20 Mesmerizing Places to Visit in North India

India’s northern region is blessed with exciting holiday destinations. An assortment of vibrant cultures, interesting traditions, historical kaleidoscopic structures, and tongue-tickling cuisine are the reasons not to miss the mesmerizing places to visit in North India.

It can be hard to resist venturing into the mystifying snow-capped mountains that delight adventure aficionados and into the realms of the northern plains surrounded by scorching desert, where the grandiose medieval forts will spellbind you with their admirable appeal.

Traveling across North India will offer you a soul-stirring experience. There won’t be a single moment you will feel out of place. All the holiday destinations in north India come with irresistible things to do and see. You can find the holiest river flowing through the dramatic mountain terrain into the oldest city in India, hike to the longest surviving Hindu temple in the Himalayan peaks, and marvel at some of the loveliest UNESCO attractions.

Here is the list of the 20 Best Places to Visit in North India

• Delhi
• Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
• Kullu and Manali
• Dharamshala
• Agra
• Nainital
• Rishikesh – Visit with Friends
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Auli
• Valley of Flowers
• Jaisalmer
• Jaipur
• Jodhpur
• Sawai Madhopur
• Pushkar
• Udaipur
• Varanasi
• Allahabad
• Mathura
• Vrindavan

1. Delhi – A perfect blend of culture and traditional heritage

Delhi is an adequately vibrant capital city that treasures ancient ruins oozing a solid history of the medieval past. The city is often considered the first destination in India because it collects iconic gems like the Qutab Minar, the Red Fort, and a medley of other beautiful mausoleums. The bustling market of Chandni Chowk strangely captivates travelers to delve into the old Delhi city life and savor delicious north Indian cuisine. Moreover, it captures one’s attention to be in the moment and awe at one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

This cosmopolitan city is also dotted with posh landscaped gardens around every corner. Based on all of these things, you will want to return to Delhi more.

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2. Shimla – Queen of Hill Stations

If you want to find solace, then Shimla couldn’t be a better place to start. This hill station was one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in India during British rule. And due to its immense popularity back in those days, this lovely hill town emerged as an ideal hill resort where you can rendezvous with nature.

Shimla is Himachal’s capital, buzzing with tourists all year round. The British influence on architecture in schools and churches beautify the town even more. You can leisurely walk up and down the hills and get a different view from every corner. During winter, the snow covers the mountains, creating a heavenly feel. You can also chug along the lovely forested parts of Shimla in the stream toy train from Kalka, which drops you in the central hub of Shimla.

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3. Kullu and Manali – A Gateway to Heaven

While Shimla is given the bonafide tag as a hill resort destination, Manali, on the other hand, is a fabulous ski destination. The hill town during winter is blanketed with white fluffy snow; you will be pampered with the exciting ski activities that every resort provides.

If winter does not fit your ideal vacation plan, well, the summer months in Manali are something from a fairy tale. The lush emerald forest takes over the area, and lovely scented floras bloom, making the hiking trails worth exploring. Even the gentle Beas River gets a little excited during summer when heart-pounding activities like rafting start to call the adrenaline lovers. The high-altitude town is also an ideal backpacking destination with copious hostels to check in. The charm of the hill station is enhanced in the season of snow, making it among the top winter vacation destinations in India.

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4. Dharamshala – Tibetan Charisma

When an opportunity strikes to travel to a spiritual destination on the Himalayan range, you grab it. And considering Dharamshala is the homeland of the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, an opportunity to visit here couldn’t get any better. This hill town is one of the best tourist places in north India for a summer escape, it is shrouded with lush deodar cedar forest, and a nature walk early in the morning is always calming.

This picturesque hamlet is located near one of India’s most popular and plausible hiking routes for all age groups, the Triund. This sole activity gives a magnetic pull to hikers and adventure fanatics. The hike starts from a small suburb above Dharamshala, Mcleodganj. Though Dharamshala is not only famous for Triund, you can explore Tibetan culture by visiting different monasteries and also visit nearby nature spots, forts, and museums.

