15 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in India - India Travel Guide
India is a vibrant land of shocking contrasts where
both the worlds of tradition and modernity meet. India is the seventh largest
nation by region in the world and the second largest in terms of population-the
result of centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark.
Travelers ' highlights include the opportunity to experience a variety of
sacred and spiritual sites From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy
sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca
Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover a
trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures.
01. The Taj Mahal,
Agra
Maybe the most recognizable building in India, the
Taj Mahal is also the most famous testimony of the power of love in the world.
Named after Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan's favorite wife, this most
beautiful mausoleum began when she died in 1631 and took 20,000 to complete 22
years. Incorporating many Islamic design elements including arches, minarets,
an onion-shaped dome, and inlaid black calligraphy around the entrance, the Taj
Mahal is largely made of white marble decorated with delicate inlaid floral
patterns and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli,
diamonds, and pearl mother. Hot Tip: The best time to visit is either at dawn
or dusk when the atmosphere is brilliantly altered by the change in lighting
(if possible, try to catch a view of the Taj Mahal's reflection from the far
bank of the Yamuna River).
02. The Holy City
of Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi has long been associated
with the mighty Ganges River, one of the most important religious symbols of
faith, a major pilgrimage center for Hindus. Varanasi is one of the oldest
still inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 8th century BC. It
offers numerous reasons to visit, including the opportunity to explore the Old
Quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you will find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
built in 1780 (the New Vishwanath Temple with its seven separate temples is
also interesting). To Hindus, bathing in the Ganges is of great importance, and
many locations known as "ghats" feature stairways leading to the water
where the faithful bathe before prayers. All in all, Varanasi boasts over 100
ghats, the largest being Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat (the latter being
considered especially holy at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers).
Also worth seeing is the Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1917 and renowned
for its massive library of over a million books, and the magnificent Bharat
Kala Bhavan Museum with fine collections of miniature paintings, sculptures,
palm-leaf manuscripts and exhibits of local history.
03. Harmandir
Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar
Amritsar was founded by Ram Das in 1577 and is a
major hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir
Sahib, opened in 1604 for its beautiful gold decoration and still often
referred to as the Golden Temple. The most holy of the many Sikh shrines in
India (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was
built in a mixture of Hindu and Islamic styles, its lower marble section
featuring flourishes such as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, while the large
golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of Sikh purity. In addition to
its splendid design, visitors are equally impressed with the temple's spiritual
atmosphere, an effect enhanced by the prayers continuously chanted from the
Sikh holy book and broadcast throughout the complex.
04. The Golden
City: Jaisalmer
The Golden City of Jaisalmer, so named for the
yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, is an oasis of beautiful old
architecture that rises from the Thar Desert sand dunes. Once a strategic
outpost, today the city is filled with beautiful old mansions, magnificent
gateways, and the massive Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a
daunting structure that rises high above the city. Besides its palaces, temples
and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 bastions along with massive gates
leading to its main courtyard where you will find the Maharaja's Palace, which
is seven-story high. Started in the early 1500s and added by successive rulers
right up to the 19th century, the palace offers sections open to the public,
including beautifully decorated areas with Italian and Chinese tiles and
intricately carved stone doors, as well as a number of Jain temples from the
12th to the 16th centuries, each decorated with fine marble and sandstone
pictures, palm-leaf manuscripts, ancient manuscripts. Also be sure to check out
Gyan Bhandar, the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library with its many
manuscripts and antiques from the 16th century.
05. The Red Fort,
New Delhi
Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan as the seat of Mughal
power-a role it held until 1857-the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New
Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, covers
a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all surrounded by a large moat.
Highlights include its two biggest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the main
entrance to the fort) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used for
ceremonial processions by the emperor. Chatta
Chowk, a 17th century covered bazaar that sells everything from jewelry to silk
clothing, as well as souvenirs and food items, is a fun part of a visit. While
you can explore the fort yourself, guided tours are offered and provide a
fascinating insight into the Shah's life and times, including a glimpse into
the stunning white marble audience hall (Diwan-I-Am) where he received his
subjects. Hot Tip: Try to stick around for each evening's sound and light show
featuring major events in the history of the fort.
