The British nicknamed India the ‘brightest star in the sky,’ – and for good measure. The astonishingly diverse country is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, languages, and ethos and boasts exuberance and flamboyance in every form of the word. What’s more, it’s also the ultimate travel destination. In fact, the places to see range from the dusty yet majestic desert cities of Rajasthan to the serene sands of Goa. Clearly, India isn’t a place you can just up and away and see in a week. So, how about beginning with the most visited cities in India?
Even the list of the most visited Indian cities is a dizzying array of modern glass and steel destinations to old-world heritage places stuck in time. In fact, these excellent India travel guide books are a great way to begin your Indian sojourn, besides our list. To that end, here are the 11 most visited cities in India.
Table of contents
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
11
Agra in North India is one of the most visited cities in India for one attraction and one attraction only – the magnificent Taj Mahal. The city and the Taj also rank among the world’s most spectacular sunset locations. If that wasn’t enough, the Taj Mahal is also one of the incredibly beautiful world heritage sites. The monument inspires millions of tourists to wake up before dawn and see this magnificent structure radiate at sunrise. However, Agra has much more to see and do besides the Taj, such as Akbar’s Mausoleum and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. There’s also the spectacular Agra Fort, Ram Bagh, and the fabulous Fatehpur Sikri, which was the original capital of the Mughal Empire.
This Full-Day City Tour of Agra is a fantastic way to see the entire city in just 8-9 hours. Your local guide will tell you all stories, anecdotes, and tales about Agra and its many monuments, sights, and history.
New Delhi, Delhi
10
From Agra, we travel around four hours to reach the capital city of New Delhi, a mishmash of cacophony and serenity. The vibrant Indian capital city is all about the old-world heritage of Old Delhi and the modern glass-and-steel structures of the 21st century. What’s more, Old Delhi is home to some of India’s most treasured attractions, such as Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid. You’ll also find architectural marvels such as India’s tallest minaret Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and India Gate, a war memorial and symbol of triumph. Moreover, the city’s National Zoological Park is one of the world’s largest zoos. Plus, the Indian Parliament, a.k.a. Sansad Bhavan, is one of the world’s most impressive parliament buildings.
Your days are filled with exploring these attractions and the city’s winding street markets full of delicious street food. Don’t miss eating street fare at Dilli Haat and Parathewali Gali in Chandni Chowk. Finally, Delhi is also famous for its scintillating nightlife and is home to some of the country’s most popular clubs and high-end restaurants.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
9
The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is one of the most visited cities in India. It sits in the state of Rajasthan, the land of the kings, and is considered the Paris of India due to its pink-hued terracotta structures, jewelry stores, and magnificent City Palace. What’s more, the city is one of the most historically important ones in India due to the presence of rich forts and historical monuments. These include the astronomically-inclined Jantar Mantar, the interesting and intricate Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and the Deewan-e-aam. Jaipur’s Old City is a maze of pink structures housing endless stores selling local jewelry, clothes, and trinkets. It’s also famous for its street food, including favorites such as pyaaz kachori, golgappa, lassi, shrikhand, and an endless list of sweets.
However, the star of all monuments in Jaipur is Amber Fort, a stunning and sprawling hillside complex overlooking Maota lake. The 1592-built majestic fort and citadel sits just outside the city and is one of Jaipur’s most grandiose attractions.
Interestingly, Jaipur has many heritage palaces-turned-hotels and is home to one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms. This is the Shahi Mahal Suite in Raj Palace Hotel. Why not indulge in this Private Full-Day City Tour of Jaipur to see the sights of this city?
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
8
Tucked in the Himalayan foothills on the Ganges River is Rishikesh, which has been a magnet for spiritually minded travelers since the late 1960s. In fact, that’s when the Beatles spent time in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, an abandoned and offbeat tourist attraction. Today, the town is an epicenter for pilgrimages and is the self-styled “Yoga Capital of the World.” In fact, there are masses of ashrams offering all kinds of meditation and yoga classes centered around the river in the heart of the town. During evenings, the temple bells, sadhus (holy men), and pilgrims and tourists set the stage for the nightly Ganga Aarti (river worship ceremony). Besides this, you can even indulge in crystal healing, try Hasya Yoga, or learn to play the tabla or sitar. It’s no wonder that Rishikesh is considered one of the world’s most religious cities.
If the spiritual side of Rishikesh isn’t for you, then perhaps the action-packed side is. The ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ has also become a hub for adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, giant swinging, cliff jumping, kayaking, river rafting, paragliding, hot air ballooning, and what-not.
Goa, Goa
7
We go from spiritually inclined to laidback beachside fun; welcome to Goa, one of the most visited cities in India. The city, and the state, are home to some of the most incredible beaches on India’s Malabar Coast overlooking the Arabian Sea. What’s more, it offers something for every kind of traveler. So, whether you’re looking for a ritzy getaway at a beachside five-star or want to hang out with the backpacker crowd in laid-back beach huts, Goa has a place for you.
