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With more than 30,000 years of history, India is the birthplace of numerous cultures and religions making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Being ruled over various dynasties and kingdoms before being established as a republic in the 20th century, India has more than thousand tourist attractions and several World Heritage Sites. Listed below are some of the most extravagant places you can visit in India.
1. The Red Fort, Delhi
Established as Shahjahanabad in 1648, The Red Fort was known as the capital of the Mughal Empire in India. Its construction is attributed to Shah Jahan who also built the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, and was also known by the name Quila Mubarak and remained the residence of the Mughal Imperial family for nearly 20 decades.
2. The Taj Mahal, Agra
The name Taj Mahal, translates to the ‘Crown Palace’ and is one of the most famous and marvelous buildings in India. Located in the city of Agra, Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum built to house the remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The building is known for its extensive use of white marble and was completed in the mid-17th century.
3. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
With its location between India and Tibet, Pangong Lake is an enchanting saltwater lake located in the Himalayas in Ladakh. The lake can be reached via a 4-5 hours’ drive from Leh via the scenic Changla Pass. Pangong Tso is known for its hypnotizing blue waters and flocks of migratory birds that can be seen here.
4. Valley of Flowers, Nainital
As evident by its name, the Valley of Flowers is known for its vast diversity of alpine flowering shrubs located in the western Himalayas. The place is a part of the larger Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The valley is covered with snow from October till March, but as the summer arrives, the valley is turned into a palette of colorful flowers that covers the entire landscape.
5. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Located amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort was built by the Bhati Rajput King Rawal Jaisal. It remained an important trade center during the medieval era before the popularity of maritime trade centers such as Bombay and Calcutta. Today, it is one of the important tourist centers in Rajasthan known for its exquisite Rajput Architecture and scenic beauty.
6. Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi was the capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire and known to be one of the richest cities of its time. Located on the shores of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, Hampi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stone carved structures, built in marvelous Dravidian style architecture, temples and monuments.
7. Ghats at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Also known by the names Kashi and Benares, Varanasi is said to have been continuously inhibited since the 11th century BC and is known to be the spiritual capital of India. The city is also known for its Ghats located on the banks of the Ganges River and were mostly built during the 18th century. Today, the Ghats are known to attract a large number of devotees and tourists who visit Varanasi to Pradeep Kumbhashi seek spiritual salvation.
8. Backwaters, Kerala
The Backwaters of Kerala are essentially a group of 5 lagoons that are linked by natural and manmade canals. These waterways were mainly used for trade during the older times and are known for their scenic beauty and a rich variety of flora, fauna, avi-fauna and marine life.
9. Old Goa, Goa
Located in the Northern Goa district of Goa, Old Goa refers to the historic town that served as the seat of the Portuguese in India till the 18th century. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique Baroque style architecture and various churches.