22 Spellbinding Places to Explore in India

India is known for its extremes, history, and enormous diversity. It is still one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and attracts backpackers, cultural and spiritual seekers, and those in search of a good party.

Love it or hate it, your trip to India is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. I’ve been privileged to have spent many years in this incredible country, and from my time here, these are my personal favorite spots, which I’d love to share with you…

1. Agra and Taj Mahal

I believe Agra is an unmissable stop on your tour of this country. There are many places of interest to a visitor in Agra, the most famous being the iconic and very beautiful Taj Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an eternal symbol of love (an emperor built it in memory of his third wife).

The white-domed structure boasts delicately detailed interiors, tranquil gardens and a collection of other impressive buildings.

The Agra Fort is the Taj Mahal’s sister monument and holds UNESCO heritage site status. The striking fort dates from 1000 but was later remodelled in the 1500s to be used as a palace.

Thirteen kilometres from the Agra Fort is Akbar’s Tomb, a stunning red-ochre sandstone tomb and another architectural masterpiece. There are plenty of great places to stay here, from grander hotels to great hostels and guest houses. 

2. Shimla

A popular tourist destination located in the northwest Himalayas, gorgeous Shimla is sometimes called the ‘Queen of Hills.’

Its colourful colonial past is still evident today. The town is characterised by unusual neo-gothic buildings surrounded by thick forests and outstanding views, offering a different feel to the rest of India.

‘The Mall’ is the main shopping street and the city hub where tourists and locals like to meet, shop and eat. This area also has many clubs and bars for those looking to step up a gear.

The Christ Church is also worth a visit. It’s the second oldest church in northern India, and its stained glass windows are designed in a distinctive style.

Also, I would say don’t leave Shimla without visiting Jakhu Hill – the highest peak, which is also home to many playful monkeys who hang out waiting to be fed. From Shimla, you can also visit a comparatively offbeat destination called Chai. 

3. Goa

The famous idyllic party place should not be missed—it’s popular for a reason! If you decide to take a trip, I recommend staying in the island’s coastal areas.

Goa is the smallest state in India and has the most beautiful beaches—when you’re here, you’ll want to make the most of them.

Many refer to Goa as a tropical paradise, and when you’re enjoying the warm temperatures, clear turquoise water, and palm trees, you’ll also probably agree! 

If you time your visit around the Goa Carnival held every February, you’ll be treated to three days and nights of music, lights, dancers, and fabulous food.

This is when the legendary King Momo takes over the state, and the island becomes party central. Originally celebrated in the 1800s by locals only, tourists and locals come here to have a good time, and I’m a big fan of Goa! 

4. Mumbai

This place has a kind of beauty all of its own. Formally known as Bombay, Mumbai is the most populated city in India. Noisy, frantic, and polluted, Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and wealth extremes.

Even though the city is developing rapidly, you’ll still see many scenes of poverty.

The city is also the birthplace of Indian cinema, and there are many theatres where you can watch movies from all over the world (including the world’s largest IMAX dome theatre).

Mumbai’s visually impressive city has a large metropolitan area comparable to New York’s skyline and a fine but eclectic mix of colonial buildings, stylish bars, colourful bazaars, and shiny new malls. Finding something to do here has never been a problem for me! 

5. Varanasi 

If you wanted to bottle the essence of Hindu spirituality, then Varanasi would be the place to do it. Walking along the ghats along the River Ganges in this Uttar Pradesh city is not an experience that any visitor ever forgets.

While this city is alive, it is also fundamentally about death and rebirth. Here, you can watch public cremation ceremonies at the Ganges during the day and witness the Hindu aarti ritual at night. Aarti is a part of puja (worship), where light is offered to the gods at the different ghats.

Holy men (known as sadhus), babas, and aghoris spend their days at the ghats. The sadhus are holy men, often swathed in orange. Babas are so-called spiritual gurus, and aghoris drink the blood of the dead and cover themselves in cremation ashes! 

Not all of them have good intentions, so be careful! It is common for holy men to be naked and covered in powder or ashes; some adorn their private parts and even do tricks with them for tourists. Varanasi is certainly not for the faint-hearted! 

6. The backwaters of Kerala

The backwaters are a beautiful chain of lakes and lagoons along the Arabian Sea coast. Ferries here will take you anywhere, and you can even hire a houseboat to stay in (which I highly recommend)! 

