India is a massive country bursting with so many incredible places to see and things to do. If you’re planning a trip, read up here on the best places to visit in India before you go.
India is broken up into six unofficial regions and 28 official states and covers a whopping 3.3 million km² of land. With such a large and diverse place, trying to plan an itinerary for a backpacking trip in India can be overwhelming! And with limited time, how do you choose from so many incredible places?!
In hopes of helping you on your India planning journey, here’s a narrowed-down list of some of the best places to visit in India. But just know you really can’t go wrong with anywhere you decide to visit! There are so many fun and memorable things to do in India, you’re guaranteed a great time.
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27 Beautiful Tourist Places in India
Without further ado, here’s the ultimate list for the best travel destinations in India. I’ve broken the list up into rough regions to give you a better idea of where everything is.
The Best Places to Visit in South India
The south has some of the best tourist places in India. It’s known for its hot, jungle climate. Goa is probably one of the most popular destinations in Southern India, where people visit for the vibrant nightlife or quiet beach scene. Other South India destinations like Kerala, Hampi and Mysore offer interesting cultural attractions.
The Best Time of Year to Visit South India
The best time to visit southern India is in the winter, from December to February, when the region sees pleasant temperatures. This part of the country has a tropical climate that can get stifling hot in the summer. March to May experiences the hottest temperatures of the year. If you like hot weather and plan on staying at the beach, summertime is ok for a visit to South India.
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1. Kerala
Kerala is located on the southern tip of India’s coast, and visitors flock to enjoy the warm sunny weather, palm trees, and beaches. Travel in Kerala often involves making time to see the local coffee, tea, and spice plantations and going on safari to see the local wildlife. Other things to do in Kerala include taking a cruise on the backwaters and canals, chasing the Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls, and just relaxing.
If you’re short on time, four days in Kerala are more than enough, but it’s super easy to expand a trip to a week long.
2. Hampi
There are countless beautiful places to visit in Hampi that include noteworthy UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it an excellent tourist destination in India. Some of the best things to do include scootering around the countryside and the Tungabhadra River, exploring the ancient Virupaksha and Vittala temples, and hiking to the various viewpoints around the area. Hampi is accessible via train or bus, and most people visit from Goa and stay for 2-3 days.
3. Mysore
Mysore can be found in India’s Karnataka state, about an hour north of Kerala. Its most famous landmark, the ancient royal Mysore Palace, is an opulent display of a blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Rajput cultures. Other key things to do include the Somnathpur Temple, the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, and marveling at the city’s royal and colonial architecture and heritage.
Plan for at least three days in Mysore.
4. Bangalore
Bangalore is in the center of India’s southern Karnataka state, about 3.5 hours from Mysore. It’s often regarded as India’s tech hub, but it’s also a city that’s famous for a lively nightlife and beautiful architecture. The best things to do in Bangalore include visiting the city’s many gardens and parks, touring the Bangalore Palace, and shopping at the KR Market, one of Asia’s largest flower markets.
Two days are all you need to experience Bangalore.
5. Goa
Goa is a coastal destination that attracts visitors from far and wide interested in enjoying the region’s numerous fantastic beaches. While there are many unique things to do in Goa, the city is usually broken up into two areas: Goa’s more quiet southern part and the lively northern area known for parties.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing and romantic trip, I recommend Mobor and Cavelossim Beach. For parties and nightlight, be sure to visit Baga and Calangute Beaches. In the center of these two areas is Old Goa and the historic capital of Panaji, where ancient sites share a lot about the region’s history.
Three to four days is plenty of time to see Goa, but many come for a week or more to kick back and relax on the beach.
The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan, Central, + West India
Western India is home to many incredible destinations that include the likes of Mumbai, the oceanside state of Gujarat, and Rajasthan – all uniquely beautiful Indian destinations that offer so many incredible things to do!
Backpacking Rajasthan was the highlight of my trip because it has some of the most beautiful places in India in my humble opinion, and of course Delhi and Agra are super important stops on any trip to India. While they’re all spread out, these destinations are close enough to one another that they’re often grouped together in various itinerary combinations.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Rajasthan, Central, + West India
Rajasthan and the other more central points of interest in India are fine to visit year-round, but the absolute best time is often considered November to March. March onward starts to see the hot Indian summer that may make it miserable to walk around.
