We'll tell you what to see in India. We collected 19 main attractions of the republic, each with a photograph and brief description. Read it.
While one empire replaced another in the territory of modern India, and the British and Portuguese colonized the peninsula, a lot of interesting things happened in these places. According to legend, this is where Buddha was born, India is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, who, by the way, are not relatives. In the end, the Dalai Lama himself moved to India after the occupation of Tibet. And of course, so complex, confusing and interesting story found its expression in hundreds of sights that will take your breath away!
The largest number of Indian cultural and architectural monuments are concentrated in the northern states. The world's best ashrams for the study of yoga and Hinduism are located here. Western and Eastern India became the center of British and Portuguese colonial culture, and the southern states concentrated unique natural parks, nature reserves and best beaches countries.
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Sights of Eastern India
Victoria Memorial
The main attraction of the capital of British India, the snow-white facades are comparable to the Taj Mahal. The building in the Italian Renaissance style was built at the beginning of the 20th century in honor of the Queen of England and also the Empress of India. Against the backdrop of typical Indian cityscapes, the memorial looks both majestic and alien. The building houses a museum dedicated to colonial India and the history of Kolkata ().Entrance: 150 INR. Every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
Railway to Darjeeling
U A unique narrow-gauge railway built in the mountainous regions of West Bengal and which became widely known, including thanks to Wes Anderson's film The Darjeeling Limited. Just 86 km long, with steep curves and stunning scenery, rising from 100 meters above sea level in the city of Siliguri to 2200 meters in the Darjeeling highlands, you can enjoy a cup of the famous tea of the same name.
Sights of Western India
India Gate
A triumphal arch built at the beginning of the last century on the Bombay embankment next to the city's main hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace, in honor of the visit of King George V after his coronation. In 25 years, the last ship with the British military will sail from here, and India will gain independence. And the India Gate will become the main symbol of the republic.Free and 24 hours a day, searched at the entrance.
Victoria Terminus
E This is not just the central station of Mumbai, but a real work of colonial art and the most beautiful building in the city. Majestic lions at the entrance, forged twisted gates, preserved interiors with paintings and elaborate ornaments - it will take your breath away when you look at it!Free and 24 hours a day.
Elephanta Caves
They are located on the island of Gharapauri, an hour's ferry ride from the India Gate embankment. In the center of the island there is a whole complex of caves with carved images and figures of Shiva, the age of which dates back to the 5th-8th centuries AD. At the end of the 20th century, the caves were included in the list of objects world heritage UNESCO.Entrance: 260 INR. Ferry: 130 INR. Every day, except Monday, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Old Goa
It was once the center of Portuguese India, and all the wealth of the colonial empire flowed here. However, after the river leading to the city became shallow and a malaria epidemic passed, the residents of Golden moved to the modern capital of the state - Panaji, and the city was deserted. Now on its territory there are only working Catholic churches and basilicas, as well as the picturesque ruins of monasteries in the area - all attractions are under UNESCO protection.
Qutab Minar
WITH The world's tallest minaret (72.6m) is included in the list of World Heritage Sites and is protected by UNESCO. It was built over almost 200 years and was used not only for prayers and religious ceremonies, but also to protect the city and monitor the surrounding area. The uniqueness of the minaret is in the traditional Indian patterns on the walls. This architectural idea is explained by the fact that during the construction of the minaret they used materials from Indian temples destroyed in the area.Entrance: 500 INR. Every day from 7:00 to 17:00.
Taj Mahal
The construction of the times of the Muslim Mughal Empire, the main attraction of India and one of the 7 new wonders of the world. It is a mosque and tomb built in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the padishah, who died during childbirth. After his death, Shah Jahan himself was also buried on the territory of the Taj Mahal.
Best view the mausoleum-mosque opens when passing through the Main Gate (Great Gate). It is believed that all the magic of the Taj Mahal can be seen only in the early morning, when the snow-white building, shrouded in the pre-dawn haze, seems to float in the air. However, in the vicinity of Agra, landfills are constantly burning, so you can see the soaring Taj Mahal at any time of the day.Entrance: 1000 INR. Every day, except Friday, from dawn to dusk.
