The Best Places to Visit in
North India
Side view of the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, Agra | © Amaninder / WikiCommons
Poonam Binayak
India Writer4 April 2018
Add to Plan
Remnants of ancient empires, cosmopolitan cities, spiritual towns, scenic mountains, picturesque lakes and lush
valleys are all part of North India’s vast and diverse landscape. With something for everyone, we’ve put together
a list of some of the best places to visit in North India.
Delhi
Delhi is a uniquely historic and cosmopolitan city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Its
historic monuments, landscaped gardens, amazing food, bustling markets, vibrant art and nightlife scene, diverse
cultures and youthful liveliness all make this city wonderfully dynamic. Some notable attractions include the
iconic India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Chandi Chowk, Lotus temple and
Lodhi Gardens.
Delhi, India
Red Fort, Delhi | © Hemant banswal / WikiCommons
Agra
Certainly one of the most well-known places in North India, Agra is famed for its historic sights, which are
reminiscent of the Mughal-era. From the iconic Taj Mahal and 16th-century Agra Fort to the ancient city of
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra is a dream for architecture aficionados and history buffs.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Taj Mahal, an iconic symbol of love | © Antrix3 / WikiCommons
Varanasi
Dating back to the 6th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the country. For
centuries, it’s been an important site for Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across the world. People come
here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and attain inner peace, beside taking a dip in the sacred waters of the
Ganges – part of an ancient ritual of purification of soul, body and mind. You’ll see around 87 ghats (flights of
steps leading to the river) and more than 2,000 temples, mostly dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Do not leave
without attending the Ganga aarti (prayer ritual held every evening) and enjoying a boat ride along the Ganges.
Book stays and experiences,
hand-picked by our travel experts.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Ganga aarti at the ghats of Varanasi during Diwali | © Matt Zimmerman / Flickr
Amritsar
Amritsar is a treasure in terms of history, culture and gastronomy. The city impresses thoroughly with its
breathtakingly beautiful Golden Temple (sacred seat of Sikhism), the Wagah border (crossing lying on the grand
trunk road between India and Pakistan) and the Jallianwala Bagh (a massacre memorial and garden). Make sure
you try the local Punjabi food, especially the langar at the Golden Temple.
Amritsar, Punjab, India
Amritsar Golden Temple | © Erik Grootscholte / Flickr
Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Srinagar, Kashmir
With snow-clad mountains, picturesque lakes, lush valleys, vibrant flowers and an abundance of natural beauty,
Kashmir is a place so spectacular it leaves visitors mesmerised. Whether it’s the shikara ride on the Dal lake,
kayaking on the glistening waters of the Lidder river, gliding over majestic valleys, trekking the hills or a pony
ride, there’s plenty to fall in love with in Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Srinagar.
Kashmir, India
Boating at Dal Lake, Srinagar | © Basharat Alam Shah / Flickr
Haridwar and Rishikesh
In the foothills of mighty Himalayas along the bank of the Ganges lies the twin national heritage cities of Haridwar
and Rishikesh. Haridwar is more of a spiritual destination with a plethora of temples and religious celebration that
attracts Hindu pilgrims from across the world. While you’re here do not miss the Ganga aarti. Just 12 miles
upslope from Haridwar lies Rishikesh, which is a go-to destination for yoga, meditation and adventure sports,
such as bungee-jumping, river rafting and flying fox.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Ganges river, Rishikesh | © Himanshu Sharma / WikiCommons
Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley beckons to nature lovers and keen adventurers. Here, visitors can discover picture-perfect villages
of Kasol, Malana and Tosh – complete with unspoilt natural beauty, hippie vibes, and outdoor activities such as
trekking and riverside camping. Ideal for those seeking respite from bustling city life.
Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Parvati Valley is dotted with picture-perfect villages and undisturbed trekking trails | ©
Alok Kumar / WikiCommons
Manali
At an altitude of 2,050 metres in the Beas Valley lies Manali, Manali is one of North India’s best ski places in
winter. Come summer when the snows have retreated, it becomes one of the best spots for adventure
enthusiasts, who can indulge in river rafting in Beas River, trekking in Rohtang Pass and Beas Kund; paragliding,
zorbing and yak riding in Solang Valley. Adventurous outings not your thing? Fret not! Manali has plenty of other
places on offer, including ancient temples, Tibetan monasteries, wildlife sanctuaries, art and cultural centres.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali in winter | © Atishayjain / WikiCommons
Leh-Ladakh
With Himalayas in the south and the Karakoram mountains in the north, Leh-Ladakh is a favourite retreat for
trekkers and biking enthusiasts. The place is also home to several Buddhist monasteries overlooking a
spectacular panoramic vista of snow-clad mountains and icy glaciers. Those seeking peace can stay at the
monasteries and partake in the spiritual retreats.
Leh-Ladakh, India
Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh | © Sidharthkochar / WikiCommons
Rajasthan
Dubbed the ‘Land of Kings’, Rajasthan has been captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike for years, with
its ancient forts, glamorous palaces, exquisite havelis (mansions), diverse landscape, vibrant art and culture, and
traditional cuisine. Though there are many worthwhile places to explore in the royal land, the best ones include
the imperial cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur, the pink city of Jaipur, the golden city of Jaisalmer and the
holy city of Ajmer.
Rajasthan, India
Rampuria Haveli in Bikaner | © Ramkishan950 / WikiCommons
Add to Plan
Give us feedback
Read Next
