If you’re looking for a beautiful country to discover, India is the place to go. With such a diverse range of sights to be seen within the Asian hotspot, you have every reason to visit and explore.
Here are just five of the sights you simply cannot miss when in India.
The Taj Mahal
There’s simply no doubt that a trip to India isn’t complete without visiting the Taj Mahal. Situated in the city of Agra, this white marble mausoleum stands as majestic and impressive as ever – if the building itself doesn’t prove it, the massive crowds surrounding the Taj Mahal on a daily basis will.
Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal houses the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. And although its history sounds subtly morbid, its appearance is anything but – a glistening white exterior almost glows under the light of the sun, with intricate details to be found all around. The gardens leading up to the mausoleum itself as almost as impressive, too.
You will find it glowing pink when you visit it at sunrise, white during the day and orange-yellow at sunset.
Related Read: A Visit to Rishikesh – Yoga Capital of the World
Red Fort, Delhi
Situated just outside of the bustle and energy of Delhi, the Red Fort is a rather underrated landmark in India. You’ll find it behind the famed Delhi and Lahori Gates, the UNESCO World Heritage Site hidden behind them. Known as Delhi’s most iconic monument, it’s certainly worth a visit.
It’s another Mughal structure, its architecture and detailing being the biggest giveaway of that. But the Red Fort was actually the seat of the Mughal empire for over 200 years. It’s a place with significant historical value, so you’ll be able to learn a thing or two about the country’s history whilst taking in the beauty of the fort itself.
Amer Fort, Jaipur
The Red Fort isn’t the only fort you should consider visiting in India. Jaipur is home to several palaces and the Amer Fort, situated on a natural ridge 11 kilometres north of the city centre. You’ll reach the fort via elephant, transporting visitors up the ridge for an authentically Indian experience from the very minute you arrive.
It’s a culturally important site, with features such as a coral carving of Ganesha – the Hindu elephant God – and the chamber of a thousand mirrors, which proves popular with visitors for its sheer magic. It’s an underrated destination, and the best thing about it is you can visit Jaipur with kids as it’s family-friendly destination.
River Ganges
Known to many as India’s “holiest river”, the River Ganges is one of the most unique places in the entire world. Situated in the city of Varanasi, millions visit the Ganges as the water is said to have the power to wash away sins. Not only that, but there’s plenty to see along the river that’ll astound you just as much.
Consider seeing the Annapurna Bhavani Temple, dedicated to Annapurna – a figure of powerful femininity. You’ll find a golden statue of her within the temple, but it’s only open three days a year so you’ll have to be wise with your timing. Elsewhere, the ghats are a communal and beautiful part of the Ganges where locals gather to bathe in the waters and even partake in religious ceremonies.
Darjeeling
Ride the Toy Train up through the Himalayas to discover Darjeeling. Although it’s a hill station, it’s still one of the best sights to lay your eyes upon in the entirety of the country – all around are stretching panoramas of the surrounding land, mountainous peaks coated in green forestry and capped with snow in the higher regions.
It’s just one of the places that proves India is one of, if not the world’s most diverse country in terms of scenery. From the bustle of major cities and their respective landmarks to the far-removed mountainous regions of the country, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful sights to discover.
Do you have any more recommendations for beautiful sights to be discovered in India? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
This is a contributed post.
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Hey Christine. I think if you had to pick 5 things to do on a 5 day trip, this works given the paucity in time, but if you added a hill theme or a temple theme, you should also recommend some part of South India, given India is well connected by flights.
Great post! The Taj Mahal’s architecture is out of this world. everyone should experience walking inside those beautiful walls.
Ofcourse these destinations should not be missed. Did you feel the spirituality of Varanasi and Rishikesh? These are the holy places of India and one should not missed it. Boating on River Ganges, Yoga, Temples, Aarti Rituals at evening are the beautiful sightseeing and activities to perform.
Agreed with Alina, these destinations are the heart of India, If you are visiting India these are the prime places to visit. India consists of monuments, rivers, full of flora and fauna and above all spirituality.
Great post! The Taj Mahal’s architecture is out of this world. everyone should experience walking inside those beautiful walls.
I wonder how these structures have survived for hundreds of years