Top 10 Best Tourist Places in India

The holiday season is coming and you must be looking for some of the best tourist places in India. India is a spirited land of astonishing contrasts where modern and traditional worlds meet. India is the world’s seventh-largest nation by area and the second-largest population. It has a rich heritage resulting from centuries of various religions and cultures leaving their mark. Travelling across this nation can offer you the opportunity to experience a wide array of sacred spiritual environments. At the same time, nature and adventure lovers will enjoy its lush national parks, exciting wildlife sanctuaries, and sun-washed beaches.

From the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar (formerly the Golden Temple) to the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra and the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, tourists to this country will get to know a trove of cultural, historical and spiritual treasures.

To help you make the most of your precious time in this fantastic country, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Tourist Places In India.

List of Best Tourist Places in India

1. The Red Fort, New Delhi

In 1648, Shah Jahan built the Red Fort. This stunning crescent-shaped fort was named after the magnificent red sandstone used in its making. Red Fort of New Delhi covers a wide area of more than two square kilometres, surrounded by a large moat. Two of the most significant gates are The elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, which was once used for ceremonial processions by the emperors and the Impressive Lahore Gate, the fort’s main entrance.

Additionally, you can explore the 17th-century covered bazaar, Chatta Chowk, which sells everything from silk garments to souvenirs, jewellery, and food items. To explore the fort, you can also take the help of guides who will provide stunning insights into the life of Shah—additionally, a peek into the mesmerising white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-I-Am). One eye-catching thing to do in the Red Fort is to watch the light and sound show in the evening, featuring essential events of the fort’s history.

• Transportation: By air, bus or train.
• Opening Time: 9:30 am -4:30 pm except Monday
• Ticket Price: Rs 35 for locals, 500 for foreigners, and free for children under 15.
• Time Reference: 3-4 Hours

2. The Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal is India’s Most recognizable building and the world’s most popular testimony to the power of love. The favorite wife of Emperor Shah Mumtaz, this stunning mausoleum began upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen until 1648. Incorporating various elements of Islamic designs, including minarets, an onion-shaped dome, arches and black calligraphy inlaid around the entry, the Taj Mahal is made mainly of mesmerizing white marble.

Delicate floral inlaid patterns and precious stones such as lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, diamonds, and jade are used to enhance the beauty. The best time to visit is either at dusk or dawn when the slight change in lighting amazingly alters the atmosphere. Additionally, try to sneak a view of the Taj Mahal’s reflection from the distant bank of the Yamuna River. Also, don’t forget to capture some beautiful memories in one of the best tourist places in India, the Taj Mahal. 

• Transportation: By air, train or bus.
• Opening Time: 6:00 am-7:00 pm; it remains closed on Fridays for prayers
• Ticket Price: Rs 50 for Indians and 1100 for foreigners
• Time Reference: 2-3 hours

3. Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar

Founded by Ram Das in 1577, Amritsar is an essential hub of Sikh culture and history. Opened in 1604, Harmandir Sahib is the central attraction here and is commonly known as the “Golden Temple” for its magnificent gold decoration. This holy Sikh Shrine is not only for the Sikhs but also for the Hindus and people from other religions. This shrine was built in a blend of Islamic and Hindu styles.

The lower marble section of the Harmandir Sahib features such flourishes as embellished inlaid animal and floral patterns, while the sizeable golden-coloured dome represents a lotus flower, a purity symbol for Sikhs. Additionally, the visitors feel a calm sensation in the temple’s spiritual atmosphere, enhanced by the continuously chanted prayers from the Sikh holy book. 

• Transportation: By road, air or train.
• Opening Time: Open for 24 Hours
• Ticket Price: Free
• Time Reference: 2-3 hours

4. The Gateway of India, Mumbai

The iconic Gateway of India, an impressive 26 meters tall, standing overlooking the Arabian Sea, is a must-visit among the best tourist places in India. In 1911, it was built to honour the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary (his wife); this magnificent architecture was opened with much glory in 1924. Also, it was the tallest structure in the city for a while.

The Gateway Of India is constructed entirely of concrete and yellow basalt and is notable for its Indo-Saracenic pattern. In 1948, when India gained Independence, this architecture was the scene of a somewhat less jubilant procession of British Soldiers. Nowadays, the colossal archway offers a marvellous backdrop that is as famous among locals as it is for tourists. 

• Transportation: By air, train or road
• Opening Time: Open for 24 Hours everyday
• Ticket Price: Free
• Time Reference: 2 hours

5. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

One of the oldest in India and one of the world’s largest mosques is Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid. It took almost 80 years to complete, beginning in 1614 during Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah’s reign. This beautiful mosque’s 15 enormous pillars and arches were each made from single slabs of black granite. Also, they were dragged to the site by big cattle trains comprising 1,400 bulls.

Mecca Masjid has impressive complex features highlighting a vast plaza, the main gateway, and a large human-made pond. There is also a room that houses the hair of Prophet Mohammed. Some other features are the exquisite roof of the main hall, inscriptions from the Quran above many of the doors and arches, and the cornices around the whole mosque structure. 