Healthy: Review of the trip to
Red Fort
Another fortress of the Mughal Empire. The highest walls alone, erected specifically to protect the fortress from war elephants, are no less impressive than the Taj Mahal. To this day, part of the fort is used by the Indian military and is closed to the public; the rest is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Entrance: 550 INR. Every day from dawn to dusk.
Hawa Mahal
The main attraction of the “pink city” of Jaipur. The palace was built in the 18th century for the harem of an Indian prince, the Maharaja. The facade of the building is made of pink sandstone, which was used in local architecture and gave Jaipur its second name - the pink city. Hawa Mahal is also known as the Palace of the Winds. Thanks to the many windows on the facade, on hot days, with the help of drafts inside the building, excellent ventilation was created, saving the Maharaja’s concubines from the daytime heat.Entrance: 200 INR. Every day from 9:00 to 16:30.
Khajuraho
A complex of 20 medieval Hindu temples decorated with thousands of figures from the Kama Sutra. The site was once the religious center of the Chandela dynasty, but after its decline in the 13th century, it was abandoned by the inhabitants and lost until it was accidentally found in the jungle by a British officer in the mid-19th century. Since then, a village has been rebuilt next to the surviving temples and began to receive tourists from all over the world, and UNESCO included the place in the list of World Heritage Sites.Entrance to the western group of temples: 250 INR. Every day from dawn to dusk.
Manikarnika Ghat
N aberezhnaya in a sacred place for Hindus " city of the dead» Varanasi (Benares). Here, bonfires do not go out around the clock, on which deceased Hindus are cremated, and then their ashes or unburnt bodies are sent sailing along the sacred Ganges River. In the evenings, colorful Ganga Aarti rituals take place nearby at Dashashwamedh Ghat. worship and offerings to the sacred river.
Note: State overview
Main Temple of the Dalai Lama
R The residence of the spiritual leader of Buddhists is located in the very north of India in the foothills of the Himalayas. Before visiting the temple, Buddhists perform kora, i.e. walk around the sacred site clockwise. The path around the world's main Buddhist temple is decorated with thousands of colorful flags and brightly written mantras.Every day April-October from 5:00 to 20:00, November-March from 6:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
Interesting: Holy City
Sights of South India
Backwaters, or Backwaters
An area with many rivers, lakes, lagoons and creeks along the coast of the Arabian Sea, combined into one system. Scattered throughout the jungle are small villages with houses on the water, just like in Venice. You can explore the backwaters as if on a public water bus or a hired boat, and settled in a floating house.
Interesting: Review of the trip to
Meenakshi Temple
WITH The oldest Hindu temple built before our era. Life in Madurai, the oldest of existing cities countries centered around this temple complex extraordinary beauty. Its 50-meter tower is decorated with several thousand painted statues of gods, brahmins, commoners and animals, and not a single figure is repeated.Entrance: 50 INR. Every day from 5:00 to 12:30.
Important: Detailed overview of the city
Amba Vilas Palace
The second most visited attraction in India after the Taj Mahal. Mysore was once the capital of a princely state independent of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire and the last to come under British rule. The Royal Voyader family, which ruled Mysore until India gained independence in 1947, built 17 palaces and several dozen temples of amazing beauty in the city. That is why Mysore is called the “city of palaces”.
Kanyakumari
The city is a landmark and the only place in the country where you can see Indian Ocean. It is here that the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea merge, and on a small island on the border of the “three seas” an impressive statue of the Indian poet Thiruvalluvar, considered a Hindu saint, was erected. In addition, Mahatma Gandhi bequeathed his ashes to be scattered in Kanyakumari, and now a small memorial in memory of this event has become a place of pilgrimage for Indians from all over the country.Entrance to the memorial is free, daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Ferry to the island with the statue: 20 INR, daily from 8:00 to 16:00.
