Ancient and mysterious India, although it belongs to the countries of the “third world”, still attracts countless visitors. And all because it has a unique history and culture, the monuments of which have been preserved throughout the country. But the sights of India are not only temples and fortresses. There are also many luxurious parks and reserves where tourists can see rare animals in their natural environment. And a vacation on the quiet Indian beaches will remain in your memory for a lifetime. Don’t know what to see in India? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of the most popular attractions in this country.
What to see in India first of all
Use the list we have compiled when choosing excursions in India, because the route is not always interesting enough and meets the needs of tourists. Along with detailed descriptions of the sights, we suggest looking at photos to clearly imagine where you will happen to visit during your vacation.
1. Taj Mahal (Agra)
The Taj Mahal is a monument to eternal love
The sights of India include many different architectural monuments and structures. One of the most famous is the Taj Mahal.
If you don’t know what to visit in India yet, head to this mysterious and magical place. The historic building reaches 75 meters in height and impresses with its grandeur. The mausoleum-mosque is one of the new 7 wonders of the world. It was built in the XVII century by order of Padishah Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his wife, who died in childbirth.
The domes and walls are made of white marble. There are 2 pavilions on both sides of the mausoleum, one of them is a mosque, and the second is for receiving guests. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a large beautiful park with a total area of 18 hectares. The park is decorated with fountains, small lakes and canals.
The mausoleum can be accessed through the Eastern, Southern and Western Gates. At the entrance, you will have to undergo strict control, which consists in the fact that you are allowed to take only water and a camera with you. Inside the building there are the tombs of the Shah and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, decorated with precious stones.
It is best to visit the mausoleum early in the morning. The only day of the week when the Taj Mahal is closed to visitors is Friday. This day is dedicated to prayers.
Official website: https://www.tajmahal.gov.in
India | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Hampi and the ruins of Vijayanagar (Karnataka)
The Ruins of Vijayanagar
What do you think to see in India? Without hesitation, go to the village of Hampi. It is located among the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as many cultural and architectural monuments have been preserved in this village. In addition, Hampi is one of the main religious centers of India, thanks to the still operating Virupakshi temple.
The temple is the epitome of architectural art. The altar is surrounded by a complex of musical columns that emit various sounds when tapped. A street leads to the main entrance, also surrounded by relief columns. You can also admire statues of gods and various animals in the temple. A distinctive feature of the temple is the presence of a chariot made of stone, which is a copy of the original chariot.
It is worth looking at the Shiva temple, which is located underground. In Hampi, you can admire not only the temples, but also other architectural structures: the statue of Narasimha, the royal scales, the Mahanavami Dibba Tower.
Hampi is also famous for its religious and entertainment festivals. The largest festival is the Hampi Festival. All kinds of artists, musicians, a festive parade, dancing and fireworks – all this takes place at the festival. And the biggest religious celebration is the Virupaksha Chariot Festival. The main participants here are statues of god and goddess, as the festival symbolizes their wedding. They are loaded onto a chariot and driven along the main street. All this is accompanied by a colorful procession.
The sights of India, especially such as Hampi and the ruins of Vijayanagar, will not leave anyone indifferent – you will want to visit this mysterious country again and again.
3. The Red Fort (Agra)
The Red Fort in Agra
If you ask what to see in India, most people, except for the Taj Mahal, will not name any other attractions. In fact, there are many more interesting places, among which is the Red Fort in Agra above the Yamuna River. If you decide to visit the Taj Mahal, then you will be on your way, because the distance between them is only two and a half kilometers.
This fortress is called red because it is made of reddish stone. It was built, or rather, reconstructed in 1565 by decree of Akbar the Great. The building is made in the form of a semicircle, has two entrances – the Lahore and Delhi main gates, and a 21-meter wall is located around. Inside you can see several Islamic mosques, beautiful gardens and the residence of the rulers.
