My wife and I would like to go India for a holiday this year. We have read about many destinations in India and are very confused to which place to visit. It is why I have joined this forum, hoping that I would get some guidance and meaningful replies on what the best place to visit in India is. We have no preference to where in India we would visit so that you can be open to your suggestions.
Of all the places that I have researched about traveling to India, I think that Goa is the most beautiful and romantic for a couple. The beaches are sublime, and the luxury resorts will cater for your every need. They are decently priced too. I did also read that Goa is becoming the most common choice for honeymooners. I don't know if you consider that a bad thing or a good thing. Personally, I think that if people are flocking there for their honeymoons, then it must be the best place for a romantic getaway with your significant other. Good luck deciding on where to go. And have fun.
You have to decide what you want out of the experience! For any tourist, there are so many Indias. There is the Historical India with 5000 years of architecture and places to visit. There is the Spiritual India, so you can understand the origin of eastern religions. You can also find the first Church outside of the middle east, one of the first Mosques outside of Arabia, as well as one of the oldest Synagogues here. So, you can see how tolerant the country was to various cultures and religions many millennia or centuries ago. There is the Nature-lover's India, with the Kerala backwaters, Himalayan peaks, and beautiful beaches of Goa and Mangalore. There is the Adventure-lover's India with rock-climbing, rafting, para-gliding, etc. etc. And then There is the Modern India. You can head to Bangalore or Gujarat or Chennai to see where most of the world's tech comes from, check out film city Mumbai to see movies being made, and you can visit Chandigarh and other newer cities to see a futuristic smart city. Also, if you don't want to think all that, just go to Goa or Manali or Dharamsala.
Hi there, welcome to the forum! It's really difficult to just recommend one place to visit in India. It's a very diverse country, rich in natural landscapes, culture and even modernity. It depends on what your interests are as to which place would be best suited for you. The good thing is, India has something to offer for any type of traveller. It has historical places, religious places, adventure places and many more places that you can explore. There are also some offbeat places that you can travel to, where the tribes and nature collide. Northern India For those who love the city life 1. Delhi - One of the most chaotic cities in India, but also one of the best cities to visit to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of Indians. The roads can be super busy and it might be shocking at first, especially for tourists. But the more time you spend in the city, the more you accept and see the beauty of this chaos. It's a very modern city but the government has done well to preserve its past, judging from the many historical monuments you can explore here. There are assortments of hotels and restaurants in the city, some are more expensive, while others are on the cheaper side. Street food is an important aspect of Delhi, you can find these street food stalls everywhere. There are also numerous shopping malls in the city, many of which offer even international brands. For the ultimate shopping experience, you must visit Dilli Haat, Janpath Market, Karol Bagh and Sarojini Nagar. These street markets offer everything from handicrafts, clothes, shoes and accessories. Must visit places - Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Old Delhi, Lodi Gardens, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, Janpath Market and many more. Related threads - Places to Visit in Delhi & Tourist Attractions in New Delhi. For those who love history 2. Udaipur - This city in the Rajasthan state is also known as the City of Lakes. It's one of the most romantic places in the country, thus, it's suitable for a couple visiting India. Aside from the lakes, the city has a number of royal palaces, taking you back to the era of the Maharanas. These palaces are scattered all around the city and even in the islands located amidst the lakes. The architectural beauty of these palaces is worth seeing even for just once in your life. During the month of December, the Shilpgram Festival is held in the Shilpgram Complex in Udaipur. This festival showcases the local handicrafts of the region. There are also cultural and folk performances which can show you more about the unique culture and tradition of the city. Just a bit further from the main city, you'd reach the forest area of Udaipur, as if you are in a completely new destination again. The city has lots of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to guest houses. Rajasthani cuisine is also an experience you cannot miss, which focuses mainly on the use of ghee and milk. Yum! Must visit places - Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Jaisamand Lake, City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace and many