Incredible India: Discovering The Top 10 Must-Visit Indian Tourist Attractions

India is the world's seventh-largest country, stretching from the high mountains of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar desert. Its more than one billion inhabitants are divided into two thousand ethnic groups and speak over 200 different languages.

India has an almost endless variety of cultures, landscapes, monuments and places to explore. From the ancient ruins, fascinating religious structures, exotic cities and diverse landscape there is an endless collection of tourist attractions in India that will never cease to fascinate tourists.

The top 10 tourist attractions are as follows

Top 10 famous tourist attractions in India

10. Kerala backwater

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast in the Kerala state. The Kerala backwaters are home to many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs, mudskippers, water birds and animals such as otters and turtles. Today, houseboat tourism is the most popular tourist activity in the backwaters, with several large Kettuvallams (traditional rice boats, now converted into floating hotels) on the waterways.

9. Rishikesh and Haridwar

Rishikesh and Haridwar are two popular destinations in Uttarakhand, India, attracting numerous tourists and pilgrims. Both towns are situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, which is revered by Hindus as the source of life and purification. 

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and is the site of the famous Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering every 12 years. This attraction is also known for its evening aarti, a ritual of offering lamps and flowers to the river, which creates a spectacular sight of lights and devotion. Haridwar has many temples, ashrams, and markets that cater to the spiritual needs and interests of the visitors.

Rishikesh, on the other hand, is more of an adventure and wellness destination. Rishikesh has a more laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, with many cafes, shops, and art galleries that reflect the creative and eclectic spirit of the town. The city is also known as the “World Capital of Yoga”, as it has many yoga centers and schools that teach various styles and techniques of this ancient practice.

Rishikesh and Haridwar are two popular destinations in India

8. Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple in the city of Hampi started out as a small shrine and grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. It is believed that this temple has been running ever since the small shrine was built in the 7th century, which makes it one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples in India.

7. Goa's Beaches and Churches

Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The state's churches, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, showcase colonial-era architecture and add a historical dimension to the coastal paradise.

Goa is a mesmerizing beach in India

6. Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is among the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia and one of the best places to catch a glimpse of a tiger. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel 'The Jungle Book' and make this one of the top attractions in India.

5. Harmandir Sahib

The Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple, is the main tourist attraction in Amritsar, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. Construction of the temple started in the 16th century. In the 19th century, the upper floors of the temple were covered with gold. It's a stunning temple, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television.

Harmandir Sahib is the Sikhs’ most important pilgrimage site

4. Jaisalmer

Located in Rajasthan's remote western-most corner, close to the border with Pakistan, Jaisalmer is the quintessential desert town. The yellow sandstone walls of the Golden City rise from the Thar desert like a scene from The Arabian Nights, while the Jaisalmer Fort crowns the city. Uncontrolled commercialism has dampened the romantic vision of Jaisalmer, but even with all the touts and tour buses, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.

3. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BC. The magnificent Ajanta caves were abandoned around 650 AD and forgotten until 1819, when a British hunting party stumbled upon them. Their isolation contributed to the fine state they were preserved in, and some of their paintings remain to this day. The well-preserved murals depict everything from battlefields to sailing ships, city streets and animal-filled forests to snow-capped mountains. The city of Aurangabad is the gateway to the Ajanta Caves as well as the equally spectacular Ellora Caves.

The Ajanta Caves are worth a visit

2. Varanasi

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, and is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. The scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.

1. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1632 and 1653 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. Called ‘a teardrop on the cheek of eternity’, it is one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture, and one of the great tourist attractions in India. Besides the white domed marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal includes several other beautiful buildings, reflecting pools, and extensive ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes.

Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site in India

India is a land of diversity, culture, and beauty. Whether you want to explore the majestic Taj Mahal, the beaches of Goa, or the yoga capital of Rishikesh, India has something for everyone. 

However, before preparing a trip to India, remember to obtain a valid visa in advance. Electronic authorization makes it easier for foreigners to get a travel ticket to India, permitting a stay in India for a specific period. You can apply for an Indian e-visa online by filling out a simple form and submitting the required documents. You will receive your e-visa by email, which you can print out and carry with you when you travel. 

Applying for an Indian e-visa is easy, fast, and convenient. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the wonders of India. Apply for your Indian e-visa today and get ready for an unforgettable experience.