Previously, Agra, near which the fort is located, was the capital of India, but then Delhi got this title again. Entrance to the complex is paid. During the reign of the Mughal dynasty, it served as the residence of the Padishah. This structure is included in the most popular attractions of India, as well as in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unfortunately, part of the fortress is still used by the military, and tourists are not allowed into all its corners.
Official website: https://www.asiagracircle.in
4. India Gate (Mumbai)
India’s Gateway to Mumbai
The primary attraction of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. It is a colossal basalt arched structure, 26 meters high, located on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It was built under the direction of architect George Wittet in honor of the visit of King George the Fifth of England. Construction began in 1911. It took 4 years only to strengthen the coastline, and in general the construction lasted 13 years. The Indian authorities have almost completely financed the construction of the facility. The architecture of the building is a combination of three styles:
- Hindu; European; Muslim.
The proclamation of Indian independence is also connected with the gate, when the last British soldiers left through it.
There are many legends about the Gates of India. It is said that you need to pass through the Gate only with good intentions, otherwise Mumbai will be inhospitable. At the moment, the Gate of India is considered the most popular place in Mumbai.
5. Periyar National Park (Kerala)
Water walks in Periyar Park
The beauty of the Kardamom Mountains, the murmur of the Pambiyar River, the fertile Periyar Lake and countless varieties of exotic plants, the secrets of the animal world. All this in one place — the Periyar National Park.
Other attractions in India cannot boast such popularity. In just one year, almost 4 million tourists arrive here.
Kerala Park received the status of a National park back in 1982. Today it occupies almost 350 square kilometers. 70% of this territory is covered with evergreen forests. Each visitor has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of more than 2500 species of plants. 350 of them are used for medical purposes, and some plants can grow to a height of 40-50 meters.
As for the local fauna, it is represented here by more than 62 species of mammals. Of particular interest to tourists is the behavior of tigers, elephants, zebras, bison, mongooses, and leopards in the natural environment. Besides them, the park is home to many reptiles, birds, amphibians.
You can enjoy the moisture and coolness by walking to the center of the park, where Lake Periyar is located.
Official website: https://periyartigerreserve.org
Feel the atmosphere of India in this beautiful video!
6. Mehrangarh (Rajasthan, Jodhpur)
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Are you looking for something else to see in this amazing country? The grandiose fortification of Mehrangarh will amaze your imagination.
From the outside, tourists can see the high stone walls of the fort, as well as a wide road that descends into the city of Jodhpur. Very close by is a pavilion-a memorial to the soldier – defender of the fort.
The history of the attraction begins back in the distant XV century. Over time, a city appeared near the foot of the fort. Mehrangarh towers over Jodhpur by almost 120 meters. The very height of the walls reaches 36 meters in places. To enter the fort, you need to overcome 7 gates. The most notable of them are the Victory Gate, which was erected in 1806.
The territory of Mehrangarh (total area 0.2 km) houses five luxurious palaces, as well as a unique Indian museum. The latter is especially interesting for tourists, as it contains traditional national costumes, as well as musical instruments, furniture, palanquins, miniatures.
You can learn more about Indian martial arts by visiting the Armory. There is a collection of knives, sabers, and the best armor from different periods of the principality.
Official website: https://www.mehrangarh.org
7. Akshardham (Delhi)
Akshardham Hindu Temple in Delhi
When going on a trip, a person outlines a tour plan for himself. What are the sights of India worth seeing? A very curious place is the Akshardham Hindu temple, made entirely of marble. It is located in the beautiful city of Delhi across the Yamuna River, and was built not so long ago: it is a little more than ten years old.
The temple is a large complex, there are gardens with fountains, artificial reservoirs and bridges on the territory nearby. The architecture of the building is mixed: you can see a tribute to tradition and modern style in it. It is also unique that all the decoration and sculptures are made by hand. The temple is made of pink marble inside, white marble with gilding on the outside.