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6. Mumbai
Once known as Bombay, Mumbai is a bustling city on India’s western coast. It’s best known for its famous Bollywood scene, where locals and visitors alike flock to audition for Bollywood flicks. Mumbai’s top attractions include landmarks like the Gateway of India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, and the ancient Elephanta Island. Mumbai also has numerous beaches, markets, and street food stalls that shouldn’t be missed.
To see the best of Mumbai, you should spend about two to four days.
7. Udaipur
Nestled in the desert region of Rajasthan, Udaipur is a lovely city surrounded by beautiful artificial lakes giving it the nickname the “City of Lakes.” The city isn’t too large, making it easy to walk around and see the top attractions like the marble City Palace and historic Jagdish Temple. I also recommend making time to hike up to the Shri Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple to take in sweeping views of the area from above.
I recommend at least two days in Udaipur, but I could’ve spent an entire week there if I had the time!
8. Bundi
Bundi has got to be one of the most underrated destinations in Rajasthan. It’s a “small” city that many tourists don’t visit meaning you probably won’t have many crowds to contend with. During our visit, we hiked around the Garh Palace and Taragarh Fort, which is a huge complex filled with old structures and ruins.
The small-town feel of Bundi makes it easy to connect with locals, and we spent a lot of time with a family who owned a restaurant on the main strip. Be sure to make time to eat at the Ringo Starr Bundi – it’s delicious! I highly recommend not missing this hidden gem.
9. Jaisalmer
Aptly named “The Golden City,” Jaisalmer is truly a unique place to visit in India. Jaisalmer is known for its yellow sandstone architecture and location in the heart of the Thar Desert. Everything is genuinely golden here, and it was easy to fall in love with the city’s stunning Havelis (traditional mansion or townhouse with ornate design).
Jaisalmer has the only “living fort” in India and one of the few remaining in the world where people continue to live and thrive inside the ancient fortress walls. I recommend visiting a rooftop cafe in the fort for sunset views and if you’re feeling spicy you can grab a special Bhang Lassi from the shop Anthony Bourdain visited years ago. Desert camel safaris are also popular in Jaisalmer. You can ride a camel into the Thar Desert and spend the night in the sand dunes under the stars. We went on a two-night safari, but you can do one night or more depending on your preference.
If you skip the camel safari, you need only two to three days in Jaisalmer. With a camel safari, we spent about five days, and it was fully worth it.
10. Jodhpur
Lovingly regarded as “The Blue City,” Jodhpur was one of my favorite places in all of India. For me, it felt less chaotic and featured such charming winding streets. Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort was a highlight and is one of the prettiest of all the forts in Rajasthan. I recommend doing the guided audio tour.
Other popular things to do in Jodhpur include walking the old blue city, visiting Sardar Market (be sure to visit the famous Omelette Man), and seeing the white marble Jaswant Thada.
Jodhpur is best explored in at least two days.
11. Pushkar
Pushkar is another town in Rajasthan that borders the Thar Desert. It’s regarded as one of the holiest cities in India and is dotted with hundreds of temples. The city’s Pushkar Lake is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus and is lined with 52 ghats. Be sure to walk around the holy Ghats but beware of the brahmans who try to scam visitors into a flower ritual and then demand $20 after.
Pushkar attracts many backpackers, so it does have a bit of a touristy yet laid back vibe. The streets of Pushkar are lined with many shops, offering some of the best shopping in all of Rajasthan. Be sure to also check out the short hike to Savitri Temple.
Depending on your style of travel, I recommend only one to two days in Pushkar.
12. Jaipur
Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and is also a part of India’s famous golden triangle. Known as “The Pink City,” the main central area is made up of terracotta buildings and famous attractions like the pink Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Patrika Gate, and the ornate City Palace.
Jaipur is one of the most touristy and chaotic destinations on this list, but it’s worth visiting. And if you have the extra time, there are many fantastic day trips from Jaipur like the Chand Baori Abhaneri Step Well, Bhangarh Fort, and Samode Palace (to name a few). Save your shopping for other parts of Rajasthan though, because as the region’s most popular city, It’s much more expensive here.
