India has an incredibly rich and varied history. Its landmarks are the result of thousands of years of history and its religious diversity. It is said that India is a country where you can find every sort of religious monument, from mosques to temples to churches and gurudwaras.
India has some tourist attractions that are ancient, while some are modern. Some are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while others are not. All are very famous, though. Notable among them are the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, and the Nalanda University.
From ancient ruins to modern cities, India is packed with amazing places. As big as it is, the country’s huge variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments, and buildings will always astound tourists.
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Tourist Attractions in India
India is a beautiful country with a lot of things to see. This list of the top things to do in India will help you make the most of your time here.
1. Jaisalmer (The Golden City)
Jaisalmer is a city that has been adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples, and Havelis. It is known as the ‘golden city’ because of its golden dunes and castles clad in golden honey sandstone. Climb onto the camel saddle and make your way through the desert to camp under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience.
The Jaisalmer Fort is a living, breathing, vibrant place. For generations, people have lived inside its walls, and merchants have sold their wares there.
2. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is built on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra as a memorial for Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and as a tomb for himself. The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and it’s completely made of marble. Every year more people come to see it than the entire population of Agra.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in the 1700s. To honor the dead, it was constructed as a mausoleum and is laid out in a rectangular shape. It has a massive entrance with arches and alcoves on either side. The monument is surrounded by water channels and fountains. The Yamuna River is the perfect backdrop for this majestic spectacle. The reflection of the monument in the river is almost poetic in its perfection.
The Taj Mahal covers 42 acres in area. It was built in 1631 and completed 17 years later in 1648. It was constructed using marble from Makrana, Rajasthan.
3. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora caves, which are considered to be a masterpiece of ancient rock-cut architecture, are a set of 34 caves located near Aurangabad, India. These sites are adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes and include Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Jain temples. Ajanta and Ellora are two caves in India. Ajanta is smaller with 29 caves built during the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, whereas Ellora is bigger with 34 caves built between the 6th and 11th centuries.
Ajanta and Ellora are two of the most famous sites in the world. They have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract travelers from all over the globe. The Ajanta Caves are mostly Buddhist. They were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks. The Ellora Caves are a mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist. They are just 15 km west of Aurangabad, India. The Kailash Temple is one of the most famous carvings at the Ajanta Caves, which are some of the most famous rock-cut caves in the entire world. These amazing caves are filled with incredible sculptures that were created thousands of years ago. The rulers of these times sponsored the construction of these incredible caves.
4. Mumbai (The Gateway of India)
If you are in Mumbai, you must visit the Gateway of India. It is a famous tourist attraction built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary in 1911. It was opened with much pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest structure in the city.
The Gateway of India is a famous monument in Mumbai that was built entirely of yellow basalt and concrete. The monument was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is considered a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture. In 1948, the Gateway became the site of a less jubilant procession when British soldiers evacuated India after India gained its independence. These days, the Gateway is a popular landmark among tourists from around the world.
5. The Beaches of Goa
This Indian state is a prime destination for travelers from all over the world. Its coastline overlooking the Arabian Sea has been discovered by tourists from overseas only recently.
India’s Goa has more than 60 miles of coastline. If you’re looking for isolation, Agonda Beach is a good pick. If you want to be with lots of people and have fun, Calangute Beach is the best choice.
If you are looking for posh resorts, yoga retreats, or spa vacations in India, the beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are popular among wealthy Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is another wonderful option in a beautiful setting.
In Goa, you must visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to thick forests and plenty of animals, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers–as well as India’s famous king cobras. There are also about 200 species of birds.
Be sure to take the ferry to Divar Island, where you’ll find Piedade, a village with a church that is full of interesting decorations. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.
6. Mehrangarh Fort
Dominating the city of Jodhpur, India is the massive Mehrangarh Fort. This 15th-century structure was built to protect the people of the “Blue City.” The city derives its name from its blue-colored houses, painted blue to deflect the heat.
Mehrangarh is an incredible monument, built on top of a gigantic rock. It was built as a fortress and its massive walls are virtually impenetrable. There is only one way inside: through one of seven magnificent gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter is still damaged from cannon attacks).
The highlight of the trip is the fort’s fascinating network of courtyards and palaces, as well as the museum housing a splendid collection of artifacts related to the Maharajas. Spend time in Jodhpur’s historic center, famous for its eight city gates, a lovely old clock tower, and numerous bazaars selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.
7. Mahabodhi Temple
In the Buddhist religion, Bodhgaya is a revered site. It attracts thousands of people each year who want to meditate and pray. The main attraction is the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha came to enlightenment and created his philosophy on life. The Wat Phra Kaew Temple is a gorgeous, historic temple in the center of Bangkok. It was built in the 6th century and has been rebuilt many times since. A large statue of Buddha sits at its center, and a stunning spire tops the structure.
The site is also home to the original Bodhi Tree, which Buddha meditated under after he achieved enlightenment. It’s said to be among the oldest and most revered trees in the world. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the red sandstone rock.
8. Jim Corbett National Park
Everyone loves to see animals in the wild. Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park, is a great place to see the endangered Bengal tiger. Established in 1936, it was renamed in 1954 to honor Jim Corbett, author and wildlife conservationist who helped create this nature reserve. Thick vegetation makes it hard to see the tiger. If you go in April or June, you might be able to see other types of wildlife, like elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and bears.
9. Virupaksha Temple
This large Hindu temple in India is the oldest in the country and has been functioning without interruption since it was built in the 7th century. The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi started out as a small shrine and grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. This temple has been around for a long time. It was built in the 7th century and has been running ever since. That makes it one of the oldest Hindu temples in India.
10. The Red Fort
Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in 1648 to serve as the seat of Mughal power. It was named after the red sandstone used in its construction. Covering two square kilometers, surrounded by a moat, it is one of the most magnificent structures in India. Lahore Gate is the fort’s main entrance. It is impressively tall and decorated with ornamental designs. The Delhi Gate was built for ceremonial processions. It is elaborately decorated with ornamental designs.
The 17th-century market is bustling with activity. You can purchase souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. You can also get something to eat. When you visit the fort, you can explore it yourself or you can take a tour. A guided tour provides a fascinating insight into the Shah’s life and times. The tour shows you the stunning Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am), where he received his subjects.