Note: State overview
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India is the seventh largest country in the world, stretching from the Himalayas to the sandy expanses of the desert. Residents of the country speak different languages, and the state itself has more than two thousand ethnic groups. This is why India is mysterious and has many unique monuments different cultures, many exotic places, religious shrines. Every tourist will appreciate the sights of India!
The most striking and unique attractions include the ancient monuments and caves of Goa, the India Gate memorial arch in Delhi, the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, and mausoleums in the cities of Agra and Hampi. Every Indian city has unique, majestic temples, luxurious picturesque gardens and parks, many architectural buildings erected in different eras.
What to see in Goa
The small Indian state of Goa is the most popular place from tourists all over the world. Travelers experience sunrises and sunsets on its picturesque beaches, which impress with their picturesque natural scenery. Tourists are attracted by the Dudhsagar Falls, the bastion forts of Alorna and Aguada and architectural complex.
Waters of Dudhsagar
Dudhsagar Falls is the largest in India. Its waters flow in the foothills of the Ghats. This place is surrounded by virgin tropical forests, so the splendor of the local landscapes will not leave any traveler indifferent. The amazing jets of the majestic waterfall appear white.
Name unique place translated means “milk ocean”. At the foot of a waterfall with snow-white streams there is a beautiful Indian lake. The journey by car to the lake and waterfall takes about an hour. You can also get to the place by bus. A rocky path leads to the waterfall itself. There are many wild monkeys in the vicinity of Dudhsagar, and the pristine nature is impressive with a variety of tropical plants and trees.
Arvalem Waterfall
Up close North Goa the waters of Arvalem fall from a height of 50 meters - another most picturesque and beautiful waterfall Goa. The sound of water can be heard three kilometers from this place. At the bottom of the waterfall, a lake is formed from its jets, framed by amazing landscapes. The stone staircase located next to the lake leads to the Sri Murdeshwar Temple. The stone bridge allows you to fully enjoy the amazing views of the pristine nature of Goa.
A visit to the Arvalem caves will be an excellent addition to an exciting excursion around the reserve. The caves were created by Buddhist wanderers for overnight stays in the 5th-6th centuries. They form five tunnels that lead to a large hall. On the walls of the caves, ancient rock inscriptions that are already eight hundred years old have been preserved to this day. These sights of Ancient India allow you to plunge into a bygone era, completely dissolving in the imprints of past civilizations.
Aguada Fortress
Goa is also home to the impregnable Fort Aguada. The fortress is the main attraction of the state. It is located near the beach, and the ancient fort itself is considered the best preserved fortification of the seventeenth century. Once upon a time, the fortification reliably protected Goa and its main city from enemies and served as a water storage facility for residents. There is an ancient lighthouse in the fortress that is not operational, and not far from the fort there is a fashionable hotel. Fort Aguada in Goa is historical monument Portuguese colonization of the country. It is built on a picturesque hill, from which a magnificent view of the sea rocky coast opens. The Goa fortification is built in the form of a semicircle at the very edge. In ancient times, Fort Aguada was built to fire at enemy ships.
Spice plantations
Excursion to a spice plantation - a highlight Goa State– will leave many pleasant impressions. The list of activities here includes an elephant ride, a hearty lunch of exotic dishes and belly dancing. Fragrant Indian plantations will allow you to plunge into the world of fragrant herbs, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and cloves. There are several exotic plantations throughout the state where papaya, pineapples, coconuts, and cashews grow.
St. Catherine's Cathedral
The sights of Goa do not end only with a visit to the picturesque reserves and the fort. The unique "Growing Cross" can be seen in St. Catherine's Cathedral. The chapels of this cathedral contain an ancient crucifix carved from wood from the 17th century. According to legend, the cross was placed in a chapel where it began to grow. In Asia, the cathedral is the largest building of Christianity.
