Jaisalmer Fort

Located in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest forts in the world. The fort sits as a symbol of pride amidst the beautiful golden sands of the Thar Desert. There are quite a few Jain temples within the fort’s premises, apart from a Royal Palace, massive gateways and other highlights. The best way to visit the fort is to take a safari atop a beautifully decorated camel or elephant. In fact, a visit to Jaisalmer isn’t complete without a quintessential desert safari atop a camel.

Umaid Bhawan

One of the highlights of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhawan, an opulent palace which has now been converted into a plush hotel. Several parts of the palace are still open to the public, which give you a glimpse into the royal times. The construction of the palace was ordered in 1923 by Maharaja Umaid Singh in order to provide families with work and income during a time of drought and famine. The manicured lawns and the intricate architecture make the palace a sight to behold.

Vivekanand Rock Memorial

Located about 500 meters off the southernmost tip of India in Kanyakumari is the Vivekanand Rock Memorial. The memorial was built in 1970 in order to honor spiritual leader Swami Vivekanand who once visited the land. The memorial is built on a rock. It is believed that Swami Vivekanand attained enlightenment while meditating on the rock. It is considered to be a sacred place by the Hindus. The calm and tranquility that surrounds the memorial puts you at ease. There is even a meditation hall here where you can meditate.

Pamban Bridge

Connecting Rameswaram to rest of the parts of the country is Pamban Bridge. It is the second longest sea bridge of the country, and the first one to come up. Built in 1912, this 2.3 km bridge was first opened to railway traffic in 1914. The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass underneath. If you are looking for beautiful train journeys in India, consider taking the one through Pamban Bridge. It stands for its understated elegance.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is the icon of India and the epitome of love around the world. This magnificent monument was built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble and the intricate carvings of the monument have mesmerized many around the world. Quite rightly, the monument finds a place in the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed that Shah Jahan ordered that the hands of all the laborers who built the monument be severed so that they can never build a monument so beautiful ever again.

Kibber Monastery

A trip to Kibber Monastery is almost like a trip to another world. Kibber Monastery lies close to the town of Kibber, which has about 80 odd homes only. The stone structure of the monastery blends well with the khaki colored rocks in the background, while the snow capped peaks in the distance make it stand out. The monastery is understated, and some might even miss it if they don’t pay enough attention. But if you can brave the tough trek to it, you will be greeted with some magnificent views of the Himalayas and Spiti Valley.

Victoria Memorial

An icon of the city of Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial. This majestic structure stands testimony to the colonial past of the city. The building was designed by Sir William Emerson and is one of the most beautiful structures of modern India. The memorial houses a museum which has several artifacts belonging to the British times. The Royal Gallery here has original oil paintings of the time of Queen Victoria, which take you to the times gone by. Visit the memorial and you will be charmed by the grandeur and the understated elegance o the building.

Gateway of India

An iconic landmark of the city of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. The structure is often referred to as “Taj Mahal of India.” It was built during the British times and must have served as the landing point for people coming by boat to Mumbai. Overlooking the shore and the iconic Taj Hotel, it has come under attack by terrorists quite a few times. However, that hasn’t deterred people from visiting this beautiful landmark of Mumbai.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

A little away from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These are not natural caves, which makes them so magnificent in the first place. Evidence suggests that the caves were carved out of huge mountain rocks almost 2,000 years ago. The caves have some intricately carved sculptures, mostly belonging to Buddhism and Jainism religions. The fact that the caves were carved out by Buddhist monks without any sophisticated tools make them worth a visit. They give you a peek into the rich cultural diversity of the country.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, Gujarat dates back to the 15th century, which in itself is magnificent. The mosque was built during Ahmed Shah’s reign and was one of the largest ones built during that period in the country. The mosque has the tombs of Ahmed Shah, his wives, his son and grandson. Walking through the deserted corridors of the mosque take you to the old times, during the rule of the kings and the queens. The structure is well preserved and definitely qualifies as one of the most beautiful places in India.

