Top 10 tourist attractions in India
India is a land of diversity, with something to offer for everyone. From the snow-capped mountains of the north to the sunny beaches of the south, India has it all.
And when it comes to tourist attractions, the country is simply teeming with them. Here are 10 of India’s best tourist attractions that you cannot miss.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal needs no introduction. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this beautiful mausoleum is a must-visit on any trip to India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an epitome of love, beauty and grandeur.
2. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Located in the pink city of Jaipur, Amer Fort is a stunning example of Rajput architecture. Built of red sandstone and white marble, the fort complex is home to several palaces, temples and gardens. A must-do here is to take an elephant ride up to the fort entrance.
3. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Another jewel in Rajasthan’s crown, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Situated atop a hill in Jodhpur, the fort offers stunning views of the blue city below. Within the fort complex, there are a number of palaces and museums that are worth exploring.
4. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajuraho temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Built between the 9th and 10th centuries, these temples are famous for their erotic sculptures. There are a total of 85 temples in the complex, out of which only 25 have survived till present day.
5. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the state of Karnataka, Hampi is home to a number of ancient ruins, temples and sculptures. The most famous among them is the Virupaksha Temple, which is still in use today.
6. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
The Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century Hindu temple located in Konark, Odisha, is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the temple is an architectural marvel of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, attributed to King Narasimhadeva I around 1250 CE. Once a landmark for sailors on the Bay of Bengal who called it the “Black Pagoda,” it remains a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
7. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit on any trip to India. The Ajanta caves are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples, while the Ellora caves are a mix of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples.
8. Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a premier spiritual and cultural destination in Amritsar, Punjab, attracting millions of visitors annually with its architectural grandeur and serene atmosphere. This pre-eminent gurdwara of Sikhism floats in the center of a sacred pool called the Amrit Sarovar, or Pool of Nectar, which is believed to possess healing properties. The temple itself is a stunning two-storied structure; its lower level is constructed from marble, while the upper half is covered in nearly 400 kg of pure gold leaf, topped with a 750 kg gold-gilded dome.
The temple complex is open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, symbolizing the Sikh principles of equality and human brotherhood. Visitors can witness daily ceremonies, explore the Central Sikh Museum, and partake in the langar, a free community meal that serves thousands of people daily and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The entire complex, with its intricate frescos, gold-lettered verses from Sikh scriptures, and devotional music, offers a deeply spiritual and tranquil experience.
9. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers is a national park located in the state of Uttarakhand. The park is home to a number of rare and endangered species of flowers and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers.
10. Sundarbans, West Bengal
The Sundarbans is a mangrove forest located in the Bay of Bengal. It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and is a popular destination for wildlife lovers. The Sundarbans is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.