8 Famous Tourist Attractions in India You Have to Experience
Looking for the top tourist attractions in India? Whether you’re currently planning your trip or considering if India is a destination for you, you’ve come to the right place! This list covers the top tourist attractions in India, what makes them special, and the best time to visit each one, so you can choose an experience that is perfect for you!
India is a vast and diverse country with so much to offer! It’s no question why millions of travelers are drawn in each year, and there are many tourist attractions in India to choose from when planning a trip.
India is full of architecture wonders like the Taj Mahal, majestic palaces, and ancient temples. You can find stunning clearwater beaches or embrace the tranquility of the Himalaya mountains. The country is truly huge and it’s so culturally diverse that even traveling between one state to the next will make you feel like you’re in a new place.
These top tourist attractions in India also highlight the rich history and diversity of the country. I have lived in India for over 6 years and it’s where my husband is from. While we have traveled all over the country (and it’s very difficult to limit this list to just 8), these are the top places for travelers to experience India.
This post is all about the top tourist attractions in India.
8 Famous Tourist Attractions in India
#1 Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort is an iconic landmark in Delhi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a massive fort built in the 1600’s by the Mughals and was made out of red sandstone, hence the name. The architecture is also beautiful and shows the style of that time. It’s a huge space for tourists to explore and soak in the history!
The Red Fort is surrounded by massive walls and inside there are palaces, museums and halls to look through. There are often major events and festivals held there which is significant because it’s located in Delhi, the capital of India.
Aside from the Red Fort, many other famous tourist attractions in India are also located in Delhi. After visiting the Red Fort, be sure to see other sites like the India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple.
Where: New Delhi, Capital of India (North India)
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Red Fort and Delhi is between October and March. The winter months are cooler and pleasant for travelers. However, air pollution is a serious problem in Delhi and is the worst between November – February. At times, it can be extreme and limit visibility so it’s important to consider especially if you have asthma or other health issues.
Try to avoid traveling between April and June because it is extremely hot and makes outdoor sight-seeing less enjoyable. Monsoon is between July and September which helps cool down temperatures, but just be prepared to experience rain if you travel then.
#2 Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is probably the most famous of all tourist attractions in India! One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is a breathtaking structure made of white marble and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Taj Mahal was built in the 1600’s and is filled with intricate carvings and beautiful domes that highlight the style of the Mughal empire.
You can walk around the gardens, check out a small museum, and most importantly, explore inside the Taj Mahal! It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset and gives tourists a sense of the history, culture and romance of the time.
Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh (North India)
Best Time to Visit: October through March is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal because the weather is relatively cooler in the winter so it’s pleasant to be outside.
You should avoid seeing the Taj Mahal between April through June if possible because it will be extremely hot. Monsoon season is July through September, so it’s a bit cooler but you’ll just have to be prepared for rain if you go during this time.
#3 Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jaipur is home to many of the famous tourist attractions in India! It’s also known as the “Pink City” and is full of stunning palaces, forts, bazaars, and historical monuments. Other popular things to do in Jaipur include visiting Amer Fort and Palace and Hawa Mahal.
The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the 1700s and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses 19 different instruments including giant sundials and complex geometric devices that were used to measure time, predict eclipses, track stars, and more. This extraordinary area showcases the science at the time and is an architectural marvel!
Where: Jaipur, Rajasthan (North India)
Best Time to Visit: October to March is the most popular time to travel when the weather is cool. July to September is monsoon season so it’s not super hot, but be prepared for rain.
Avoid traveling between April and June if possible because it is summer and extremely hot.
“The Golden Triangle” – A famous route to see the major tourist attractions in India
The Golden Triangle is a very popular path travelers take that includes stops in Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. I’d recommend taking at least 2 weeks to do this. The very minimum would be 1.5 weeks otherwise it’s just way too rushed.
#4 Ganges River, Varanasi
The Ganges River is considered one of the holiest rivers in India and many Hindus believe that taking a dip in the water will cleanse your sins and purify your soul. Varanasi is a famous city along the river which is rich in spirituality and ancient traditions. The city is full of bustling narrow alleyways, temples, and ghats along the river.
Travelers can experience a Ganga Aarati, daily ceremonies and prayers offered to the Ganga. You can also take a boat ride along the river to see the city from a new perspective. Of course, you can also go into the water and experience it for yourself.
For foreigners, the city is also famous because there are outdoor cremations where bodies are burnt and their ashes are given to the Ganga, which is a very revered practice for religious believers.
Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (North India)
Best Time to Visit: October – March is the best time to visit Varanasi because the weather is relatively cool.
Monsoon season is July – September, so expect rain when you travel. Avoid going in the summer months between April – June because it’s very hot.
#5 Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple is in Amritsar, Punjab and is one of the most famous religious sites in India. The temple also runs the world’s largest free kitchen which serves thousands of people from all backgrounds.