India Gate

An iconic monument of Delhi is the India Gate, constructed in order to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The monument was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and is in the middle of the city. While you may not find anything special about the architecture of it, it still makes for a wonderful sight. It is also one of the few places in Delhi where you can take a stroll at 1 in the night and the police won’t take you away for questioning.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Udaipur is a city of lakes and many beautiful palaces, the most opulent of which is the Fateh Prakash Palace. The palace was built by Maharana Fateh Singh, ruler of Mewar, and was specifically reserved for royal functions only. A tour of the palace gives you an insight into royal artifacts, miniature paintings and Mewar armory, taking you to the times gone by. If you have the moolah, you can even organize celebrations or conferences in this opulent palace, thus being an important of the history of Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort

Located close to Ajmer, Rajasthan is the Chittorgarh Fort, the largest of the country. The fort sits atop a hill and spreads across a sprawling 280 hectares of land. With its many beautiful palaces, temples and gateways, the fort attracts thousands of tourists every year. The seemingly abandoned surroundings add to the charm of the fort. Chittorgarh Fort also stands a symbol of national pride and honor. According to historical evidence, more than 13,000 men, women and children laid down their loves between the 10th and the 16th century in order to protect the city from enemies. That and much more make it one of the iconic monuments of Rajasthan.

Kurinjal Peak

Located about 20 km from Kudremukh in Karnataka is the Kurinjal Peak, which is almost the same height as the Kudrenukh Peak itself. A part of Kudremukh National Park, the trek to the top of the peak takes you through evergreen forests. The region is blessed with plenty of flora and fauna. You can spot several animals during the trek, which include herds of elephants, Indian Bison and more. When taking the Kurinjal Peak Trek, don’t miss out on a visit to Hanman Gundi which is known for its stunning waterfalls. There is also Bhagavati Nature Camp, which is an ideal camping location.

Mysore Palace

You just cannot leave out Mysore when talking about beautiful places in India. The city is known for its royal palaces which date back to British times. One of the most important palaces of Mysore is the Mysore Palace. Also called the Amba Vilas Palace, it was originally constructed in the 14th century. However, several reconstructions were ordered in consequent years, the current version dating back to 1897. It is a Rajput style palace with elements of Muslim architecture and an unmistakable grandeur about it.

Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Four times the size of Buckingham Palace is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodra, Gujarat. The palace is an epitome of grandeur and luxury, and still serves as the residence of the royal family. The interiors of the building are inspired from European architecture, and the highlight of it is the opulent Darbar Hall, which plays host to musical concerts every now and then. There are a lot of artifacts in the palace belonging to the ancient times, which include armory, bronze sculptures and more. The palace also once had its own zoo. However, all that remains of the zoo today is a pond with crocodiles. You can also see a train engine at the entrance of the palace. The engine is part of the train which was ordered by the Maharaja to take his children from school to the main palace building and back. Talk of opulence!

Lotus Temple

Another architecture masterpiece of India is the Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship. The temple gets its name from its shape which resembles that of a lotus flower. Since it is a Bahai temple, don’t expect beautiful idols or priests singing hymns in the premises. In fact, what you see is a large hall where you can sit and chant your prayers, irrespective of your religion. True to a place of worship, the atmosphere of the temple is calm and relaxed, ideal for meditation and spending a few moments with yourself.

Qutub Minar

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Delhi’s tallest minaret, with a height of about 240 feet. The monument was built in order to surpass the beauty of Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, way back in 1052 CE. The monument has several ruins and relics dating back to centuries ago, which together constitute the Qutub Complex. In the olden days, you could climb the stairs and reach the top of the minaret for an awesome view of the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, that has been disallowed to protect the monument. However, despite that, it continues to be an icon of Delhi’s landscape.

Tawang Monastery

The largest monastery of India is the Tawan Monastery, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery was built in the 17th century and is home to around 450 monks. The name of the monastery translates to “Horse Chosen.” According to folklore, after Merang Lama could not decide on a suitable site for the monastery, he decided to seek diving intervention. Merang Lama’s horse then rode all the way to a hilltop, which is the current location of the monastery. Situated at a height of about 3300 meters above sea level, the monastery houses 400 year old scriptures and several other artifacts of importance to the Buddhist religion.

Tsongmo Lake

Located in the eastern part of Sikkim, at an altitude of about 12,400 feet is the Tsongmo Lake. You pass this lake while trekking to Nathu La Pass, which lies at the Ind0-China border. Like other lakes of the Himalayan region, this one too is just gorgeous to say the least. You somehow fall in love with it from the moment you set your eyes on it. And unlike other lakes of the region, this one involves a relatively easier trek.

