Best Places to Travel in India: Top Destinations for Each State
India is an absolutely breath-taking country that is extremely diverse! No matter where you go, you’ll find a unique experience. Check out the best places to travel in India for each state and union territory!
From the Himalayas to the backwaters of Kerala, there are so many diverse places to see in India! Every region and area has its own rich history, culture, language and traditions.
After living in India and traveling around the country, I’ve made a list of the best places to travel in India for each state. While I’ve been to most of them, some are still on my bucket list to travel to. There’s really just so many places to see in India!
This post is all about the best places to travel in India.
Best Places to Travel in India by State & Union Territory
The list is divided by regions with union territories at the end. You’ll find popular destinations for each area (and because India is so vast, diverse and beautiful, there are definitely worthwhile destinations not featured here too!)
Northern Region
Himachal Pradesh – Shimla
Shimla is a picturesque hill station that’s full of cute shops, cafes, and colonial-era architecture. The views from high points in the city are breathtaking and the area is surrounded by beautiful nature and mountains. You can enjoy time in the small city and it’s a great place to stay for day trips out into nature! Overall, there is a lot for tourists to explore in Himachal Pradesh and it’s one of the best places to travel in India!
Punjab – Amritsar
Amritsar is located on the border of Pakistan and is full of history! It’s a vibrant city known for its rich Sikh heritage and warm hospitality. Watch the Wagah Border ceremony, a daily military parade that marks the border, or check out the Partition Museum for shocking insights into one of the largest mass migrations of people in history. The Golden Temple is also a stunning famous icon!
Haryana – Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a city full of stunning temples, ghats and cultural sites. It has a huge religious significance because it’s known to be where the ancient Kurukshetra War took place, the battle in Mahabharata which is a hugely famous Indian epic. In addition to the natural beauty in the area, you can also go to the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Center to learn more about Hindu mythology and history.
Uttarakhand – Chopta and Sari Village
Uttarakhand is full of beautiful mountain landscapes, welcoming villages, and religious sites. Chopta is famous for trekking trails, lush greenery, and Tungnath Temple which can be reached after a breathtaking trek. Sari Village is near Chopta and is a smaller, quieter village that is the perfect place to enjoy nature and relax. Sari village is an off-beat choice, but was my favorite place to stay in Uttarakhand!
Uttar Pradesh – Agra (Home of the Taj Mahal!)
Agra is of course most famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an architectural marvel. The city is also famous for its other historical monuments that showcase Mughal history, like the Agra Fort. You can also enjoy stunning views on the banks of the Yamuna river, one of the most famous and important rivers in India.
Western Region
Rajasthan – Jaipur
There are many famous places tourists travel to in Rajasthan, a state which is famous for its rich history and magnificent palaces. Jaipur is the capital city and also known as the Pink City, the symbolic color of hospitality.
With so many sites to see, the most popular include Amer Fort, the Hawa Mahal palace, The City Palace, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. It’s famous for colorful bazaars and traditional handicrafts which showcase the unique culture of the area.
Gujarat – Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a beautiful city in Gujarat with a rich history and culture. The natural landscape is beautiful and the city has a lot for travelers to see. There are lively markets popular for their textiles and colorful handicrafts. And you have to try some of the famous Gujarati food, like dhokla! There is incredible architecture around the city and you can also see the Sabarmati Ashram where Gandhi lived for some time.
Maharashtra – Ajanta and Ellora
Ajanta and Ellora are famous for their ancient rock-cut cave temples and monasteries. You’ll see impressive and intricately detailed carvings of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples from as far back as the 2nd century BCE. There are over 50 caves to explore that showcase the rich diversity in India’s history!
If you’re looking for a city experience instead of a historical one, check out these 15 things to do in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Having lived there for several years, I would say Mumbai is one of the best places to travel in India!
Goa – Anjuna
Goa is filled with stunning beaches and it’s hard to choose the best one! Anjuna is in North Goa and is a beautiful place to soak in the sun, swim, and enjoy simple water sports. It’s a relaxing town with a fun nightlife and cute shops, cafes and boutiques.
