As such a vast country with epic sites, India has so many bucket-list destinations as well as off-the-beaten track gems that provide incredible experiences for its visitors. It can be difficult to narrow down where to visit in India… That’s why we have come up with the best places to visit in India.

Agra

Agra, located in Northern India, is home to the remarkable Taj Mahal. A must-see, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s most recognised landmark – so Agra is firmly placed amongst the best places to visit in India. It boasts impressive architecture made from white marble and took a total of 17 years to be constructed. It was built in Agra from 1631 to 1648 for the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. This Wonder of the World is the jewel of Muslim culture and a universally admired masterpiece.

Agra doesn’t only have the Taj Mahal that is worthy of a visit. For more history and culture, you can visit Agra Fort. This fort was built in 1573 under the reign of Akbar and it took more than 4000 workers and 8 years to complete the fort!

Goa

Goa is a state in western India with golden coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Known as a relaxed, surfers’ paradise – Goa is a great place to travel to as a backpacker. Some of the best beach locations include Vagator, Ozran, Chapora and Mandrem, where you can treat yourself to a day of relaxation, sunbathing and water activities.

If you want a bit of culture and history, visit Goa’s Old Town. Called ‘Velha Goa’, explore the charming streets lined with old Portuguese colonial buildings. You can learn about Goa’s history as the capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century, until its abandonment in the 18th century.

Varanasi

Varanasi is a busy city in Northern India. It is regarded as the spiritual capital of the country. It has over 2000 temples, including the Golden Temple which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city also attracts Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. A walk through the city’s Old Town, or along the Ganges riverbanks will allow you to soak in the culture and history of this fascinating place.

You can immerse yourself in the culture and watch a Ganga Aarti ceremony from the riverbanks, or take a boat ride down the River Ganges – which is the best way to explore this spiritual river.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert. It is also known as the Blue Heaven due to its iconic shade of blue. This place is impressive due to its contrast of colours. enjoy the juxtaposition of the blue of the buildings and the gold of the desert – take in all the shades on a walking tour of the Blue City.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state and is now more commonly called the ‘Pink City’ for its trademark building colour. From the panoramic views of the city at Nahargarh Fort, to the Amber Fort and the Monkey Temple… There is an abundance of things to see and do in Jaipur. Hot air balloon rides are also a popular activity, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city at sunrise.

Jaisalmer

For something different, venture into the desert in Jaisalmer. Filled with history and culture, Jaisalmer was a medieval trading centre and today, is known as the ‘Golden City’ with yellow sandstone architecture and the Jaisalmer Fort – a hilltop citadel with the ornate Maharaja’s Palace and intricately carved Jain temples. In Jaisalmer, you can ride on camels over sand dunes and camp in the desert for the night. This is a once in a lifetime experience, where you can unwind, take in your surroundings and stargaze into the night.

Udaipur

Udaipur is a majestic city recognised for its lakes and royal residences. Explore the fancy mansions by walking through the Old City. For sunset, take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola where you’ll get the best views of the palace and old town. For a cultural experience, watch a Dharohar Folk Dance Show.

Mumbai

Finally, for city vibes, the metropolis of Mumbai has it all. Mumbai is a busy, chaotic, heavily populated city. It is definitely worth a visit just to get a feel of the hustle and bustle of India. Mumbai has famous heritage sites and iconic structures, such as the Gate of Mumbai, which looks out over the Arabian Sea.

Now that you know where to visit in India, are you inspired to join one of our backpacking tours in India? Take a look at our 18-day Ultimate India tour or our 14-day North India tour! Drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at info@thedragontrip.com to find out more!

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