India is a vast country with many tourist places for long vacations as well as a quick weekend trips. These tourist places in India include scintillating mountains, exotic sea beaches, dense forests, interesting historical as well as religious places, and even deserts. Therefore, if you want to have a vacation in India, you can just select your type of place and plan your India trip. However, during your India travel, you might find it difficult to select the right places to go to. Having a list of the places can come in really handy when you are planning your India travel.
So, here's a list of tourist places in India in alphabetical order from A to Z.
A for Andaman & Nicobar Islands
One of the most popular tourist places in India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands offers you some amazing places. Unlike other islands that offer only beaches, these islands also have several other places of interest. These include the Cellular Prison, where Indian freedom fighters were sent as punishment by the British before India's independence. There's also Ross Island that has the army bunkers that were made during the Second World War. Besides, you can also visit the mud volcanoes or the limestone caves that make the Baratang Island of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands famous.
Only a few places in India have as exotic sea beaches as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These beaches are spread across various places, including Port Blair, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Long Island, Little Andaman, and more. Some of the most popular sea beaches in Andaman & Nicobar Islands are Corbyn's Cove Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Kala Pathar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Govind Nagar Beach, Wandoor Beach, Sitapur Beach, and others.
The beaches in Andaman & Nicobar Islands are perfect for strolling and indulging in various kinds of adventurous activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, and so on.
B for Bodh Gaya
One of the major places of worship for the Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is located on the banks of River Falgu in the state of Bihar. This is the place where Prince Siddhartha from Kapilavastu attained enlightenment under a fig tree and became Gautama Buddha, the sage whom the world worships.
During your visit to Bodhgaya, you must visit the main tourist attraction of the place - the Mahabodhi Temple. Besides, you can have a look at the other important sites, such as the 25 meters tall Buddha Statue made of stone and the Durgeshwari Temple. The Daijokyo Buddhist Temple, the Thai Temple and Monastery, Royal Bhutan Monastery are the famous monasteries of Bodhgaya. Besides, there are also several other tourist attractions of Bodhgaya that you can visit during your stay at this pilgrimage.
C for Calcutta
Want to visit the cultural capital of India? You need to look no further than Calcutta, the capital of the state of West Bengal, which is often dubbed as the City of Joy. Now renamed as a Kolkata in line with the Bengali pronunciation of the name, Calcutta was the capital of the British Colonialists till 1911. Therefore, the city is full of buildings built in accordance with British architectural styles. This has given the city the name of the City of Palaces.
Being a metropolitan, Calcutta has people from various parts of the country giving it a lively charm. Some of the most important places of tourist attractions in Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata Zoological Gardens, the Indian Museum, St.John's Church, St.Paul's Cathedral, Nakhoda Mosque, Kalighat Temple, and Mother House. Visit Jorasanko Thakurbari, which is the house of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and the house of Swami Vivekananda. Both of them have been turned into museums. If you can travel a bit away from Kolkata, visit Belur Math founded by Swami Vivekananda and the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.
If you are a foodie, Calcutta has many places where you can savor your taste buds. Being a cosmopolitan city, it has options for all kinds of cuisines. You can enjoy anything you wish, ranging from Mughlai and biriyani to Chinese and South Indian cuisines. And if you want to taste the local cuisines, don't miss the rice with fish, egg, chicken, and mutton.
To view Calcutta in its full grandeur, it is always a good idea to visit it during the time of its most vibrant festival - the Durga Puja. It occurs during the month of September or October and changes the mood of the city completely, making it livelier and more vibrant. The city still gives out an old-world feel that's enough to charm almost anyone.
D for Darjeeling
Often dubbed as the Queen of the Hills, Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is popular around the world for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is renowned for its beauty and the views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Some of the major places of attraction in Darjeeling include the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, and Nightingale Park. If you're in Darjeeling, don't miss your visit to Tiger Hill to experience an amazing sunrise. And if you're a foodie, you can also try out a few local dishes of Darjeeling, which include momos, thukpas, and other traditional Nepali dishes.
E for Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is home to the Elephanta Caves. These caves have several temples dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Besides, there are a few Buddhist stupas as well. This island was known earlier as Gharapuri. As there are statues of elephants in the caves, the Portuguese colonials named it Elefante. This became Elephanta with the passage of time.