Dedicate at least two to three days in Jaipur.
13. Agra
Agra is home to India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, and is a key stop on the golden triangle tour of India. Many people come just for the Taj Mahal, but there are other things to see like the Agra Fort and the Little Taj, aka the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah.
You only need a day in Agra, and I recommend arriving in the evening so you can visit the Taj Mahal first thing in the morning. Visiting the Taj Mahal is a process and can get hectic. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance, try to get an early time slot, and line up well before your reserved time.
14. New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India and is the start of the golden triangle tour. The city is home to over 21 million people, and you can really feel it when you’re walking the crowded streets.
The best things to do in New Delhi include eating all the street food in the Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar, visiting the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple, and exploring Old Delhi. I spent only a couple of transit days in New Delhi, but it’s worth seeing, just watch out for scams in New Delhi.
The Best Places to Visit in East India
The eastern side of the country is bordered by Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal and features a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Historically, this part of India was once ruled by numerous ancient empires and today has strong religious roots and cultures unique from the rest of the country.
The Best Time of Year to Visit East India
The best time to visit East India is often thought to be November to March. This season avoids the humid and sweltering heat of the summer, making sightseeing more pleasant. But if you’re visiting Darjeeling, April to June is best to see the lush outdoors at their peak.
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15. Varanasi
Varanasi is nestled in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, and it was one of the most exciting and culturally shocking places I’ve ever visited. It’s regarded as a very holy city in India and lies along the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Every day, mourning families bring their deceased loved ones to the burning ghat for cremation.
There are daily religious ceremonies performed each day known as the Ganga Aarti, which occurs at dusk. Dancing, chanting, and fire twirling are part of the religious ceremonies in an offering of fire to the goddess Ganga, and crowds gather to see it all. Other things to do in Varanasi include taking a boat ride down the Ganges River, walking along the various holy Ghats, drinking lassi, and wandering the city streets.
I recommend spending at least three days in Varanasi.
16. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a beautiful destination at the foot of the Himalayan mountains in the state of West Bengal. People come to Darjeeling to tour the black tea plantations, enjoy some epic hiking, and see the various temples and monasteries. Be sure to add the Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, Peace Pagoda, and nearby Gangtok to your to-do list.
A leisurely stay in Darjeeling is best in five or seven days, but two to three is enough for a short visit.
17. Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal and is a whopping 16-hour drive from Darjeeling (it’s a big state!). It’s earned the nickname “The City of Joy” and is sometimes considered the cultural hub of India. The best things to do in Kolkata include coastal treks, nature safaris, the city’s palaces, and museums.
Two days is usually enough to see the sights in Kolkata.
The Best Places to Visit in Northeast India
Northeast India is characterized by rolling green hills, diverse cultural heritage, and striking mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The states in the Northeast are nicknamed the Seven Sisters to represent the states, not including the more recent 8th state, Sikkim.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Northeast India
The dry, winter months of October to May are usually the best time to visit Northeast India. Although it’s winter, temperatures are generally pretty pleasant without it getting too cold or hot. However, the region has a varied landscape that experiences different weather. In the valley regions, temperatures are warmer, whereas up in the mountains, it can get chilly.
18. Sikkim
Sikkim is a mountainous state in the far northeast region of India. It’s home to the Kanchenjunga peak, India’s tallest mountain that reaches 28,170 feet (8,586m) high. It’s not an easy place to get to, and the most convenient option requires a flight from Delhi or Kolkata to Bagdogra and then a five-hour drive or bus ride the rest of the way.
Sikkim is a nature and trekking lover’s oasis and is regarded as a beautiful destination with epic sights like Goechala, the Khangchendzonga Peak, and Gangtok Hill Station.
Budget at least four days or more to see Sikkim.
19. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is another natural oasis and is India’s farthest east state that’s the largest of the Seven Sisters. Aside from idyllic mountain lakes and historic forts, top attractions also include the Tawang Monastery, Ziro Valley trekking and music fest, and Gorichen Peak.
The state is so large and spread out, that you should spend at least a week touring the area.
20. Assam
Assam is a lush travel destination where visitors and locals can tour the Kaziranga National Park, shop for silk, and climb iconic temples like Kamakhya Temple. This part of India is also known for tea plantations and the famous tea city of Dibrugarh, which is also the largest city in the state. Guwahati is another touristy city worth visiting.
