India is a tapestry of experiences where each place feels like a living story waiting to unfold. From sunrise over snow-capped peaks to quiet temple prayers by the Ganges, this is a country where soul meets spectacle. I’ve included a thoughtful mix of iconic favorites and two surprise additions to help you plan a journey that’s part view‑finding, part cultural embrace. Here’s a collection designed to spark ideas whether you’re charting your first trip or returning to uncover something new.
1. Taj Mahal
Standing at the edge of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument—it’s a timeless symbol of devotion carved in white marble. The glow of dawn or sunset transforms its domes and minarets into something magical that often takes your breath away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of those places where even the air feels charged with history and beauty. >> Read more about planning your visit to the Taj Mahal.
2. Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a feast of ornate architecture, from the intricate lattice of Hawa Mahal to the grandeur of Amer Fort. Wandering its bazaars, you’re surrounded by textiles, jewels, and spices, with royal energy around every corner. Sunrise casts a warm glow on the sandstone cityscape, and at night the bazaars buzz with life and color.
3. The Sundarbans
Sundarbans is the home to largest mangrove forests in the world. Resting itself on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, Sunderban national park offers a protective area for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The rich Bengali history and culture witnessed here makes it a must visit places at least once in a lifetime. The three wildlife sanctuaries located in the Sunderbans cover an area of roughly 140,000 hectares and are considered core breeding areas for a number of endangered species.
4. Andaman Islands and Coral Reefs
These remote islands are a paradise of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and forested beauty. Snorkelers, scuba divers, and beach lovers will find their sweet spot in places like Havelock Island, where vibrant marine life and sugar-white sands meet serenity. Add a historic visit to Cellular Jail in Port Blair to complete the mix of nature and memory.
5. Thar Desert
The Thar Desert (also known as the Great Indian Desert) is the 17th largest desert in the world, spread across cities from Rajasthan to Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana. It encompasses a combination of the solitude of the countryside and the dense population of Rajasthan. You might be wondering what there is to do for tourists in the middle of a vast desert, but you’d be surprised. There are desert camps set up in the middle of the vast expanse where you can go dune bashing, parasailing, and camel riding.
6. Leh Ladakh
Also, known as the ‘Land of Passes’, Ladakh along with its popular capital city, Leh is one of the most prominent travel destinations for road trip aficionados and spiritual explorers in India. Ladakh is located between two of the world’s biggest mountain ranges, the Himalaya Mountains and the Karakoram. It’s an area full of peaks and valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and a lot of wildlife. In turn, that makes it an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In this area, you can go climbing, take jeeps tours, go white-water rafting and take high-altitude treks, among a plethora of other activities.
7. Western Ghats
This 1,600-km-wide mountain range extends from Gujarat to Kanyakumari. It’s older than the Himalayas range and runs across the west coast of India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight “hottest hot-spots” of biological diversity in the world, according to Wikipedia. This mountain range is home to many animals and species that only exist in India. It’s the place to visit if you’re into wildlife. There are 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6,000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species.
8. Goa
Goa, a state in western India, is an endearing beach destination and tropical paradise, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills, offering glistening sands, swaying coconut palms and ultra fresh seafood. A visit to Goa involves exploring pristine beaches and historical forts. You may not know this, but Goa was actually a colony of Portugal up until 1961, and a strong Portuguese influence still remains. Old Goa is home to the massive, Portuguese-style Se Cathedral and the baroque Basilica of Bom Jesus.
9. The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the most significant shrine in Sikhism. It is named the Golden Temple because of the gold leaf-covered sanctum center of the complex, which includes a number of different buildings surrounding the sanctum and the pool. This majestic temple is a must-visit attraction in India.
10. Caves of Ajanta & Ellora
Situated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Ajanta & Ellora Caves are the finest depictions of Buddhist art dating to 2nd century BC. Both are an important UNESCO World Heritage site. There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Amidst the caves, there are murals, paintings and intricate carvings that imply many facts about ancient India. Owing to its historical significance, these caves attract a plethora of tourists to visit Aurangabad every year.
11. Kerala Backwaters
Gliding down the palm-fringed canals of Kerala, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful world of emerald water, rustling coconut trees, and slow-paced village life. Houseboat stays here offer floating comfort while drifting past rice paddies, hidden temples, and smiling locals going about their days. It’s a deeply relaxing escape that feels both intimate and endlessly green.
12. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Set along the Ganges River, Varanasi pulses with spiritual energy and timeless rituals. At the ghats, pilgrims bathe and temple bells resonate, while evening fire ceremonies fill the air with incense and flickering lamps. It’s raw, ancient, and unforgettable—a place to witness tradition in motion.
13. Rishikesh
Tucked along the Ganges with forested hills as backdrop, Rishikesh is a blend of peaceful ashrams and adventurous spirit. It’s known as the Yoga Capital of the World, where spiritual seekers gather to meditate, learn, and recharge beside the river. For thrill-seekers, rapids along the Ganges offer white-water rafting that perfectly balances calm and energy.
14. Hampi
In Karnataka, the rocky landscape of Hampi unfolds into a labyrinth of ancient temple ruins, stone chariots, and royal courts from a lost empire. This UNESCO-listed site invites you to climb boulders for sunset views and drift through vaults that echo stories from the 14th century. It’s archaeology you can wander through, vast and evocative.
15. Mysuru (Mysore)
Known for its regal palaces and lasting traditions, Mysuru greets you with the grandeur of Mysore Palace, especially radiant when lit up after dusk. Its botanical gardens, tranquil Brindavan Gardens with dancing fountains, and proximity to Nagarahole National Park create a rich blend of royalty, relaxation, and wildlife adventure. This elegant southern city makes a meaningful stop beyond the usual tourist trail.
16. Darjeeling
Set high in the Himalayas, Darjeeling charms with misty tea estates and the whistle of its UNESCO-listed toy train carving through mountain passes. Wake early for sunrise views of Mount Kanchenjunga, then sip a local brew while steam curls in the cool air. It’s an idyllic mix of colonial tranquility, tea culture, and mountain vistas.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.