Tourist Places: A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Visit in India

Introduction

India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, is one of the best tourist places waiting to be explored. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters of Kerala in the south, India offers a wide range of experiences for adventure outdoor travel enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment in Varanasi, exploring ancient ruins in Hampi, or relaxing on the beaches of Goa, India has something for everyone. Join ToTravell on a journey to discover the best places to visit in India and experience the adventure outdoor travel (OAT) of a lifetime. We assure you that this virtual tour guide will take your sensations to the locations and make you feel the excitement that we did. Let’s get going to these tourist places now!

10 Tourist Places in India that You Should Not Miss

India is filled with tourist places of every nature whether you are looking for a countryside life or a busy city life to the business or IT hubs. Pieces of historic masterpieces like the Taj Mahal or the Rajasthani hospitality will blow your mind about how vast is the landscape of India in terms of versatility, diversity, and cultural richness. Let’s get to know the top 10 places that offer you a complete experience of the touristic places. Here is a list of tourist places to go that you do not want to miss at any cost!

1. Taj Mahal, Agra: The One that Tops among the Tourist Places

Admire the splendor of the Taj Mahal which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World among many tourist places. Learn about the intricate marble carvings and the history of this famous monument. Behold the ethereal grace of the Taj Mahal while it alters in shades from dawn to dusk, thus visually tempting tourists from everywhere.

• Things to do: Contemplate the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the New Seven Wonders of the World. Admire the exquisite marble carvings and discover the origin of this famous monument among the list of tourist places.
• Expenses: Admission fees apply. Approximate cost: $15-$25.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Visit this early in the morning or late in the evening to be away from crowds and to see the colors of the Taj Mahal changing.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan: A Unique Experience among the Tourist Places

Discover the Pink City of Jaipur, known for its magnificent palaces, forts, and colorful bazaars helping it rank among one of the best tourist places on your list. Go to the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory. Be part of Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage by attending traditional folk performances that will provide you with a different perspective or indulging in authentic Rajasthani cuisine at local restaurants that will give you a feel of the royal flavors.

• Things to do: Discover the Pink City of Jaipur, the city that is dubbed with magnificent palaces, forts, and colorful bazaars as iconic places in India. Explore the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar observatory.
• Expenses: Entrance fees charged for the attractions are applicable for any tourist places present here. Approximate cost: $10-$20.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Enjoy a hot air balloon tour over Jaipur and a great opportunity to see the city from the air.

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Tourist Places that Make You Feel the Culture First-hand

Feel the spiritual heart of India in the tourist places here while walking the ghats of the holy River Ganges at Varanasi. Watch the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony and go for a boat tour along the river. Dive into Varanasi’s spiritual core by engaging in morning rituals along the ghats and paying attention to sacred temples that keep you updated with tales from centuries ago. Let’s find out what things you can do at the tourist places here.

• Things to do: Visit the Ganga Aarti hotspot of Varanasi, on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Get lost in the dazzling spectacle of Ganga Aarti or enjoy a cruise ride along the river.
• Expenses: Note: boat ride fees apply. Approximate cost: $5-$10.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Get soaked in the narrow alleys of the old town of Varanasi and find temples and crowded markets on the way.

4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A Unique Experience among All Tourist Places in India

Join your adventurous inner self with Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World. If you want to experience something adventurous, try white-water rafting on the Ganges River, trek to the Neer Garh Waterfall, and attend a yoga retreat. Become a part of Rishikesh’s peaceful environment by meditating next to the riverside, practicing yoga surrounded by nature’s tranquility, and restoring your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in this spiritual retreat. Venturing here is one of the many experiences that will leave you thinking about a second round trip to these tourist places here.

• Things to do: Live adventurously by visiting Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the world. Experience the Ganges River through white-water rafting, trek up to the Neer Garh Waterfall, and join a yoga retreat.
• Expenses: Rafting and trekking expenses are flexible. Approximate cost: $20-$50.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Drop in for a deep yoga session at the International Yoga Festival in March for the perfect yoga immersion while you think about the other tourist places to explore next.

5. Kerala Backwaters: Explore Tourist Places from a Boat Ride

Ride along the quiet backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Explore the lush green forest and pleasant water body, the paddy fields beside the river. Indulge yourself in Kerala’s local cuisine which involves dishes prepared with fresh catch from the local fishermen, while enjoying the serene landscapes of green coconut groves and rice paddies that line the backwaters.

• Things to do: Cruise along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Experience the lush greenery, serene waters, and local life along the banks.
• Expenses: Houseboat rental fees apply. Approximate cost: $100-$200 per night. 
• Food expense: Included in houseboat rental.
• Pro-tip: Opt for an overnight stay on a houseboat to fully experience the beauty of the backwaters.