What makes the city unique is its blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Moreover, this fusion is present throughout, from the seafood cuisine to the Baroque architecture. There are many things to see here, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, the Portuguese capital of Panaji, Chapora Fort, and the village of Ancestral Goa. And, of course, there are amazing beaches such as Agonda, Fort Aguada, Morjim, and Benaulim Beaches, among others. Finally, it’s also one of the original world hippie destinations. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed Goan holiday or a laidback one, this place will entrance you.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
6
When you think of tea plantations in India, the first place that comes to mind is the hill station of Darjeeling. This gorgeous little hill station sits at the northern end of West Bengal. Besides lush green tea plantations, it’s also known for awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, including that of Khangchendzonga or Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. If that wasn’t enough, Darjeeling is also famous for many serene Buddhist monasteries and mountain adventures such as mountain biking and treks. One of the most popular treks, or activities, is watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill, which you can see on this Private Tiger Hill Sunrise Trip.
However, one of the most popular things to do here is ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The beautiful 140-year-old blue “Toy Train” is powered by an antique steam locomotive. It takes travelers on fun-filled two-hour fun rides from Darjeeling to Ghum via the scenic Batasia Lopp; a journey called one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
Amritsar, Punjab
5
Amritsar in Punjab is one of the most visited cities in India for the holy pilgrimage site of the Golden Temple. It’s one of the world’s most extraordinary temples and makes Amritsar the Jewel of Punjab. What’s more, it’s one of the holiest places in the world for Sikhs. The gilded structure glistening in the sun and reflecting into the large pool/moat surrounding it is a sight to behold. It also houses the world’s largest community kitchen or “langar,” serving almost 100,000 people curry and lentils daily.
Besides the Golden Temple, there are many other things and places to see in Amritsar. At the top of the list sits the Atari-Wagah border, one of the most famous points on the India-Pakistan border. Don’t miss the Beating Retreat Ceremony, where the border gates are opened and closed at dusk in an OTT ceremony you’ll never forget. See the temple and the Wagah border on this Private Full-Day Amritsar Tour with Beating Retreat Ceremony.
Also, check out Maharana Ranjit Singh Museum, Akal Takht, and the solemn Jallianwala Bagh memorial, the place of one of the worst massacres of the Indian Independence struggle.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
4
Do you want to see a more cosmopolitan side of India? Welcome to Mumbai, the City of Dreams, the Financial Capital of India, Maximum City; the list of monikers is endless – and for good measure. Mumbai is one of the world’s busiest cities, and it’s easy to see why. It’s home to the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs as well as Bollywood, the Hindi film industry, and its stars. No matter where you are, you’re never too far from a gourmet restaurant, a five-star hotel, or a “rekdi” (roadside stall) selling delicious vada pav, the staple food of Mumbai. Do you want to do free stuff? Walk down Marine Drive or Chowpatty, explore the Gateway of India, or see the 19th-century Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of the world’s most unique train stations.
On the other side of the city sits the protected area of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the world’s largest park within city limits. It’s also home to the 2,000-year-old Kanheri Caves with carvings and paintings. You can explore them on this Kanheri Cave Half-Day Tour.
McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
3
McLeodganj is one of the most visited cities in India and lies around half an hour north of Dharamsala. Did you know that the monastic Tsuglagkhang complex here is the home of the Dalai Lama? Yes! The lovely complex has pilgrims and monks prostrating in prayer and spinning prayer wheels. There’s even a small Tibet Museum on-site that details the struggle Tibetans face amid the Chinese occupation.
There’s a lot more to do in this laidback Himalayan town. Watch artisans practice and teach traditional Tibetan art such as thangka painting and woodcarving at the Norbulingka Institute. If you’re the outdoors kind, indulge in the Triund Hill trek to soak in spectacular views of the mighty Dhauladhar mountain range. You’ll also love the Bhagsu Waterfalls and the Bhagsunag Temple with its ancient sacred pools filled with healing waters.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
2
Just like Rishikesh, Varanasi is a pilgrimage site and unarguably the holiest place in India. What’s more, it’s also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Nestled along the Ganges River, Varanasi is dubbed one of the gateways to heaven on earth. The ghats along the river are one of the holiest places for cremation, and the souls of the bodies created here head straight to heaven. So, it’s no surprise that the ghats are one of the most crowded destinations in India, with pilgrims bathing and spiritual activities continuously taking place.
Besides the above, travelers find their flavor of spiritualism by watching the fire-filled Hindu chanting ceremonies, releasing floral blessings into the river, and indulging in a Sunrise Boat Tour. Don’t forget to explore the town away from the water, for the streets are like an endless maze. Legend has it that to date, Varanasi has no accurate map, and the labyrinthine streets are a testament to it.
Bangalore, Karnataka
1
It might surprise you, but the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore, or Bengaluru, is one of the most visited cities in India. The city’s growth might have started as a high-tech hub, but it has blossomed into a beautiful, cosmopolitan urban space like no other in the entire country. After all, where in urban India will you find acres and acres of gardens right within the confines of the city? The impressive Lal Bagh Gardens, Cubbon Park, Freedom Park, Lumbini Park, and more are just some of the green spaces in the city. You can also explore culture and history at the Vidhana Souda, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Windsor palace-inspired Bangalore Palace.
Bangalore is also famous for amazing restaurants, pubs, and cute cafes, many of which are focused around the lush neighborhood of Indiranagar. Bannerghatta National Park and Nandi Hills make for a fabulous day trip from the city for those who don’t mind staying out the entire day. Explore the best that the city has to offer on this Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour.
Cool Facts
- Mumbai, called Bombay earlier, is made up of seven islands. These islands were Portuguese territories given to the British as dowry when Charles II of England married Princess Braganza.
- The holy city of Banaras is at least 3,000-4,000 years old.