There is a cinema hall in the sanctuary, where tourists will be shown an interesting film about religion; a museum where you can see historical exhibits, watch robot actors. Tourists are boating in the pools, telling fascinating stories about India and Hindu gods.
In the evening, the temple is even more transformed: the backlight turns on, the fountain show begins. Time passes unnoticed during the inspection of Akshardham – there are so many amazing and unusual things here that the eyes run away! Those who decide to bring home material memories of the visit can buy souvenirs in shops and shops, of which there are many on the territory of Akshardham.
Official website: https://akshardham.com
8. Mysore Palace (Mysore)
Mysore Palace
Many tourists are interested in what is really luxurious to visit in India? Be sure to see the Mysore Palace, another name of the palace is Amba Vilas. The building was built in the XIX century. It was originally the residence of the Maharajas.
The building fascinates with its appearance and interior. The floor inside the palace is lined with mosaics, a lot of stained glass windows and mirrors. The entrance to the palace is through wooden doors decorated with hand carvings. The style of the building can be called unique, because three currents are mixed: Hindu, Muslim, Gothic. The palace consists of tall towers, nine arches supported by columns, and marble domes are especially original.
There is a beautiful garden on the territory of the complex. In autumn, tourists can watch an unusual festival in the Mysore Palace, celebrated in honor of the victory of good over evil. The program includes curious elephant parades, performances by artists. Inside the building you can see exhibitions of dolls, a wedding hall, a meeting room for the ruler, an armory. The modern Mysore Palace is the fourth reconstruction of buildings that burned down before.
9. The Golden Temple of Harmandir Sahib (Armitsar)
The Golden Temple of Harmandir Sahib in Armitsar
Don’t know what to see in India to make the tour memorable for a long time? One obvious option would be the Harmandir Sahib Temple, the main shrine of the Sikhs. It is popularly called the Golden Temple, because the exterior facade is almost completely gilded, except for the lower tier. The building is located near a lake, the waters of which are considered sacred and healing by local residents. According to their beliefs, there is an elixir of immortality in the reservoir. In ancient times, the shores of this lake were a favorite place for meditation of Hindu sages.
All tourists are allowed into the temple, regardless of their religion and nationality. To show their openness to guests, the architects made four huge entrances on each side of the complex so that as many people as possible would visit this place. The gilded walls are inlaid with precious stones, hand-painted by the great artists of that era. Before entering the temple, the tourist must take off his shoes and perform a foot washing ceremony.
Official website: https://sgpc.net
10. Palolem Beach (Goa)
The cozy beach of Palolem
The sights of India are mysterious and beautiful, just like the country itself. The famous Palolem beach is located in the southern part of Goa on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The place is considered one of the most beautiful in India, and even the aborigines call it the “garden of Eden”.
The beach is surrounded by high capes and is a bay of natural origin. There are rarely waves here – the sea is almost always calm. The sand on the shore is surprisingly clean, and the palm trees bend their leaves all the way to the shore.
The length of the beach is a little more than 3 km. There is everything for a good and comfortable stay:
- sun beds; umbrellas; cafes and bars; hotels; kayak and bicycle rentals.
Palolem is literally filled with national flavor. You can often see cows walking right by the water. Along the coastline there are huts – houses with wicker walls.
You can take sightseeing trips in the vicinity of the beach, for example, to butterfly Island. Tourists are provided with a lot of opportunities – from the usual rest with the contemplation of the most beautiful sunsets to an elite yacht trip with diving. The developed infrastructure and the presence of wild natural areas attract a large number of tourists from Europe.
Sights of India: what else to visit while in India
Staying in this country gives an extravaganza of completely different emotions, but no tourist will forget a trip here, because there are so many stunningly beautiful places and unusual mementos! Guides in India, who can be hired for a very modest fee, will help you learn more about the sights you are visiting.
