A Comprehensive Guide To Indian Heritages And Attractions

People are always drawn back to India because of its unparalleled beauty. They call it "the land of diversity" for a reason. Through centuries of evolution, India has been a melting pot for a myriad of traditions and cultural values ingrained in this sacred land. Coming here, travellers are presented with countless experiences and adventure activities.

And while there is no dearth of attractions for tourists to explore, here’s our guide to some of the most worth-visiting places to add to your travel itinerary. It will encompass all the famous sites with a variety of interesting things to do in India.

The charm lies not only in the big cities such as Delhi and Mumbai but also in little towns tucked away in the provinces. Each part of India has a distinct appeal that won’t disappoint you.

Must-Do Things In India For An Unforgettable Adventure

Now that the time is ripe for you to visit this diverse country, here are some recommendations of worth-visiting sites to make your trip a success.

1. Discover The Architectural Marvels Of Taj Mahal

A trip to India can't be complete without a glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal. Photo by Jovyn Chamb on Unsplash

The Taj Mahal is inarguably India's number one tourist attraction. This magnificent ivory-white monument was constructed by a Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife.

Since its construction in 1632, the mausoleum has retained a timeless beauty with its semi-translucent white marble appearance and intricate details. The Taj Mahal became a UNESCO-recognised landmark in 1983 and continued to attract thousands of tourists from across the globe coming to admire its iconic beauty. 

The best time to visit the monument is right at the crack of dawn or sunset. Taj Mahal's breathtaking beauty during golden hour never fails to impress its visitors. To get to the Taj Mahal, some transportation options available include a train or bus. Alternatively, you can also choose to drive there. Both Delhi and Jaipur serve as excellent bases for a day trip to this incredible attraction.

2. Explore The Pink City - Jaipur

The famous Hawa Mahal Palace facade in Jaipur was built out of pink sandstone. Photo by Ashwani kumar on Pexels

Jaipur, also known as the "Pink City", is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The colour pink was selected for Jaipur because it represents hospitality and evokes a feeling of warmth and welcome. Ever since the late 19th century, the city has earned its spectacular rosy hue on all of its buildings, palaces and markets, giving Jaipur a truly unique look.

Fun fact: Since 1877, a law has required that all buildings in the old city be painted pink.

Besides the beautiful architecture and gorgeous views, visitors from around the world are drawn to Jaipur's royal palaces and forts. This charming city hosts a number of interesting tourist attractions such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort.

Moreover, Jaipur is famous for its lively markets, such as Johari Bazaar or Bapu Bazaar. Today Jaipur is the largest hub for the Indian jewellery industry of flatware, earrings and bangles. The assortment of exquisite textiles and precious gems will undoubtedly captivate any ardent shopper who pays a visit.

3. Dive In The Spirituality At Varanasi

Ganga Aarti ceremony, a fire ritual of worshipping and showing gratitude to the Ganga River. Photo by ADITYA PRAKASH on Unsplash

Serving as the spiritual heart of India, this city offers a multitude of spiritual activities happening every year. Its prime location near the holy Ganges River, together with the well-preserved ancient temples and mosques, make Varanasi the “Religious Capital Of India”.

The river Ganga flows in its centre, and many consider the river a sacred place of pilgrimage. Once you are there, make time for a ride along the famous Dashashwamedh ghat, where you can witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremonies.

If you are not much of a water lover, you can still visit this place by taking a rickshaw tour along its narrow lanes with curious shops and brightly-lit residential buildings.

4. Visit The Majestic Red Fort

The sheer beauty of Red Fort at sunrise. Photo by Roop Dey - stock.adobe.com

Delhi's Red Fort is another unmissable location on your India itinerary. The fort gets its name from the red sandstone used in its construction, which gives it a royal aura. For nearly four centuries, Red Fort’s unparalleled beauty has remained a magnet for visitors.

The Red Fort’s design is a testament to Mughal architecture, with red sandstone walls and high watch towers crowning the structure. The fort also holds great significance in India's history, for which the structure earned its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The grounds then served as a venue for many prestigious national events and political functions.

Did you know? The main architect who constructed the Red Fort was also the one who designed and built the world-famous Taj Mahal.

5. Marvel At Amritsar's Golden Temple

Nothing can inspire more than seeing the majestic architecture of Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photo by vijit - stock.adobe.com

The Golden Temple, or Harimandir Sahib, is a holy site for the Sikh people. While this “House of God”, as translated from its name, may not be at the top of travellers' must-see list, it is one of India's best religious sites to visit if you have time. The temple itself is a place of worship, which would eventually become known for important historical values.

With its pure-white complex, golden domes and azure water-ponds, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is a perfect example of a stunning architectural masterpiece. In addition to its beauty, the temple is also a place for Sikh monks to practise meditation and devotees to learn about Sikhism.

6. Spot Bengal Tigers At Ranthambore National Park

Get ready for an unforgettable tiger-spotting experience in the wild. Photo by Sourabh - stock.adobe.com

Ranthambore National Park is renowned as one of India's most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries. Spanning a vast expanse of approximately 400 square kilometres, this national park presents a mesmerising landscape and diverse flora and fauna.

Ranthambore has carved out a great reputation for being a place of high adventure: tiger spotting. It is most famous for its thriving Bengal tiger population, attracting thousands of tiger lovers yearly. If you travel from Jaipur, the park takes about 3 hours to cover by road. 

Nothing beats a decent camera for capturing the grandeur of Ranthambore's wildlife. So bring your lens and be alert, as the monkeys there can be quite playful as well.

7. Trek The Himalayan Trails

The amazing Himalaya trail is one destination hikers can’t afford to miss. Photo by shekhar - stock.adobe.com

India offers some of the world's most breathtaking trekking routes in the Himalayan region. This precious gem of the country harbours a plethora of attractions tucked away in the pristine beauty of the mountains. 

One such scenic place is the Valley Of Flowers National Park, which lies in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is accessible through a foot trail that passes through dense forests teeming with flowers and wildlife. Brahmatal and Kedarkantha are also great beginner-friendly treks to start with. 

After a full day of sightseeing and package tours, a great view and nature encounter might be just what you need. So spare some time in the wild and treat yourself to a trek along the Himalayas, these are awesome opportunities to connect with nature and explore India the “local” way.

8. Soak Up The Beach Vibes In Goa

Definitely come to Goa if you want to take a break from the city and have an island retreat. Photo by Raja Sen on Unsplash

The quintessential beach destination in India, Goa is the perfect choice for those seeking an island getaway and basking in the beauty of the stunning turquoise waters.

Once the Portuguese colony, this place has enjoyed unprecedented success as a tourist hotspot, a true paradise of sun and sand. Boasting over 100 kilometres of stunning white beaches and abundant majestic coconut trees, this place should not be overlooked.

The cuisine of India is also widely enjoyed in Goa, and a culinary tour will allow you to taste flavorful dishes like Goan prawn curry. With plenty of water sports and activities suitable for all ages, a trip to Goa promises a fun-filled holiday. This idyllic coastal state is just the escape you need from the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. Experience Kerala’s Backwaters And Tea Plantation

A beautiful and exotic place like this breath-taking tea plantation will definitely bring a smile on your face. Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash

Kerala, sometimes known as "God's Own Country," is well-known for its calm backwaters. These are essentially a network of brackish lagoons that run the length of the state. The backwaters are well connected by canals, allowing boats to navigate their sinuous routes easily. 

Tourists can take a houseboat ride around the tranquil canals, surrounded by beautiful foliage, and learn about the unique culture and cuisine of this southern Indian state. 

Though lesser known by visitors, the rolling hills of Kerala's Western Ghats are covered in lush tea gardens that produce some of the finest tea in the world. It’s worth a try to immerse yourself in the charm of Kerala's tea plantations.

10. Get Adventurous In Rishikesh

The calming surroundings of Rishikesh, also known as the yoga capital of the world. Photo by mitrarudra - stock.adobe.com

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas is Rishikesh, the world's yoga capital. The small town is filled with a gorgeous riverside setting and rich natural beauty. Practising yoga and meditation in the tranquil ambience of Rishikesh is a unique experience for the soul. 

While best known as a spiritual and yoga haven, this site is also a hub for adventure seekers with tons of activities that will get your heart racing. 

In Rishikesh, you can trek in the nearby Garhwal Himalayan Range or go horse riding. If you are adventurous enough, you can even raft through the beautiful river flowing through town or go rock climbing right at one of the local waterfalls.

11. Indulge In Authentic Indian Food

With such diverse options, it’s hard not to fall in love with Indian cuisine. Photo by M.studio - stock.adobe.com

Food is one of the main driving factors behind India's ever-increasing popularity as a tourist destination. You haven’t visited India without savouring its diverse and delicious cuisine.

India has much more to offer than just spicy curries or naan, so don't miss trying local specialities in each region you visit. Spices, diverse cuisines and traditional delicacies are all highlights of a food lover's checklist.

If you're after a hot meal, some of the most popular dishes include kebabs served with roti (naan bread), biryanis and tandoori chicken.

12. Do Not Miss Out Festivals And Events

Nothing can be more fun than joining the natives in celebrating their festivals. Photo by leszekglasner - stock.adobe.com

Indian colourful cultural festivals and celebrations also make the list as one of the reasons that make the country stand out and prompt tourists to experience. Many are considered world-class for their cultural values.

Depending on when you visit, you might have the chance to celebrate many vibrant festivities. Holi in March, Ganesh Chaturthi in September and Diwali in October are all famous Indian festivals that must be experienced first-hand. 

In addition to the mainstream celebrations, there are also countless festivals held throughout the year. For instance, Raksha Bandhan is a nine-night dance and celebration to celebrate the sister-brother bond.

FAQs

India is a huge country with many places of interest for travellers of all interests. Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash

1. Is India Safe To Travel To?

The most significant threat in India is posed by petty crime, especially against foreigners. Thus, no matter where you go, avoid crowded places and flash expensive jewellery or electronic items. That way, you are less likely to attract pickpockets.

2. What Is The Best Way To Travel Throughout India?

India is a large country, and getting around may sound like a hassle. However, different options are always available to cater for your preferences. To travel around India, you can either go by rail or by bus, or even private car rents.

The most common way to get around is public transport, like buses. It is extremely inexpensive, costing as little as 1.30 Rs per kilometre. 

3. How Much Money Do I Need Per Day In India?

The daily expenses in India can vary depending on your travel style. On average, budget travellers can get by on about $40 per day, while mid-range travellers might spend $65-100. If you want to stay in luxury accommodations, dine at nice restaurants and explore by car or taxi, then you'll likely need to spend more.

Generally, India is a much cheaper place to visit than its Asian counterparts like Japan, South Korea or Singapore. Many tourists come to visit India every year, especially from the United States.

4. What Must You Do In India?

One can generalise and say "see the Taj Mahal", which is fair since it is everyone’s dream to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But must India be all about monuments? 

The spiritual aspect is another thing you should never miss when visiting India. Try attending traditional ceremonies, praying near the holiest Ganga River, and learning about India’s beliefs. These are all enriching experience that you’ve got to experience for yourself.

5. What Should Tourists Wear In India?

For tourists to India, it's important to wear clothes that are easy to move around in, so leave your heels as you most certainly wouldn't need them during the trip.

Also, short dresses or skirts are generally a no-no unless you're at the beach. In summer, it's okay to be a little less conservative but still you must be cautious. If you're going to a shrine or temple, it's customary to wear something loose and long. Western dresses are also fine as long as they're not too short.

Conclusion

India's popular tourist destinations are so diverse that every destination brings a whole new set of exciting experiences. With over 1 billion people living in the country, you'll find many ways to never have had a dull moment during your stay.

For those packing your bags planning to visit soon, the aforementioned are some of the finest things to do in India. These not only include the traditional tourist hotspots, but also locations where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Indian life. India’s limitless diversity is what mesmerises every tourist who ever journeys to this beautiful land. 

Share this article with your fellow travel enthusiasts, and we are looking forward to hearing your comments and personal experiences!

Nhung Le