Step off to discover India as the venue of diversified cultural treasures that coexist amid natural beauties of the country. Range of the locations from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa they form the necklace by pointing to India as a shining country. Here’s some of the best tourist places in India:
1. Leh Ladakh: The Land of High Passes
It is seen as the landscape of the majestic mountains that stimulates the spirits of those in search of thrill and that which soothes the feet of the nature admirers. It is where sky becomes clearer and transparent to the rugged horizons that lie beyond and decorate the view with beautiful sceneries and isolated monasteries.
| Highlights | Rugged terrain, Buddhist monasteries |
| Best Time | June to September |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Leh; Road trips via Manali or Srinagar |
| Best Places | Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley |
| Activities | Trekking, Motorbiking |
| Address | Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Pro Tip | Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness |
| Opening Hours | Daylight hours for most attractions |
| Entry Fees | Varies by activity and location |
2. Manali: The Valley of Gods
Tucked between the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and Manali, this small town has many cafes that are cozy, the marketplace is lively and colorful and, not to forget, a variety of trekking trails where you can let your imagination run wild.
| Highlights | Snow-capped mountains, Adventure sports |
| Best Time | October to February for snow, March to June for pleasant weather |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Bhuntar Airport; Road trips from Delhi or Chandigarh |
| Best Places | Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass |
| Activities | Paragliding, Skiing |
| Address | Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Pro Tip | Book accommodations in advance during peak season |
| Opening Hours | Most natural sites accessible throughout the day |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to most natural sites; fees for adventure activities |
3. Andaman: The Tropical Paradise
The turquoise clear beaches, the rich marine life, and all the imaginary features are one of the best reasons that Andaman Islands are a proper place for scuba diving and relaxation.
| Highlights | Pristine beaches, Coral reefs |
| Best Time | October to May |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Port Blair; Ship from Chennai, Kolkata, or Vizag |
| Best Places | Havelock Island, Neil Island |
| Activities | Scuba Diving, Snorkeling |
| Address | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India |
| Pro Tip | Carry sunscreen and insect repellent |
| Opening Hours | Beaches open 24/7; Restricted timings for certain activities |
| Entry Fees | No entry fee for beaches; Charges for water sports |
4. Goa: The Party Capital
This city was known to the outside world for its buzzing nightlife, myriad types of alcoholic drinks and the streetside eateries. It’s free-living philosophy, low prices and diverse mix of deals make it hard to resist.
| Highlights | Beaches, Nightlife, Portuguese heritage |
| Best Time | November to February |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Dabolim Airport; Trains to Madgaon or Thivim |
| Best Places | Calangute Beach, Fort Aguada |
| Activities | Beach parties, Water sports |
| Address | Goa, India |
| Pro Tip | Rent a bike for local exploration |
| Opening Hours | Beaches: 24/7; Attractions: Varied timings |
| Entry Fees | Beaches: Free; Charges for certain activities |
5. Agra: The City of the Taj Mahal
The home of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of devotion and a historical reality of India , Agra is that place that millions of travellers come to visit every year.
| Highlights | Taj Mahal, Mughal architecture |
| Best Time | October to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Kheria Airport; Trains to Agra Cantt |
| Best Places | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri |
| Activities | Heritage walks, Photography |
| Address | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Pro Tip | Visit the Taj Mahal during sunrise for a less crowded experience |
| Opening Hours | Taj Mahal: Sunrise to sunset, closed on Fridays |
| Entry Fees | Taj Mahal: INR 50 for Indians, INR 1100 for foreigners |
6. Alleppey: The Venice of the East
Alappuzha or Alleppey is famous for one of the marvelous backwaters, country boats and lush green scenes which gives you a sense of tranquility, calm and peace of mind.