Six caves create the whole network of the Elephanta Caves. Among them, the first cave is the largest one. It has various entrances that lead to the main place of worship or mandapa. It is decorated with several pillars. The walls around the hall contain carvings of various events from the life of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God. These include giant statues of Shiva's incarnation of Nataraja slaying Andhakasura, the event of Shiva's wedding, Shiva as Ardhanarishwara, Sadasiva Trimurti, and others.
If you're planning to visit the Elephanta Island to view the Elephanta Caves, you can go for a boat ride from the Gateway of India. Tickets for the Elephanta Island are available from the Gateway of India. A boat ride of an hour can take you to the place where you can feel astonished at the architectural genius who created this such a long time ago, between the 5th and 7th centuries AD.
F for Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was established in 1571 as the capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar. It was inhabited even before that period. Fatehpur Sikri functioned as the capital of the Mughal Empire till 1585 and was completed abandoned in 1610. However, the buildings and monuments at Fatehpur Sikri still remain bearing testimony to those busy times.
There are quite a few palaces and major buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. Some of these include the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and so on. There are various palaces for different queens of Akbar. Besides, the house of Birbal, who was the minister of Akbar, is also located inside. Buland Darwaza, the largest gate in Asia, is located in Fatehpur Sikri.
G for Goa
The name Goa brings to mind the scenes of exotic beaches where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the blue waters. This town offers one of the best sea beaches in India and is loved by both Indians as well as foreign tourists. It offers excellent opportunities of engaging in watersports, such as jetskiing, banana boat rides, and so on. Some of the best beaches in Goa include Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Palolem Beach, Vagator Beach, Colva Beach, Mobor Beach, Dona Paula Beach, and Sinquerim Beach.
However, Goa isn't only about the sea and the beaches. There are also several forts along the sea beaches that are spotted by palm trees. You visit these forts. Some of them, however, requires trekking. Apart from its tourist spots, Goa is also known for its vibrant nightlife, which include nightclubs, bars, and parties. So, don't miss out enjoying a chunk of it during your trip to Goa.
Some of the attractions of Goa you just cannot miss include the Grand Island, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapora Fort, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Arvelam Waterfalls.
H for Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital of Telengana, is also known as the City of Nizams. It has a rich history that goes back to the time of the Nawabs and Nizams. The city is located on the shores of the Hussain Sagar Lake. The city is spotted with some architectural beauties. These include the Charminar, the Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Qutub Shahi Tombs, and Purani Haveli. You can visit some the Salar Jung Museum, which has the collections of Nawab Turab Ali Khan or Salar Jung I and Mir Yousuf Ali Khan or Salar Jung II. This museum has outstanding collections of art, manuscripts, and books.
If you take a city tour of Hyderabad, you can go to Ramoji Film City, which is a film studio complex that showcases various aspects of filmmaking. It is the largest integrated film studio complex in the world and is visited by many tourists on a regular basis. The Golconda Fort is also not far from the city and is one of the popular tourist attractions of Hyderabad. If you're a foodie, don't miss the delicious taste of Hyderabad-styled biryani from some of the famous eating joints of the city.
I for Imphal
Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city life? Want to unwind in the mountains? Imphal, the capital of Manipur in northeastern India, can be the perfect destination for you. The place is rich in history and also offers a time close to nature. Imphal also has a rich culture, which you can witness if you visit the city. It is known for folk and classical dances and music.
Some of the tourist attractions in Imphal include the picturesque Lake Loktak, Sambal-Lei-Sekpil Garden, Matai Garden, and Kangla Fort. When you're in Imphal, ensure that you visit the Imphal Zoological Garden as well as the Manipur State Museum.
J for Jaisalmer
You can find almost every landscape, such as the mountains, forests, valleys, and sea beaches across various places in India. However, if you want to visit the desert, there's only one place that you have to head to. It's Jaisalmer in the Rajasthan.
The town of Jaisalmer is a favorite of the tourists coming to India for its desert and the Jaisalmer Fort, which was constructed using yellow limestone. This is the second-oldest fort of Rajasthan and one of the few forts in the world, where people still reside. The renowned, Oscar-winning Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray based one of his films on this golden fort of Jaisalmer. Besides, the town is jeweled with majestic Havelis and several Jain temples.
The desert town is also spotted with a few lakes, especially the Gadisar Lake, which was built in 1156 AD by King Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer. It was also reconstructed in 1367 AD by Gadsi Singh.\
Don't miss out on a camel ride across the desert when you're in Jaisalmer. Cross the sand dunes on the back of a camel while going to experience the sunset in the Thar Desert. You can also visit the town of Kuldhara nearby, which is said to be haunted.
