Quick Summary:

  • Why is India such a fascinating destination?
    • India is fascinating beyond your wildest dreams. It is a country that is hard to describe without the use of superlatives—ancient, mysterious, awe-inspiring, and somewhat overwhelming. This is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
  • What historical and architectural wonders can be found in India?
    • The country offers something for everyone, from the majesty of the legendary Taj Mahal to a succession of palaces and fortresses. You can even explore man-made temple caves carved out of solid mountains.
  • Where can travelers go to experience India’s wildlife?
    • When you need a break from the sensory overload of history and architecture, you can escape to one of India’s national parks to see one of the planet’s most beautiful and endangered animals, the Bengal Tiger, striding through its natural habitat.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Ajanta Caves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ajanta Caves | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Dario - Fotolia.com

2. Amber Fort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Amber Fort | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of LUCIA - Fotolia.com

3. The Ancient Step Wells

The Ancient Step Wells | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of guyberresford - Fotolia.com

4. City Palace, Jaipur

City Palace, Jaipur | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of f9photos - Fotolia.com

5. Dudhsagar Falls

Category: Activities
Dudhsagar Falls | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of mnf74 - Fotolia.com

6. Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of PRILL Mediendesign - Fotolia.com

7. Great Wall India

Great Wall India | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of oldmn - Fotolia.com

8. Hampi

Hampi | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of sonatali - Fotolia.com

9. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Byelikova Oksana - Fotolia.com

10. Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Elena Ermakova - Fotolia.com

11. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Akhilesh Sharma - Fotolia.com

12. Kanha Tiger Reserve

Category: Activities
Kanha Tiger Reserve | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of gudkovandrey - Fotolia.com

13. Lodi Gardens

Category: Activities
Lodi Gardens | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Richie Chan - Fotolia.com

14. Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of saiko3p - Fotolia.com

15. Nek Chand Saini (The Rock Garden of Chandigarh)

Category: Activities
Nek Chand Saini (The Rock Garden of Chandigarh) | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of kikisora - Fotolia.com

16. Periyar National Park

Category: Activities
Periyar National Park | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Andrey Armyagov - Fotolia.com

17. Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of saiko3p - Fotolia.com

18. The Root Bridges Cherrapungee

The Root Bridges Cherrapungee | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Aungsumol - Fotolia.com

19. Shatrunjaya Hill

Shatrunjaya Hill | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Alexander - Fotolia.com

20. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Sean Hsu/stock.adobe.com

21. Temple of Galtaji

Temple of Galtaji | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Richie Chan - Fotolia.com

22. The Blue City

The Blue City | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of travelview - Fotolia.com

23. The Red Fort

Category: Activities
The Red Fort | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of Mivr - Fotolia.com

24. Bandipur National Park

Category: Activities
Bandipur National Park | Places to Visit in India: Cities, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
© Courtesy of aleksandar kamasi - Fotolia.com

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