Sights of Delhi
Many of India's attractions are located in Delhi, a city filled with bustle, chaos and an abundance of antiquities. This modern city is of particular historical interest. Here are the Red Fort, the famous Hindu temple complexes Akshardham and Bangla Sahib, the Gandhi Memorial, the ancient tomb of Humayun, and the Qutub Minar. All these monuments and shrines of Delhi make an impressive sight.
Red Fort
The fortress is a symbol of the reign of Indian dynasties and is famous for its architectural unique beauty. The Red Fort is the palace where the Shahs ruled and includes an audience hall, colorful palace pavilions, an archaeological museum, collections of paintings, and a memorial. The fortress took ten years to build. The last emperor to occupy a fort in Delhi was Bahadur Shah II. During the British rule, the fort housed a cantonment.
India Gate
The India Gate Memorial Arch in Delhi commemorates the ninety thousand British soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. Their names are carved on the walls of the building, and at the foot of the symbol of Delhi the eternal flame does not go out. Near the memorial there are beautiful parks and green lawns of Delhi. Today, a visit to the arch is mandatory on state visits of prominent political figures. The steps of the India Gate descend directly to the water, and after sunset you can enjoy the beauty of the memorial’s illumination.
Akshardham Temple
This Hindu temple is one of the famous attractions of Delhi. Akshardham fully reflects Hindu culture. The temple is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most majestic and largest complex in the world. Its buildings contain a wide variety of architectural styles, and the temple itself is built of marble and pink sandstone. The shrine contains more than twenty thousand statues.
Along the water canals of the temple complex, you can make an amusing trip on a rented boat. Tourists in Delhi can expect musical beautiful fountains, luxurious flower beds, a large number of antique sculptures, a cafe and a shop.
What to visit in Jaipur
Jaipur has prepared for its guests many interesting places of Ancient India. The city is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. This vibrant metropolis has historical and ancient features in its appearance. The city has many carved Indian temples, luxurious palaces, forts and gardens.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal Palace and Jaipur are two inseparable things. This “Palace of the Winds” is rightfully called the calling card of the city. The front part of the palace complex is a honeycomb of a beehive. The building's many small windows look out onto Jaipur, decorated with elegant wrought iron grilles. The palace itself resembles the crown of the god Krishna. In ancient times, noble women of the harem watched the daily life of the townspeople from miniature windows. The bars on the windows were intended to hide the faces of the ladies from the harem. The Palace of Winds is located in the heart of Jaipur. Around the majestic building the life of the Indian business quarter is in full swing. The Palace of the Winds was built from pink and red sandstone. It looks especially impressive when the sun's rays fall on its walls.
Amber Fort
A huge and impregnable palace-fortress rises among the Indian rocks and is located eleven kilometers from the city. The fort resembles an entire town and is divided into four parts. The fort is an example of the wealth of the Maharajas. There is a temple to the goddess Sila here; her statue was brought from Bengal. The double row of columns is crowned with elephants and galleries. The pleasure hall of the fortress is built of ivory and sandalwood. When visiting Jaipur, you should definitely visit the Amber Fort.
Jal Mahal
The unique palace on the water, Jal Mahal, seems to hang in the air. The palace building is immersed in the water of the lake, so it is a real miracle of architecture. Its construction began in the 18th century, when Jaipur was intended as a holiday destination for Indian rulers. When summer and the dry season arrive, the walls of the palace emerge from the lake waters. The palace can only be reached by boat.
City Palace
This architectural complex is the most luxurious among the palaces that Jaipur has. It is located in the very center of the city. The complex houses numerous museums, and most of it is a royal residence. The City Palace has a unique Weapons Museum, which displays many exhibits from different eras. The landmark of the palace is its gate, which represents a majestic arch. They are decorated with unique carvings and ornaments.
What to see in Agra
The city of Agra is rich in ancient treasuries and Indian shrines. Here you will find Akbar's tomb, mausoleums of significant Indian personalities, the luxurious Rambagh garden, the Taj Mahal, a fortress and a real ghost town.