If possible, book your stay at the desert tents, so that you can view the beauty of the desert during the sunset and into the night. These tents let you sleep on beds in the open under the starry sky.
K for Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
Situated on the floodplains of river Brahmaputra in the state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is known for its amazing flora and fauna. If you're a wildlife lover, you can't miss this forest, which is known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. In fact, Kaziranga has world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world. In addition, you can also find various types of birds and animals, such as elephants, swamp deer, wild water buffalo, and so on.
Kaziranga National Park is also one of the tiger reserves and has a population of over 100 Bengal Tigers. It also has India's only Golden Tiger, which has a color aberration that makes it appear golden. And if you're lucky while traveling to Kaziranga National Park, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Ganges River Dolphin that swims in the River Brahmaputra that flows through the park. If the weather is clear, the peaks of the Himalayan mountain range are also visible from Kaziranga National Park.
L for Lucknow
Located on the banks of River Gomti in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is often dubbed as the City of Nawabs. It has a history that dates back to an ancient era, but it was under the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the Nawabs of Oudh that the city reached its peak. The Old City of Lucknow still bears testimony to those amazing times through its grand architectural wonders. One of the most famous tourist attractions of Lucknow is the Bara Imambara, which houses the extremely famous Bhul-Bhulaiya labyrinth. In addition, the other structures in Bara Imambara include the Asfi mosque and a Bowli or stepwell that has running water.
Close to the Bara Imambara is the Chota Imambara, whose hall is decorated with numerous chandeliers and crystal glass lamp shades. The Chota Imambara also contains the Tombs of Princess Asiya Begum and Muhammad Ali Shah, and the Treasury Building. Some of the other Lucknow attractions include the Ghari Ghar or the Clock Tower, Dilkhusha Kothi, Satkhands, and Rumi Darwaza.
Apart from the architectures from the time of the Nawabs is ruins of The Residency or The British Residency. As the name suggests, it was the resident of the British Resident General and was constructed for him by the Nawab Sadaat Ali Khan of Lucknow between 1798 and 1814. This complex of buildings were attacked by the Indian soldiers during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Several buildings, such as the Banquetting Hall, Dr.Fayrer's House, and others were damaged during the mutiny.
If you're a foodie, Lucknow has some amazing places for you. Don't miss out on the Awadhi dishes that are available at different restaurants of the city. You can also try out the biriyani and kebabs at Tundey Kababi and Dastarkhwan.
M for Manali
If you're looking for a few places in India that offers fascinating natural beauty, you can head to Himachal Pradesh. There are quite a few places in the state that are the perfect example of nature's charm. Manali and the town of Kullu close by stand out. There are numerous places of interest in and around Manali. Some of them are Solang Valley, Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, Arjun Gufa, Gulaba, Jogini Waterfalls, Great Himalayan National Park, Rahala Falls, and Nehru Kund.
If you are interested in temples and mythology, don't miss the Hidimba Temple, Manali Gompa, Arjun Gufa, Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, and Gauri Shakar Temple. You can stroll in the Mall. If you're interested in art and culture, don't skip your visit to the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art. Some of the other places to visit from Manali include Rohtang Pass, Kothi, Katrain, and Chandrakhani Pass. If you want, you can go to the banks of River Beas and spend your time there.
If you're visiting Manali during the winter, you will find it covered in snow. You can do igloo booking Manali to have an offbeat experience and make your Manali trip even more memorable.
N for Nainital
The town of Nainital in Uttarakhan gets its name from the lake or tal Naini and the peak Naina. The town is located on the side of the lake. Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in India. This mountainous city owes its beauty to this eye-shaped lake, which has emerald waters.
When you're in Nainital, don't miss the local attractions, which include several other lakes, such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and others. You can also go up the hills to view the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas from there. Even the view of Lake Naini is also beautiful from up the mountains.
Nainital Zoo can be a good place to spend your time. And taking a stroll by the side of the lake during any time of the day and evening can help you unwind. It's also a good idea to taste some of the mouth-watering bakery items and momos at Nainital during your stay. And taking a boat ride on Lake Naini is a must before you end your trip of Nainital.
Some of the other places where you can head to from Nainital are Almora, Kousani, and Ranikhet.
O for Ooty
Located in the Nilgiri Hills in the Indian state of Tamilnadu, Ooty is the perfect hill station for you to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Originally planned as a summer retreat for the British officials during their colonial rule, Ooty is known primarily for its tea estates and soothing climate.
