Rich in culture and scenery, India is a marvellous and bewildering country. What's disconcerting at first sight are the often stark contrasts between the harshness of life and the thousand bright colors of everyday life, from the brightly-colored saris to the spicy dishes. While the charm quickly takes hold, it takes time to discover this land that has so much to offer, from north to south. So what's there to do and see in India? Here are our must-seesin India, for an unforgettable trip to one of the wonders of the world, from the Taj Mahal to charming Pondicherry and bustling Delhi. But whether in the north or the south, the experience of a trip to India is always unique: incredible India as the tourist office repeats! But more than incredible, India is above all unforgettable.
1. What to visit in India The Taj Mahal, a symbol
Built in Agra, northern India, in the 16th century, the Taj Mahal is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It owes its construction to Emperor Shah Jahan, who wished to offer the most beautiful of mausoleums to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal is India's most visited monument. Built entirely of white marble, its impressive architecture and excellent state of preservation have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful places in the world in which to watch a suns et or to propose marriage.
2. The backwaters of Kerala, a unique site
In the south of India, on the west coast, Kerala is anideal stopover during a stay in India. The region is home to splendid landscapes such as the backwaters, a series of natural and man-made lagoons, lakes and marshes set amid lush vegetation. A cruise aboard a houseboat is a unique experience to discover the serenity that surrounds these places, as well as the life of the small villages along the water's edge.
3. What to visit in India Jaipur, the pink city
Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is nicknamed "the pink city" for its old town facades painted in this color, synonymous with hospitality in India. Jaipur's handicraft stalls and heritage leave no traveller indifferent, and visitors are quick to discover the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds, the Amber Fortress - an impressive 16th-century site 11 km from the city, and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.
4. Mumbai, welcome to Bollywood!
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra, one of India's largest states. With its 20 million inhabitants, it is the country's most populous city and one of its most important economic centers. Noisy, dynamic and sometimes chaotic, Mumbai never leaves visitors indifferent. Fans of Bollywood cinema can discover the industry in the city's studios, and maybe even act as an extra in a film!
4. What to do in India Holi, the festival of colors
This Hindu religious festival celebrates the beginning of spring. For the occasion, young and old alike, from the north to the south of the country, arm themselves with water pistols filled with colored powders for a memorable battle! And don't forget to wear clothes that won't scare you, because you'll end up covered in paint! Each color has a specific meaning: green symbolizes harmony, blue vitality, red love, yellow friendship and purple happiness.
5. What to see in India Wander around Pondicherry
A French colony until 1954, Pondicherry is still today a city with a dual identity, divided between its white city, the former colonial town, and its black city, the Indian part bounded by the canal. Pondicherry offers a pleasant sense of tranquillity as you stroll along its wide, tree-lined avenues and along the Bay of Bengal. Beach road is a beautiful promenade, dominated by the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
6. Ladakh, ancient Buddhist kingdom
In the far north-east of India, in the Himalayas, lies Ladakh, the largest district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Often referred to as "Little Tibet", Ladakh is home tosplendid mountain scenery and numerous hillside monasteries. Ideally, you should stay in Leh, the main town, for access to the many monasteries, such as Hemis, the largest and most attractive in Ladakh.
7. Darjeeling and the tea region
Darjeeling lies in northern Bengal, in eastern India. Surrounded by vast plantations, the town produces one of the world's most prestigious black teas. Enthusiasts will discover its history and culture. Dominated by the imposing Kangchenjunga peak, the third highest in the world, Darjeeling is also a very pleasant seaside resort, popular with Indians who come here to cool off during their vacations.
8. What to do in India Taste Indian cuisine and spices
Travelling to India also means discovering its delicious cuisine with a thousand spices. Beware of sensitive taste buds: the dishes are generally very spicy! One of our favorite dishes is dahl, made with lentils and spices. We're also tempted by the well-known tandoori chicken or palak paneer, a vegetarian dish that's sure to reconcile you with spinach! As for desserts, India is one of the destinations where you can try gourmet desserts: gulab jammu, dumplings made with powdered milk, fried and flavored with cardamom, are delicious.
Good to know: India is an ideal destination for vegetarian food!
9. Delhi, a sprawling city
One of Asia's must-see capitals: a gigantic city of 18 million inhabitants, Delhi is as bewildering as it is charming. The metropolis is divided into two districts: New Delhi, the capital, which houses the country's administrative offices, and Old Delhi, where life is in full swing in the narrow streets. Monuments to see include Humayun's Tomb, a Mughal mausoleum said to have inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal, and Gandhi Smriti, Gandhi's final resting place.
10. What to visit in India The city of Varanasi
A must-see on any trip to India, Varanasi, "the city between two rivers", the Varuna and the Assi, is also known as Kashi (City of Light) or Benares, and is undoubtedly one of the country's most bewitching cities. Of the country's seven holy cities, it is the most sacred. Believed to have been founded by Shiva, the city welcomes millions of pilgrims every year, as well as Hindus in their twilight years who come here to die. Their bodies are then burned on large pyres and the ashes scattered in the Ganges. While there are few points of interest to visit in the strict sense of the word, you can't help but succumb to the enchanting charm of the old town or the spectacular rituals of the Hindus.
