Stretching from the picturesque mountains of Himalayas to the magic beauty and tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred River Ganges to the endless sands of the Thar Desert, India is a country of diverse landscapes and varied climatic conditions, exotic, spiritual cities and towns, amazing flora and fauna, a variety of cultures and ethnic groups, and a wealth of attractions, both natural and manmade. There are so many must-see sites in this rich and colorful country that it’s impossible to introduce them all in one or two posts. However, here is our selection of top tourist attractions in India, which never cease to entice and fascinate visitors with their charm and uniqueness.
Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of India, which architectural beauty has never been surpassed, Taj Mahal is an artistic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city of Agra that for centuries has lured millions of tourists from across the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the structure stands as a symbol of eternal love and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The architecture is stunning, with most impressive structures being the black and white chessboard marble floor, the four minarets that reach a height of 40 meters at the corners of the structure and the state-of-the-art dome in the middle. Unique mughal style has been used while building Taj Mahal, combined with Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architectural elements.
Kerala
A state in southwestern India created on Nov 1, 1956, Kerala is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike, famous for its backpackers, timeless natural beauty, serene beaches, Ayurvedic treatments and tropical garden plants. Also known as Gods Own Country, Kerala is networked by 44 rivers and enjoys unique geographical features. The state is made up of 14 districts, each with its own attractions and places of interest.
This is the destination where tourists find the wonderful chance to see Indian architecture at its best with many palaces, several forts, temples and magnificent churches waiting to be explored. Another highlight of Kerala is its astounding pools, ponds and beaches, the latter dotted with wonderful hotel and housing resources, offering high-end facilities and memorable holiday in Kerala. Among Kerala must-see attractions are Periyar Wildlife sanctuary – a fantastic place to take boat, hike and spot elephants; Munnar – spectacularly beautiful hill station with no shortage of outdoor activities; and the Backwaters – an emerald watery paradise that is a definite highlight of Kerala among others.
Jaisalmer
Boasting a glorious past, Jaisalmer or the Golden City, called so because of the yellow sand and yellow sandstone used in the towns architecture, is a place to be. Located some 575 km west from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is said to have been founded in the 12th century. The main attraction of the city is the gold colored sandstone fortress of Sonar Qila, perched high on top of the Trikuta hill, which even today appeals with its intricately, elaborate and exquisitely carved palaces, temples, haveli’s, houses and markets. The city is host to the annual Desert Festival, which is celebrated in the month of February.
Bandhavgarh
Ideal for nature lovers and families with kids, the stunning Bandhavgarh offers a truly different experience. Located in the northeastern border of Madhya Pradesh in central India, the park is where visitors will find abundant animals in their natural habitat, and the highest concentration of tigers at any park throughout India. This is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia and is characterized by picturesque bamboo forests, grassy meadows and rare plant spices. The park has been described in Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel ‘The Jungle Book.’