| Highlights | Backwaters, Houseboats |
| Best Time | November to February |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Cochin International Airport; Trains to Alleppey Station |
| Best Places | Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake |
| Activities | Houseboat stay, Canoeing |
| Address | Alleppey, Kerala, India |
| Pro Tip | Book houseboats in advance during peak season |
| Opening Hours | Backwaters: Daytime for cruises |
| Entry Fees | Varies for houseboat and canoe rentals |
7. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Rajasthan has been an imperial state forever. Indulge your eyes with the sight of Rajasthan’s majestic palaces and tranquil lakes, beautifully illuminated in the City of Lakes, Udaipur.
| Highlights | Lakes, Palaces, Rajput-era architecture |
| Best Time | September to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Maharana Pratap Airport; Trains to Udaipur Railway Station |
| Best Places | City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir |
| Activities | Boat rides, Cultural shows |
| Address | Udaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Pro Tip | Enjoy a rooftop dinner with views of Lake Pichola |
| Opening Hours | Palaces: Generally 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Entry Fees | City Palace: INR 300 for adults, INR 100 for children |
8. Jaipur: The Pink City
The Pink City, Delhi has quite a wide variety of options including for its massive forts, magnificent palaces and vibrant markets where local handicrafts are sold.
| Highlights | Historic forts, Palatial palaces |
| Best Time | October to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Jaipur International Airport; Trains to Jaipur Junction |
| Best Places | Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace |
| Activities | Elephant rides, Shopping for handicrafts |
| Address | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Pro Tip | Try the local cuisine at traditional eateries |
| Opening Hours | Forts and palaces: 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Entry Fees | Varies; Discounts for students available |
9. Munnar: The Kashmir of South India
The verdant hills of Munnar just stretch out as far as one can see, with the rich green tea fields blossomed everywhere. A useful cure for stress is just a ride to this paradise in the Western Ghats.
| Highlights | Tea plantations, Rolling hills |
| Best Time | September to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Cochin International Airport; Buses and taxis from major cities |
| Best Places | Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak |
| Activities | Tea estate tours, Trekking |
| Address | Munnar, Kerala, India |
| Pro Tip | Carry warm clothes as evenings can be chilly |
| Opening Hours | Tea estates: Daytime; National parks: Specific timings |
| Entry Fees | Nominal fees for parks and gardens |
10. Gangtok: The Gateway to Sikkim
Situated in Sikkim, Gangtok is a gorgeous hill station showcasing a series of beautiful vistas, monasteries and a historical heritage.
| Highlights | Monasteries, Mountain views |
| Best Time | March to June; October to December |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Bagdogra Airport; Helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok |
| Best Places | Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass |
| Activities | Cable car rides, Yak rides |
| Address | Gangtok, Sikkim, India |
| Pro Tip | Obtain permits for certain areas in advance |
| Opening Hours | Monasteries: 8 AM to 5 PM; Natural sites: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Free for most places; Permit fees may apply |
11. Lakshadweep: The Tropical Archipelago
The secluded islands of Lakshadweep, which is a land full of coral reefs, turquoise color waters, and rare species of marine life, is an unparalleled place for a calm getaway.
| Highlights | Coral atolls, Marine life |
| Best Time | October to May |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Agatti Aerodrome; Ships from Kochi |
| Best Places | Agatti Island, Bangaram Atoll, Marine Museum |
| Activities | Snorkeling, Island hopping |
| Address | Lakshadweep, India |
| Pro Tip | Carry cash as ATMs are scarce |
| Opening Hours | Beaches: 24/7; Museums: 10 AM to 5 PM |
| Entry Fees | No entry fee for beaches; Activity charges apply |
12. Ooty: The Queen of Hill Stations
As one of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty, popularly known as the Queen of the Hill Station, is renowned primarily for its botanical gardens, colonial built architecture and the appealing Nilgiri Mountain railway.
| Highlights | Tea estates, Colonial architecture |
| Best Time | October to June |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Coimbatore Airport; Toy train from Mettupalayam |
| Best Places | Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak |
| Activities | Boating, Toy train rides |
| Address | Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Pro Tip | Visit during the annual Tea and Tourism Festival |
| Opening Hours | Gardens: 7 AM to 6:30 PM; Lake: 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Entry Fees | Botanical Gardens: INR 30; Ooty Lake: INR 10 |
13. Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital
Rishikesh is a water paradise enveloped in the peace of a river, accepting the added spice of adventure activities like Bungee-jumping and white-water rafting that creates a perfect blend of rest and pleasure.