11. Udaipur, the Venice of the East
Located in the state of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the ideal setting for a romantic vacation. Strolls through the lakeside city reveal architectural treasures, including Rajput-style palaces such as the marvelous City Palace. For a unique experience, we recommend a boat trip on Lake Pichola. History buffs can visit the Ahar Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of funerary monuments and memorials. Shilpgram, the craftsmen's village, is also a must for souvenirs and folk dances.
12. What to do in India Party on the beaches of Goa
Goa is one of India's top tourist destinations. It's also a destination to relive the hippie atmosphere. What's on the agenda? Sandy beaches, World Heritage monuments, succulent traditional cuisine and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. It's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of India's crowded cities, and to party on its sandy beaches , from the mythical Anjuna to Baga or Palolem. The must-do on site is the French restaurant La Plage, the place to be at Ashvem Beach, a chic straw hut where celebrities pass by barefoot on the sand.
13. Getting to Rishikesh
Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is the starting point for pilgrimages to the sources of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The noisy and polluted city center (around Triveni Ghat) is of little interest, and we recommend to wander through the tourist area around the two long suspension bridges of the upper town, Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. The city was made famous by the Beatles' 1968 visit to one of its ashrams, where yoga is taught. Rishikesh is also a destination of choice for rafting enthusiasts .
14. What to visit in India Haridwar
Located where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas to flow into the Indian plain, Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. A multitude of pilgrims and sadhus come to bathe in a canal where the waters of the sacred river Ganges flow. Unlike its neighbor Rishikesh, Haridwar is mainly visited by Indian tourists, not Westerners, which gives it a special spiritual strength and authenticity. If you want to avoid the crowds, we advise against the period between May and July, when Indians flock here from all over India.
15. What to visit in India Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient Mughal city
Located 40 km west of Agra, this ancient imperial fortress with its red walls is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Often overlooked by travellers, it's well worth a day's visit. Instead of spending the night in Agra, we recommend that you book a hotel close to this restful, authentic place where tourists are much less in demand. We recommend that you take a guide to visit the palace and the mosque.
16. Amritsar, the golden sanctuary
Amritsar, whose name means "pool of nectar", is famous for its sumptuous Golden Temple, India's holiest Sikh place of worship. Enter through the main gate, the Clock Tower, go down a few steps and open your eyes to admire the superb Golden Temple, a white marble edifice inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, topped by a dome weighing over 600 kg of gold, shaped like an upside-down lotus flower. If you can, go there once at night and return the next day during the day. In Amritsar, you can also attend the Indo-Pakistan border closing ceremony, a spectacle performed to the cheers of the crowd.
17. Jaisalmer, the golden city
Nicknamed the City of Gold, Jaisalmer lies on the ancient silk, spice and opium routes, at the gateway to the Thar Desert. Surrounded by fortifications, it boasts 99 bastions and its blond stone walls give it a very special character. Its golden fortress overlooking the desert reveals the region's medieval charm. Its lively lanes, untouched by motorized traffic, contain countless architectural treasures - palaces, havelis, Jain temples - that are well worth a visit.
18. What to visit in India Mysore and its palace
Located 159 km southwest of Bangalore at an altitude of 770 m, Mysore, or the "City of Palaces", is a former imperial city that was the capital of the Woodeyars, who ruled from the 15th century until Independence in 1947. It's a pleasant city to stroll around, and one of the few in India with walkable sidewalks! Whether for its thousand-scented market or its sumptuous maharajah's palace, Mysore definitely deserves to be included in our selection of must-sees and must-visit places in India.
19. The ancient ruins of Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with almost 4,000 ruins dating back to the medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanâgar , bearing witness to the exceptional mastery of their distant builders. The Hindu style of architecture at Hampi reflects the splendor of the Vijayanâgar Empire. You can visit the site by bicycle to take in the beautiful landscape of pink sandstone, sugarcane fields and rice paddies crossed by the Tungabhadra River, which adds a magical atmosphere to the whole site.
20. The port city of Kochi
Busy and dynamic, Kochi is one of South India's most interesting cities: a kaleidoscope of Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Christian, Muslim, Jewish and, of course, Malabar influences. The city exudes a romantic charm that you can feel as you stroll through the Fort Cochin district, with its old colonial mansions converted into hotels, its decrepit spice warehouses - the district is still in business - its Portuguese churches, its antique shops and its trendy cafés.
21. What to do in India Safari in Ranthambore National Park
One of the most beautiful safaris in the world! Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan was once a private hunting reserve for the maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it attracts explorers from all over the world eager to discover one of the planet's most majestic animals: the tiger. In addition, the area is home to 40 species of mammal, almost 320 species of bird and some 30 species of reptile. A sublime experience!
