Top Places to Visit in India Besides Goa
The center of South Asia and a powerhouse of Asian culture, India has been attracting tourists from all around the world to come to see what the hype is all about. One of the places that have been popular with tourists is Goa, with its gorgeous beaches and silky golden sands. But this natural beauty isn’t all that India has got to offer. Here are some of our favorite places in India to tempt you to travel there and discover India for yourself.
Mumbai
Still a coastal paradise, Mumbai is a cosmopolitan hotspot and a great glimpse into Indian cultural exchange. Its location as a port city and its long history makes it the vibrant city as we know it today.
These days, Mumbai is home to much of India’s modern royalty: entrepreneurs and Bollywood stars. No wonder, the city feels luxurious with its art deco buildings and vibrant art scene.
Check out Mumbai’s Kanheri Caves in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to prove its long history. The caves are a group of monuments cut into a massive basalt outcrop. It contains ancient stupas, inscriptions, and various Buddhist carved masterpieces.
Jaipur
It is no surprise that Jaipur is dubbed “The Paris of India”, as the city is full of architectural masterpieces. Jaipur is also the first planned city in India, and it shows. Highlights include the stunning Amber Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and glows ethereally at night, the City Palace, which masterfully combines Mughal and Rajput architecture styles, and Jantar Mantar, a massive astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Besides the spots mentioned above, Jaipur prides itself on having gorgeous palaces and majestic forts. We’d say this city is a true Indian architectural powerhouse!
Agra
You didn’t think we’d skip Agra, didn’t you? Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the ultimate monument to love, the city of Agra is also home to other magnificent wonders.
Agra is chock-full of grandiose Mughal monuments, such as the stunning red Agra Fort, Akbar’s Mausoleum and Fatehpur Sikri. If you’re looking to witness Mughal greatness without the flock of tourists, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb might be ideal.
Agra isn’t just good at conserving architectural greatness, it’s also active in animal conservation. The city contains conservation centers for sloth bears and elephants, which are worth visiting to learn that India isn’t just diverse culturally, but also biologically.
New Delhi
Generally, country capitals have much to offer in terms of culture, and India is no exception. As the center of the modern Indian economy, it is always packed with both locals and tourists. But there’s a reason for that, as the city is full of gems to discover.
New Delhi’s architectural highlights include the stately Mughal-era Red Fort and the massive Jama Masjid mosque. Looking to experience the ultimate Indian hustle and bustle? Don’t skip the Chandni Chowk, an old yet extremely vibrant market square offering spices, jewelry, and saris.
For the foodies, you can satisfy your thirst for culinary adventure by visiting New Delhi’s food stalls and high-end restaurants.
Varanasi
The city dates back to the 11th century BC and is one of the holiest places of India, as it is just the side of the holy Ganges river.
Hindu pilgrims regularly visit the city to bathe in the river, and mourners cremate deceased loved ones just on the side of the river to honor their lives. While tourists might not take part in such rituals, you might take a chance to respectfully understand other cultures and widen your horizons.
Taking the focus off the river, the city of Varanasi is a maze that could hide many adventures.
Kerala
Still want the waters, but think Goa is too touristy? Kerala might be just the place you’re looking for. Kerala, located in the south of India, is a laid-back oasis compared to cities like Jaipur and Delhi.
In Kerala, you could opt for tranquil tours of its lagoons and rivers, and witness its stunning wildlife. On these boat tours, you may also try Southern Indian cuisine, which interestingly differs from its northern counterpart.
Ready to go to India?
Given that you’ve got your travel documents, including your visa, India is also ready for you! That’s why the Indian government has made it easier for foreign travelers to get their Indian visas online. The documents you will need to get your visa are:
- Your valid passport
- Scanned copy of the data page in your passport in PDF format, sized no larger than 300 Kb
- A photo fitting to the Indian e-visa photo requirements.
Ready for India to change your life?
