Top 20 Places to visit in india

[kartik agrawal]

1. Varanasi

Varanasi is by far the most unique place I’ve been in the entire world. This is where many Hindus come to be cremated, along the Ganges River. You will see sadhu’s with human ashes on them. Here are some tips on what to expect at the burning ghats in Varanasi, and some general Varanasi travel tips as well as which places to visit.

2. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is world famous and a must-visit India landmark for a reason – it’s stunning! I hated being there I have to admit. You are herded like cattle through huge crowds if it’s busy but here are some tips for a Taj Mahal visit, like showing up for sunrise and saying no to photos. I also have a post on how to do a Taj Mahal day trip from Delhi.

3. Anjuna / Vagator

Epic Goa Nightlife: Most Popular Party Places in Goa

Anjuna, my home of the last five years, is the land of hippie vibes and the end of the hippie trail in the 60-70’s. Many foreigners came here, burnt their passports, and lived naked on the beach. Those days are gone but some of them are still here and the music, parties, yoga retreats, and laid-back attitude have stuck around, too. Here’s my ultimate guide to North Goa.

4. Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch is where you’ll find the huge salt plains in India. Make sure to visit at the right time (Nov-Feb) or you might show up to find it under water. You can experience local life here and see how artisans make traditional clothing. CN Traveler called it the new fashion capital of India.

5. Tawang

tawang monastery

In Tawang, you can visit the largest working Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the world. This once was Tibet and the food, language, and people are Tibetan although now they are Indian. Come and learn about their culture! It’s gorgeous but very very cold since it’s Northeast India. It’s one of the highest places I’ve been to in India!

6. Kaziranga National Park

Endangered One Horned Rhinos at Kaziringa National Park

There aren’t many rhinos left in the world (they are endangered) but this park has worked hard to repopulate them and keep them safe from poachers. Some people buy the horns for Chinese medicine, and poaching is a major issue. We got very close to the rhinos here and it was nothing but magical.

7. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is known for it’s rolling tea fields. You might also know it from a certain Wes Anderson film…

It’s in West Bengal at the base of the Himalaya Mountains. This is where the Brits would come for vacation back when they were in control of India. Make sure you ride the toy train .

8. BR Hills

Soliga Tribe of BR Hills

This is short for Biligirirangana Hills, which is a protected area in Karnataka just near the Tamil Nadu border. This wildlife sanctuary has tigers but it has tribal people too, called the Soliga, and this is in my top 5 places I’ve ever been in India and maybe even in the world. It’s so unique.

9. Mysore

Mysore is my favorite Indian city. There are so many parks, so little traffic, and the market is extraordinary! If you want to ease into India by starting in a small city, want to try Ayurveda, or do a yoga teacher training (the best school is here), this is where you want to be. You can also take amazing day trips from Mysore.

10. Rishikesh

Beatles in rishikesh birthplace of yoga tips

We all know by now that the Beatles and other celebs loved Rishikesh and came here to be with their guru and write. Still, it’s a place for yogis and hippies. The Ganges runs through the cute, busy, town and many tourists are here learning to teach yoga themselves. Here are my tips for Rishikesh.you can also book a cab from delhi to rishikesh

11. Jaipur

Jaipur is all about luxury, royalty, princes, elephants, jewels, rugs, and indulgence at the many amazing restaurants and bars. I love going to Jaipur. you can also check my jaipur shopping guide

12. Sikkim

Sikkim is nestled into the Himalayas on the East side of India, all the way up by Bhutan and Nepal. The views are out of this world and you can visit Monasteries, trek, raft, or just stroll around in the cute little town.

13. Amritsar

amritsar golden temple

The Golden Temple is in Amritsar, a unique Sikh temple (made of gold) that is the most stunning temple I’ve ever seen and a place that many make a pilgrimage to in their lives. You can also go to the Wagah border of Pakistan while you are here which is literally bizarre .

14. Udaipur

India’s romantic white city has stolen my heart – I LOVE this city. It’s small and wraps around four lakes, with Lake Pichola being the most popular. You must stay in my favorite guesthouse there (a palace with lake views for under $50-$200 a night). I am sure I’ll be back for the third time!

15. Chinnakanal

While Darjeeling is the most popular place to see the tea fields in India, Munnar/Chinnakanal was closer to me and is said to be just as beautiful. I loved visiting and seeing how the tea is made, plus the town is very cute with many adventure trekking options.

16. Hampi

One of the most epic places to visit in India is Hampi, hands down. This is Jurassic Park meets the Flintstones with huge boulders you can just picture dinosaurs walking through! You should also visit nearby temples and caves of Badami and Aihole. which I have visited four times now!

17. Meghalaya

One of the few places on this list I haven’t yet been to but am dying to see – of all the beauty of India, the photos of this state make me want to visit so badly! The state name translates to “abode of clouds”. From Shillong to the Living Root bridge, if you love nature this is for you!

18. Varkala

To be honest, Varkala doesn’t have a lot of charm but it’s a nice, cheap, beach town. While the shopping and food is mediocre, the views are beautiful, it’s way less crowded than Goa but just as Westernized and the surf is good.

19. Shimla

Shimla is a very popular hill station town in the Himalayas on the west side of India. It is stunning and it is a VERY small town. This was a vacation place for the British back in the day and today is a popular honeymoon destination in India. Here is my experience there and to make your trip easier, you can always book a private car charter. alternate for this is Leh ladakh

20. Jaisalmer

While wandering around Rajasthan, you should absolutely make the trip out to Jaisalmer, near the Pakistan border. Here you can be in a city that seems like it’s made only out of the sand, with a huge fort towering over it, and go out on a camel safari in the Thar Desert. Here are tips for Jaisalmer,

I hope you’ll be excited to visit what I consider the best places to visit in India, and be sure to read up on some travel tips before you head off.