06. The Gateway of
India, Mumbai
Standing at an impressive height of 26 meters
overlooking the Arab Sea, India's iconic gateway is a must-see in Mumbai. Built
in 1911 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary,
this stunning piece of architecture opened in 1924 with a lot of pomp and
ceremony and was, for a while, the city's highest structure. Built entirely of
yellow basalt and concrete and notable for its Indo-Saracen design, India's
Gateway was also the scene of a rather less jubilant British soldiers '
procession when India gained independence in 1948. The huge archway provides a
stunning backdrop these days, which is as popular with locals as it is with
tourists. Hot Tip: Pop over to the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for a
delightful High Tea after visiting India's Gateway, a tradition since this
beautiful luxury hotel opened in 1903.
07. Mecca Masjid,
Hyderabad
Construction of the Mecca Masjid of Hyderabad, one
of the world's largest (and one of India's oldest) mosques, began in 1614
during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah and took nearly 80 years to complete.
Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshippers, the 15 huge arches and pillars
of this beautiful mosque were each made from single black granite slabs dragged
to the site by huge cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls.
Taking its name from the bricks above Mecca's central gate, this impressive
complex features highlights such as its main gateway, huge square, a large
manmade pond, and a room that houses Prophet Mohammed's hair. Other noteworthy
features include inscriptions from the Quran above many arches and doors, the
exquisite roof of the main hall, the cornices around the whole mosque
structure, and the floral motifs and friezes above the arches.
08. Amer Fort,
Jaipur
Amer Fort (often also spelt "Amber") was
built by Maharaja Man Singh I as a fortified palace in 1592 and served as
Jaipur's capital for a long time. Carved high up into the hillside, the fort
can be reached on foot through a steep climb or shuttle rides from below the
town (better yet, let an elephant do the work). Highlights include Jaleb Chowk,
the first courtyard dedicated to the goddess of war, with its many decorated
elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple. The adjacent Public Audience Hall
(Diwan-I-Am) with its finely decorated walls and terraces frequented by monkeys
is also noteworthy. Other highlights include Sukh Niwas (the Pleasure Hall)
with its many flower beds and a channel once used to carry cooling water, and
the Victory Temple (Jai Mandir), notable for its many decorative panels,
colorful ceilings and excellent views of the palace and the lake below. Jaigarh
Fort, built by Jai Singh in 1726 and featuring tall lookout towers, formidable
walls and the world's largest wheeled cannon, is just above Amer Fort. Also be
sure to spend time wandering around Jaipur's walled Old City with its three
fully restored gates and beautiful bazaars, as well as the delightful City
Palace, a massive complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings.
09. The Beaches of
Goa
Long known in India as the "go - to"
destination for those looking for a great beach holiday, the beautiful western
coastline of Goa, overlooking the Arab Sea, has only recently been discovered
by overseas tourists. Goa's beautiful coastline, more than 60 miles away, is
home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each with its own
particular appeal. Isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice for those seeking
peace and quiet, while Calangute Beach is by far the most commercial and
crowded. The beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are fashionable among
wealthy Indians and Westerners alike for those looking for posh resorts, yoga
getaways, and spa holidays. Palolem is also popular
While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir
Wildlife Sanctuary, home to thick forests and plenty of fauna including deer,
monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers-as well as the famous
king cobras of India-and some 200 bird species. Divar Island, which is accessed
by ferry from Old Goa, is also worth a visit. Highlights include Piedade, a
typical Goan village and home to Our Lady of Compassion Church with its
interesting stucco work, baroque plaster decorations and altars, as well as
stunning countryside views.
10. Periyar
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, one of
the most popular tourist attractions in South India, is centered around a lake
built for irrigation by British engineers in 1895 to provide water to the city
of Madurai. Established in 1934, this beautiful park is home to numerous
species of mammals, including a large free-roaming population of Indian
elephants, wild boars, otters, lion-tailed macaques and more than 20 tigers
from Bengal. Bird watching is a popular activity with frequent sightings of
species like darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos
as well as many interesting butterfly varieties. The best way to enjoy the
beautiful mountain scenery of the park is to take a lake cruise or a guided
jungle walk, which allows visitors to face elephant herds and watch other
wildlife from watchtowers and platforms. Hot Tip: Be sure to stop at one of the many
nearby spice, tea, or coffee plantations for a tour.