Yumthang Valley

Located in the northern part of Sikkim is the Yumthang Valley. It is a beautiful land where you can often see locals grazing their sheep. Situated at an altitude of about 14,000 feet, the valley is blessed with more than 20 species of beautiful rhododendrons during the summer season. A beautiful stream of river flows through the valley, adding to the charm of the place. While the valley remains closed in the winter months because of heavy snowfall, it is pure delight during the summer months. The best way to reach the valley is to reach Lachung and then take an early morning trip to the valley. Don’t risk travelling late in the day, because the sun sets really quickly in this part of the country, and it gets foggy too.

Ujjayanta Palace

Another beautiful palace in the state of Tripura is the Ujjayanta Palace. The palace, located in the capital city of Agartala, was built by Maharaja Radha Manikya in 1901. The palace originally built by the king was located about 10 km away from the city of Agartala. However, after it was left in shambles by a strong earthquake, it was rebuilt in the center of the city in 1897. The palace covers an area of about 1 square kilometer and it is an important part of Tripura’s history and culture. While the architectural style of the palace is not too rich, it still makes for a wonderful visit.

Akshardham Temple

It is the newest of all architecture marvels of India in the list, but that takes nothing away from its glory. The temple was opened to public in 2005, and even since, it has served a major source of tourist attraction in the capital city of India. The temple is dedicated to traditional Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. Apart from the spiritual aspect of it, you can enjoy a film here on pilgrimage by Swaminarayan, take a boat ride through 10,000 years of history of India, and watch a musical fountain show too.

Haji Ali Dargah

One of the most important landmarks of the city of Mumbai is Haji Ali Dargah. Located off the coast of Worli, the dargah was constructed way back in 1431. It was built in the memory of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali. It is believed that Sayyed Peer Haji Ali gave up all his material possessions before taking a trip to Mecca. You can expect a swarm of people here on Thursdays and Fridays as they seek the blessings of the revered saint. With sea on both the sides, it is a beautiful and a pious spot.

Key Monastery

Key Monastery is an iconic fort monastery located in Spiti Valley in Himachal. The architectural style of the monastery is referred to as Pasada, which symbolizes the multi-storey construction of the monastery. It is one of the largest in Spiti Valley. While there is nothing spectacular about the monastery, the fact that it is constructed at such a great height makes it magnificent. The top of the monastery offers some scintillating views of the Himalayas and the Spiti Valley.

Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important religious centre of the state of Karnataka is Hampi. The place was once an important part of the famed Vijayanagar Empire. There are some beautiful ruins to explore in Hampi, apart from several beautiful temples to pay a visit too. If you are the adventurous kind, you can spot a few waterfalls too here during the monsoon season. The laidback environment of Hampi makes it ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the madness.

Golkonda Fort

If you interested in history, you must visit the Golkonda Fort in Andhra Pradesh. The fort dates back to the 13th century and was built during the reign of the Chalukayas. Spread across an area of 11 km, the fort is actually made up of four distinct forts. With massive gateways, intricate architecture and amazing gardens, the Golkonda Fort is a sight. A walk through the gardens of the fort takes you back in time when the royal class would have spent time in the beautiful surroundings.

Bekal Fort

If you thought Kerala is only about natural beauty, the Bekal Fort will make you change your opinion. Spread across a sprawling 40 acres of land, the fort is the largest in the region. A large part of the fort is in dilapidated condition since the waves from the sea continually hit against the walls of the fort. However, despite that, it is a beautiful fort which tells you a lot about the old times. Unlike other forts in several parts of the country, the Bekal Fort was not an administrative centre. There are no palaces or halls within the fort. Instead, it was exclusively used to store ammunition and for defense purposes. A visit to the fort is somewhat a mystical experience, as you explore the abandoned passages of it. Do not miss the views of the town you get from the fort. They are mesmerizing, especially on an overcast day.

Vembanad Lake

A highlight of the state of Kerala is the Vembanad Lake. It is India’s longest and every year, it plays host to the coveted Nehru Trophy Boat Race. There are several resorts nestled on the banks of the lake, which are ideal for a romantic holiday in Kerala. You can spend your time here fishing, taking a relaxing boat ride, or even birdwatching. During the migratory season, the region is frequented by a quite a few different species of birds.

