Below are some of the popular places that are a must to explore in India:
1. Goa
Goa is a must–visit tourist destination if you want to experience the nightlife. In addition, you can attend beach parties, visit Churches, or opt for a cruise ride while touring around Goa. Some of the main tourist attractions of Goa are Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna, Benaulim, Colva, Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Mae De Deus, and Temple of Bodgeshwar.
2. Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir is often denoted as the 'heaven on earth.' The main reason for this is the presence of a plethora of flower gardens, snow-covered mountain peaks and beautiful valleys. Nevertheless, the top attractions of Kashmir include Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Hazratbal Mosque, Parimahal, Shankaracharya Hill, Indira Gandhi Memorial, and Tulip Garden.
3. Andaman
There are a variety of water sports to enjoy in Andaman, like scuba diving, parasailing, snorkelling and cruise rides to make your holidays more interesting. The top attractions of Andaman include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail National Memorial, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Complex in Port Blair, and ChidiyaTapu.
4. Coorg
Also known as the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg offers breathtaking views of lush green forests, hills, and coffee plantations. Apart from the scenic beauty, some top attractions of Coorg include Nalknad Palace, Barapole River, Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Peak, Namdroling Monastery, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, ziplining, and angling in River Kaveri, and Microlight flight at Chelavara.
5. Kerala
The 'God's own country,' Kerala, has several beautiful backwaters, pristine beaches and beautiful lakes that are sure to enchant you. Additionally, you can explore several tea and coffee plantations, flora and fauna restricted to Kerala. Kerala's top attractions are Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, and Pathiramanal.
6. Kutch
Kutch is a tortoise-shaped island and a must-visit before you turn 30. You must visit the desert during the kite festival to witness the vibrant and beautiful kites across the sky. A few tourist attractions of Kutch are Prag Mahal, Kutch Museum, Kalo Dungar, Archaeological Museum, White Desert, Mandvi Beach, AinaMahal, and more.
7. Rishikesh
You can explore several water adventures when you are in Rishikesh. For example, you can try out river rafting with your friend in this region. The top attractions include Rajaji National Park, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Shivpuri River Rafting Point, Ram Jhula, and more.
8. Shimla
This is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the enchanting scenic beauty attract tourists from across the country. Shimla's top tourist attractions include Kufri, Chadwick Falls, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Annandale, Scandal Point, and more.
9. Jim Corbett
In this national park, you can witness several amazing wildlife here. In addition, you can stay inside the park itself for a thrilling experience. It is famous for having the highest number of tigers in Indian national parks. The top attractions of Jim Corbett are Jim Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Falls, Ramganga Dam, Corbett Tiger Reserve, and more.
10. Udaipur
Also known as the 'Venice of the East,' Udaipur is a picturesque city in Rajasthan with several attractive heritage places. Udaipur's top tourist attractions are Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, Bagore ki Haweli, and Gangaur Ghat. Additionally, you can also opt for several adventurous activities such as trekking, boating and sightseeing.
11. Jaisalmer
If you are looking forward to exploring desert camping, Jaisalmer is the perfect city. The Golden city offers the mesmerising Thar Desert and some exciting desert activities like camel safari, dune bashing, etc. Some of the top attractions of Jaisalmer include Jaisalmer Fort, Folklore Museum, Bada Bagh, Sam Sand Dunes, and Desert Cultural Centre.
12. Varanasi
Situated on the bank of the river Ganges, Varanasi is one of the most ancient inhabited cities in the world, also referred to as Banaras or Kashi. It is majorly popular for panoramic ghats, boat rides, aartis and prayers. Some of the top tourist attractions of this place include Assi Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and Durga Temple.
13. Kolkata
Kolkata is famous among tourists for the Durga Puja festival, Bengali sweets and lip-smacking delicacies. During this festival, you can witness several themed pandals and grand artis. Some of the top attractions of Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Birla Planetarium, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
14. Delhi
The capital city of India, Delhi, is mainly famous for some beautiful monuments from the Mughal Dynasty. Additionally, you can pay a visit to the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan and stop by Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for some mesmerising Qawwali. Some of the top attractions of Delhi include The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Akshardham, and Humayun’s Tomb.
15. Agra
Agra houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love that can mesmerise you with its beauty. You can also witness some additional monuments in Agra, such as the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Guru ka Tal, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Chini Ka Rauza, Fatehpur Sikri, Moti Masjid, Great gate (Darwaza i rauza), Dilli Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Kaanch Mahal, and Sikandra.
16. Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam is not only famous for beaches, but you can also get to explore cable car rides, submarine tours, museums, temples, wildlife sanctuaries and caves. Visakhapatnam's famous tourist attractions include Kailasagiri Hill Park, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, INS Kursura in Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, Rushikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Mission Beach, Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Tenneti Park, Yarada Beach, Ross Hill, and Lawsons Bay Beach Park.
17. Kodaikanal
The lush green forest, along with the mesmerising scenic beauty of the hills and picturesque waterfalls, is sure to enchant you during your trip. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal include Pillars Rocks, Kodai Lake, Coakers Walk, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Devil's Kitchen, Dolphin's Nose, Bryant Park, and Berijam Lake.
18. Nainital
Nainital is one of India's most frequented tourist spots, as the climate remains mild all year round. When in Nainital, you can go sightseeing, boating, and shopping at the market. Some of the famous tourist attractions of this place include Naina Peak, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Sariyatal Lake, Khurpatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, and The Mall Road.
19. Wettest Place on Earth
Meghalaya in Mawsynram receives an annual rainfall of about 11,872 mm. There is a town in Meghalaya named Cherrapunji which receives an annual rainfall of about 11,872 mm. This accounts for Cherrapunji being one of the wettest places in the world.