Akbar's Tomb
The tomb is located in the vicinity of the city of Agra. It is made in the Spartan style and is a true masterpiece of Muslim architecture. The mausoleum includes two buildings, which are connected by a paved path. The tomb structures were built from pink sandstone marble. The mausoleum itself, located near Agra, has four towers with sharp ends. And in the area around the unique tomb live monkeys, which tourists often meet.
Taj Mahal
The snow-white Taj Mahal is the main attraction that Agra is so rich in. The structure was erected as a tomb for the wife of the Mughal emperor. The building is made in Persian architectural style and has its own characteristics. Agra has many palaces and mausoleums, but the Taj Mahal is unique in its own way. Tall minarets are located at its corners, the walls of the tomb are decorated with mosaics, ornaments and the finest patterns. This is a real work of ancient architecture. The Taj Mahal is decorated with numerous precious stones and is surrounded by a beautiful park and mosques.
Fatherpukh Sikri
The ghost town is located a few kilometers from the city. It was once the capital, but was abandoned by the ancient inhabitants due to lack of drinking water. Today, this architectural historical complex is included in the UNESCO heritage list and is the most famous landmark in India. There are tombs, monuments of ancient eras, mosques and the Panch Mahal Palace here. The ancient structures are built in a variety of styles and include Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture.
Mausoleum of Itimad ud Daula
Agra is a modern Indian city, but it has many unique monuments and mausoleums. The mausoleum of Itimad ud Daula is located in a large picturesque garden. The territory of the tomb is crossed by water canals and paths for pedestrians. The marble walls of the tomb are decorated with precious stones, as well as carnelian, jasper, topaz, and onyx. The elegant buildings have hexagonal towers and interesting architectural elements.
What to visit in Hampi
The attractions of India are also concentrated in Hampi - a mysterious and mysterious Indian village. A large number of tourists from all over the world come to this place. The village is located near the river in the north southern state Karnataka.
Ruin
The ancient ruins of the city of Vijayanagar brought Hampi world fame. Once upon a time, the capital of a powerful ancient empire. The waters of the river near Hampi are considered healing. The ruins of the ancient capital occupy twenty-six square meters of area. There are many ancient monuments here, so the ruins of the city are included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Lotus Palace
In the Royal center of Hampi village there is the Lotus Palace, royal baths, Ram temple. The center also houses an archeology museum displaying ancient Indian sculptures. Near the unique palace there is an arena designed for elephants.
Virupaksha Temple
In the bazaar area there is a temple with palace pavilions, an elephant barn and a royal bath. The complex has a unique layout and halls for imperial wives. The Virupaksha Temple has eleven buildings that are connected to each other by a common roof.
Reserve
Sixteen kilometers from Hampi there is an interesting bear sanctuary. At night, the ancient monuments located on its territory are illuminated, and colorful national performances with national motives take place around it. The reserve has a clean, beautiful lake where you can swim. You can take a fascinating trip along a picturesque river on a round bamboo boat.
India and the sights of India occupy a special place among the countries of South Asia. India is located on the Hindustan Peninsula, surrounded by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Afghanistan, has a territory of almost 3.3 million km 2 and a population exceeding 1.2 thousand million people. The natural and relief conditions of the country are diverse - from the majestic ranges of the Himalayas to the fertile valleys with the great rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus.
Sights of India - photos and descriptions.
This legendary land has preserved ancient cities and temples, which are considered a true treasury of the world heritage of history and architecture. There are 30 sites in India that are protected by UNESCO. Therefore, it annually attracts millions of tourists who want to get acquainted with its history and culture. Most of the architectural monuments of ancient India that have come down to us are a unique mixture of cultural and building traditions not only of various regions of the country, but also of the principles of foreign architecture that influenced them.
The calling card of the country and the most recognizable landmark of India can be called one of the seven wonders of the world - in Agra. It was erected by order of Emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of the Yamuna River in memory of the ruler’s beloved wife. More than 3 million tourists from different countries come here every year to see this luxurious architectural monument, built of snow-white marble and take a walk through the picturesque park located near it.