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5. Agra – Sneak Peek into the Architectural History

This fabulous city, sited by the banks of Yamuna, is widely famous for the affluent Taj Mahal. Every year, thousands of people come to speculate about this stunning Mughal structure built in the name of love. The city where the Kings ruled has several attractions. The Red Fort, or Agra Fort, is a massive red sandstone dwelling that was the main residential place for the Mughal Dynasty. These two grand UNESCO often steal the show. With our meticulously crafted Taj Mahal Tours, tourists can bask in the most sought pleasure of the Mughal City.

However, the city is blessed with various other influential places that tell the story of the Mughal past. The city also provides multiple vantage points for a spectacular view of the Taj. The Mehtab Bagh is one such natural paradise from where you get to soak in the impressive view of the structure. It was also said that Shah Jahan, who built the Taj, was supposed to create a similar mausoleum for himself. The charming city is a vantage point on the fabled Golden Triangle Tour Circuit in India.

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6. Nainital – An Enchanting Hill Station

Nainital is one of the beloved resort towns in the Himalayas Kumaon region. Its charm tends to give a magnetic pull to the rejuvenating seeking vacationers. The massive Nainital Lake is packed with hundreds of tourists daily, waiting impatiently to take a calming boat ride amid the calm waters.

Surrounding the town are historical buildings built in classic British architectural style. The heritage schools, hospitals, and churches all ooze a spellbinding charm. It can be hard to resist not wanting to explore more. Since Nainital is a resort town, you can find grand spa resorts a few minutes away from the town and amid an emerald forest. There are also many adventure attractions and cable cars just waiting for you to venture on them.

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7. Rishikesh – Yoga Capital of India

One of the holiest cities in India and the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh is jam-packed with pilgrims and backpackers. Still, despite its rush lifestyle, the city will gently cradle you daily, making you love the city more. This northern city sits on the foothills of the Himalayas and is often the go-to place for the north Indian city dweller for a quick summer escape.

While the city worships the Ganga River during sundown, it turns into an adventure-packed venue during the day. In the upper parts of the region, several camps gather adventure enthusiasts for rafting and bungee jumping. But if you are a spiritual being looking for solace, Rishikesh offers many ashrams to study meditation, practice yoga, and live in the moment. Explore tour packages for Rishikesh

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8. Corbett National Park – An Abode of Exotic Wildlife Species

Famous for the ferocious tigers and other wildlife adventures, Corbett can either have you hooked to the place for a safari adventure, or it can give you an urge to spend a calming time at some of the lavish wildlife resorts. This destination is not just teeming with wild animals but also rare and amazing floras.

You can come to this tiger reserve during the peak summer season and find yourself sited at the corner of your car seat trying to capture the perfect photo of the beautiful striped beast. And you can be assured; you will get plenty of great shots. The national park allows you to select your convenient means to tour the reserve via elephant safari, jeep safari, and canter safari. The park has many zones like Bijrani, Dhikala, and Gairal, each offering splendid wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a wildlife safari in this national park with these customized packages.

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9. Auli – A Paradise for Skiing

This Himalayan ski resort is one of the remarkable places to visit in north India. Auli is located in the Garhwal Himalayan snow-clad mountain ranges of Uttarakhand, and during peak winter seasons, the resorts in Auli offer a bag full of exciting skiing opportunities. You can get the best of this offbeat tourist destination even if you visit during the spring and summer months.

Nature tends to take over the snow with wild green oak and coniferous dotting the entire mountain slopes. You can also walk alongside the human-made lake, which is one of the highest artificial lakes in India and perhaps the world. This attractive place can be hard to describe in words, the only way you’ll truly appreciate its beauty is by going there. Enjoy skiing in Auli with these customized packages.