11. Virupakshi Temple in honor of Shiva (Hampi village, Karnataka)
Virupakshi Temple is a place of pilgrimage in Hampi
What to see in India besides the beaches in Goa? There can be many answers. One of them is the Virupakshi Temple, a pearl of architectural art. It is located in the small village of Hampi, Karnataka.
According to many experts, the temple is the oldest in the whole country and is located on the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagara. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, who is called Virupakshi here.
The main entrance to the Shiva shrine is located in the western tower. From it you can get to the first courtyard, and then to the second. A path through another tower leads to the temple elephant Lakshmi. Also on the territory of the temple you can see an old well, a hall with columns of about 100 pieces, a Mandala Rank – one of the last buildings of the temple.
The special construction of the temple allows the Tungabhadra River to flow as a channel through the local kitchen and the courtyard. The sanctuary is an active temple, where pilgrims come from all over the country. Festivals dedicated to Shiva and his wife Pampa are often held in the surrounding area, using an ancient chariot from the temple.
The sights of India in the village of Hampi, including the Virupakshi Temple, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
12. Kay Gompa Tibetan Monastery (Spiti and Lahul district)
The Tibetan monastery of Kay Gompa in India
The sights of India attract tourists with their spiritual content, purity and tranquility. The fortress monastery of Kay Gompa in Tibet is one of these places.
Kay Gompa is located in the valley of Himachal Pradesh, actually in the center of the Himalayas at an altitude of more than 4 thousand meters above sea level. The Buddhist monastery was founded in the 11th century. The Dalai Lama himself was present at the millennial anniversary.
During the cold season, numerous monks find shelter here, and almost 300 lamas receive education all year round. There are several rooms for tourists, where everyone can get overnight accommodation. Local guides consider the Tibetan monastery to be the most interesting from the point of view of spiritual enlightenment. Among other things, it can offer visitors various collections of sculptural groups, weapons, and musical instruments. The monastery has an extensive collection of ancient manuscripts and books by famous Buddhist lamas.
In early summer, the inhabitants of the monastery organize a festival with many ritual dances and the burning of a demonic spirit. Almost all the walls of the fortress consist of paintings and frescoes, which gives the structure a unique beauty.
13. Qutb Minar (New Delhi)
Qutb Minar Brick Tower in New Delhi
What other interesting sights of India exist? In fact, there are a lot of them. One of the most visited places is the Qutb Minar Tower, which translates as “victory tower”. It was built for almost 200 years. Therefore, the architecture of the complex is mixed, as the architects and builders changed quite often.
This is the highest minaret on the planet. The tower originally belonged to the first Islamic ruler of India. It is made in the shape of a cone of five tiers, and red-yellow sandstone was used as the material for the construction. The exterior of the building is very elegant – this effect is created thanks to the skillful carvings made by excellent craftsmen, as well as the marble decor, which makes this hard stone look soft and pliable.
On the territory of the complex there is a tomb, a gate, a minaret and a column of pure iron with a height of about seven meters. Despite the years and bad weather, so far this iron column has not rusted. It remains to be seen how the builders of this column were able to obtain chemically pure iron. A tourist sign is also associated with it: if you stand with your back to a pillar, hug it and make a cherished wish, it will definitely come true.
Official website: https://www.delhitourism.gov.in
14. Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa (Panaji)
Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa in Panaji
Many tourists visiting this beautiful country are interested in what to visit in India related to other religions besides Hinduism and Buddhism. One church, called the Basilica of Jesus, is curious. The building is made in the Baroque style. The relics of the patron saint of Goa are located on the territory of the church.
The construction of the temple was completed in 1605. The appearance combines three currents: Ionic, Corinthian, Doric. Inside, as it should be, there is a sacred altar, choirs, and a sacristy. There are two chapels and a bell tower in the backyard. One of the chapels, in which the relics are located, is decorated with wood carvings, executed very skillfully and with great diligence. On it you can also see paintings depicting the patron saint of the city. The tomb itself, where the remains rest, is made of colored marble. Once a decade, the relics can be worshipped – they are exhibited for free visits. It is believed that the relics have great healing power.