| Highlights | Yoga centers, Adventure sports |
| Best Time | September to November; March to May |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Dehradun Airport; Trains to Haridwar |
| Best Places | Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple |
| Activities | Yoga, River rafting |
| Address | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India |
| Pro Tip | Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat |
| Opening Hours | Temples: Dawn to dusk; River rafting: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Free for most places; Charges for rafting and yoga classes |
13. Coorg: The Scotland of India
Not Coorg, the Scottish wilds in India but grounds, plantations, hills and jungles. It is usually seen here, and it has just been a day since I got here.
| Highlights | Coffee plantations, Waterfalls |
| Best Time | October to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Mangalore Airport; Road trips from Bangalore or Mysore |
| Best Places | Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp |
| Activities | Coffee plantation tours, Trekking |
| Address | Coorg, Karnataka, India |
| Pro Tip | Try local Kodava cuisine |
| Opening Hours | Plantations and natural sites: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Minimal; varies for different attractions |
14. Nainital: The Lake District of India
Nainital can cast a spell on you at once with its green-coloured lake lying in the centre, amidst hills all around and bungalows everywhere else. Finally, it is also a source of spectacular scenery as well as boating and resting can be enjoyed.
| Highlights | Naini Lake, Viewpoints |
| Best Time | April to June; September to October |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Pantnagar Airport; Trains to Kathgodam Station |
| Best Places | Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top |
| Activities | Boating, Cable car ride |
| Address | Nainital, Uttarakhand, India |
| Pro Tip | Enjoy boating in the evening for a serene experience |
| Opening Hours | Lakeside: Open 24/7; Viewpoints: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Free; Boating and cable car have separate charges |
15. Shimla: The Summer Refuge
Unexpectedly, the town of Shimla (summer capital of British India for colonialism), with its colonial architecture and traditionally British mood, is remarkable for its shopping centers, beautiful libraries, museums and neoclastic, thronged allays.
| Highlights | Mall Road, Toy train, Colonial buildings |
| Best Time | March to June |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Shimla Airport; Toy train from Kalka |
| Best Places | The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church |
| Activities | Shopping, Toy train rides |
| Address | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Pro Tip | Walk along the Mall Road for a glimpse of Shimla’s culture |
| Opening Hours | Most attractions: 9 AM to 8 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free; Toy train and other activities chargeable |
16. Delhi
Delhi is the very epitome of this rich mosaic of cultural, cuisine and history, combined with monuments and interesting markets.
| Highlights | Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar |
| Best Time | October to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport; Trains to various stations in Delhi |
| Best Places | Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple |
| Activities | Heritage walks, Food tours |
| Address | Delhi, India |
| Pro Tip | Try the street food for an authentic local experience |
| Opening Hours | Monuments: Generally 6 AM to 6 PM |
| Entry Fees | Varies; Many monuments have entry fees |
17. Mussoorie: The Queen of the Hills
As for Mussoorie, a hill town a few kilometeres from the downhill area of the Valley, in the distant Himalayas, it is all about a comfortable walk with a pure mountain air around.
| Highlights | Gun Hill, Kempty Falls |
| Best Time | April to June; September to November |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Dehradun Airport; Trains to Dehradun Railway Station |
| Best Places | Lal Tibba, Company Garden, Camel’s Back Road |
| Activities | Nature walks, Ropeway rides |
| Address | Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India |
| Pro Tip | Visit Kempty Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds |
| Opening Hours | Natural sites: Daylight hours; Gardens: 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free for natural sites; Charges for ropeway and other activities |
18. Mumbai: The City of Dreams
So Mumbai, a City of Dreams, is not only just Bollywood’s center but also retains its rocking historical monuments and memorable delicious street food.