In addition to the tea estates, Ooty also has lush greenery due to its tropical forests. It is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve where you can take safaris. Besides, there are also several gardens and parks in Ooty, such as the Government Rose Garden, which is India's largest rose garden, and the Ooty Botanical Gardens.
The beauty of Ooty is enhanced by the presence of several lakes, such as Ooty Lake, Porthimund Lake, Emerald Lake, and Avalanche Lake. Besides, River Pykara flows through the town. The Pykara Dam and the Kamaraj Sagar Dam are some of the places of tourist interest in the town. You can also visit the Doddabetta Peak.
P for Pondicherry
When it comes to places whose names start with P, there can be stiff competition between Pondicherry in Tamilnadu and Pahelgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Maybe we'll go to Pahelgam some other day. For the time being, let's head to Pondicherry.
An erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry or Puducherry still bears testimony to its colonial times. The French influence, especially in architecture and road planning, is still visible. Also known as the French Riviera of the East, Pondicherry also has some splendid sea beaches. When you're in Pondicherry, spend time in the French Promenade. And don't forget to taste the French dishes at the local restaurants.
Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram are also located close to the city of Pondicherry.
Q for Qutb Minar Complex
Qutb Minar Complex is not a city or town, but a historical site in the Indian city of Delhi. True. But India doesn't have any tourist place the name of which starts with 'Q'. So, let's take this opportunity and visit one of the most renowned historical monuments in India.
Located in the Mehrauli neighborhood in South Delhi, the Qutb Complex houses a number of historical buildings and monuments. The star among them is surely the Qutb Minar, whose construction was started under Delhi Sultan Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1199 and was completed under Sultan Iltutmish in 1220. Since then, various rules, including the Tughlaqs, Alauddin Khalji, and even the British have added various structures to this complex.
Apart from the Qutb Minar, the Qutb Complex in Delhi also have other structures, such as the Tomb of Iltutmish and Tomb of Imam Zamin, and Ala-ud-din Khilji's Tomb and madrasa. It also has the Alai Minar, which was started by Ala-ud-din Khalji. The plan was to make this tower twice as tall as the Qutb Minar. However, its construction was not completed. There's also the Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque.
One of the most outstanding attractions of the Qutb Complex is the Iron Pillar. So, if you're visiting this place, don't forget to have a glance at it. And don't miss the sun-dial too.
R for Ravangla
Among the tourist places in India starting with R, Ravangla and Rann of Kutch can have a close fight. Let's stick to Ravangla, an alluring place in Sikkim.
Ravangla lies between Gangtok and Pelling. Just as many other places of Sikkim, in Ravangla too Mount Kanchenjunga offers a perfect backdrop. The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are quite a few tea gardens around Ravangla among which the Temi Tea Garden is quite famous. Besides, you can visit a few monasteries, such as the Ralang Monastery, the Doling Gompa, and the Bonn Monastery from this scenic town in South Sikkim.
When you're in Ravangla, you can experience a mesmerizing sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga from Rayong Sunrise Point. If you are planning to spend some lazy time, a stroll in the famous Buddha Park of Ravangla can be refreshing. Have a look at the Buddha statue and climb the stairs up it.
S for Srinagar
Although Kashmir has long been politically disputed and had some severe unrest, the beauty of the place, nonetheless, is breathtaking. Tourism in Kashmir is also gradually coming back to its proper shape. So, you can plan your visit to this place, which is often dubbed as the Heaven on Earth. And when you go there, don't forget to halt at Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. To enjoy your time there to the fullest, you can book your stay in one of the houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar.
In addition to staying in the houseboats on Dal Lake, you can visit some of the tourist places in Srinagar. In addition to its natural beauty, the place also has a rich history. There are several gardens in Srinagar, such as the Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh, that date back to the Mughal period. You can also visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden or go to Hazratbal Shrine or Shankaracharya Temple. While staying there, don't miss shopping in the floating markets. And if you're going at a time when the apples bloom, make a point to visit the apple orchards of Srinagar.
Before planning your trip to Srinagar, you must check out the current political conditions and unrest in the state.
T for Tawang
Looking for a trip that blends the beauty of nature with local culture? Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is probably the best for that. Located at an altitude of 10000 feet, this town offers scintillating views that can enthrall mountain lovers. There are several enchanting lakes in and around the town. Besides, you can visit different Buddhist monasteries. In fact, India's largest monastery, the Tawang Buddhist Monastery, is also located in town in Arunachal Pradesh.