Qutub Minar in Delhi.
No less famous in India is the Qutub Minar, located in Delhi. It is considered the tallest structure of its type in the world. Its construction, which began in 1199, took more than 150 years. The material for construction was the remains of 27 destroyed Hindu temples. Thanks to the corrugated surface of the walls, created by alternating round and acute-angled edges, the 72-meter tower soaring into the sky seems light and airy. There are 379 steps leading to its top.
Chandragupta Pillar.
Next to the minaret on the territory of the complex of ancient ruins stands the iron pillar of Chandragupta, which came out from under the hammer of ancient blacksmiths in the 4th century BC. The height of this cultural landmark of India is more than 7 m, and its weight exceeds 6 tons. The uniqueness of the creation of human hands is that, despite the almost 100% iron content in it, it does not rust. According to local legends, if you hug this column and make a wish, it will certainly come true. Therefore, in order to protect the pillar from intrusive visitors, it was fenced off and armed guards were placed.
Amber fortress.
One of the examples of palace and defensive structures in India is the Amber fortress, located near Jaipur. A rocky hill near Lake Maota was chosen as the site for its construction. Tourists can climb to the fortress on foot or by car, and exotic lovers can ride on elephants.
There are many interesting places on the territory of the complex, including the Museum of Iron Figures and the “Ganesha Gate”, leading to the royal chambers, where you can stroll through the magnificent “Hall of a Thousand Mirrors”.
Another attraction of India - the Lal Qila complex, or Red Fort - will eloquently tell tourists about the greatness of the Mughal dynasty. It consists of many structures built in Muslim architectural traditions from red sandstone. The height of the walls of the octagonal fortress reaches 33 meters. The interior design of the halls and columns amazes with the elegance of the ornaments, intricate mosaics made of marble, openwork forged grilles and weightless domes. There are several museums on the territory of Lal Kila, where you can get acquainted with ancient treasures and personal belongings of members of the dynasty.
One of the pearls of Buddhist temple construction are the Ajanta Caves. This is an ancient monastery, which consists of 29 temples and numerous monastic cells, carved into the rock. Work on the creation of this ensemble began in the 2nd century BC. and continued until the 7th century AD.
What makes the caves unique are the beautifully preserved colorful wall paintings and carefully carved Buddha statues. The Indian monastery is located at a considerable distance from civilization, so you can only get to it as part of an excursion group.
India has many attractions, including ancient temples built to Krishna. However, there are also many modern buildings dedicated to this deity. One of them stands in New Delhi on Mandir Marg. The Lakshmi Narayana Temple is built from white and pink marble blocks in the Nagar style. The decoration of its numerous towers, arches and galleries amazes with the elegance of the carvings made by master stone carvers. Pilgrims and tourists can relax in cozy park with fountains set up near the temple, meditate in man-made caves or buy souvenirs in the shop located next to the temple.
Nearby is a landmark of India - the Lotus Temple, built in 1986 and resembling a lotus flower in its outline. It is one of the most visited places in India. Its 27 marble-covered petals create a lasting impression on visitors, especially in the evening when they are illuminated with special lighting.
In 2005, a new landmark of India was built - the Akshardham temple made of pink marble, eclipsing even the Taj Mahal in its splendor. This is a whole complex, which, in addition to the temple, includes a park area, man-made canals with light and music fountains, sculptures, souvenir shops and numerous cafeterias. All the gorgeous marble finishing was done by hand.
Strings of tourists are drawn to Madurai, a temple city located in South India and dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. This architectural ensemble, covering an area of more than 6 hectares, stands surrounded by high walls and 12 majestic towers, decorated with painted miniature sculptures. There are about 730 of them on the West Tower alone. Tourists can visit the local museum, which houses many different interesting exhibits.
