India, a land of vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers from across the globe. But with so much to see and do, where do you begin? This blog unveils the top 10 best tourist places in India, catering to diverse interests, from historical wonders to serene beaches and spiritual sanctuaries.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Tourist Places in India?
Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.
Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643 but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.
Here’s a breakdown of the nearby Agra bus station, railway station and airport:
- Agra Bus Station
- Distance from Taj Mahal: Around 6 km
- How to reach: You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Agra Cantt railway station or any other point in Agra to reach the bus station.
- Agra Cantt Railway Station
- Distance from Taj Mahal: Around 5 km
- How to reach: You can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the Taj Mahal from Agra Cantt railway station.
- Kheria Airport (AGR)
- Distance from Taj Mahal: Around 12 km
- How to reach: You can hire a prepaid taxi or use ride-hailing services to get from Kheria Airport to Agra or the Taj Mahal.
You can find more information on the official website of Taj Mahal Taj Mahal-Official Website of Taj Mahal, Government of Uttar Pradesh (India).
Here’s the ticket information for visiting the Taj Mahal:
- Entry fee for Indians: ₹50
- Entry fee for Foreigners or NRIs: ₹1100
- SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors: ₹540
- Night viewing tickets:
- Adult Indian tourist: INR 510
- International tourist: INR 750
- Children between 3 and 15 years: INR 500
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex and spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi, India. It features a central mandir, depicting the eternal abode of God Swaminarayan, along with nine thematic gardens and exhibitions.
The Akshardham temple is built entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble. It holds the record for the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple according to Guinness World Records, and is notable for its intricate architecture and craftsmanship.
Here’s some additional information you might find helpful:
- Nearest Bus Stand: Akshardham Temple Bus Stand
- Nearest Railway Station: Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Website: https://usa.akshardham.org/
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults (above 12 years): ₹120
- Children (3 to 12 years): ₹50
It’s important to note that these ticket prices are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the official website for the latest information.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place located 18 km north of Marayoor on State Highway 17 in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It’s known for its diverse plant and animal life, including dry deciduous forests, wet grasslands, high sholas (montane evergreen forests), dry thorny scrub forests, and riparian forests.
Here’s a website for the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Munnar
The sanctuary is famous for being the only rehabilitation center for the Indian star tortoise in India. There are nearly 1,000 species of flowering plants found here, including the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers once every 12 years.
Since the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located away from Munnar, there are no bus stations or railway stations near the sanctuary itself. The nearest major airport is Kochi International Airport, which is about 160 km away.
Here’s some information on how to get to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Munnar to Marayoor. From Marayoor, you can hire a taxi or jeep to reach the sanctuary.
- By Car: The sanctuary is located on State Highway 17, about 60 km from Munnar.
The sanctuary is open all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fee is INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children below 12 years old. Foreigners have to pay an entry fee of INR 100.
Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
The Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali is a unique and interesting landmark dedicated to the Pandava character, Hidimba, wife of Bhima. Here’s what you need to know:
- History and Significance: Built around the 16th century, the temple is famed for its intricate wooden architecture, particularly the 24-foot tall pagoda-style roof. Local folklore tells the story of Hidimba’s marriage to Bhima and their son Ghatotkach. Worshipped as a goddess, Hidimba is believed to bring strength and protection.
- Architecture: Set amidst a scenic pine forest, the temple complex is known for its exquisite wooden carvings on pillars, doors, and lintels. A large bell at the entrance is rung by devotees to announce their arrival.
- Entry and Website: There is no official website for the Hidimba Devi Temple. Entry is free for all visitors.
- Nearby Transit:
- Bus Station: Manali Bus Station is the closest bus station. You can reach Manali from various cities across North India.
- Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest station, located about 50 kilometers from Manali. From here, you would need to take a taxi or bus to reach Manali.
- Airport: Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport, is the closest airport. It’s located about 50 kilometers from Manali. Taxis and buses are available for transport to Manali from the airport.
- Ticket Price: There is no entry fee to visit the Hidimba Devi Temple. Normal puja offerings might incur a nominal cost.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, it holds immense significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, representing the radiant light of Shiva.
Getting to the Temple:
- Bus: Varanasi has a well-connected bus network. You can reach the city from various parts of India and take an auto-rickshaw or rickshaw to the temple from the bus station. However, there isn’t a direct bus drop-off point at the temple itself due to its narrow lanes.
- Train: Varanasi has multiple railway stations: Varanasi Junction, Varanasi City Station, Manduadih Station, and Mughal Sarai Station. Rickshaws and taxis are readily available near all these stations to take you to the temple.
- Airport: The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is about 20-25 kilometers from the temple. Taxis and cabs are the most convenient options to reach the temple from the airport.
Website and Tickets:
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple does not have an entry fee for regular darshan (visit). However, there are special darshan options available for those who prefer a shorter queue:
- Official Website: While the temple doesn’t have a dedicated website for booking darshans, you can visit the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Trust website (https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/) for general information and online services like live darshan (watching the sanctum sanctorum virtually).
- Special Darshan Tickets: These can be booked on the trust website and come with various benefits like shorter queues and sometimes include offerings or prasadam. Some options include:
- Sugam Darshan (faster darshan) – INR 300
- Aarti bookings (watching specific prayer rituals) – INR 180 – INR 350
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a renowned Hindu temple situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal. Here’s a glimpse into the temple:
- Temple Significance:
- Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist.
- Presiding deity: Bhavatarini, a form of Kali, also known as Adishakti Kalika.
- Famous for its association with Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a 19th-century mystic, and his wife Sarada Devi.
