Where are the best places to go in India? Many travelers find it hard to choose because India is such a large and culturally diverse country and has so many amazing places to visit. Of course, some places are always more popular than others. I’ve picked ten of the best destinations for your inspiration, from the classic Golden Triangle cities to the relaxing states of Goa and Kerala in the south, and Amritsar on the northwest frontier.

Delhi for history and food

As India’s capital, Delhi is a mesmerizing mix of diverse cultures and has everything from rich history to fabulous food. It’s a city built upon cities, giving modern-day Delhi many ancient sights and monuments from different eras. Explore this treasure trove of ancient history and culture from one of India’s largest mosques Jama Masjid to the 17-century Red Fort that influenced many later buildings in north India, Humayun’s Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and many other mosques, tombs of famous historical figures, and temples.

With some of the country’s most vibrant food scenes, Delhi is also known as the culinary capital of India. You shouldn’t miss trying some famous Delhi cuisine when you are in the city, whether at a local restaurant or at a street stall. Must eats include butter chicken, kebabs, dal makhani, samosas, kulfi, etc. The best way is to take a food tour of Old Delhi with a local guide, combining history, culture, and cuisine, and giving you the most enriching experience.

Agra for the iconic Taj Mahal

Agra is home to India’s most iconic attraction the Taj Mahal and a part of the famous Golden Triangle route, making it one of the most visited cities in India. The magnificent Taj Mahal, built by the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is considered to be the symbol of love and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Every year, millions of visitors come to admire this beautiful mausoleum and listen to the fascinating story behind it. Famous visitors include Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton, and Mark Zuckerberg.

Rajasthan for forts and palaces

Literally meaning “the Land of the Kings”, India’s northern state of Rajasthan is the most colorful state of the country and boasts some of the most instagram-worthy places in India. It amazes visitors with its magnificent forts and palaces built by the chivalrous Rajputs (a member of northern India’s Hindu warrior caste) hundreds of years ago. Many of the palaces and forts have been converted into luxurious hotels and impressive museums.

Jaipur, the capital city and gateway to the state, is nicknamed “The Pink City” because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city. In 2019, the city ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in the World awarded by millions of real travelers. If you are interested, you can spend days exploring its heritage sites like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jantar Mantar, a well-preserved observatory.

Varanasi for spirituality

Varanasi, located on the left bank of India’s most sacred river, the Ganges, is the holiest city for the Hindus and undoubtedly the spiritual heart of India. It is not like any other city in India. It is where you can witness rituals of life and death in public: pilgrims bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges to wash away sins, and bodies of the dead cremated in the riverside ghats wishing for reincarnations. The locals are seemingly used to it. This is perhaps what makes Varanasi one of the most magical and fascinating places to visit. Some of the must-have experiences include taking a stroll along the riverside ghats, taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and watching the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Ranthambore for wildlife

Named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort and once serving as the royal hunting ground of the maharajahs, Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places for tracking tigers in India. There are about 70 tigers in the park, with Zone 6 boasting the best chances of sighting them (the park it divided into 10 zones). Aside from tigers, the park has a great many other wild animals including sloth bears, leopards, and over 300 species of birds.

Goa for Beaches

Located on the western coast is the India’s smallest state, Goa with beautiful coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. It was a Portuguese colony before 1961 and has well-preserved colonial architecture. Goa’s biggest draw is its blissful beaches, each having its own personality. Beaches in the north are usually more developed and action-packed whereas those in the south are relatively quieter. Head to Anjuna to enjoy hippie market bliss, Palolem for palm-fringed soft sands, Mandrem for laid-back ambiance, Agonda for tranquility, and many others for various tastes.

In addition to lazing on the beach, you can practice yoga and meditation, as many travelers do. There are sunrise yoga sessions that you can participate in. You may also like to taste the local food, which is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese, visit a spice farm to discover why the Portuguese were so fascinated with Goa, and spend time exploring the Portuguese colonial heritage, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral, and Church of Lady of Rosary.

Kerala Backwaters

For many travelers, Kerala is the most picturesque state, with spectacular landscapes ranging from glistening backwaters to sunny beaches and verdant hills. The most sought after attraction of the state is the well-known Kerala backwaters and Alleppey is the hub of backwaters. It’s every photographer’s dream to capture this peaceful, charming palm-fringed network of waterways, lagoons, canals, and rivers.

The best way to experience the backwaters is to take a traditional houseboat that was once used to carry fish, rice, and spices by locals but is now transformed into a “floating hotel”. You can spend a night or two on the water and enjoy freshly cooked Indian food on board while watching the world passing by. It is the most classic Kerala experience and surely should be added to your south India vacation.

Munnar for tea and nature

Sitting high at an elevation of over 1,500 m / 4,921 ft, the picturesque and tranquil hill station of Munnar is the best place in South India to escape the heat of the plains and get close to nature. With beautiful valleys, mountain streams, and emerald-green tea plantations, it is a paradise for honeymooners, leisure travelers, and nature enthusiasts. This is also the center of the largest tea-growing area in south India. You can take a nature walk through the tea estates that date back to the 19th century, watch women plucking tea leaves, and visit a factory to learn the all the work that goes into making a cup of tea. Be sure to sample some tea and bring some back home as a souvenir.