In the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha, you’ll also be treated to boat races, where you will also find snake boats that can hold up to a hundred oarsmen. Thousands of fans line the riverbanks and cheer on their favourite teams, which creates a great atmosphere.

There are dozens of villages and communities throughout this area which you can visit and get a real sense of everyday life and culture in this exciting place.

7. Hindu Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Chennai and the state of Tamil Nadu are among India’s most spiritual regions, with many exquisite Hindu temples and ruins. In the region of Mylapore in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), you can find the wonderful Hindu Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features an incredible rainbow-coloured gopuram (tower) and a large pool within its walls.

Nearby is the busy Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. This hectic stretch of land includes a market and its lighthouse.

At the nearby San Thome Cathedral, you can attend mass and visit the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle, which I suggest doing to get a feel for the place.

8. Gokarna, Karnataka

Further up the coast from the famous tourist state of Goa is the much more understated Karnataka region, with Gokarna as the jewel in its crown.

Its relaxed vibe and stunning beaches have made it a popular place for yoga schools, retreats, and backpackers. I would also suggest catching one of the Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi festivals there, as they’re an extraordinary experience!

While Gokarna Town Beach is nothing to write home about, the nearby Kudle Beach is a stunning spot where people (and cows!) play volleyball and sing until the sun goes down.

From there, it’s a short walk to Om Beach, named because it’s shaped like a famous symbol. Small Hell Beach and Paradise Beach are further on.

Every night, travellers sleep under the stars on Paradise Beach, watching the moon when it’s bright and the bioluminescence in the sea when there are clouds in the sky and it’s dark.

9. Jodhpur

Jodhpur in Rajasthan is known as the ‘Blue City’ because many buildings are painted Brahmin blue. Residents did this to distinguish themselves as Brahmins. This isn’t the only history to be found here; it’s also home to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.

Inside one of India’s largest forts is Maharaja Gaj Singh II’s collection of riches, and there are many of them, with over 15,000 treasures to see.

Cultural performances take place in various areas of the fort throughout the day. For those who want even more history, I recommend heading to the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Jaswant Thada marble building, and the beautiful Mandore Gardens.

10. Old Silk Road Route

The Great Royal Road is India’s portion of the Silk Route that runs from Anatolia through China. It runs from Taxila near the Himalayas to the mouth of the Ganges on the other side of the country.

The main cities it goes through are Delhi, Allahabad, and Patna, so it’s a real journey through North Indian life.

Like the many trade routes through Asia, India’s old silk route has so much to offer, from amazing landscapes to the different cultures you meet.

11. Gadi Sagar

Jaisalmer is known as the ‘golden city’ because its yellow sandstone architecture blends in with the Thar Desert, almost as if it is trying to hide itself. The lifeline of this dry city is the Gadi Sagar.

This man-made lake has its golden gate and is surrounded by temples, shrines, and ghats. It’s also a charming place to watch the sunset against the haze of the desert reflected in the water.

I would also recommend trying to spot the migratory birds feeding at the lake, from spoonbills to black-winged stilts and domestic geese.

12. Pushkar

The town of Pushkar is on the edge of the Thar Desert and is built around a lake divided into ghats that are of great importance to Hindu pilgrims.

Its biggest draw is two side-by-side festivals: the Hindu ceremonies of Kartik Purnima and the accompanying camel festival. The camel market and festival were designed to encourage trade during religious celebrations.

In addition to the elaborately dressed camels, there are competitions like best moustache, sports matches, and cultural shows. It’s an action-packed eight days of entertainment you will never forget.

The temples host puja ceremonies and dance shows in the evenings, and the aartis are down by the lake. Throughout the days, pilgrims bathe in the lake to cleanse after their long journey to the desert, which I think is an ideal people-watching opportunity!

13. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang is a town in Arunachal Pradesh, in the Northeastern corner of the country, close to the border with Bhutan. While Bhutan is expensive, you can experience the same incredible scenery at a much cheaper price in Tawang.

It’s an important place for Buddhists as it was the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. Many pilgrims come to pay their respects at the Tawang Monastery, the largest in India.

I know nature lovers will enjoy the sights Gudpi Mountains, the Tawang Valley and the Madhuri Lake as they’re extraordinarily scenic.

14. Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar is a city near India’s border with Pakistan. It is the beating heart of Punjab and a principal place of worship for Sikhs.

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is considered the holiest shrine in Sikhism and draws people worldwide to marvel and worship. Many tourists return to the temple after darkness falls to listen to prayer sounds.