A little unusual for Europeans are the temples of Khajuraho, decorated with bas-reliefs with scenes from the Kama Sutra. The complex of these religious buildings covers an area of more than 20 km 2 . Of the 85 buildings, only 22 have survived to this day; the rest were destroyed by Muslim troops. The art of the ancient builders made it possible to create the impression that each temple was carved from a solid mass and decorated with stone lace and figurines.
The skill of the ancient builders is evidenced by the Chand Baori well, built in the 9th century to collect groundwater and rainwater. This grandiose 13-tier reservoir, equipped with 3.5 thousand steps that made it possible to draw water anywhere, has a depth of more than 30 m.
In addition to temples, among the popular attractions in India, there are many museums, the exhibits of which will tell about the history and life of this beautiful, truly amazing country, soaked in the aromas of spices and exotic incense.
India is the seventh largest country in the world, stretching from high mountains The Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar Desert.Its more than one billion inhabitants are divided into two thousand ethnic groups who speak more than 200 different languages.
Top 10 attractions in India
1. Taj Mahal
The main attraction of India is Taj Mahal, oh a huge mausoleum made of white marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones, including jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst and turquoise, built in Agra, between 1631 and 1648, by order of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art and the greatest architectural achievement of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Taj Mahal is named after Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the emperor. The Taj Mahal is the most famous and main attraction of India, every year tens of millions of travelers travel to India to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Official website: www.tajmahal.gov.in
2. Varanasi
Varanasi, a holy city in India, is also known as Kashi and Benares.Varanasi is the most popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The city is sacred to Hindus and Jains, Odin of the seven holy cities of India. It is believed that this is whereThe abode of Shiva, Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges River, in which, according to Hindus, one can wash away all one’s sins.
Varanasi is considered the oldest city in the world, it is more than 3000 years old. Varanasi or Kashi is also known as the city of temples; there are temples at every step. The most famous temple in Varanasi is the Golden Temple, restored in 1776, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are Buddhist rock cave monuments dating back to the 2nd century BC that are masterpiecesBuddhist religious art. MagicalThe Ajanta caves were abandoned around 650 AD and were forgotten until 1819, when the British came across them while hunting.Their isolation has contributed to their excellent preservation.
The caves are located 100 km northeast of Ellora, 104 km from Aurangabad and 52 km from railway station Jalgaon.They crash into the volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forested gorges of the Sahardi Hills in picturesque surroundings. Ajanta Cavescontain drawings and sculptures that depict the life of Buddha.
4. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, or the "Golden City", is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 575 kilometers west of the state capital Jaipur, near the Pakistan border. Jaisalmer stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, in the middle of the great Indian Desert or Thar Desert. The city is topped by a fort containing a palace and temples.
Jaisalmer was founded at the crossroads of camel caravans traveling through the desert,with exotic spices and precious silks.This strategic location of Jaisalmer made it possible to extract tribute from traders, as the main caravan routes connecting India with Persia and Egypt passed through it.
5. Harmandir Sahib
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is a shrine in the Sikh religion. Harmandir Sahib is located in the center of the old city of Amritsar, Punjab province in India. The golden temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by a pool of water. The temple building has four entrances, instead of the usual one. This is a symbol of the openness of Sikhism and indicates that followers of all faiths can enter it. The walls of the temple are decorated with carved wooden panels and intricate inlays in silver and gold. The Golden Temple is open to everyone. Pilgrims and visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering.
6. Kanha National Park
National Park Kanha is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of India. Kanha National Park is one oftiger reserves. Kanha is considered one of best areas wildlife in the world.
Kanha is definitely a paradise for wild animal species that live in their natural habitat. It was Kanha who became source of inspiration forRudyard Kiplingto write his famous novelThe jungle book.
Official website: www.kanhatigerreserve.com
7. Palolem
Palolem is undoubtedly one of the most open and ideal beaches of Goa, palm trees, soft sand and a calm bay, it is an ideal place for beach holiday. Considered an ideal place for family vacation V tropical paradise with a turquoise sea.
8. Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi 350 km from Bangalore , in state Karnataka Vsouth India. Hampi was once the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Virupaksha Temple is part of a group of monuments built between 1336 and 1570 AD. Temple Virupakshi is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as one of the most sacred temples in Karnataka.
9. Lake Palace
Lek Palace was built between 1743-1746 like a royal summer palace. In the 20th century, the palace was converted into a hotel for millionaires.
10. Kerala backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala are a chain brackish lagoons and lakes located parallel The Arabian Sea in the state of Kerala in southern India includes five large lakes connected by a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and bays, comprising more than 900 km of waterways, both artificial and natural, with 38 rivers draining into the Kerala Backwaters.
India, the seventh largest country in the world, stretching from high Himalayas to the tops of Kerala, from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar desert. The country's population exceeds one billion, is divided into more than 2,000 ethnic groups and speaks more than 200 different languages. India's attractions include a huge number of architectural monuments, natural wonders and an almost endless variety of cultures. Ancient ruins, breathtaking religious shrines, exotic cities and amazing natural landscapes - all this inspires a certain awe and at the same time fascinates the traveler. I bring to your attention a list of the 10 most popular tourist places in India.
Let's start with the 10th place - these are the lagoons and swamps of Kerala, stretching parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The wetlands of Kerala are home to many unique species of wildlife, including crabs, frogs, waterfowl and animals such as otters and turtles. Walking on special boats along long natural canals is very popular here. 
Pichola Palace in Udaipur
This palace was built in the middle of a lake in the 18th century as a royal summer residence. Today it is a luxury 5-star hotel. Tourists are brought here by boat from a pier on the eastern shore of Lake Pikola. The palace became especially famous in 1983, when one of the James Bond films was filmed here. 
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi
The Virupaksha Temple became the key shrine of this place under the rulers of Vijayanagara. This temple has been functioning since its construction in the seventh century AD to this day, making it one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples. 
Palolem Beach in Goa
Palolem Beach is considered the most beautiful beach Goa is a natural bay surrounded by high headlands on both sides. The sea here is always calm, there are almost never waves. This beach can be an ideal place for connoisseurs good hotels, inexpensive restaurants, stormy nightlife and a large number of free, liberated, like-minded people. 
Kanha National Park
Kanha Park is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Asia, the most famous natural attraction of India. This is one of best places, where you can watch tigers in their natural habitat. The lush bamboo forests, grassy meadows and gorges of Kanha became the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famous Jungle Book. 
Harmandir Sahib Temple in Armitsar
Harmandir Sahib is better known as the golden temple, one of the most beautiful religious sites in India, the most important religious site for Sikhs. Construction of the temple began in the 16th century by the Guru himself, and in the 19th century the upper floors of the temple were covered with gold. The temple is always full; thousands of pilgrims come here every day to worship their shrine. 
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer fortress is located at a considerable distance from civilization, in the desert on the border with Pakistan. Jaisalmer is also called the Golden City because of its yellow sandstone walls. This is one of the most beautiful, and at the same time, the least visited attractions in India. The reason for this is its remote location. 
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves were carved out of the rock around the second millennium BC. Around 65 AD, the caves were abandoned and forgotten until 1819. Thanks to their isolation, these caves are superbly preserved; here you can see many ancient frescoes carved into the rock. The best way to get here is from the city of Aurangabad; on the way you can also visit the Ellora Caves. 
Holy city of Varanasi
Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges River. This sacred place both for Hindus and for Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest cities on Earth, continuously inhabited since its construction. One of the most breathtaking scenes in the world is the mass bathing of pilgrims in the waters of the Ganges River, as well as the sunrise against the backdrop of centuries-old temples. 
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is not only the most recognizable landmark in India, but throughout the world. This huge mausoleum is located in Agra and was built of white marble by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. He called it "a teardrop on the cheek of eternity." In addition to the main domed marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal also includes several other very beautiful structures, reflecting ponds and decorative flowering gardens. 
As a bonus, I also invite you to visit the topic dedicated to the cave temples of India, where you will find a story about the most famous of them.
