India is so vast and diverse both culturally and geographically, that travelers often get confused about where to go in India. It is not an overstatement that a lifetime might not be enough to explore a country like India. And thus, one visit is not enough for exploring the country's enchanting destinations, even if you spend a year here. It is much better that you be flexible and focus on one or two parts of the country. While there are highly pumped-up and buoyant cities in India on the one hand, there are tranquil rural regions too on the other, offering a heady mix to its visitors. You can stay here for months on a stretch. As beauty and excitement are mixed with every bit of India, you should do some research like 'India where to go' before you plan your trip. Thus you can enjoy the things of your own choice and can explore the specific attractions that you are interested in. Here you will get the information that will help you decide which part of India you should visit based on your requirements.
North India
Golden Triangle
The most-traveled tourist circuit in India is the Golden Triangle combining potpourri of heritage and cultures of Delhi, Agra and the vibrant Pink City of Rajasthan-Jaipur. Each city in this circuit is a combination of striking monuments, lively markets, and varied cultures that attract every traveler to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Delhi
The ancient heritage of Delhi is contributed by different dynasties who built famous structures such as Qutub Minar and Red Fort. In the early 20th century, many heritage buildings were constructed in Delhi such as India Gate and President's House. Most of these structures were designed by Edward Lewton a famous British architect. Also, the vibrant city welcomes tourists with a myriad of recreation centers and food joints.
Agra
The Mughal city Agra is home to the Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The other heritage sites in the city include Agra Fort and Id-Mat-Ud-Daulah tomb both of which are architectural wonders of the bygone era.
Jaipur
It is the capital of Rajasthan and offers a number of attractions such as Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar & Hawa Mahal. Jaipur was established in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II. In 1876, Sawai Ram Singh painted the houses in pink to welcome King Edward VII that turned Jaipur into the pink city. Possibly, Rajasthan is the most explored state in India because of its vast desert, impressive markets and food and magnificent forts and palaces of Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bundi, Jodhpur, and other cities. So, if you are thinking about where to go in north India, Rajasthan comes first in the list.
The Himalayan Region
Frequent travelers follow the Ganges route to arrive in Nepal but probably they are not really aware of the magic of mighty Himalayas of India, best known for their enchanting scenery and adventure opportunities that they offer. Apart from that, you can also embark in a sacred and scenic journey to places like Vaishno Devi Temple.
Ladakh
Though Kashmir is crowned as the 'Heaven on Earth', the incredible beauty of Ladakh may easily take your breath away. The remote Ladakh region mesmerizes you with its striking mysterious landscape, lakes, and mountains. The Indus River valley and Karakoram Mountain in the region also offer many trekking trails for adventure seekers. Feel the essence of an Arabian night at Nubra Valley.
Himachal Pradesh
If you are looking for where to go to see snowfall in India, head to Himachal Pradesh. This Himalayan state has several mesmerizing hill towns. This Indian state has everything- pleasant weather and scenery, several amazing destinations, religious spot and more. There is Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and the list goes on where you can witness snowfall and also can enjoy ice skiing. Also, there is Dharamshala offering you a spiritual treat with its monasteries.
Uttarakhand
Famous for housing the revered Chota Chardham, the place is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. With immense natural beauty, wildlife, and spirituality Uttarakhand is a one in all destinations. You can take part in the divine occasion of Ganga Aarti at Haridwar or practice yoga in the serene Ashrams of Rishikesh. Also, there are charming hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, and Auli or the Corbett National Park to freeze your blood with the royal roar.
Varanasi
If you move eastwards from Delhi, you walk beside the holy River Ganga that traverses through some of the most densely populated regions of the country, finally reaching one of the seven holy cities of India, Varanasi or Banaras. Known for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti, the city is the place that has still preserved age-old religious traditions and customs of India. Cruise on the placid waters of the Ganga and catch a glimpse of the rituals going on at the Ghats. Explore places to visit with this package Golden Triangle Tour With Varanasi.
Eastern India
From the plains of north India if you move further east you enter the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta. The city has been an important capital during the British era and now is a combination of the old and the new worlds. From Kolkata, if you start moving southwards along the coast, you will reach Odisha (Orissa). The eastern part of India has many other famous destinations that include hill stations, pilgrimage and beautiful beaches. From the snow-clad Kanchenjunga in Darjeeling to the secluded beaches of Andaman, there are endless attractions making every possible answer to your search for where to go on vacation in India.
