India is a large and diverse country. With the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal as well as Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar as borders, there are many distinct aspects to the nation.

India's borders are home to more than 22 recognised languages, several religions, and a wide range of culinary traditions. Travel is essential if you want to understand the depth of Indian culture and history. Visit as many of these top destinations in India as your schedule permits.

1. Rajasthan

The state of Rajasthan, which borders Pakistan and contains the Thar Desert, is located in northwest India. Rajasthan has some of the top tourist destinations in India, regardless of whether you're interested in Rajput history or vistas of the Aravallis Mountains. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, sometimes known as the Pink City, and it's a great site to start your journey.

It is home to a wide variety of amazing structures, including three forts, numerous temples, and the magnificent City Palace. Jodhpur, also in Rajasthan, is a worthwhile tourist destination. It is known as the "Blue City" and serves as both the entrance to the Thar Desert and the location of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.

2. Agra

One of India's most popular tourist destinations is Agra. The Taj Mahal, a famous building, is located in Agra, which was once the Mughal Empire's capital. The white marble mausoleum, which was constructed in the 17th century, is renowned for being a monument to love.

The Taj Majal is breathtakingly gorgeous but can get very busy. The Agra Fort, which is strikingly similar to the Red Fort of Delhi, is another attraction worth viewing in Agra. This fort from the sixteenth century may be toured, and you can even look inside its lovely palace.

3. Kerala

Kerala, a state in southwest India, is a tropically beautiful region. Explore the area for the palm trees, white sand beaches, and ecotourism. Kerala is known for its renowned backwaters, magnificent houseboats, and temple festivals. Thekkady, a tiger preserve where you may view flora and animals without people, is also located in Kerala.

The capital of Kerala is Kochi, where you may observe the booming local fishing industry in addition to contemporary skyscrapers and historical architecture. Due to Kochi's ethnic and religious diversity, you can see a Jewish synagogue, a Dutch palace, the Portuguese Pallipuram Fort, and the Hindu Thrikkakara Temple all in the same afternoon.

4. Varanasi

One of the world's oldest cities, Varanasi has a history that spans more than 3,000 years. Varanasi, which is situated in North India on the banks of the River Ganges, has long been a significant centre of learning as well as a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.

Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists revere Varanasi as a holy city because they hold the views that passing away there frees one's soul from the cycle of reincarnation and that washing in the Ganges washes one's sins.

Varanasi has views and experiences that are unique to this earth. Due to the large number of temples, it is known as the "City of Temples". The Durga Temple, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Shiva temple of Kashi Vishwanath, which is noted for keeping many monkeys, are a few of the most noteworthy.

The city's ghats, a series of embankment stairs that descend to the Ganges River and are popular bathing spots, are arguably its most well-known landmarks. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest and most well-known ghat. Hindu cremations and rituals commemorating death anniversaries are commonly held at the Manikarnika Ghat, a burning ghat. There are also massages, yoga, and other services provided here. A boat excursion in the early morning around sunrise is the greatest time to view the ghats.

Varanasi is known for its silk weaving, and there are countless stores and markets offering silk goods like sarees and scarves along with other handicrafts.

5. Ellora & Ajanta Caves

You may tour the Ellora and Ajanta caves in the state of Maharashtra. There is a sizable complex of shrines at Ellora that were hewn out of the surrounding rocky terrain. These 34 cave shrines represent three different religions—Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism—and are up to 1,500 years old.

There are 29 caverns in Ajanta, which is two hours away. The majority of the murals and paintings in the Ajanta caves depict Buddhist tales. Despite being two hours apart, it is certainly worth travelling to both cave complexes to compare these amazing sights.

6. Delhi

You will almost probably travel to Delhi, the nation's capital, if you spend any time in Northern India. It is thought that the huge, expansive location, which has multiple districts, is among the world's oldest cities. The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is one of Delhi's most popular attractions. It was constructed in the 17th century.

You can enter the bazaar, the diamond palace, the previous sultan's apartment, and more by passing through the Red Fort's Lahore Gate, which is composed of sandstone. You should schedule time to see Delhi's numerous temples and museums while you are there.

7. Goa Beaches

Goa, a former Portuguese colony on India's western coast, is a melting pot of colonial and indigenous cultures with a burgeoning international tourism industry. Goa is well-known in large part due to its magnificent beaches.

Travellers from all over the world swarm to Candolim Beach to enjoy the sun, making it the busiest and most well-liked of the bunch. In comparison, Anjuna Beach is far less congested. It's a fantastic location where you can stroll to Chapora Fort and take in the beach coastline from a different angle.

Palolem is regarded as one of Goa's most picturesque beaches thanks to its natural harbour and steep headlands on either side. Adventurers adore Goa, where there are a tonne of outdoor activities available for anyone looking to have a good time in the sun.

8. Ladakh

The mountainous destination of Ladakh is located in the far north of India, in the hotly contested province of Kashmir. Although this area is big, it has a low population density and a lot of nomadic people live there. Although the area's breathtaking, unspoiled nature is a big lure, almost all visitors also spend time in the town of Leh.

The town is situated at a very high height, and here is also where you can find the Ladakh King's Palace from the 17th century. Leh also has a strong Buddhist culture, so you might want to visit any of the several Buddhist temples and monasteries in the Old Town.

9. Amritsar

Amritsar, a sacred city and the centre of the Sikh religion, is located in the northern state of Punjab. The Golden Temple, popularly referred to as the Harmandir Sahib, is Amritsar's top tourist destination. This temple, which was constructed more than 400 years ago, is genuinely golden, and Sikhs from all over India and the rest of the world frequently visit it.

No matter your religion, you are welcome to visit the Golden Temple, but you must show respect by removing your shoes and covering your head. Admire the Amrit Sarovar, a pool around the temple where pilgrims bathe, as you enter the temple through the Ghanta Ghar, the main entrance.

10. Mysore

The city of Mysore is located at the most southernmost point of India. Mysore, which once served as the Wodeyar dynasty's capital, is best known for being the home of the majestic Mysore Palace. The palace is the height of luxury, and a tour of the building will show you opulent features like ivory-decorated ceilings, carved rosewood doors, and numerous wall paintings.

The amazing Devaraja Market, an outdoor attraction on Dhanwanthri Road where you can purchase some chai tea and then peruse shops providing produce or sandalwood carvings, is a must-see if you're in Mysore.