To find the right beach to fit your type of vacation, learn more about these 7 best beaches in Goa!
Eastern Region
Bihar – Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is a village that is home to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the sacred Bodhi Tree that Buddha meditated under. It’s a pilgrimage site where many Buddhists visit and the village has a peaceful atmosphere where you can reconnect with yourself. The nature around Bodh Gaya is also breathtaking with the Lotus Pond and Falgu River.
Jharkhand – Ranchi
Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand and is a picturesque destination surrounded by hills and forests. You can take a relaxing boat ride on Ranchi Lake or check out Hundru Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Ranchi is the perfect blend of city life and natural beauty with lush greenery!
West Bengal – Kolkata
Kolkata is known as the cultural capital of India and has a uniquely rich history as it used to be the capital city of British-ruled India. It’s a lively city full of iconic landmarks that showcase the colonial past with their architecture. There are a lot of great museums, art exhibits and cafes that make the city lively and fun. Be sure to also enjoy famous Bengali sweets like rasgulla!If you’re planning a trip to the city, check out these top 10 things to do in Kolkata.
Odisha – Konark
With many beautiful destinations in Odisha, Konark is on the eastern coast. It’s famous for the stunning Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s intricately carved with deities, animals and mythological scenes. You can also relax at Chandrabhaga Beach and soak in the sunset alongside the natural beauty!
Central Region
Madhya Pradesh – Khajuraho
Khajuraho is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning temples with intricate and erotic sculptures. There are over 20 temples showcasing Hindu and Jain architectural styles that are preserved and are incredible to explore. It’s the perfect place for travelers interested in cultural and historical wonders of the past!
Chhattisgarh – Jagdalpur
Jagdalpur is the gateway to the famous Bastar region, known for its tribal villages and traditional handicrafts. Aside from the unique culture, the natural beauty in the Bastar region is stunning and full of dense forests. You can visit Chitrakote Falls, also known as the “Niagara Falls of India” which is truly an impressive sight!
Northeastern Region
Assam – Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is full of incredible biodiversity with grasslands, wetlands and dense forests. It’s the perfect place for wildlife safaris and birdwatching. The park is home to a thriving population of wild elephants, bengal tigers, and the famous Indian one-horned rhinos. The area around the park is beautiful, and watch out for wild animals while driving around!
Arunachal Pradesh – Dirang
Dirang is in the Eastern Himalayas and is full of stunning natural beauty. It’s famous for its hot water springs and apple orchards where people can relax and soak in the mountain backdrop. You can also explore the Dirang Dzong which is an ancient fortress with perfect views of the valley and Kameng River!
Manipur – Moirang
Moirang is famous for Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. The floating islands of the park are where the famous and endangered Sangai deer live. The natural landscape is breathtaking and you can enjoy the views with a boat ride on Loktak Lake.
Meghalaya – Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji is a small city and perfect for nature lovers! One of the best places to travel to in India and renowned as one of the wettest places on Earth, the area is full of waterfalls, caves and lush greenery. Be sure to see the unique living root bridges which are real bridges made by the roots of ancient trees, engineered by indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years.
While in Cherrapunji, you can also check out Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village!
Mizoram – Hmuifang
Hmuifang is a beautiful hill station near Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. It’s a tranquil escape full of lush forests, stunning hills, and rich biodiversity that’s perfect for panoramic views of nature. Hmuifang is a popular trekking spot and famous for its colorful flowers that bloom in spring.
Nagaland – Dimapur
Dimapur is the perfect place for a mix of history and city life. It’s home of the ancient Kachari Ruins and the bustling Hong Kong Market. Dimapur is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore more of the state which is full of tribal villages and rustic, rural life amid the mountains.
Sikkim – Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley draws tourists for its natural beauty being surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It’s also referred to as the “Valley of Flowers” (different from the other famous trek in Uttarakhand) and is stunning in the spring and summer months. You can also enjoy relaxing among the various hot springs!
