India is a land of rich biodiversity, culture, and different religions, making it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. Additionally, the country has been ruled by various dynasties and kingdoms, which has resulted in a rich historical past. From serene hills to beaches and religious spots, India offers much more that will make your holiday vacation memorable.
There are numerous tourist places to visit in India, including some famous World Heritage Sites. After spending some time researching, we have prepared a list of some of the best tourist destinations in India.
Goa
- Smallest state in India, located on the western coast.
- Famous for pristine beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage.
- Ideal for water sports like scuba diving and parasailing.
- Popular among beach lovers and honeymooners.
- Best time to visit: November to March.
Goa is the smallest state in India, known for its pristine beaches, Portuguese heritage, and vibrant nightlife. It is a perfect blend of rich culture, beach shacks, seafood, and an amazing atmosphere. With a coastline stretching over 100 km, Goa is dotted with numerous beaches, making it an ideal holiday destination for beach lovers. Goa is also famous for its exotic water sports, nightlife parties, cruise trips, and casino nights, making it one of the most popular places for bachelors and honeymoon couples. Every year, millions of tourists, both domestic and international, visit Goa.
Kerala
- Known as “God’s Own Country,” located in the south.
- Famous for backwaters, tea plantations, and wildlife.
- Popular for Ayurvedic treatments and houseboat stays.
- A hotspot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Kerala is one of the most beautiful and fascinating tourist places to visit in India for nature lovers. Blessed with scenic natural beauty, it is popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country.’ Famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery, craggy peaks, backwaters, and water lagoons, Kerala is simply heaven on Earth. It is also home to several scenic hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries that attract both local and international tourists. One can also experience a memorable stay in houseboats at the backwaters of Alleppey. These luxurious houseboats offer an amazing experience that you won’t want to miss.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Over 500 islands in the Bay of Bengal.
- Known for pristine beaches and water sports.
- Havelock Island is popular for Radhanagar Beach.
- Ideal for honeymooners and adventure lovers.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a group of more than 500 beautiful islands tucked away in a large area of the Bay of Bengal. Known for its mesmerizing beauty and pristine beaches, it is one of the best places for aqua lovers. It is also considered one of the most idyllic destinations for honeymoon couples. Among all these islands, Havelock Island is the most popular, well-known for its exquisite beaches and white sands. Furthermore, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is recognized as Asia’s best beach and attracts a huge crowd throughout the year. The beach also offers some thrilling adventure activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Leh- Ladakh
- Located in the northern Himalayas.
- Famous for high-altitude passes and Buddhist monasteries.
- Popular for trekking, biking, and adventure activities.
- Known for its unique culture and landscapes.
- Best time to visit: June to September.
Famous for its highest mountain passes, snow-capped mountains, and serene glacial lakes, Leh & Ladakh is an adventurous destination. The stunning location is also popular for its picturesque landscapes, tribal culture, and colorful Buddhist monasteries. It is a famous paradise for nature lovers who are looking for peace and serenity. Due to its world’s highest altitude passes, it is a dream destination for trekking trails and bikers. Undoubtedly, it is a perfect spot to spend an ideal holiday vacation in India that meets every tourist’s expectations. The best time to visit Leh-Ladakh is between October and April.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Known as the Yoga Capital of the World.
- Famous for spiritual retreats and adventure sports.
- Located on the Ganges River, surrounded by the Himalayas.
- Ideal for yoga, meditation, and river rafting.
- Best time to visit: September to April.
Located at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a famous hub of many ancient temples, yoga ashrams, and adventure sports. Due to all these specialties, Rishikesh is famously known as the ‘Adventure or Yoga Capital of India.’ Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Himalayan mountain ranges and a peaceful atmosphere, it is one of the most desired places for adventure thrills and spiritual travelers. Furthermore, the place offers an unforgettable experience of camping and trekking. One can also refresh and rejuvenate themselves by taking a Yoga and Meditation session that takes place at every Ashram.