- Architectural style: Navaratna, characterized by nine spires.
- The temple complex includes twelve other temples dedicated to Shiva and Radha Krishna.
- Visitor Information:
There’s no entry fee to visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. However, donations are accepted.
Nearby Public Transport:
- Bus: The closest bus stop is Dakshineswar Temple Gate, serviced by several Kolkata Metropolitan Transport Corporation (KMT) buses.
- Railway: The Dakshineswar railway station is the nearest railway station, about a 10-minute walk from the temple.
- Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is roughly 10 kilometers away. You can hire a taxi or ride ride-sharing services to reach the temple from the airport.
Temple Website:
While there isn’t an official website for the temple itself, you can find more information on their official trust website: Dakshineswar Kali Temple Trust
Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the spiritual center of Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Here’s a breakdown of the temple and nearby travel hubs:
Golden Temple:
- Description: The Golden Temple is a stunning structure with a gold-plated dome, reflecting its name. It sits on a square marble platform in the middle of a holy pool called the Amrit Sarovar. The temple complex is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds.
- Significance: It’s the holiest site for Sikhs and a symbol of equality and human brotherhood.
- Website: Golden Temple Amritsar
- Entry Fee: There’s no entry fee to visit the Golden Temple.
Nearby Travel Hubs:
- Railway Station: Amritsar Junction Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, around 2 kilometers from the Golden Temple. You can find trains to most major cities in India from here.
- Bus Station: Amritsar Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is the main bus station, about 5 kilometers from the Golden Temple. It’s well-connected to other cities and towns in Punjab and neighboring states.
- Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is about 11 kilometers from the Golden Temple. It has domestic flights connecting to major Indian cities.
Nathula Pass, Sikkim
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass located in East Sikkim, India, at an altitude of 4310 meters (14,140 ft). It’s a historic route along the Old Silk Road, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into Tibetan culture.
Important to Know:
- The pass is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays due to permit restrictions.
- A special permit is required for Indian citizens to visit Nathula Pass, which can be obtained through travel agencies in Gangtok. Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Reaching Nathula Pass:
Since Nathula Pass itself doesn’t have a bus station, railway station, or airport, you’ll need to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Here’s how to get from Gangtok to Nathula Pass:
- By Road: Taxis are the most convenient option for reaching Nathula Pass from Gangtok, They can be hired from Gangtok and typically cost around ₹3000-₹4000 for a round trip. Shared jeeps are also available for a more budget-friendly option.
Nearest Stations to Gangtok:
Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Darjeeling is the nearest airport, located about 124 km from Gangtok. You can find flights and fares on various travel booking websites.
Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, 98 km from Gangtok.
Website and Ticket Fees:
There’s no official website for Nathula Pass itself. However, you can find information on permit requirements and fees through Sikkim tourism websites:
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 32 kilometers from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. Here’s some information for you:
Legend and Significance:
- The temple is named after Neelkanth, which literally translates to “blue-throated” one. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Lord Shiva drank the poison (Halahala) that emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the world. The poison turned his throat blue.
Architecture and Location:
- The temple architecture is influenced by the Dravidian style.
- It’s nestled amidst scenic beauty, surrounded by dense forests and the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges.
- The temple sits at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati, enveloped by the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot.
Visiting the Temple:
- There’s no entry fee to visit the temple.
- While the temple is open daily, the busiest time is during the Shravan month (July-August) when thousands of devotees visit for the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage.
- Weekdays are generally less crowded.
Getting There:
- The temple isn’t directly accessible by public transport.
- You can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh. Rishikesh doesn’t have a bus station itself, but buses arrive and depart from nearby stations like Haridwar (22 km away).
Nearest Railway Station and Airport:
- The closest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station (32 km).
- The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (49 km) is the nearest airport.
The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
The Ellora Caves, located about 27 kilometers from Aurangabad, Maharashtra, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their remarkable rock-cut architecture. These caves, carved from the Charanandri Hills, are a testament to the artistic brilliance and religious tolerance of ancient India, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments.
Reaching Ellora Caves:
- Bus: Public buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) ply regularly between Aurangabad Central Bus Station and Ellora Caves. The fare is budget-friendly, and the journey takes around an hour.
- Railway: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest major railway station. Taxis or rickshaws are readily available to take you to the caves from there.
- Airport: Chikalthan Airport (Aurangabad Airport) is the most convenient airport for reaching Ellora. Taxis are easily available to cover the distance between the airport and the caves, which takes roughly an hour.
Website and Ticket Prices:
There isn’t an official website for the Ellora Caves specifically, but you can find information about them on various tourism websites. Here’s one such website with details: Ellora Caves Aurangabad (Timings, Entry Fee, History, Location, Images & Facts)
- Entry Fee:
- ₹40 for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries.
- ₹600 for foreign tourists.
- Free entry for children below 15 years of age.
- Additional Charges:
- ₹25 for a video camera.
- ₹30 for car parking.
Planning Your Visit:
The Ellora Caves are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Consider hiring a guide for a deeper understanding of the caves’ history and significance.pen_spark
FAQs
What is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India depends on the region. Generally, October to March is considered the ideal time for most places, offering pleasant weather. However, hill stations are best enjoyed during the summer months (April to June).
Is India safe for tourists?
India is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s important to be cautious in crowded places and take precautions against petty theft.
What currency is used in India?
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the national currency.
What are some must-try foods in India?
India offers a diverse range of cuisines. From the rich curries of North India to the seafood delicacies of Kerala, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss trying butter chicken, biryani, dosa, and samosas.
What are some cultural experiences in India?
Attend a traditional dance performance like Kat