22.Ellorâ Caves
Located 30 km from the town of Aurangâbâd, these 34 monasteries and temples are carved into the face of a high basalt cliff and are among the most beautiful ruins to be admired anywhere in the world. This remarkable troglodytic architecture dates back to the early 7th century, when the sanctuaries were dedicated to the cults of Buddhism, Jainism and Brahmanism, illustrating the spirit of tolerance of ancient India. The details carved into the stone are impressive and intricate, but the Kailâsanâtha temple is undoubtedly the most magnificent . Excavated from the cliff, it is twice the size of the famous Parthenon in Athens.
Where to go in India for the first time?
For a first visit to India, it may be wise to start with destinations that offer a balanced combination of cultural, historical and spiritual experiences, while being relatively accessible to first-time travelers. Here are a few suggestions:
- Delhi: The capital offers an introduction to Indian history and culture, with sites such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and the old town of Chandni Chowk.
- Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Agra Fort.
- Jaipur: Rajasthan's "Pink City" is rich in history, with the City Palace, Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.
- Varanasi: Discover the spirituality and antiquity of this sacred city on the banks of the Ganges.
- Rishikesh and Haridwar: Immerse yourself in spirituality on the banks of the Ganges, take part in religious ceremonies and explore outdoor activities.
These destinations are part of India's famous "Golden Triangle", offering a well-rounded introduction to the country's cultural diversity. They are also well connected by road and rail, making travel easy. Depending on your specific interests, you can then extend your trip to include other regions such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka or Gujarat, each offering its own unique charms and experiences.
What to visit in North India
The North Indian region is rich in history, culture and geographical diversity. Here are just a few of the must-see places to visit in North India:
- Delhi: The capital, with historic monuments such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the old town of Chandni Chowk.
- Agra: Known for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Jaipur: Rajasthan's "Pink City", with the City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar.
- Varanasi: One of the world's oldest cities, on the banks of the Ganges, famous for its ghats and religious rituals.
- Rishikesh and Haridwar: Holy cities on the banks of the Ganges, ideal for meditation, yoga and religious ceremonies.
- Udaipur: Known as the "Venice of the East", with Lake Pichola, the City Palace and the Jag Mandir.
- Amritsar: Home to the Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, the Sikhs' holiest shrine.
What to visit in South India
South India is a region rich in ancient temples, magnificent beaches, verdant hills and cultural traditions. Here are just a few of the must-see places in South India:
- Chennai: The capital of Tamil Nadu, with its temples, beaches and cultural history.
- Mahabalipuram: Famous for its seaside temples and monolithic sculptures.
- Pondicherry: A former French colony with a unique atmosphere, palm-lined streets and European influences.
- Thanjavur: Known for the Brihadeshwara temple, a World Heritage Site.
- Madurai: Historic city with the Meenakshi Amman temple, an important pilgrimage site.
What to see in India in 10 days
India is a vast and diverse country, with a rich history, vibrant culture and varied landscapes that is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for backpackers in Asia. Planning a 10-day trip to India involves making choices based on your personal interests. Here's a suggested itinerary covering some of the most iconic destinations:
Days 1-2: Delhi
- Explore Old Delhi, with its Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk market.
- Visit the Gateway to India and Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat.
- Explore New Delhi's modern attractions, such as India Gate and the Lotus Temple.
Days 3-4: Agra
- Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most emblematic monuments.
- Explore the Agra Fort.
- If time permits, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a historic town nearby.
Days 5-6: Jaipur (the Golden Triangle)
- Explore the pink city of Jaipur, visiting the City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and Hawa Mahal.
- Visit Amber Fort, set in the hills around Jaipur.
Days 7-8: Varanasi
- Discover one of the world's oldest cities, with its ghats along the Ganges.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river.
- Visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist site.
Days 9-10: Goa (for a relaxing break)
- Enjoy picturesque beaches and relax in a laid-back atmosphere.
- Explore Goa's old town with its Portuguese architecture.
- Take part in Goa's lively nightlife.
This covers just a small part of India's attractions, and there are many other fascinating destinations. Be sure to tailor your itinerary to your specific interests and take into account travel time between cities. India offers a variety of experiences, whether exploring ancient history, vibrant culture, spirituality or simply relaxing on beautiful beaches.
What to see in India in 15 days?
If you have an extra 5 days, you might consider adding more destinations or exploring further the places already mentioned. Here are a few suggestions:
Days 11-12: Udaipur
- Explore the romantic city of Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East", with the City Palace, Lake Pichola and the Jagdish Temple.
Days 13-14: Rishikesh and Haridwar
- Explore Rishikesh, famous for its ashrams, ghats and outdoor activities.
- Visit Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges, famous for its ghats and religious rituals.
Adding these destinations will give you a more complete experience of India, including historic cities, spiritual places and natural environments. However, don't forget to take into account distances and travel times between locations, as India is a vast country and travel can take time. Adapting the itinerary to your specific preferences is always recommended.
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