Meghalaya
- Known as the “Abode of Clouds.”
- Famous for living root bridges, waterfalls, and caves.
- Ideal for trekking and nature exploration.
- Home to the wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram.
- Best time to visit: October to April.
Nestled in the lap of the Khasi and Garo Hills in the Eastern Himalayas, Meghalaya is one of the most picturesque spots in North East India. Also known as the ‘Abode of Clouds’ or the ‘Scotland of the East,’ it is an ideal destination for trekkers, cavers, and nature enthusiasts. Furthermore, the breathtaking natural beauty of this place cannot be found anywhere else in India. It is also home to numerous enchanting waterfalls and living root bridges that increase the overall beauty of the state.
Delhi
- Capital city of India, rich in history and culture.
- Famous for landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar.
- A hub for politics, shopping, and cuisine.
- A mix of ancient monuments and modern attractions.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Delhi is the capital city of India, with a rich historical background and past. Famous for its historical monuments, Mughal gardens, shopping malls, and mouth-watering street foods, it is an amazing place for tourists in itself. Delhi is a perfect amalgamation of age-old cultures and present-day modernization and has developed itself as a famous tourist destination in India. Some of the iconic heritage monuments you can see here include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Purana Qila, and Qutub Minar.
Furthermore, there are many notable temples in Delhi, such as the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and ISKCON Temple, that attract many spiritual travelers. Apart from that, there are a number of places to visit near Delhi, as it is well-connected to other tourist destinations. So, if you ever get a chance to visit Delhi, make sure to explore this beautiful tourist spot.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Known as the “City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East.”
- Famous for palaces, temples, and scenic boat rides.
- Popular for luxury hotels and wedding destinations.
- Ideal for romantic getaways and history buffs.
- Best time to visit: September to March.
The beautiful city of Udaipur is one of the most famous romantic holiday destinations in Rajasthan. Blessed with scenic natural beauty, temples, and palaces, it is also referred to as the ‘Venice of the East.’ Surrounded by the mesmerizing Aravalli Hills, it is famous for its historical monuments and luxury heritage hotels. As there are many serene lakes in Udaipur, it is also known as the ‘City of Lakes.’ Furthermore, Udaipur is also considered a famous wedding destination where tourists come from all across the world to plan their marriage. One can also experience an amazing boat ride at Lake Pichola while enjoying the natural sightseeing of Udaipur.
Shimla & Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Famous hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
- Known for snow-capped mountains, meadows, and adventure sports.
- Popular for honeymooners, trekkers, and nature lovers.
- Ideal for activities like skiing, paragliding, and trekking.
- Best time to visit: March to June, September to December.
Both stunning tourist locations lie in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. They are also known to be famous tourist places for honeymoon couples, especially in the summer season. Shimla and Manali are famous for their snow-capped slopes, jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows, and gushing blue streams. Furthermore, both locations are popular among nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Dotted with numerous high-altitude mountain passes and enchanting valleys, these tourist sites offer plenty of options for adventure thrills like trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, and skiing. So, if you are looking for an ideal destination for a summer vacation in India, make sure to add these sites to your bucket list.
Coorg, Karnataka
- Known for coffee plantations and lush hills.
- Famous for wildlife sanctuaries and scenic beauty.
- Popular for trekking and nature walks.
- Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Famous for its large production of coffee, Coorg is a popular hill station in South India, located in the eternal mountains of Karnataka. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty in the form of lush green hills and gushing water streams, it is a place to be for all nature lovers. Furthermore, the lively atmosphere and authentic taste of Coorgi lifestyle and culture make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. The entire region of Coorg is covered by forested hills and misty landscapes, offering countless options for nature photographers.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Home to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Famous for Mughal architecture and historical sites.
