AGRA Agra, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned for its rich Mughal heritage and architectural marvels, particularly the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's known as the "City of the Taj" and is a major tourist destination. Beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra also features the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, both also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Mughal influences.
AHMEDABAD Ahmedabad is important in India for its historical significance, robust economy, and vibrant cultural heritage. It's a major industrial and commercial hub, particularly known for its textile industry, earning it the nickname "The Manchester of India," says Unacademy. It's also a significant center for education, scientific research, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to the state of Gujarat's economy.
GOA Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.
JAIPUR Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City” for its trademark building color. At the center of its stately street grid (notable in India) stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex. With gardens, courtyards and museums, part of it is still a royal residence
JAMMU Jammu is a city in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, known as the "City of Temples" due to its numerous shrines and temples. It's the winter capital of the region and historically served as the capital of Jammu Province. The city is nestled on the Shivalik hills and surrounded by mountains, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
KASHMIR Kashmir, known as "Paradise on Earth," offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to historical sites and cultural gems. Popular destinations include Srinagar, with its iconic Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens, Pahalgam , a base for the Amarnath Yatra, Gulmarg, a renowned hill station, and Sonamarg , known as the "Meadow of Gold".
JODHPUR Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a grand palace and heritage hotel, blending Indian and Western architectural styles. It's one of the largest private residences in the world, built on a sprawling 26 acres of land. Designed by Henry Vaughan Lanchester, it was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh.
MUNNAR Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
MUSSOORIE Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board, in Dehradun city in the Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kilometres from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km north of the national capital of New Delhi. The hill station is in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range.
NEW DELHI New Delhi offers a blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions. Key places include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Lotus Temple. Additionally, you can explore religious sites like Jama Masjid and Swaminarayan Akshardham, visit vibrant markets in Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place, and enjoy the serene Lodi Garden.
OOTY Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. It's situated in the Nilgiri Hills, part of the Western Ghats, and is considered the "Queen of Hill Stations". Ooty is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful escape with lush green landscapes and cool temperatures.
PUDUCHERRY Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.
RISHIKESH Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town.
SHIMLA Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station known for its British colonial architecture, natural beauty, and historical significance. It's located in the foothills of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2202 meters, and is a major tourist destination in India. Shimla was once the summer capital of British India and now retains its colonial charm, with grand buildings, charming iron lamp posts, and Anglo-Saxon names.
UDAIPUR The Udaipur City Palace is a sprawling, historic palace complex in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Built over several centuries by various rulers of the Mewar dynasty, it's one of the largest palaces in Rajasthan. The palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola and features a blend of architectural styles, including Rajasthani, Mughal, and European influences.
RAMESHWARAM The Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, specifically on the island of Rameshwaram. It is part of Pamban Island, which is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge.
SHIRDI Shirdi is a town in the state of Maharashtra, in western India. It's known as the former home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba, and as a major pilgrimage site. Devotees gather daily at the Sai Baba Temple complex to honor his legacy. Here, the Samadhi Mandir shrine has an ornate marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden.
TIRUPATI Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its Sri Venkateswara Temple sits atop one of the 7 peaks of Tirumala Hills, attracting scores of Hindu pilgrims. Sri Venkateswara National Park, home to the temple, also contains the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park with lions and primates. Nearby, next to a waterfall and cave believed to be sacred, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
UJJAIN Ujjain is an ancient and historically significant city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a major pilgrimage destination and is considered one of the seven sacred Hindu cities. Situated on the Malwa Plateau, Ujjain is known for its numerous temples, including the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
DWARKA Dwarka is a holy city in Gujarat, India, considered one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites (Char Dham). It is believed to be the city built by Lord Krishna, though later submerged. Today, it's a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists, known for the Dwarkadhish Temple and its rich history and mythology.
SOMNATH Somnath, located in Gujarat, India, is a significant pilgrimage site, particularly renowned for the Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It's a coastal town also known for its beaches and historical significance, attracting both spiritual seekers and tourists.
DIU-DAMAN Daman and Diu, a former Indian union territory, is now part of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. It's a coastal area with a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, offering a mix of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and colonial architecture. Daman, the mainland area, is known for its industrial sector, while Diu, an island, is more of a tourist destination.
MUMBAI Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it's India's largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city's also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.
LADAKH Ladakh is famous for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its high-altitude lakes, mountain passes, and the rich Buddhist culture and monasteries that dot the landscape. It's also known as the "Land of High Passes" due to its numerous mountain passes.
MANALI Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley.
DARJEELING Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.
VARANSI Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
KUTCH Kutch, also known as Kachchh, is a district in western Gujarat, India, famous for its unique landscape, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant art and crafts. It's particularly known for the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert, and the Little Rann of Kutch, a wildlife sanctuary.
SRINAGAR Srinagar, known as the "Summer Capital" of Jammu and Kashmir, is a city in the Kashmir Valley, India, located along the Jhelum River and surrounded by lakes like Dal Lake and Anchar Lake. It is famous for its natural beauty, including gardens, houseboats, and the surrounding mountains, and is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.