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10. Valley of Flowers – A Region with Fascinating Flora & Fauna

Amongst the many beautiful places to visit in north India, the Valley of Flowers tops the chart because of the brilliant display of wild mountain flowers. The blooming season lasts for only a couple of months, so you better get yourself prepared for a long hike to witness something magical.

The Valley of Flowers is considered a UNESCO site, so no one is permitted to camp here. The good part is that the hike is approximately six hours one way, so you can quickly get to the site and return to the hotel in the base camp at Govind Ghat or Joshimath, the closest town. This high-altitude valley also features lovely waterfalls gushing water through the river, and the mist which faintly covers the mountains adds to its charm.

11. Jaisalmer – A Golden City of India

This rustic city located near the Great Indian Desert, Thar, is by far one of the most exotic destinations in Rajasthan. Its breathtakingly striking architecture evokes memories of the kings and queens of the then-era. You can’t help but be wonderstruck by seeing the marvelous sandstone Jaisalmer fort from the grounds of the city and the impressive barren land with copious shrubs from the top of the fort.

Camel safaris are the must-dos here; no, there can be no exception to try it out while vacationing in this Golden city of India. There are various offbeat routes for the camel ride, but the Sam Sand Dunes is one of the favorites amongst tourists. In Jaisalmer, you can find many similar-looking cenotaphs, but Bada Bagh is one that will impress you.

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12. Jaipur – A Flambyont State with a Fairy-Tale Grandeur

This city goes by many names, like the City of Palaces; however, the most famous name given to Jaipur is the Pink City. Jaipur is the most visited destination in Rajasthan and among the top places to visit in north India, especially after the movie “The Best and Exotic Marigold Hotel.” We cannot help but agree the movie was a hit and was the grandeur city we know as Jaipur.

The ‘Pink City’ as it is fondly called, has a stately ambiance, especially with the presence of Rajasthan Royals still occupying half of the City Palace. If you visit this palace, notice the flag, if it’s hung up, the Royals are present within the palace complex. Jaipur, similar to Delhi, is divided into two: the new Jaipur is bustling with a cacophony of modern marble, and the old still treasure historic structures.

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13. Jodhpur – A Gateway to the Thar Desert

With most of the popular cities in Rajasthan given a name depicting their style and presence, Jodhpur also possesses two names, “Blue City” and “Sun City. The former name rightly suits the city, as you can tell from the images of the city’s blue hue. The 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is a massive fort overlooking the city and the Thar Desert. This fort also treasures a museum displaying all sorts of ancient artifacts.

Besides the golden sandstone palace, there are other stunning places in Jodhpur that glorify Rajasthani architecture. You can aimlessly wander at the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, admire 1740 built Toorji ka Jhalra (stepwell), marvel at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and of course, go for a leisure walk around the blue buildings and narrow lanes of Jodhpur. Explore Jodhpur tour packages

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14. Sawai Madhopur – A Treat for Adventure Enthusiasts

Sawai Madhopur may be one of the most overlooked destinations in Rajasthan, but things may turn inside out if you come here. Its less touristy attractions may make you feel you have won a jackpot, but so you know, many wildlife enthusiasts crowd the sites after their safari at the Ranthambore National Park. The national park is the actual tourist attraction that compels visitors to come here from various places.

After all, Ranthambore is the hub for Bengal Tigers. But besides the wildlife encounter, there are several attractions you may want to consider visiting. The Ranthambore Fort is an 8th-century structure situated inside the wildlife reserve. You can also drive to the Kachida Valley, from where you can see the lovely meadows of rocky hillocks and emerald forests. Explore the Itineraries of Sawai Madhopur.

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15. Pushkar – Enchantingly Mystic & Revered Town

Pushkar is one of the best destinations in Rajasthan and one of the places to visit in north India. What draws tourists to this town is the colorful Pushkar Camel Fair. This town is seated beside the massive Pushkar Lake, where people take one step at a time and fully submerge themselves to attain a sin-free life. It is a Hindu custom, and it is a widespread practice in a majority of riverfront places.