- Popular for Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Ideal for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Agra is home to many historical monuments and magnificent architectural structures, including some World Heritage Sites. Due to its great historical significance, Agra needs no introduction, as it is a well-known tourist spot in India. Famous for its iconic structure, the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts a large number of local and international tourists every year. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is an eternal symbol of love and is also famous for its architectural brilliance.
It is also home to other magnificent structures, such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is an ideal destination for history buffs and architecture lovers. By visiting these sites, one can also explore the sheer expanse of Mughal art and culture.
- Also Read: Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Agra
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
- India’s first national park, famous for tigers.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site with diverse flora and fauna.
- Popular for wildlife safaris and birdwatching.
- Known for scenic beauty and photography.
- Best time to visit: November to June.
Set amidst the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best national parks in India. The park boasts an endemic range of flora and fauna that makes it one of the best wildlife destinations in India for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it is home to endangered species, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from that, it is also home to several other species, including trees, animals, reptiles, and bird species. The park comprises a wide expanse of riverine belts, hills, lakes, and grasslands, offering many spectacular views and an amazing experience of wildlife photography.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites with ancient rock-cut caves.
- Famous for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain sculptures and paintings.
- Ideal for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
- A significant cultural landmark in Maharashtra.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a group of historical monuments and rock-cut Buddhist caves. This famous historical site lies in the Aurangabad city of Maharashtra. Today, it has rich heritage and architectural marvels dating back from the 2nd century BC to 800 AD. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are around 29-34 different caves that house sculptures and paintings of three different religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Due to its great historical and archaeological significance, it is one of the best historical places to visit in India for history buffs that should not be missed.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.”
- Famous for tea estates, lakes, and gardens.
- Popular for honeymooners and nature lovers.
- Ideal for a relaxing retreat with a cool climate.
- Best time to visit: April to June, September to November.
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is home to mighty rock mountains, Nilgiri hills, picturesque landscapes, and refreshing gardens. Also known as Udagamandalam or ‘Queen of the Nilgiri Mountains,’ Ooty is one of the most popular honeymoon holiday destinations in South India. Frequently visited by newlywed couples and nature lovers, it is an ideal place to relax and unwind your mind. Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, the serene hill station has a pleasant climate throughout the year, offering a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Known as the “Pink City” with rich Rajput history.
- Famous for forts, palaces, and museums.
- Ideal for shopping and exploring traditional crafts.
- A major tourist destination in Rajasthan.
- Best time to visit: November to March.
Flocked by a number of foreign tourists, the beautiful city of Jaipur is famous for its ancient forts, palaces, and museums. Jaipur is the capital city of the royal state of Rajasthan, and it was ruled by various Rajput kingdoms. This is the main reason that the city houses lots of historical monuments built by different Rajput rulers. Furthermore, it also houses some famous World Heritage Sites, such as Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. Besides that, it is an ideal shopping destination where you can buy good-quality handicrafts, pottery, leather, jewelry, and hosiery items.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Home to the one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife sanctuary.
- Popular for jeep and elephant safaris.
- Known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
- Best time to visit: November to April.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is famous for having a large population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Spanning an area of 378 sq km, it is one of the largest and most famous national parks in India. Home to a large number of wildlife species, it serves as an idyllic wildlife tourist destination in India. Furthermore, the park maintains a rich ecology and biodiversity in the form of vegetation, green grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests. Thus, it offers an amazing wildlife experience in India.
Hampi, Karnataka
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins.
- Famous for temples and Vijayanagara Empire history.
- Ideal for history lovers and cultural exploration.
- A popular spot for photographers and adventurers.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Also known as the city of ruins, Hampi is a world-famous heritage site in India, recognized by UNESCO. Situated in the beautiful state of Karnataka, the site is a perfect delight for history lovers. There are more than 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, and treasury buildings dating back to the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. If you haven’t explored this site yet, make sure to visit at least once in your lifetime. By visiting this place, you will get a chance to explore the rich cultural history of India.
These are the most visited tourist places in India that will make your holiday vacation memorable. All the above-mentioned places have something unique to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
