one of the Best Tourist Places to visit in North India.
- Ideal time to visit: November to February
- Places to visit: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Shri Durga Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Sankatmochan Temple and Sarnath Museum.
10. Srinagar
Srinagar is located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Also known as ‘Heaven on Earth‘. Set at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level. It spreads on both sides of the river Jhelum. The city is famous for its natural surroundings, gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats. It offers breathtaking views and mesmerizing locations for tourists. You can also enjoy various adventurous activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. Srinagar is also famous for the Kashmiri shawls, Kashmiri apples, and dried fruits from the Lal Chowk Market. Thus, it is one of the Most Famous Tourist Places in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Ideal time to visit: April to October
- Places to visit: Mughal Gardens, Hari Parbat Fort, Pari Mahal, Tulip Gardens, Hazratbal Shrine, Kheer Bhawani Temple, and Shankaracharya Temple.