The Basilica of Jesus is a masterpiece of architecture, popular among tourists. Christians make pilgrimages here, but representatives of other religions do not pass by this place either.
15. Ellora Caves: temples in the rocks (Maharashtra, Aurangabad)
Stone Temples of Ellora
Any tourist is interested in exploring the historical sites of India, even if he came here just to lie on the beach. These trips will cost you inexpensively, but there are many impressions from the visit.
One of the most incredible places in this country is a complex of 34 temples. They were all built before the 10th century AD. What is unique is that the temples are not of one culture, but of several: Hindu, Jain, Buddhist. The earliest caves of Ellora are Buddhist. They are the largest and most fascinating. The facade of the temples is made in a solemn style. Their complete opposite is Hindu. The outer walls are covered with images of sacred episodes, which were carved in several stages. There are seventeen such caves in total. They occupy the entire central part of Ellora.
The youngest temples in the rock are Jain temples. They can be reached by an asphalt road. The architectural tradition in which these caves are made can be called strict asceticism. The decoration of the Jain temples is very cleverly thought out.
Tourists are only allowed to take photos while staying here. It is impossible to take anything and take it out of the complex – this is strictly monitored by the guards. And not in vain, because the Ellora caves are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. The city of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
View from the Ganges River to the ritual embankment in the holy city of Varanasi Ken Wieland
Sights of Varanasi Penyulap
You can explore the sights of Ancient India, starting with the oldest “living” city on earth — Varanasi. This is one of the sacred places for Hindus, a city of grand pilgrimage. Being a contemporary of Luxor and Babylon, the city distinguished itself from its contemporaries by its incredible resistance to the influence of time. A number of sanctuaries have been preserved here, most of which were repeatedly destroyed, but each time they were restored. The dream of every Hindu believer is to complete his life here, interrupt the series of reincarnations and thereby break the notorious wheel of Samsara.
17. Lotus Temple (New Delhi)
Night Illumination of Lotus Temple Petals in New Delhi Vandelizer
India in the 20th century was distinguished by a huge number of extraordinary buildings, including the Lotus Temple, erected in 1986. The unusual shape of its roof is made in the shape of a lotus for a reason — this flower is a symbol of chastity, purity and strength for Hindus. In total, the temple has 27 giant “petals” covered with marble, and around there are nine pools that create the semblance of a bud floating in the water. The interior fully meets the requirements of the Holy Scriptures — there are no objects of worship, sculptures and paintings. There is a museum dedicated to the Baha’i religion on the territory of the temple.
18. National Museum of India (New Delhi)
Front view of the National Museum of New Delhi in India Miya.m
The exposition of one of the halls of the National Museum of India in New Delhi Daderot
India’s most extensive museum, the National Museum, is located in the center of New Delhi. It has a unique collection of amazing archaeological finds, historical artifacts and art objects. Now there are more than 200 thousand exhibits of both Indian and foreign origin on two floors of the museum.
Official website: https://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in
19. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (Mumbai)
The facade of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station in the Indian city of Mumbai Nicke L
Historic Victoria Terminus Railway Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji) at Night Shaileshsonare
A kind of gateway to the city of Mumbai is its railway station, which receives tourists and visitors to the city. The Chhatrapati Shivaji building, built at the end of the 19th century, attracts with its extraordinarily beautiful architecture and is in itself a landmark of the city. With its monumentality, the structure embodies technological progress, one of the symbols of which in the 19th century were railways. The building was designed by British architect Stevens, so its design was based on the Neo-Gothic style, with the interweaving of traditional Indian Indo-Saracen motifs. The interior of the station delights its visitors with the same richness and pomp.
