Must-visit locations for your trip to India
From tropical beaches to snow-covered mountains, ancient cities to spiritual havens, India really does have something to please everyone.
India is a unique and fascinating travel destination, offering up an intense and colourful mixture of people, cultures and landscapes – and the food is pretty great too! With so much to recommend it, it’s little surprise that India is on most people’s travel bucket list. Here are some of the most exciting destinations to visit in this diverse and captivating country.
Agra
No visit to India is complete without a trip to the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra. While the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly magnificent, Agra also has plenty more to offer. Attractions include an impressive fort left over from the Mughal Empire, various tombs and mausoleums, and the lively local markets. Visitors can also take a trip to nearby places of interest such as the ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Delhi
Delhi’s tumultuous history has resulted in an incredibly diverse city which is home to an unlikely mix of medieval fortifications, colonial style architecture, traditional bazaars, Mughal mausoleums and modern shopping malls.As well as the usual tourist sites, try exploring some of the lesser known corners of the city such as the Purana Qila fort or Lodi Gardens. A guided tour will also help you to really get under the skin of this fascinating city.
Varanasi
Chaotic, colourful and crowded, Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted, but if you give this city a chance, you might just fall under its spell. It is regarded as one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities and pilgrims flock here to wash away their sins in the holy waters of theRiver Ganges or to cremate their dead. Varanasi is also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and the architecture of its ancient buildings can be best appreciated from a boat ride along the river.
Kerala
For a complete change of pace, visit the state of Kerala on India’s tropical Malabar Coast. This scenic, laid-back slice of India is home to beautiful palm-lined beaches, a network of sparkling backwaters, and the Western Ghats – a range of mountains covered in spice and tea plantations. It’s also home to some exciting wildlife, including tigers, elephants and exotic birds. The unofficial slogan for Kerala is ‘God’s Own Country’ – and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Sandakphu
If trekking is your thing, head to Sandakphu in Darjeeling. Reaching 11,941 feet in altitude, it is one of the five highest peaks in the world and offers incredible views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. It also boasts an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna, including around 600 varieties of orchid. If this sounds appealing just be sure that you have a worldwide travel insurance policy that covers you for this type of activity.
Rishikesh
Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is the perfect destination for those seeking a spiritual experience. It’s home to many ashrams which offer all manner of yoga and meditation classes – from laughter therapy to crystal healing, and most things in between. Adrenaline junkies will also find Rishikesh to their liking, with white-water rafting excursions on the fast-flowing Ganges.
Andaman Islands
If crystal clear seas, white beaches and total relaxation are your idea of heaven, then the Andaman Islands is a must-visit destination. Comprising around 300 islands (only around a dozen of which are open to tourists), the area is renowned for world-class diving, rich waters and spectacular sunsets. It’s one of the most remote locations in India, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.
From ancient cities to tropical beaches, snow covered mountains to bustling metropolises – India really does have something for everyone. So book your tickets, jump on a plane and start exploring everything this fascinating country has to offer.