India is known for its extremes, history, and enormous diversity. It is still one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and attracts backpackers, cultural and spiritual seekers, and those in search of a good party.
Love it or hate it, your trip to India is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. I’ve been privileged to have spent many years in this incredible country, and from my time here, these are my personal favorite spots, which I’d love to share with you.
1. Agra and Taj Mahal
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I believe Agra is an unmissable stop on your tour of this country. There are many places of interest to a visitor in Agra, the most famous being the iconic and very beautiful Taj Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an eternal symbol of love (an emperor built it in memory of his third wife).
The white-domed structure boasts delicately detailed interiors, tranquil gardens and a collection of other impressive buildings.
The Agra Fort is the Taj Mahal’s sister monument and holds UNESCO heritage site status. The striking fort dates from 1000 but was later remodelled in the 1500s to be used as a palace.
Thirteen kilometres from the Agra Fort is Akbar’s Tomb, a stunning red-ochre sandstone tomb and another architectural masterpiece. There are plenty of great places to stay here, from grander hotels to great hostels and guest houses.
2. Shimla
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A popular tourist destination located in the northwest Himalayas, gorgeous Shimla is sometimes called the ‘Queen of Hills.’
Its colourful colonial past is still evident today. The town is characterised by unusual neo-gothic buildings surrounded by thick forests and outstanding views, offering a different feel to the rest of India.
‘The Mall’ is the main shopping street and the city hub where tourists and locals like to meet, shop and eat. This area also has many clubs and bars for those looking to step up a gear.
The Christ Church is also worth a visit. It’s the second oldest church in northern India, and its stained glass windows are designed in a distinctive style.
Also, I would say don’t leave Shimla without visiting Jakhu Hill – the highest peak, which is also home to many playful monkeys who hang out waiting to be fed. From Shimla, you can also visit a comparatively offbeat destination called Chai.
3. Goa
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The famous idyllic party place should not be missed—it’s popular for a reason! If you decide to take a trip, I recommend staying in the island’s coastal areas.
Goa is the smallest state in India and has the most beautiful beaches—when you’re here, you’ll want to make the most of them.
Many refer to Goa as a tropical paradise, and when you’re enjoying the warm temperatures, clear turquoise water, and palm trees, you’ll also probably agree!
If you time your visit around the Goa Carnival held every February, you’ll be treated to three days and nights of music, lights, dancers, and fabulous food.
This is when the legendary King Momo takes over the state, and the island becomes party central. Originally celebrated in the 1800s by locals only, tourists and locals come here to have a good time, and I’m a big fan of Goa!
4. Mumbai
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This place has a kind of beauty all of its own. Formally known as Bombay, Mumbai is the most populated city in India. Noisy, frantic, and polluted, Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and wealth extremes.
Even though the city is developing rapidly, you’ll still see many scenes of poverty.
The city is also the birthplace of Indian cinema, and there are many theatres where you can watch movies from all over the world (including the world’s largest IMAX dome theatre).
Mumbai’s visually impressive city has a large metropolitan area comparable to New York’s skyline and a fine but eclectic mix of colonial buildings, stylish bars, colourful bazaars, and shiny new malls. Finding something to do here has never been a problem for me!
5. Varanasi
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If you wanted to bottle the essence of Hindu spirituality, then Varanasi would be the place to do it. Walking along the ghats along the River Ganges in this Uttar Pradesh city is not an experience that any visitor ever forgets.
While this city is alive, it is also fundamentally about death and rebirth. Here, you can watch public cremation ceremonies at the Ganges during the day and witness the Hindu aarti ritual at night. Aarti is a part of puja (worship), where light is offered to the gods at the different ghats.
Holy men (known as sadhus), babas, and aghoris spend their days at the ghats. The sadhus are holy men, often swathed in orange. Babas are so-called spiritual gurus, and aghoris drink the blood of the dead and cover themselves in cremation ashes!
Not all of them have good intentions, so be careful! It is common for holy men to be naked and covered in powder or ashes; some adorn their private parts and even do tricks with them for tourists. Varanasi is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
6. The backwaters of Kerala
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The backwaters are a beautiful chain of lakes and lagoons along the Arabian Sea coast. Ferries here will take you anywhere, and you can even hire a houseboat to stay in (which I highly recommend)!
In the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha, you’ll also be treated to boat races, where you will also find snake boats that can hold up to a hundred oarsmen. Thousands of fans line the riverbanks and cheer on their favourite teams, which creates a great atmosphere.
There are dozens of villages and communities throughout this area which you can visit and get a real sense of everyday life and culture in this exciting place.
7. Hindu Kapaleeshwarar Temple
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Chennai and the state of Tamil Nadu are among India’s most spiritual regions, with many exquisite Hindu temples and ruins. In the region of Mylapore in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), you can find the wonderful Hindu Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features an incredible rainbow-coloured gopuram (tower) and a large pool within its walls.
Nearby is the busy Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world. This hectic stretch of land includes a market and its lighthouse.
At the nearby San Thome Cathedral, you can attend mass and visit the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle, which I suggest doing to get a feel for the place.
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