Official website: https://cr.indianrailways.gov.in
20. Hawa Mahal Palace (Jaipur)
Pink Sandstone Wind Palace in Jaipur Marcin Białek
India pleases the eyes of guests with a variety of luxurious palaces. These are the floating Jel Mahal Palace, the mirrored Shesh Mahal, the residence of the maharajas, the Mysore Palace, and the magnificent marble masterpiece of the Taj Mahal. Another palace creation that glorified the city of Jaipur— the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, deserves attention. This structure got its second name due to a unique system of windows that create natural ventilation in the room. This allows those inside to enjoy the coolness even in the most intense heat. The building was built of pink sandstone in the shape of a crown of Krishna at the very end of the 18th century.
Official website: https://www.hawa-mahal.com
21. Picola Lake Palace (Udaipur)
White marble hotel on Pichola Lake in Udaipur City user:Flicka
Lily Pond of Lake Palace on Pichola Lake in Udaipur Taj Hotels
There are magnificent places in the vicinity of Lake Pichola, saturated with greenery and impressive with an extraordinary landscape. It is here, in one of the cities of this area, that the residence of King Singh II is located — the Lake Palace, the largest palace complex in the state of Rajasthan. It was built in the 18th century, in the 80s of the 20th century it gained special popularity due to the filming of the James Bond film that took place here, and nowadays it has turned into a luxurious five-star hotel. Its walls have something to impress even the most sophisticated visitors — the walls are built of precious white marble, 83 luxurious rooms are made in a national style, and vacationers can even use the services of hereditary butlers working here.
22. Goa (southwest of India)
A tropical beach in Goa with palm trees in the background
For those who still choose what to see in India, Goa will become a place of relaxed relaxation, endless celebration, freedom and entertainment. This city is definitely worth a visit to dilute the educational program of the trip with notes of serenity. Beaches are the first thing worth visiting to have a good rest and enjoy the Indian nature. Among other things, a visit to the Fontanes quarter with the houses of the Portuguese colonialists, the market in the coastal town of Anjun, the authentic fair in Arpore, spice plantations with a developed tourist infrastructure will allow you to taste the national flavor.
23. Holi Festival of Colors
Holi Celebration at Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork Steven Gerner
One of the brightest and most enchanting events in India is the beloved national holiday of Holi, which is a symbol of the onset of spring and the rebirth of life. The roots of this celebration go back centuries — there is a belief that in ancient times there lived a woman named Holika, who was burned for disobeying the ruler. During the burning, her nephew covered her with a colored veil, which God himself sent him in response to prayer requests for the aunt’s salvation. Since then, there has been a tradition of painting each other with colors, which has grown into a large-scale holiday. The whole festival is an extravaganza of colors, tons of colored powder and flowers hung everywhere, as well as a grand bonfire to mark the departure of winter.
24. Bollywood (Mumbai)
Songs and Dances of Bollywood Skip
Fans of Indian cinema will also find the sights of India interesting to them, and first of all it is Bollywood — the generalized name of the Mumbai film industry, derived from the name of the American Hollywood district and the location of Indian film studios, the city of Bombay. Hundreds of TV series, films, commercials, entertainment shows and other TV programs are filmed in these studios every year. Bollywood pavilions are open to visitors — you can visit the set, get to know the life of the actors behind the scenes and feel this indescribable atmosphere, among the scenery, surrounded by dressing rooms and in the spotlight.
25. Ganges River (Uttarakhand)
The confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which form the Keerthi msrit Ganges
Bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges Bluerasberry
One of the largest rivers on the planet originates in the glaciers of the Western Himalayas, absorbing the crystal purity of their meltwater. For Hindus, the river is sacred — it is believed that it embodies the power of the goddess Ganga, who patronizes the sources of all earthly reservoirs. The banks of the river are home to many species of fauna, numerous species of fish, reptiles and tropical insects. Where the Ganges originates, and throughout the first tens of kilometers, there are rapids where rafting is common. It is believed that every Hindu should plunge into the waters of the Great River at least once in his life.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish