You know the travel bug has bitten you when you are having dreams about packed bags, maps, guide books and passports stuffed with tickets.
You have decided to travel and dedicated your savings to a travel budget but still can’t decide where to go. I’d like to suggest, you book those tickets to visit India. Whether you decide to travel alone, with your family or with that gang of best buddies, there is so much you can explore in India.
India is the seventh largest country in the world and it arguably has the most diverse landscape, culture, food, languages, seasons and most important of all- people. There is so much to experience that you might as well need more than just a short trip to the country. Mountains, deserts, beaches, historical monuments and man-made wonders are scattered across the length and breadth of the subcontinent, so there is something attractive for everyone who visits India.
Here is my list of the must see places places in India – noting that these are just a few of the many places you can discover in this land of opulence.
1. Agra
A city in Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest states of India. Agra is located on the banks of the holy river Yamuna and is 206 kms south of Delhi, the National Capital of India. Renowned for its mesmerizing architecture from the Mughal era, the city fascinates tourists with its tombs and mausoleums. The magnificent Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is among the eight wonders of the world. You can witness its splendor round the year, but sunrise and sunset are the best times of the day to visit Taj Mahal. The Land of Taj has much more that will grab your attention, including Jama Masjid, which is one of the largest mosques in India, Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Fatehpur Sikri, ‘The City of Victory’ built by Akbar and the magnificent Agra Fort built with red sandstone.
2. Ladakh
This proposed Union Territory, after its administrative division from Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern most part of India. Ladakh once was a Buddhist Kingdom, which extends from the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range to the Great Himalayas. The picturesque landscape boasts of magnificent mountains that are home to calm Buddhist monasteries. You must visit Ladakh to experience its mystical geography, sceneries and culture. It is famous for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, biking and safaris. Leh, a district in Ladakh, which formerly was the capital of the kingdom, is a paradise for spiritual enthusiasts.
3. Rann of Kutch
Located in the western part of India, it is the world’s largest salt desert. It is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert, which is in the Kutch District of Gujarat. The boundless salt spread, the miraculous sunrises and sunsets, along with the rich cultural heritage of Kutch, makes it a delight for tourists. The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is during the Rann Utsav which celebrates this nature’s marvel each year from October to February. Experience the natural grandeur of the desert in the most royal manner during the festival.
4. Arunachal Pradesh
The largest of the Seven Sister States of Northeast India and the easternmost state of India is also known as “the land of dawn-lit mountains.” Arunachal Pradesh is home to lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, divine monasteries and snow-clad mountain tops. This hidden gem of a place has a tranquil environment, pleasant weather and warm-hearted people. It can satisfy all kinds of tourists ranging from nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts to those in search of peace and spiritual harmony.
5. Hampi
The Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located near Hospet town in the southern state of Karnataka. The remnants of beautiful temples, ruins of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets and royal pavilions of the former medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar make Hampi a historian’s paradise. It houses the ancient temples of Lord Shiva and is also a pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
6. Kerala
This southwestern state on the Malabar Coast is also known as “God’s Own Country’.” This tropical paradise is serenely beautiful and a must-visit place for all nature lovers. Visit Kerala for a leisure holiday amidst the scenic beauty of Allepey’s backwaters in elegant houseboats, have a truly authentic rural experience at Kumbalangi village, enjoy visiting the lush green tea estates of Munnar. You can rejuvenate and relax with authentic ayurvedic treatments and massages in Kerala.
This was just a glimpse of how fun and enriching your holiday in India could be. Remember it is a vast country and there is so much more to explore in India.
Once you have booked the tickets and are excited to vacation in India remember to get your visa. Travelling in India is quite reasonable, still in case you decide to shop a bit more, Western Union has your back and you can receive money from their many Agent locations across the country.
Come and experience the best of Incredible India.
About the Author
Akancha Tripathi is a Western Union guest blogger and content writer passionate about writing on technology, marketing, health, food, lifestyle, travel, environment and sustainability matters. Tweet her at @AkanchaTripathi.
