India: Where to Even Begin?
It can be daunting to even consider planning a trip to India.
Unless you have a year to explore every region, it is difficult to fit everything into a visit that you would want to see.
This is due in large part to just how vast and diverse the country is.
India is the seventh-largest country by area on Earth and is the second-largest by population.
That combination, along with the rich and storied history of its many ethnicities and communities, has allowed India to become one of the most interesting places to visit.
With a mixture of vibrant cultures and cities, along with the amazing diverse natural world that sits within the country’s borders, it can feel overwhelming when sitting down to plan a holiday to India.
Is it possible to see both the Taj Mahal and the Himalayas on one vacation?
What about visiting the beaches of Goa and taking the Darjeeling Himalaya Railroad?
Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Indian government suspended all existing visas that had been issued prior to June 30th.
The India visa suspension was put in place in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus and protect both Indians and any travelers who wished to visit.
While waiting for the virus to get under control, travelers who are aiming to visit India can begin planning their dream trip.
All anyone can do is get the most out of their time in a given country.
There will always be more to see, which is part of what makes traveling so enriching.
With that concept in mind, let’s explore (some of) the ten best places to visit in India.
What Are the Best Cities to Visit in India?
People often want to categorize themselves as being urban explorers or more in touch with the natural world.
With India, there is no need to choose between the two as the cultures that exist there prioritize maintaining contact with nature, even from their sprawling metropolises.
Though there are scores of cities worth seeing, there are a few that stand out for being especially worth visiting as well as being home to incredible attractions.
1. Delhi is known as being home to the governing branches of India. Sometimes, countries have political or practical capital cities and then unofficial cultural and creative capitals elsewhere. That is not the case with Delhi, which is known throughout India as being an artistic and culinary destination.
2. Inside Delhi, the Akshardham Temple is one of the most spectacular religious sites in India and one of the country’s most beautiful wonders. It isn’t simply the architectural feat that is to be marveled at but the detailed carvings in the stone.
3. The capital city of Rajasthan is Jaipur, which is known for its pink buildings that lend the city a cheerful atmosphere. The buildings are so spectacular that they earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status.
4. Inside Jaipur, the most beautiful example of these pink structures is no doubt the City Palace, which remains the residence of the royal family as well as a popular tourist destination.
5. Kolkata is another must-visit place in India. The former capital of India under the British rule is home not just to amazing colonial architecture but also to a buzzing collection of galleries, markets, and restaurants.
6. The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a white marble palace dedicated to the former empress of India, Queen Victoria, and today functions as a popular museum.
What Natural Wonders Are Worth Visiting in India?
Although India is famous for its blend of cultures and spiritual and religious practices, it is also home to many beautiful natural geographical features.
7. The result of a meteorite crashing into the ground over 50,000 years ago, the Lonar Crater Lake is one of the best places to visit in India for nature lovers. It is also a wonderful place to go to escape the crowds as it is not as popular as some other destinations.
8. Krishna’s Butterball is perhaps the most unique and curious attraction in all of India. This gigantic, round granite stone appears as if it will roll down the hill at any moment yet it remains perched in perpetuity.
9. The Hogenakkal Falls are some of the most impressive waterfalls on the Asian continent. The waterfalls are known as the Niagara of Asia and for good reason. The water streams down ancient stones and flows into the Kaveri River, offering visitors a reminder of the raw power of nature.
10. No trip to India would be complete without experiencing the beaches of Goa. Goa is a popular destination for its ambient nightlife and alternative, relaxed culture, attracting travelers who wish to aim for that perfect combination of the urban and the natural.