| Highlights | Bollywood, Historic landmarks, Street food |
| Best Time | November to February |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport; Trains to Mumbai Central |
| Best Places | Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus |
| Activities | City tours, Beach visits |
| Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Pro Tip | Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs |
| Opening Hours | Public spaces: Always open; Specific timings for attractions |
| Entry Fees | Free for public spaces; Fees for certain attractions |
19. Dalhousie: The Mini Switzerland of India
Dalhousie is surrounded by the forest of the Himachal valleys and is away from the flow of the city life. The region is very popular there thanks to its British relics, snowy mountains and stunning hiking trails.
| Highlights | Colonial charm, Pine-clad valleys |
| Best Time | March to May |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Pathankot Airport; Trains to Pathankot Railway Station |
| Best Places | Khajjiar, Panchpula, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Activities | Nature walks, Picnics |
| Address | Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Pro Tip | Carry woolens as evenings can get chilly |
| Opening Hours | Natural sites: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Free for most places; Nominal charges for sanctuaries |
20. Amarnath: The Holy Cave
Amarnath for Hindus has become quite a major pilgrimage site and the abode of the lingam that is made from ice is found in Amarnath Cave, a representation of Shiva Lake.
| Highlights | Spiritual significance, Ice lingam |
| Best Time | July to August for the annual pilgrimage |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Srinagar Airport; Then trek or helicopter service |
| Best Places | Amarnath Cave |
| Activities | Pilgrimage, Trekking |
| Address | Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Pro Tip | Register well in advance for the pilgrimage |
| Opening Hours | During the pilgrimage season: 24/7 |
| Entry Fees | Free; Registration required for the yatra |
21. Mount Abu: The Oasis in the Desert
The only hill station of Rajasthan is Mount Abu with holy abodes of temples lying worshipfully along the beautiful Nakki Lake with nature lavishly spread all around as a cool haven.
| Highlights | Hill station, Dilwara Temples |
| Best Time | November to March |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Udaipur Airport; Trains to Abu Road Railway Station |
| Best Places | Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, Sunset Point |
| Activities | Boating, Temple visits |
| Address | Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India |
| Pro Tip | Try the local Rajasthani cuisine |
| Opening Hours | Temples: 12 PM to 5 PM; Other sites: Daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Free for most places; Boating charges |
22. Wayanad: The Green Paradise
Wayanad, so often with very inaccessible elevations, is a melting pot of different types of life forms, the old and the like, which gives offerings much more than just the common experiences in Tamil Iyeram.
| Highlights | Wildlife sanctuaries, Ancient petroglyphs |
| Best Time | October to May |
| Ways to Reach | Flight to Calicut International Airport; Road trips from major cities in Kerala |
| Best Places | Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak |
| Activities | Wildlife safaris, Trekking |
| Address | Wayanad, Kerala, India |
| Pro Tip | Visit the Edakkal Caves early to avoid crowds |
| Opening Hours | Wildlife Sanctuary: 7 AM to 10 AM, 2 PM to 5 PM; Caves: 9 AM to 4 PM |
| Entry Fees | Nominal fees for sanctuaries and caves |
23. McLeod Ganj: The Little Lhasa
Equally, a diverse platter is a representation of the cultural values as well as the natural elements seen in a magnificent panorama formed by the Dhauladhar mountains as you enjoy camping and trekking.
| Highlights | Tsuglagkhang Complex, Triund trek |
| Best Time | March to June and September to November |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Gaggal Airport. Well-connected by road |
| Best Places | Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery |
| Activities | Trekking, Exploring Tibetan culture |
| Address | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh |
| Pro Tip | Visit during Losar Festival for a unique experience |
| Opening Hours | Generally accessible throughout the day |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to most places |
24. Vaishno Devi: The Holy Pilgrimage
The holy shrine of vaishno Devi is in the Trikuta massif where it is a symbol of religion for those coming there for many years to worship.