• Transportation: By air, train or road
• Opening Time: 4:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Ticket Price: Free
• Time Reference: 2 hours

6. The Golden City, Jaisalmer

One of the best tourist places in India, the Golden City Of Jaisalmer is a haven of marvelous architecture which rises from the dunes of the desert Thar. The city has magnificent gateways, impressive old mansions, and the massive Jaisalmer fort, also known as the Golden Fort. An astounding 12th-century structure rises above the town bastions, with huge gates leading to its central courtyard, where you will see the seven-story-tall Maharaja’s Palace.

Starting in the early 1500s, this place offers areas beautifully decorated with tiles from China and Italy with carved stone doors. Several Jain temples from the 12th to 16th centuries are also there, each embellished with sandstone, fine marble images, brightly painted ceilings, and palm-leaf manuscripts. Don’t forget to check the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, “Gyan Bhandar”, with its 16th-century antiquities and manuscripts. 

• Transportation: By bus or train
• Opening Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day
• Ticket Price: Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners (Rs 50 for the camera fee and Rs 100 for the video camera) 
• Time Reference: 6-7 hours

7. The Beaches, Goa

Goa is surely one of the best tourist places in India, with 51 beaches along its coastline. The palm trees, exceptional coastal cuisine, white sandy beaches, low tax rate, and laid-back attitude make this place a wonderful tourist spot in India. Candolim Beach is the most popular and busiest worldwide, where tourists flock to soak up the sun. By contrast, Anjuna Beach is far less crowded.

You can also walk to Chapora Fort and cherish the sandy coastline from a different viewpoint. The perfect time to visit Goa is in the winter, as the weather is incredible. This time the place might get a bit expensive too. The nightlife is undoubtedly the best, which you should not miss. 

• Transportation: By air, road or rail
• Opening Time: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day
• Ticket Price: Free entry
• Time Reference: 3-4 days

8. The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

The Ellora Caves of Aurangabad, constructed between the 5th and 10th centuries by Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist monks, is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places in India. Some 300 Kilometers to the west, this place makes an excellent excursion from Mumbai. This remarkable collection of 34 carved monasteries, temples and chapels is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built close to each other, 17 Hindu temples, 12 Buddhist monasteries, and five chapels belong to the Jain faith.

The Buddhist monastery caves include various shrines featuring carvings of saints and Buddha dating from the 5th to 7th centuries. Also, the marvelous carpenter’s cave is considered one of the finest in the country. On the other hand, the Hindu caves are much more intricate and were carved from the top down. The Kailasa Temple is one of the best tourist places in India. It is a giant rock-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and needs the removal of 2000,000 tons of rock. 

• Transportation: By air, road or rail
• Opening Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm except Tuesday
• Ticket Price: Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners
• Time Reference: 4-5 hours

9. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

The oldest and most central riverfront burning ghat in Varanasi is Manikarnika. This promising place is one of the top 10 best places to visit in India. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the spiritually famous places for the Hindus to be cremated and is mentioned in many religious texts and ancient scriptures. This is where the fearless queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, was born. Also, it is said to be where Devi Sati set herself on fire. The Ganges holy water flows peacefully, and temples of many Hindu deities surround the ghat. At the top of the stairs, a sacred well is presented, and it is believed that Lord Shiva dug it to find the fallen earrings of Goddess Sati.

The outcasts (doms) handle the dead bodies and are carried through the pathways of the old town on Bamboo stretchers to the holy Ganges. The corpses are drenched in the sacred water before cremation. Huge firewood piles are stacked, and every log is carefully weighed to calculate the cremation price. Every type of wood has its own price range, and sandalwood is the most expensive. 

• Transportation: By air, rail or bus
• Opening Time: Opens 24 hours
• Ticket Price: No entry fee
• Time Reference: 1-hour boat ride

10. Mysore Palace

Last but not least on the list of the best tourist places in India is Mysore Palace, a pleasure to explore its broad-ranging mix of regal Indian palaces, fine old colonial architecture and lush green gardens. This place offers a good time shopping for famous sandalwood and silk bazaars. After a horrifying fire, this beautiful three-storied palace was wholly rebuilt in 1897.

Additionally, Mysore Palace highlights some marvellous features, such as the elegant domes and square towers, the magnificent Marriage Pavillion, and the many ornate pillars and ceilings in Durbar Hall with its glossy floor tiles, artworks, unique stained glass, and displays of jewelry. For an extraordinary experience, catch one of the fantastic light displays held during holidays and every Sunday, when more than 90,000 lights brighten the “Mysore Palace”.

• Transportation: By train, flight, car or bus
• Opening Time: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day
• Ticket Price: Rs 40 for Indians, Rs 20 for children, and Rs 200 for foreigners. Light Show: Rs 40 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners.
• Time Reference: 4-5 hours

In the End

India is a diverse and enormous destination for every tourist. It borders China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea, meaning the country has various sides and shades. More than 20 languages, different scrumptious cuisines, and multiple religions exist within India’s borders. To truly experience the breadth of Indian history and culture, visiting some of the best tourist places in India is vital.  To make your visits easy, you can book hotels and explore travel packages on the India Tourism Development Corporation website.

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