INDIA's TOP 10 Beautiful places

Best places to visit in India

India is a vast country having large differences in geography, climate, culture, religion and language. India's culture is a rich mixture of the past and the present ranging from the ancient vedic heritage to the modern economy and technological advances. A visit to the country never ceases to fascinate the visitor. Though there are many places that are worth visiting in India, I have listed ten places which are my personal favourites for an awe inspiring holiday.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located in the Bay of Bengal near the south-eastern part of mainland India, Andaman Islands are one of the most beautiful tourist places in India. Mainly famous for its clear blue sea beaches, colourful coral reefs and scuba diving, there are also places of historical importance in Andaman like the Cellular jail in Port Blair. Andaman and Nicobar islands are one of the few places on Earth where indigenous population still exists today, totally outside the influence of modern civilization.

Ladakh

It is a mountainous region in northern India, known for its rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes, beautiful lakes and Tibetian Buddhist architecture and monasteries. Ladakh is famous as an excellent trekking place and is very popular among experienced trekkers and bikers in India.

Kerala

Known as 'God's own country' Kerala is the perfect place for a peaceful holiday with its laidback lifestyle and serene beauty. Kerala is famous for its beautiful beaches, amazing hill stations and its backwaters. A journey through the unique web of lakes and lagoons of the backwaters is one of the most beautiful and soothing experience one could get in India. Some of the places to visit in Kerala are Trivandrum, Alleppey, Cochin and Munnar.

Mumbai

Located on the west coast and originally known as Bombay, it is the commercial capital of India and its most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Mumbai is a city of sharp contrasts, from its billionaire industrials and filmstars to the abject poverty stricken slum dwellers, aggressively modern yet with traditional customs. Mumbai is symbolized by the presence of Bollywood, the hindi film industry equivalent of Hollywood.

Delhi

Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a historic old city, being under the rule of several emperors and dynasties. A visit to the city serves as a reminder to the various eras through which it has passed. Some of the best places to see in and around Delhi are the Red fort, the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb, the Lotus temple, the Jama Masjid and the Akshardham temple.

Agra

Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture, and easily the most recognized monument in India. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, a grand mausoleum made of white marble, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Although most people have seen photos of Taj Mahal, actually seeing it in person is an awe inspiring experience. Another place of great attraction in Agra, is the Agra Fort across the Yamuna river from Taj Mahal.

Jaipur

Known as the 'Pink city' because of its red sandstone architecture, Jaipur is one of the most popular places to visit in Rajasthan. Jaipur is well known for its historical monuments such as the Jaipur Fort, the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and the City Palace. Additionally, exquisite collection of handicrafts, jewellery, handlooms and beautifully laid out gardens and parks make Jaipur one of the must-see places in India.

Goa

Goa is located on the western coast of India along the Arabian Sea. Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches and popular beach parties. Boasting of one of the most vibrant nightlife's in India, Goa can be an ideal spot to hangout with friends during the weekend.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the business, financial and commercial centre of eastern India. Kolkata's history is closely related to that of British India and many influences from the colonial age are still very much present in Kolkata. At present Kolkata is a city of contrasts, both shocking and charming, like Mumbai, yet unique in its own way. Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Birla Planetarium, Eden Gardens, Kalighat temple are among the many places worth visiting in Kolkata.

Uttarakhand

Situated on the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, it is a stunningly beautiful region with picturesque landscapes, hill stations, wildlife reserves and forests. Some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand are Nainital, Mussori, Auli, the Valley of Flowers, Corbett National Park, Gangotri and Kedarnath.

Though I have listed some of the most beautiful places above, travellers should remember that India is a very diverse country with various other well known and not so well known places to visit and explore. Still, if time is a constraint, a visit to any of the above places should result in a wonderful and memorable experience.