| Highlights | Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple |
| Best Time | March to October |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Jammu Airport. Trek or pony ride from Katra |
| Best Places | Ardhkuwari, Banganga |
| Activities | Pilgrimage trek, Attending Aarti |
| Address | Katra, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Pro Tip | Start the trek early morning to avoid crowds |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Entry Fees | No entry fee |
25. Haridwar: The Gateway to the Gods
Haridwar is an observable sacred place located at an area where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalayan mountains and every year the Hindus from all parts of the world come at this place in holy ritual of Kumbh Mela.
| Highlights | Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple |
| Best Time | February, March, August, October |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Dehradun Airport. Well-connected by train and road |
| Best Places | Mansa Devi Temple, Shantikunj |
| Activities | Ganga Aarti, Holy dip in the Ganges |
| Address | Uttarakhand |
| Pro Tip | Attend the Kumbh Mela for a once-in-a-lifetime experience |
| Opening Hours | Temples have specific timings, usually dawn to dusk |
| Entry Fees | Free entry |
26. Kasol: The Mini Israel of India
Trekking mecca of backpackers, Kasol, that well-known for the beauty, trekking routes and the indigenous appeal of Parvati Valley.
| Highlights | Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib |
| Best Time | April to June, October to November |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport. Accessible by road |
| Best Places | Tosh Village, Kheerganga |
| Activities | Trekking, Riverside camping |
| Address | Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh |
| Pro Tip | Explore nearby villages for a complete experience |
| Opening Hours | Generally accessible throughout the day |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to most places |
27. Almora: The Cultural Capital of Kumaon
Owing to the cultural and historical endowments , Almora presents a great vista of calmness and shoulder of the mountains as an ideal site for rest.
| Highlights | Katarmal Sun Temple, Jageshwar Temple Complex |
| Best Time | April to June, September to November |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport. Well-connected by road |
| Best Places | Bright End Corner, Zero Point |
| Activities | Heritage walks, Trekking, Wildlife spotting |
| Address | Almora, Uttarakhand |
| Pro Tip | Attend the Nanda Devi Fair for a cultural experience |
| Opening Hours | Daylight hours for most attractions |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to most places, nominal fees for certain temples |
28. Kasauli: The Quaint Colonial Hill Station
The old world charm of Kasauli is a product of its architecture style of the colonial times, as well as the well-maintained roads with the pine forests that make a pleasing walk and provide really nice views.
| Highlights | Christ Church, Monkey Point |
| Best Time | April to June, September to November |
| Ways to Reach | Nearest airport: Chandigarh Airport. Accessible by road |
| Best Places | Sunset Point, Gilbert Trail |
| Activities | Nature walks, Bird watching, Heritage tours |
| Address | Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh |
| Pro Tip | Visit during the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival for music under the stars |
| Opening Hours | Generally accessible throughout the day |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to most places, small fees for certain attractions |
29. Srinagar: The Venice of the East
Known as ‘Eden on Earth’, Srinagar is the educational centre and the summer capital of the Indian state, Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the Kashmir Valley and is located on the Jhelum River banks.
| Highlights | Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple |
| Best Time | April to October |
| Ways to Reach | Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. Well-connected by road |
| Best Places | Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Hazratbal Shrine |
| Activities | Shikara rides, Houseboat stays, Garden visits |
| Address | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Pro Tip | Visit during the Tulip Festival for a colorful experience |
| Opening Hours | Gardens and shrines have specific timings, usually daylight hours |
| Entry Fees | Nominal fees for gardens; free for most religious sites |
30. Amritsar: The Golden Heart of Punjab
Previously called Rāmdāspur, and commonly referred to as Ambarsar, Amritsar has been its second-largest city since the Indian state of Punjab. It is a major cultural, transportation, as well as economic hub, situated in the Majha region of Punjab.
| Highlights | Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border |
| Best Time | November to March |
| Ways to Reach | Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Well-connected by train and road |
| Best Places | Partition Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum |
| Activities | Temple visits, Heritage walks, Attending the border ceremony |
| Address | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Pro Tip | Try the local cuisine, especially the langar at the Golden Temple |
| Opening Hours | Golden Temple is open 24 hours. Other attractions have specific timings |
| Entry Fees | Free entry to religious sites; nominal fees for museums |