If you’re hoping to tackle all of Assam, you’ll need at least two weeks to see everything.
The Best Places to Visit in North India
The north of India is a vastly underrated destination that many tourists don’t make it to, which is crazy because it’s a gorgeous place. This part of India is otherworldly and boasts snow-capped mountain hikes, the famous Dali Lama temple, and lush alpine forests. The more north you travel in India, the more into the mountains and, therefore, colder.
The Best Time of Year to Visit North India
The best time to visit North India is usually considered March to June. The winter in the mountainous region can cause road and activity closures due to heavy snowfall, so be sure to plan accordingly if you’re visiting in winter or spring.
21. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the gateway to the north. It’s the beginning of the mountains and is a yoga paradise for those looking to try out some classic Indian yoga and meditation. There are day hikes in the city and many adventure sports centered around the holy Ganges River, which actually starts in Rishikesh and flows onward to Varanasi. The abandoned Beatles Ashram and street art was a joy to see, and just walking along the river is lovely. Rishikesh has total chill hippie vibes, and I loved it.
I recommend a few days in Rishikesh, or longer if you wish to partake in a yoga or silent meditation retreat.
22. Shimla
Shimla is a mountain town in Himachal Pradesh with so many great outdoor activities to partake in. From river rafting, hiking, and riding the Toy Train through rolling hills, there’s a lot to love about Shimla! In the winter, snowbirds flock in to ski and snowboard. The shopping is also notable, especially at the Lakkar Bazar, where wooden handicrafts are among the best souvenirs from India.
Set aside three or four days to visit Shimla.
23. McleodGanj + Dharamshala
McleodGanj and Dharamsala are famous hill stations and vacation spots with a lot of history and culture. Most people opt to visit both as they’re so close to one another.
The current Dalai Lama has lived in McLeodGanj in exile since the Tibetian uprising in 1959. Make time to learn more about the Dalai Lama and tour the holy complex. Other great things to do include learning about Tibetan culture, visiting the Bhagsunag Temple, and embarking on a multi-day trek through the Himalayas.
Try to budget three to four days to see both McleodGang and Dharamshala.
24. Manali
Manali is a peaceful and quiet city surrounded by tall green mountains and snow-capped peaks. It was probably my favorite city in northern India, and I could’ve happily spent an entire week there.
If you’re an avid hiker, don’t miss the Patalsu day hike, Vashishtha village/temple, or Jogni waterfall, as well as any of the hundreds of other epic hikes. Or just come to chill and relax amongst the mountains. See more in this Himachal Pradesh travel guide.
For a short visit, make time for 3 or four days in Manali.
25. Amritsar
Amritsar is nestled in the far northern part of Punjab, not far from the Pakistan border. The city is home to the beautiful Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, one of the holiest Sikh temples. Amritsar’s Partition Museum details the largest migration in history wherein the British divided the country into Pakistan and India, resulting in massacre. Other important landmarks include the Wagah Border Crossing and the Central Sikh Museum.
Three days should be enough time to see everything in Amritsar.
26. Kasol
Kasol is well known for being the “little Israel” of India. While the town of Kasol really isn’t somewhere to write home about, it’s up there as one of the best hiking destinations in India. for the beautiful Kheerganga hot spring trek and hikes to the surrounding small mountain towns. Don’t miss the pretty villages of Tosh, Manikaran, or Malana.
I recommend two days for the Kheerganga hike and three to relax in the city.
27. Ladakh + Leh
Ladakh boasts an otherworldly landscape made up of vibrant blue bodies of water, rocky mountains, and gorgeous monasteries. It’s been a hotly contested territory for decades but is much safer than media sources make it seem. One of the most iconic things to do in Ladakh is visit the region’s largest city of Leh and rent a motorcycle to ride across the barren landscape.
You need about 10+ days to experience the beauty of Ladakh.
India is such a vast and beautiful place, I know I’ve left off so many more worthy places to visit in India! If you have any recommendations or any questions, please share below!
this is a great post, thanks a lot for your list! my favorite is Jaipur 🙂
greetings, Hanna