11. Agra Fort
The stunning Agra Fort (also known as Agra's Red
Fort) is an interesting mix of Hindu and Muslim influences, built as a military
structure in 1565 by Emperor Akbar with later additions by Shah Jahan. A little
more than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal, with its low outer wall and dogleg
design built to confuse attackers, the fort is entered through Amar Singh Gate.
Once inside, you will see two large interlinked buildings of sandstone, Akbari
Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the complex's largest private residence. Other
highlights include the Khas Mahal (Private Palace) with its magnificent copper
roof and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-shaped Mughal garden with
numerous beautiful fountains and water channels, as well as screens that once
offered the emperor and his entourage a private area. The octagonal Musamman
Burj tower is also noteworthy, which later served as the prison of Shah Jahan
until his death.
12. The Ellora
Caves, Aurangabad
Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks built the famous
monumental Ellora Caves between the 5th and 10th centuries, making an excellent
excursion from Mumbai, some 300 kilometers west. Now a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, this remarkable collection of 34 carved monasteries, chapels and
temples-12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five belonging to the Jain
faith-have been built in close proximity to each other, a reflection of the
religious tolerance that existed during this period of Indian history.
Highlights of the Buddhist monastery caves include a number of shrines
featuring Buddha carvings and saints from the 5th to 7th centuries, as well as
the stunning Carpenter's Cave, considered to be one of India's finest. The
Hindu caves are much more complex and have been carved from top down, so there
was no need for scaffolding. The best of these is the Kailasa Temple, a huge
rock-cut temple that represents Mount Kailasa and requires 200,000 tons of rock
removal.
13. Mehrangarh
Fort, Jodhpur
Overlooking the old town of Jodhpur, the massive
Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest fortifications, was built in the 15th
century to protect the people of the famous "Blue City," as Jodhpur
is still known (it's so called for its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to
deflect the heat). Built on top of a towering outcrop, Mehrangarh is an
incredible building feature, all but impenetrable in its massive walls. Access
is through one of seven beautiful gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the
latter still bears cannon attack scars). A visit's highlights include exploring
the fascinating network of courtyards and palaces in the fort, as well as a
museum housing a splendid collection of Maharaja-related artifacts. Be sure to
spend time in Jodhpur's own historic centre, famous for its eight city gates, a
beautiful old clock tower, and numerous bazaars selling everything from
vegetables to sweets, spices, and crafts.
14. Mysore Palace
Due to its eclectic mix of fine old colonial
architecture, Mysore's sprawling city is a delight to explore; regal Indian
palaces; and lush, well-manicured gardens. While shoppers will enjoy spending
time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood bazaars, Mysore Palace is the
main attraction. Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this
beautiful three-storied palace features highlights such as its elegant square
towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and pillars in Durbar Hall; and the
splendid Marriage Pavilion, with its glazed floor tiles, stunning stained
glass, artworks, and displays of jewelry (it's also where, on special
occasions, the exquisite Golden Throne is exhibited). Be sure to catch one of
the splendid light displays held every Sunday and during holidays when more
than 90,000 lights illuminate the palace for a real treat. Hot Tip: As part of
a cycle tour, a fun way to explore the massive grounds and gardens of the
palace is free once inside.
15. Mahabodhi
Temple, Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya, considered the most holy Buddhist site in
the world, every year attracts thousands of visitors, all drawn to meditation
and prayer with the resident monks. The focus of this pilgrimage site is
amazing Mahabodhi Temple, built next to the very spot where Buddha came to
Enlightenment and formulated his life philosophy. Built in the 6th century and
restored many times since then, the temple is surmounted by a beautiful
pyramidal spire and houses a large golden Buddha statue. Also of interest is
the pipal tree of the site, a descendant of the original bodhi tree where
Buddha meditated seven days after the Enlightenment, said to be one of the
oldest and most venerated trees in the world (you'll know that you found it
when you spot the red sandstone slab marking the spot).
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