India remains among the strongest source markets to the Maldivian tourism industry. Meanwhile, India remains one of the go-to destinations for Maldivians as well. Based on these facts alone, one might suggest that the two countries share a seemingly symbiotic tourism relationship.
In this list, we are going to look at some of the most sought after and visited places in India that we local travelers can enjoy should we decide to book our next trips to our neighboring ally any time soon.
This one is a no-brainer. Why do we head to Agra? That is the place where that one symbol sits gallantly. A symbol that is so significant for the cultural identity of India that it alone is enough to represent the image of India – the Taj Mahal.
Regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest signs of affection by someone to their lover, the Taj Mahal is the recipient of admiration and astonishment even today. Every year millions of travelers fly to Agra just to get a glimpse of magnificence at its most regal.
Interestingly, the Taj Mahal is not the only notable landmark in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The state is rich with several marvelous Mughal monuments like the Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb as well as Akbar’s Mausoleum and the Agra Fort.
The country’s capital and also perhaps the liveliest, while travelers can be assured to observe vibrancy in this colorful city. From the Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Chandni Chowk shopping stalls to top tourist locations of New Delhi such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and India’s tallest minaret, the Qutub Minar are just some of the landmarks one can bask in awe with during their time here.
It is also said that Delhi’s true essence of life comes alive during the night when street-side chai stalls, as well as tuck-shops, become loud venues of cuisine enthusiastic troupes of travelers, who eat and drink away to their heart’s content.
The “Land of Kings” is one of the culturally important places in India and the land is rich with remnants of the lives lived by valiant kings and valorous queens of past centuries. Rajasthan is known for its glittering palaces, forts, and lively festivals while a trip to India remains incomplete without a trip to this western state.
Among the highlights of Rajasthan include Jaipur, dubbed as “The Paris of India” and is richly known for its characteristic pink buildings, a lavish City Palace, and jewelry stores in galore. Tourists can certain of an unforgettable experience at the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort situated in the “Blue City” or otherwise known as Jodhpur while Udaipur is parallel with romance for its flower-lined streets and the City Palace Complex where royal families of India still live with full regality.
Perhaps the best from the bunch would be Jaisalmer, which is straight out of an Arabian Nights fairy tale. Not only is Jaisalmer picture-perfect, but the city is ripe with yellow sandstone structures and historic mansions (called Havelis).
Varanasi is one of the oldest and continually inhabited cities not just in India, but also in the world. This city is also arguably the holiest place for Indians with spiritual activities taking place along the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims bathe and mourners cremate their deceased relatives.
This river-embanked city is also one of the high tourist points as well, with travelers getting to enjoy sunset boat rides, come face to face with Hindu tradition and cultures and observe how a whole community of people go on about their lives.
The streets of Varanasi’s old town have got more twists and turns than a labyrinth while legend also says that to date there has been no accurate map of the city. So, if you would like to get a little lost while you are trekking along to make discoveries of your own, then this is the place for you.
When you head south of Goa along the coastal lines and pass through Mangaluru, Kozhikode, and eventually Kochi, you will reach the backwaters state of Kerala. You might have seen movies or tv advertisements of people riding on traditional thatched-top houseboats in Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) – Kerala is where that happens.
Nothing beats the tranquility of gently floating across through palm-fringed lagoons and rivers atop one of these vessels while you get to enjoy freshly cooked Indian cuisine on the water as you get to enjoy natural sights and wildlife at its full panache.
Sign In