6. Goa Beaches: Relax and Enjoy the Noise of Nature

Enjoy the beaches of Goa – the Golden Coast of India – famous for its white sandy beaches and clear waters. Be an adventurous tourist and switch from water sports like parasailing and jet skiing to just sunbathing. Delve deeper into Goa’s lively beach culture by participating in beach parties that take place under the starlit sky or at the beach shacks that are set along Goa’s scenic coastline and indulge in the variety of seafood delicacies they serve.

• Things to do: Chill at the gorgeous beaches of lauded Goa, abundant in golden sand and crystal waters. Play in water by doing activities like parasailing and jet skiing, or if very needy – sunbathing.
• Expenses: Water sporting costs differ. Approximate cost: $20-$50.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Visit in the winter season (November to February) when the weather is way too good and there are beach parties organized.

7. Hampi, Karnataka

Discover the majestic ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, and Vijaya Vittala Temple. Travel back in time by walking through Hampi’s ancient ruins, which for centuries have been telling tales through intricate carvings, majestic pillars, and sprawling temple complexes that remain a reminder of Hampi’s glorious past.

• Things to do: Hampi is the renamed site of the age-old empire Vijayanagara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hence you should check it out. Go to the Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Market, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
• Expenses: The cash mentioned is payable at the door of historical and other such monuments. Approximate cost: $5-$10.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Explore Hampi’s sprawling archaeological site on a hired bicycle and enjoy the freedom of moving at your speed.

8. Darjeeling: One of the Best Tourist Places that Outranks Most Iconic Places

See the beauty of the Himalayas in Darjeeling. Go and sit at Tiger Hill at sunrise for sweeping views, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and explore tea plantations. Engage yourself in the stylistic flavor of the town by experiencing the aromatic Darjeeling tea in a mist-covered environment while hopping on a train voyage that goes through the green tea gardens.

• Things to do: Get to know the unique beauty of Darjeeling located in the Himalayan range. Be present at sunrise at Tiger Hill to capture the panoramic view, experience the amazing Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ride, and learn about tea cultivation there.
• Expenses: Train rides as well as admission tickets are required. Approximate cost: $10-$20.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: You do not need to be a lot of a connoisseur to be able to appreciate the authentic local tea of Darjeeling. Simply stop by one of the countless tea estates in that area.

9. Amritsar, Punjab: Rich Heritage Just a Glimpse Away

Go to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is the holiest place in Sikhism. Feeling the spiritual atmosphere, spending time at the langar, and watching the Wagah Border ceremony. Immerse yourself in all the senses when you bite into delicious Punjabi dishes while being surrounded by soul-touching gurbani hymns echoing within Golden Temple’s holy precincts.

• Things to do: Explore the Golden Temple Amritsar, the most revered shrine in Sikhism. Try to feel the atmosphere, be part of the community meals, and see the Wagah frontier parade.
• Expenses: Free entry to the Golden Temple. Approximate cost: $5-$10 for my other expenses.
• Food expense: Donation-based langar.
• Pro-tip: The mystical appearance of the temple at night equally matches the scenery of a magic mirror, left reflected on the nearby pool.

10. Mysore, Karnataka: Royalty, History, and Culture Blended Together

Find royalty at Mysore Palace, a magnificent display of Indo-Saracenic style. Scale the heights of Chamundi Hill and the central market Devaraja Market. Get drenched in Mysore’s opulence by witnessing the grand lighting up of Mysore Palace on the day of Dussehra, which is the most celebrated festival of the city, along with browsing the local markets inundated with aromatic spices and colorful handicrafts reflecting Karnataka’s abundance of culture and traditions.

• Things to do: Enjoy the royal heritage of Mysuru at the Mysore Palace, the nicest example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Delve into Chamundi Hill and the Devaraja market that get packed with locals.
• Expenses: We are the museum museum. We charge the price of a ticket to get in. Approximate cost: $5-$10.
• Food expense: $5-$10.
• Pro-tip: Be there during the Dussehra festival and see a grand celebration and the procession of the city of Mysore.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the best places to visit in India, we hope you’ve been inspired to set off on your adventure outdoor travel (OAT) experience this year or the years to come. India’s iconic places, from the breathtaking Taj Mahal to the tranquil Kerala backwaters, offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking traveler who finds the thrills in Rishikesh or a history buff exploring the ancient ruins of Hampi, India has something for every traveler. So pack your bags with ToTravell and let’s hit the road, and discover the adventure that awaits you in India’s tourist places! To learn more about such exciting places you can take a look at the other “Travel Guides” or if you want to experience tourist places on a more personal level then take a look at the “Personal Travel Diary” for more options.

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