Tripura – Udaipur
Udaipur is famous for its historical and scenic attractions. Visit the Tripura Sundari Temple and the stunning Neermahal Palace, a floating palace on Rudrasagar Lake. It’s a must-see city to visit in Tripura for a serene and culturally rich experience!
Southern Region
Andhra Pradesh – Tirupati
Tirupati is famous for its spiritual significance and home to one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The ancient Sri Venkateswara Temple sits atop the Tirumala Hills which showcase the stunning nature of Andhra Pradesh. The city itself also offers cultural experiences with traditional South Indian architecture, lively markets and delicious food!
Telangana – Warangal
Warangal is famous for its rich cultural heritage and ancient structures. The Kakatiya dynasty left remarkable ancient temples and forts for travelers to explore today. There are also beautiful lakes and gardens to soak in the stunning landscapes surrounding the city.
Karnataka – Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning geography and history. You’ll see ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire which once thrived in the area and ancient temples. The area is full of giant boulders, lush plantations and the Tungabhadra. It’s unlike any place I’ve ever seen before!
Kerala – Kochi
Kochi is a city on the coast with rich history and culture. Enjoy the delicious Kerala cuisines and explore cute shops and unique architecture. Most importantly, be sure to take a boat ride on the famous Kochi backwaters! You’ll travel among the interconnected canals and lagoons and relax among the picturesque views that are a prominent geographical feature of the region.
Tamil Nadu – Ooty
Ooty is a beautiful hill station on the western side of Tamil Nadu among the Nilgiri Hills. Enjoy scenic views of lush tea gardens and learn about tea production at one of the Ooty Tea Estates. You can also relax on Ooty lake and enjoy exotic plants and flowers at the botanical gardens. Ooty is the perfect place for nature lovers looking to relax and enjoy the unique landscapes!
Union Territories
Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island
Swaraj Dweep is one of the most popular islands with breathtaking, clearwater beaches. It’s the perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You’ll see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that will make you fall in love with the sea!
Chandigarh – Capital City of 2 States
Chandigarh is uniquely the capital city of 2 states, Punjab and Haryana. It’s a meticulously planned city with a grid-based layout and full of well-maintained parks that make it the perfect city to explore. Visit iconic sites like Sukhna Lake, the Rose Garden, and the Capital Complex for a memorable trip.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were originally two union territories that were combined in 2020. It’s famous for its rich history with colonial forts and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. There are also stunning beaches where travelers can relax or enjoy water sports!
Delhi – Capital of India
Delhi is a bustling city with a deep history that is also brimming with modernity. There’s a lot of historical landmarks to see including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. You can also visit the Lotus temple and take in the city’s vibrant culture by shopping and enjoying the delicious food!
Jammu and Kashmir – Srinagar
Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s famous for its beautiful landscapes with the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan mountains. Immersive yourself and visit places around the city like the iconic Dal Lake and some of the Mughal gardens full of vibrant flowers. You can also enjoy historic sites and bustling markets where you’ll find handicrafts, spices and famous pashmina shawls.
Ladakh – Leh
Leh is the largest town in Ladakh, a disputed region near the Pakistan and China border. It gained fame for its stunning nature being one of the highest villages in the world in the Himalayas. You can gain permission to travel in the stunning valleys and lakes that surround the town.
Lakshadweep – Agatti Island
Agatti Island is one of the 36 islands that make up Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. It’s paradise filled with pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving while soaking in the lush green surroundings for a relaxing vacay!
Puducherry (AKA Pondicherry)
Puducherry is a beautiful small coastal town with a unique blend of French and Indian influences, having been under French control for a long period of time. It’s full of interesting architecture and cute cafes and is also near Auroville, an experimental township that promotes sustainable living and spiritual harmony. Check out these 15 top things to do in Pondicherry for a great experience!
This post was all about the best places to travel in India!
