The best cities to visit in India

India‘s allure is renowned and far-reaching. Complex and compelling cultural heritage, incredible scenery, and a cuisine that packs a mouthwatering punch all add up to a brilliant destination for your next adventure. A nation of this size boasts a wealth of fascinating attractions, and high on the list for many visitors are the beautiful and historic cities of India. Here is a quick introduction to several of our favorite cities to visit in India.

Cities to visit in India

Delhi

A thrilling introduction to India’s glories, the capital city can’t fail to captivate. Deeply spiritual and bursting with Mughal and Muslim heritage, the gateway to India has colorful markets, great dining and some beautiful examples of Indian architecture. Head to characterful Old Delhi to explore the famous Red Fort, the Jama Mosque, the biggest mosque in India, and bustling Chandni Chowk where you can scout for souvenirs among the honeycomb of shops selling everything from spices to saris.

Jodhpur

An arresting skyline greets you on approach to Jodhpur, where the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort lords it over the city from on high. This citadel is stuffed with sumptuous palaces and apartments, museums, courtyards and fortifications. Stroll the blue-washed streets which earn Jodhpur the name ‘the Blue City’ and experience the busy Sardar market surrounding the historic Clock Tower landmark. The market is a good place to look for handicrafts, textiles, silver and Indian spices.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan and its largest city, Jaipur is an elegant city with a clutch of rose-tinted historic palaces, forts and temples. The breathtaking architecture is unified by its pink hues, originating in 1876 when the walled city was painted in honor of the Prince and Wales and Queen Victoria’s visit. Discover the City Palace complex which is the epitome of graceful Mughal construction techniques, or delve into the shimmering Palace of Mirrors inside the Amber Fort, which was constructed in the 16th century. This beautiful city is a bit of a photographer’s dream.

Agra

One of India’s most spellbinding sights is found on the bank of the Yamuna river in Agra. The ivory marble mausoleum commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is known worldwide as India’s most famous building: the Taj Mahal. Another enduring example of Mughal architecture is the imposing Agra Fort, constructed from red sandstone and consisting of numerous palaces, ramparts, bastions and towers in the 16th century. Both buildings are truly spectacular and well worth exploring.

Udaipur

Lake Pichola is the largest of the three lakes which are the focal point of the city of Udaipur, one of India’s most scenic and romantic destinations. Enjoy the enchanting views of the city and its surrounding hills, the Jag Mandir island palace that seems to float on the water, and the serene gardens at Sahelion ki-Bari complete with pools, pavilions, lawns and elephant fountains. Explore Lake Pichola by boat and see the bathing ghats around the shore as well as Udaipur’s magnificent lakeside monuments reflected in the water.

Kolkata

The country’s second-largest city is the capital of West Bengal and retains strong impressions of its imperial past, making it one of the best cities to visit in India by a mile. Enjoy a tour of the Victoria Memorial, one of the most significant relics of the era of the Raj; there, you’ll find numerous historic paintings and statues from that time. Kolkata’s roots as a fishing village on the banks of the Hooghly river are thoroughly hidden by the sprawling modern city, but the open spaces of Maidan Park and the charm of a sunset boat trip give you a glimpse of the past.

Kochi

Known all over India as Cochin, Kerala’s gateway city is a charming and exciting mixture of waterways, historic port districts and an attractive jumble of architectural styles, making it one of the best cities in India to visit. Portuguese, British, Dutch, Chinese and Indian influences are all present and correct, and there are plenty of historic sites to discover. The Mattancherry Palace is an interesting glance back to the Portuguese presence in the 16th century, with later Dutch embellishments. The Jewish synagogue is another notable 16th-century monument which boasts sumptuous interiors.

Varanasi

A spiritual hub with some incredible traditions and a far-reaching history that ranks it among the longest inhabited places in the world, Varanasi has a deep connection to its location on the river Ganges. This is a city where India’s complex mosaic of faiths and culture is on show. The Ganges is sacred for Hindus and Jains and you will witness many rituals connected to the river during your time here. Enjoy a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges and see the mesmerizing aarti ceremonies that take place in the evenings at the riverside ghats.

Panaji and beyond, Goa

Fringing the western coast of India along the Arabian Sea, is the ever-famous coastal region of Goa – India’s colorful beach-vibe spot. Known in the 70s as a fringe travel destination for hippies and partygoers, Goa earned a reputation as an enclave of fun and frivolity. Back then, it was a tropical and friendly haven for backpackers who wanted to go off the beaten track and explore India’s beaches. If Goa is on your bucket list of places to visit in India, make sure to spend time there exploring the Dudhsagar Falls, kayaking through mangroves, scuba diving, shopping for exotic handicrafts, and relaxing on the scenic white-sand beaches.

Today, Goa’s warmth and friendliness have remained, but it has evolved into a fun-loving place for everyone. Its capital city, Panaji, is filled with colonial-era architecture which you can explore in-between strolls along the Mandovi River. You’ll find it in northern Goa, which is also home to the city of Mapusa, known for its beaches and bustling street markets. South Goa is the place to be for its quieter pace of life and more luxurious offerings across Vasco Da Gama and Madgaon.

Darjeeling

Situated in a picturesque region of West Bengal in the scenic Himalayan range, Darjeeling is fondly referred to as the Queen of Hills. It’s one of India’s most enchanting destinations and has its roots steeped in tea production. During the 19th century, British officials flocked to the region for their summer retreat and began experimenting with tea-growing on the favorable lower slopes, leading to much success. You would have, no doubt, recognized the Darjeeling name from seeing it on boxes of tea, found worldwide.

The views of the Himalayas from Darjeeling are simply mind-blowing, and the ancient monasteries lend a serene charm to the region. Lush tea plantations carpet the lower slopes, with an estimated 87 tea gardens scattered throughout. This is one of India’s much-loved areas, where people flock to see the mesmerizing sunrise at Tiger Hill and enjoy shopping, horse rides, and dining in the main square. Arguably the best activity is experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which snakes its way through verdant landscapes, villages, and historic tea gardens.

Make it happen

Our trusted local experts know all the best cities in India inside-out, and can bring them to life for you with that extra local insight. Contact them today to see how they can tailor-make your India itinerary to suit your preferences and priorities.