The Golden Temple is a Sikh temple but welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. As the name suggests, it’s golden and a truly beautiful place to see. The temple is built on a pool of water and is a great area to sit and soak in the scenes.
Amritsar is a city located on the border of Pakistan, so there is fascinating history to learn about this area. Travelers also watch the daily border ceremonies at the Wagah border which divides the countries and visit the Partition Museum.
Where: Amritsar, Punjab (North India)
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Amritsar is between September to March. The weather is cool which is great for sight-seeing. It can get chilly in the winter months like December and January (for example, between 40s-60s Fahrenheit).
August and July are the heaviest monsoon months, so expect rain. April to June is the summer so temperatures can be quite warm for travelers (80s-90 F).
#6 Backwaters of Kerala, Kochi
For travelers looking for tourist attractions in India that are more in touch with nature, the backwaters of Kerala are a famous destination. There are many places to experience the backwaters, but many choose to go to the small city of Kochi.
The backwaters are 900 km of waterways, lakes and lagoons along the southern coast of India. It’s a serene and lush atmosphere with amazing scenes of biodiversity. You can explore the waterways on traditional wooden houseboats and also see glimpses of the picturesque rural life while going through the waters.
You can take small day trips or go for several nights around the backwaters. It’s really beautiful and Kerala is famous for its breathtaking nature!
Where: Kochi, Kerala (Southeast coast)
Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to explore the backwaters of Kerala because the weather is ideal. The temperature ranges between 70s-90s Fahrenheit between October to March.
July to September is monsoon season which makes the greenery even more lush. But, the area gets a lot of rainfall which sometimes makes it not possible to travel through the backwaters.
Summer is between April and June and is super hot (think 90s-100) so it makes outdoor activities less enjoyable.
#7 McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
McLeod Ganj is home to some unique tourist attractions in India. It is an area on the outskirts of Dharamshala, which is a small city in the Himalayas and popular tourist destination for travelers looking to enjoy the mountains.
McLeod Ganj is famous because of its Tibetan population. It’s where the Dalai Lama lives and is a major center for Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Travelers can visit the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex which houses the Dalai Lama’s temple and the Tibet Museum.
Along with shopping for Tibetan handicrafts or enjoying the food, many travelers also participate in meditation and yoga sessions. Dharamshala is also perfect for hiking enthusiasts and is full of amazing trails and scenic spots, like Bhagsu Waterfall.
Where: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (North India, on the edge of the Himalayas)
Best Time to Visit: Dharamshala is pleasant many months of the year and will depend on what kind of weather you prefer. March – June is peak season because it is spring/summer and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Monsoon is from July to August/mid-Spetember, so travelers should expect rain. October – November is also pleasant weather but it begins to get colder. The winter months from December – February are quite cold for outdoor activities, with average temperatures ranging in the 40s-low 50s Fahrenheit.
#8 Beaches: Goa and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
India is full of stunning beaches that draw in thousands of travelers each year! Two popular tourist destinations to enjoy the beach includes Goa and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Goa
Goa offers a laid-back, chilled-out type of beach vibe along the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is quite cheap and offers a wide range of activities for travelers. While they’re not clear-water beaches, this area is the most popular beach destination for people on the mainland of India and you will find many other foreigners here.
Goa is a state filled with many beaches. You can read more about some of the best beaches in Goa to plan for your trip. Many travelers would choose Goa if they are combining a trip to other areas in India, such as Mumbai or Kerala.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
These islands make up a union territory and they are famous for their stunning clear-water beaches. You could think of it as a more affordable version of the Maldives! This is the perfect place to see coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving.
Havelock Island and Neil Island are two of the top areas for travelers to stay. Aside from a relaxing vacation on the beach, there are also some beautiful places for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Traveling to these islands requires more time than Goa because you will have to fly into the capital city, Port Plair, and take boats from there to the other islands. It’s also relatively more expensive than Goa, but the beaches are spectacular!
Where: Goa is on the western coast of India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of small islands between the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. It’s quite a distance from the coast of India, towards Thailand.
Best Time to Visit: Similar to many other places in the country, Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have peak seasons in the winter months from November – February where the weather is warm but pleasant for beach activities.
The weather starts to get much warmer from March, and expect a lot of heat if you travel between April and May.
It’s not advised to travel during Monsoon season which is June – September. Since these are beach destinations, many attractions won’t be open. Expect rain every day and sun will be limited!
And so many more tourist attractions in India!
It’s impossible to make a limited list of tourist attractions in India, but the ones mentioned above are the most popular for travelers. The country is very diverse and huge, so it will depend on the type of vacation you are looking for and what kind of experience you want.Some other top attractions and places to mention include Kashmir, Le Ledakh, Mumbai, Darjeeling, Manali, Mumbai, and Hampi. You can get more ideas for the best places to travel in India by checking out this state-by-state guide!
This post was all about tourist attractions in India.