Some of the places of interest in Tawang are Bumla Pass, Madhuri Lake, Pangateng Tso Lake, Nuranang Falls, and Sela Pass are some places you can't miss. There are also a few historical places, such as Tawang War Memorial and Jaswant Garh, which you can visit.
U for Udaipur
The state of Rajasthan in India has a rich history and royal glamor attached to it. It is spotted with destinations that attract tourists on their India travel. Udaipur, an important historical and tourist place in Rajasthan, can take you back in time with its stunning palaces and forts, such as the Udaipur City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagmandir, Lake Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. The Bada Mahal, which is a part of the City Palace, and Maharana Pratap Memorial are popular tourist attractions of Udaipur.
There are quite a few museums that, among others, include City Palace Museum, Ahar Museum, Vintage and Classic Car Museum, and the Government Museum. The city of Udaipur is dotted with lakes that make it even more graceful. Some of them are Udaisagar Lake, Doodh Talai, Jiyan Sagar, Jaisamand Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar Lake.
V for Varanasi
If India is the Spiritual Capital of the World, as it is often termed, then Varanasi or Benaras is it's epicenter. The city has always been a part of Indian mythology when it was called Kashi and finds in mention in various ancient literary works, such as the Mahabharata. Archeological evidence shows that people lived in the city even in 800 BC. If you visit Varanasi, you must immerse yourself in the spiritual journey through the city. The city is located on the banks of River Ganges, which is considered sacred by the Hindus.
Varanasi is known for its narrow alleys, bazaars, and the famous Ghats or riverfront steps. The city has a whooping 88 ghats. Don't miss out on the visits to some of the ghats, such as Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Lalita Ghat, Raj Ghat, and others. Among these, the Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are used for cremation.
You can also take a boat ride along River Ganges to view the city and its several ghats from the middle of the river. And don't miss the scene of priests worshipping River Ganges in the evening.
W for Wayanad
Kerala is known as God's Own Country and that isn't for no reason. And out of the many outstanding places in Kerala, Wayanad surely stands out for its soothing weather and picturesque views. The place is quite popular among trekkers as well as people who love adventure cycling. There are opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, and camping in Wayanad. Besides, just as the other areas of Kerala, this city also is known for its greenery. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in this city. You can go for a safari in this forest.
When you're in Wayanad, you can plan your stay in a treehouse to double the enjoyment. Don't forget to visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the Edakkal Cave, the Pookode Lake, and the Kuruva Island. In addition, you can visit the Chembra Peak and the Thirunelli Temple. The Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India and the second-largest in Asia, is also among the must-visit places in Wayanad.
X for 'The Unknown'
It seems India does not have any popular tourist place that starts with X.
Do you know why?
Because X has always been the unknown. So, you can explore it and find out your own favorite tourist spot from the unknown and unexplored places in India.
Y for Yumthang Valley
A picturesque valley located in North Sikkim, Yumthang lies on the banks of the Lachung River, a tributary of River Teesta. The slopes of the mountains around the valley are full of flowering plants and shrubs, such as Rhododendrons, primulas, iris, and poppies. During spring and summer, these flowers bloom to give the valley a vibrant look. Besides, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which boasts of several species of rhododendron, is located in Yumthang Valley. The colorful look that the valley wears from spring to monsoon gives it the name of the Sikkim Valley of Flowers.
Yumthang Valley has a hot spring where you can spend some time. Besides, the valley is surrounded by snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas. If the weather is clear, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga. The valley, located close to Lachung, remains closed from December to March, as it experiences heavy snowfall during that time.
Z for Zuluk
Although Zuluk is a small village, which wasn't in the tourist map even a few years ago, it has every quality to surprise a travel-thirsty soul. Away from the crowded places of Sikkim, Zuluk allows you to enjoy the silence of nature. Besides, the roads to Zuluk that wind up and down the mountains with 32 hairpin-bends offer a delightful experience to the travelers. If you want to visit Zuluk, you need to get permission done from Gangtok.
The history of Zuluk also dates back to the ancient of times. It was a transit point to the Silk Route through which the travelers went from Tibet to India.
There are several tourist places close to Zuluk that you can visit. These include Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir, and Gurudongmar Lake.
Do you remember any other place of tourist attraction in India starting with each of the alphabets?
Share with us in the comments section below.
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