Everyone who visits the temple can sit down for a free meal, known as langar. Hundreds of volunteers serve 50,000 people a day.

Due to its scale, the food is made in vats, and each plate is washed five times afterwards. In the early evening, I suggest not missing the Wagah-Attari border ceremony.

This is an elaborate ceremony performed by the Indian and Pakistani military to show comradeship between the nations.

15. Leh, Ladakh

To see India’s snow leopards, you must travel to Leh, in the country’s Northwest corner. Whether you are looking for the elusive leopard or not, Ladakh is a jaw-dropping place to hike through its mountains and valleys.

Leh has its palace, several Buddhist stupas, and monasteries, and I would recommend it as a serene place to spend time at a high altitude! 

16. Rishikesh

The Beatles put Rishikesh on the map while staying at the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, where they studied transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Nowadays, the abandoned ashram is covered with incredible graffiti, making it an exciting place to take photos!

Since their visit, Rishikesh has become a hub for tourists seeking spiritual enlightenment and attending yoga retreats. Every evening, pilgrims and tourists attend an aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, down by the Ganges.

17. Akshardham Temple at night, Delhi

Delhi may be one of the most chaotic cities in the world, but it also has some of the most incredible architecture within its boundaries. One of these unforgettable buildings is the stunning Akshardham Temple, and unlike the rest, it is best seen when darkness falls.

Its name means ‘the divine abode of God’; the pool around it reflects the sunset, and the carved stone is lit up to show off its grandeur.

It’s located just down the river from the Red Fort and across the bridge from Humayun’s Tomb, both of which are UNESCO heritage sites I would suggest combining on your trip.

18. Konkan Coast, Maharashtra

The Konkan Coast runs from Mumbai to Goa, with many serene beaches and interesting attractions along the way. In my opinion, some of the most stunning beaches to visit are Alibaug, Kashid, Diveagar, Murud, Karde, and Ganpatipule.

Ganpatipule even has a Ganesh Temple located right on the beach. Winter is a great time to visit, as dolphin sightings are daily.

19. Nohkalikai Falls

At 335 metres, Nohkalikai Falls is India’s highest plunge waterfall, which maybe isn’t surprising as it’s close to Cherrapunji, one of the world’s wettest places.

At the bottom of the dramatic falls is a pretty turquoise pool surrounded by exposed rock and forest, typical of Meghalaya state. Some steps run parallel to it to view it from different angles.

The area is a haven for waterfall lovers as they line the roads around the Route 5 highway.

20. Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds 

While many cities are named for obscure reasons, Jaipur lives up to its title of the ‘pink city’. While the pink city contains many beautiful buildings, like the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the Hawa Mahal is the show’s star.

This magnificent five-storey frontage was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh so that Royal ladies could watch the comings and goings of the city streets.

For another view of the Palace of Winds, I recommend grabbing a coffee at one of the rooftop cafes opposite it to view the incredible sight!

The famous yellow-coloured Amber Fort and the Jal Mahal are just outside town, set in the Man Sagar Lake.

21. Auroville

I think Auroville is a truly amazing place! It’s an experimental township of an international community. People worldwide live in peace and “progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.”

The sole purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. In the centre of this town is ‘The Matrimandir, ’ a huge gold sphere accompanied by ramps.

It was put there by the town’s founder as “a symbol of the Divine’s answer to man’s inspiration for perfection.” It even has its solar power plant, and inside is a spiral ramp that leads to a marble room where you can “find consciousness.”

Surrounded by pristine, beautiful gardens and peacefulness, you won’t find many other places like this in the world! Seriously!

22. Pondicherry

Located near Auroville, you’ll find its neighbour, Pondicherry, one of the most famous places in southern India. The city has colonial buildings, statues, churches, and temples. Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach and Promenade Beach are the best areas here.

It has the same purpose as Auroville, again giving the place a peaceful vibe. Many significant, interesting, and spectacular churches from the early 1900s will also be found. I

It’s hard to mention every special place in this list, so I’ll also give a special mention to the gorgeous Lake Palace of Udaipur, Kanha National Park (which was the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book), the incredible Ajanta Caves, bustling Delhi, the rich artistic culture of Jaipur, the scenic beauty of Kashmir and Bangalore which is otherwise known as the ‘Garden City.’ I hope you enjoy this unique and beautiful country just like I always do!