Punjab . Golden Temple

If you thought only nature constitutes beautiful places in India, the Golden Temple in Amritsar could make you eat your words. The upper floors of this religious landmark for the Sikhs are actually made of gold, which gives the temple its name. Even after the hostile attacks during the times of Sikh terrorism, the temple hasn’t lost any of its charm.You can feel the prevailing calm here. For those interested in architecture, the Golden Temple offers loads. It is the confluence of Hindu, Muslim and European architectural principles, making it a masterpiece in its own right.

Andaman and Nicobar Havelock Island

Havelock Island is one of the largest islands of Andaman and Nicobar, spread across an area of about 113.93 square kilometers. A trip to Havelock Island makes for a fantastic eco-tour, with its lush greenery and azure waters. There are quite a few fantastic diving and snorkeling sites in Havelock, which make it a great place for avid divers.But even if you are not much into snorkeling and diving, try snorkeling with Rajan, the elephant here. Rajan is an expert in underwater swimming, and if you have even been afraid of going underwater, you can always pick a few tips for him.

Lakshadweep Islands Agatti Island

It is not only mainland which has some beautiful places in India. If you are prepared to venture off from the mainland, you can expect some delightful experiences, such as those in Agatti Island in Lakshadweep Islands.The island is one of the rare few in Lakshadweep which are open to tourists. It is a coral island, and you can expect some really pristine natural beauty here and is among the must see tourist places in India. The best way to experience Agatti is to hire a bicycle and roam the streets.

Sunset at Cochin

Cochin is very unlike the rest of Kerala, and yet, very similar to it. It is known for its colonial past, which is still evident today in the cobbled streets and the quaint cafes of the city. There are more than a few highlights of Cochin. There are the Chinese Fishing Nets, which are a different kind of experience.
There is the beautiful sunset by the harbor which makes for a really romantic experience. And there is also the sunset cruise you can take, alone or with your special someone. Just roam the streets of Cochin and are in for a delightful surprise.

Varkala Beach

For those who love to idle by the sea with a book in hand and nothing else to do, head to Varkala Beach in Kerala. It is a beautiful secluded beach where you can while away your time looking at the crashing waves.The beach is also considered holy. It is believed that a dip in the waters here will absolve you of all the sins. For the ultimate decadent pleasure, book yourself a relaxing Ayurveda massage at the beach. It is the most blissful experience you will ever have.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a stunning hill station located in the north-eastern part of gorgeous Kerala. The hill station is characterized by several tea and coffee plantations, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday. The best way to experience the beauty of Wayanad is to stay in a homestay and enjoy the hospitality of local people.With its low population, verdant greenery, and several beautiful trekking trails, it energizes your body from the inside out. Also known as the “Land of Paddy Fields”, it is epitome of what Kerala stands for- green, tranquil and relaxing.

Athirapally

Located about 70 km from the city of Cochin is Athirapally in Kerala, a gorgeous location, like most of the rest of Kerala. The region is a fantastic riparian region in Kerala. A riparian region refers to the area between land and a river stream. Athirapally is known for its rich wildlife and boasts of some rare species of flora and fauna.t is also well known for Athirapally Waterfalls. You can take a trek to the waterfalls and be amazed at the beauty of it. If you love nature, you will love to spend your entire life in Athirapally.

Munnar

Leaving out Munnar from the list of beautiful places in India is a cardinal sin. This hill station of Kerala is a nature lover’s delight. You are greeted with a vast expanse of tea and cardamom plantations here, rich forest cover and plenty of opportunities for trekking.At an altitude of about 6000 feet above sea level, Munnar is all about gorgeous valleys, majestic hills and pristine surroundings. There are resorts here which date back to colonial times. They add to the charm of the place (as if it needed it!).

Kerala Alleppey

Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” for its beautiful natural treasure. One of the best places to experience the natural beauty of Kerala is Allepey and is among the must visit tourist places in India. Stay in a houseboat and take a tour of the backwaters of the Alleppey for a romantic experience. While taking the cruise, do not forget to visit the quaint villages which are located by the backwaters. A trip to a local toddy shop completes this amazing experience in the lap of Mother Nature.

Belum Caves

They are the longest in India and the second largest in the country, well known for their stalagmite formations. The caves were discovered way back in 1884 by a British named Robert Foote. The caves have several passages and chambers to explore, making it a mystical experienceEven if you are not too much into cave exploration, the natural formations in these caves will leave you speechless. Head to these caves in Andhra Pradesh for an eclectic adventure experience