Since Pushkar is a holy town filled with temples, you are bound to at least visit one, Brahma Temple is one of the famous shrines. Besides the spiritual getaway, the town also has a melange of Ghats and a popular mountain Naga Pahar which is a great vantage point to see the town. The mountain is said to separate Ajmer and Pushkar.

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16. Udaipur – The Crown Jewel of Rajasthan

Udaipur is one in a million to be considered a romantic place to visit in north India. It spellbinds visitors with its beautiful lake and a palace built on a lake, so Udaipur got to do a lot with lakes. The city has a stunning location with mountains in the distance and acres of open grounds dotted with forests and bright-colored ancient buildings.

The lake palace and the lake garden both urge one to stay in this majestic dwelling for hours. Besides, the Saheliyon Ki Bari and the Bagore Ki Haveli are the two stunning attractions to behold. If you wish to breathe in the fresh air and get lost in the beauty of the vast emerald forested land, then you’ve got to visit the Monsoon Palace. This hilltop attraction is one of the most important places you must visit while vacationing in Udaipur.

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17. Varanasi – Oldest Inhabited City in the World

A spiritual destination located alongside the holy Ganga is one of the most important cities in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India, for this fact alone, people travel from all over India for their last rites, meaning people come here to die and gain moksha, which breaks the cycle of rebirth. As fascinating as this may sound, it is somewhat eerie once you get to this city and see open cremations performed on the banks of the Ganga. Yet, this is one of the main lures that make people want to visit Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.

The city is not for the faint-hearted, Varanasi truly evokes your inner spirituality every evening Ganga Aarti is performed, and it is a magical ceremony to be a part of. One of the best things you can do here is ride the boat and admire the ancient city and its old dwellings.

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18. Allahabad – Land of Sacred Fairs & Rituals

Allahabad is a famous city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh and definitely among the places to visit in north India. It is a magical destination where an invisible Saraswati River is formed at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. This site, called Triveni Sangam, is considered holy by the Hindus, where the infamous Kumbh Mela is hosted every few years. Apart from the festive fair, the city also holds some of the best edifices, Anand Bhawan, Allahabad Fort, and Allahabad University.

The city also has a medley of tourist sites, such as exquisite gardens like Khusro Bagh, which also treasures ancient remains built in Mughal architecture. You can also explore a Gothic-Style Cathedral Church, All Saints Cathedral, and be smitten by its grandeur architecture.

19. Mathura – A Birthplace of Lord Krishna

The city of temples, Mathura, is worthy of all the praises. One of the best places to visit in north India, is the city where one can find inner peace by going on a pilgrimage tour to various temples. This city receives many pilgrims daily since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. You can come here and take a peaceful boat ride around the Yamuna River; no doubt, doing so may give solace to your soul.

Dotting the holy river, there are over 25 Ghats that offer different sights to see. While the temple exploring gets too hectic, you can take a break and visit Kans Quila. This ancient fort, now in ruins, is one of the best sites to visit. From the fort, you can get a bird’s eye view of the Yamuna River and the neighboring land across the river.

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20. Vrindavan – Major Pilgrimage Destination of India

Alongside the Yamuna, Vrindavan is a holy town where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood. The name Vrindavan originated from a small forest area where Krishna and Radha used to dance, and it is said that he found his lover, Radha, right at this place. The Keshi Ghats is considered one of the spiritual and very important Ghats; it also has a magnificent Madanmohan Temple around this area.

Like Mathura, this city in Uttar Pradesh also houses many temples related to Krishna and Radha. You can come here for a sojourn, explore all the holy sites, and feel deeply connected to God and your inner self.

Are you still feeling confused about which places to visit in north India to visit first? You can check out our wonderful north India travel packages from our website. You will undoubtedly find the perfect travel itinerary ready to take you on the most memorable Indian holiday. Know more about the best time to visit North India.

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