Odisha
Located along the Bay of Bengal, Odisha offers a number of historical sites, temples, and beautiful beach city Puri. The 2500-year-old capital city Bhubaneswar is known to be the temple city of India. Most of the temples like the Lingaraja temple are built in the Kalinga architectural style. For lush forests and picturesque waterfalls, head to Sambalpur in western Odisha. The place is also famous for handicrafts and silk. Maybe now it is in ruins, but the glory of the Sun Temple at Konark has not faded anyway. The 13th-century temple stands tall with intricately carved statues of the Sun God. Those who want to do religious activities while enjoying natural beauty can visit Puri, beach city in Odisha. Seek blessings at the famous Jagannath temple and enjoy amazing sunrise and sunset while relaxing on the sandy beach of Puri.Southern India
The southern part of India is a blend of natural and man-made wonders. What attracts the tourists here cannot be specified as once you reach here will think what is not there. Firstly the pleasing weather will welcome you and then it is up to you whether you want to spend your vacation on the slopes of Nilgiri and the Western Ghats, on the stunning beaches or in a modern hi-tech city. Dravidian art and culture is another reason, southern India is a must-visit. You can spend a long week just exploring the temples in Tamilnadu and Karnataka that are regarded as the richest heritage in the world. If you are thinking about where to go in summer vacation in India, southern India has popular hill stations such as Munnar, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg offering charming tea gardens, flora and fauna, mountains and waterfalls.
Tamil Nadu
Known for housing splendid temples with famous Gopuram-style architecture Tamil Nadu stands as India's pride in art and culture. Madurai, a popular city here, houses a number of such architectural gems. One of the famous temples here is the Meenakshi Amman Temple which lies between Kaveri Delta and Nigiri Hills. The other famous names include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
Kerala
One of the most popular South Indian states, Kerala is placed near the southernmost end of the Subcontinent on the west coast. The state offers tranquil backwaters, playful beaches, tropical climate, houseboats, villages, waterfalls, sumptuous food, and the list continue. Soak in the serenity while cruising through backwater in Alleppey or relax on the Beautiful Kovalam beaches or the meadows in Munnar. Also, the Periyar National Park in Thekkady is an ideal place for tiger safari. In God's own land don't miss the opportunity to feel the ultimate happiness of mind, body, and soul. Yes, I am talking about the bliss of Ayurveda that Kerala has given it a new class. There are many spas where the authentic Ayurveda treatment is practiced with the aim of offering the happiness of life.
Karnataka
Known for its hi-tech hub, amazing nightlife, and shopping experience, Karnataka has a traditional side too. If you travel along the southwest will reach Mysore, home to lavish temples and Palace. The Mysore Palace is the former residence of the region's maharajas. Witness the ruins of medieval era Hindu temples, elephant stables, and a stone chariot at Hampi the capital of Vijayanagara rulers.
Western India
Goa
From Karnataka, move further up the coast and arrive in Goa, the beach state of India, one of the most-traveled destinations of India, popular all around the globe. A former Portuguese colony, it has beaches, churches, nightlife, food, booze, markets and more for backpackers as well as luxury visitors. Explore Goa Packages
Mumbai
On the northern side of Goa is Mumbai (Bombay), the Dream City, which is famed as the commercial capital of India. This bustling city has Bollywood, the movie industry of India, popular all around. The energy of this city and its attractions are unmatched. The city offers a real blend of modernity and tradition that could be observed if you take a walk along the marine drive and then a tour to the Elephanta caves or the Gateway of India. Visit Mumbai with this package
Gujarat
Stretching along the western coast of the Arabian Sea, the state of Gujarat welcomes you with its unique festivals, crafts, food, and culture. The barren Kutch region and the white salt desert is a must-visit here. From the heritage city Ahmedabad that reflects a great combination of the Hindu and Muslim art to the sacred place Dwarka that connects to the time of Lord Sri Krishna, you will get endless reasons to visit Gujarat.
North Eastern Region
The north-east region of India has lush greenery in abundance and offers respite from the stressful life of the cities. All of the seven states, known as seven sisters are so elegant that it becomes hard to decide the most beautiful among them. If Meghalaya is blessed with all the beauty, purity and serenity, Arunachal Pradesh allures people to discover the mysteries and monasteries lying in every turn of its mountains. Get amazed at the simple but colorful lifestyle of the tribal people. Admire their nature-friendly approach by visiting the cleanest village Mawlynnong near Shillong. Right on the opposite end of this chain, on the northern side of Bengal is beautiful Sikkim, one of the most popular trekking destinations, offering an insight into Buddhist culture. If you are looking for where to go in the rainy season in India, Meghalaya is one of the best destinations.
Conclusion -
Now you know which part of India matches your area of interest. But while you are on an extended trip to India, you surely need to head for a place that offers complete rejuvenation. You can head to Manali, a Himalayan retreat offering pleasant climate, serene atmosphere and lush greenery. Get the feel of a typical British resort at Ooty in South India and Shimla in north India. Gokarna in Karnataka and Varkala in Kerala are two other such places. Apart from this, there is still much more. Come and explore India.