more. Related thread - Places to Visit in Udaipur. For those who love adventure 3. Leh - The land of high passes, this is the ultimate destination for adventurers. You'd pass through the most dangerous roads in the world but at the same time, the most amazing landscapes are also here. The views of the snow-capped mountains from one end and then, valleys on the other, are quite stunning. Leh also has many Buddhist monasteries, palaces and temples to keep you preoccupied. Climb further and higher, you'd reach the Nubra Valley, a desert in the high altitude region of Leh. There are also some lakes within the region, that offers some peace and serenity to the weary traveller. Seeing the tribes residing in the regions, watching how they live their lives in this isolated part of India, that's another experience worth having. Must visit places - Pangong Tso, Thiksey Monastery, Deskit Monastery, Spituk Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Riasi Fort and many more. Related threads - Places to visit in Leh & How to reach Leh Ladakh?. Eastern India For the religious ones 1. Puri - This city is located in Odisha. This is a major pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It is home to many temples, the most famous of which is the Jagannath Temple. This temple can be traced back to the year 1161 and is visited by thousands of pilgrims everyday. The nearby Konark Sun Temple is also another must-visit religious site. Aside from the temples, Puri, due to its location, is also home to many beaches. One of which is Puri Beach, which is quite clean despite the crowds of tourists in the area. Even if you are not a Hindu, there's lots that you can do in Puri. But of course, exploring the temples of the city is the main reason why tourists throng to the city. Must visit places - Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, Chilika Lake, Konark Beach, Alarnatha Temple, Baleshwar Beach and many more. Related threads - Places to visit near Puri, Jagannath Puri Temple darshan timings & Puri Vs Digha. 2. Bhubaneswar - This is the capital of the state of Odisha. The city is very rich when it comes to its history. There are also numerous temples here, making it one of the most sacred cities in the country. The city is quite slow paced, unlike the other metropolitan cities of India. This slow pace is a nice breath of air from the chaos of the cities. But keep in mind that Bhubaneswar is a fast developing city so there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and commercial areas, despite this slow-paced vibe. So it's a win-win, you get to enjoy the rural life in a well-developed city. Most of the houses and walls of Bhubaneswar are decorated with some kind of art or painting, which signifies that the residents are proud of their artistic roots. The city also has natural sceneries, which are further from the centre of Bhubaneswar. Must visit places - Lingaraja Temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Udayagiri Caves, Raja Rani Temple, Brahmeshwara Temple and many more. Related thread - Places to visit in Bhubaneswar. Northeastern India For enjoying widlife 1. Guwahati - This is the largest city in the state of Assam. The Brahmaputra River flows along the city and is one of its major attractions. This is also the only home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceroses in the world. But one notion is that Guwahati is like a rural village. That is wrong as it is much like a city, just like Delhi or Chennai. There are numerous accommodation options and restaurants here. You can find commercial districts in the city as well. Thus, hotel rates are almost the same as in other cities of India. But venture further into Guwahati, to its outskirts, and there you'll find the best wildlife and biodiversity. Majuli, the world's largest riverine island, is also located about 348 kilometres away from Guwahati. Indulge in Assamese cuisine as it's one of the best in the world. Must visit places - Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Hajo Temples and many more. Related threads - Places to Visit in Guwahati & Places to visit in Guwahati and Shillong. For an offbeat destination 2. Ziro Valley - This is a town in the Arunachal Pradesh state. This is where the Apatani tribe resides. The Apatani tribe depends on agriculture for their living. They have an extensive rice cultivation process, which doesn't make use of any machines nor animals. The women of the Apatani tribe have facial tattoos and a unique nose piercing. However, this tradition is not practiced anymore and you can only spot these in the older women of the tribe. Thus, it's a must to visit Ziro Valley now before this culture and tradition disappears permanently. The valley itself is bounded by mountains and pine trees, whereas the the main land is filled with rice fields. It's definitely an offbeat destination, which can show you just how rich and diverse the culture of India is. Must visit places - Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Orchid Research Centre, Dolo Mando, Tarin Fish Farm, Namdhapha National Park and Tribal Villages. Related thread - Things to do in Ziro. Southern India Beaches, beaches and more beaches 1. Goa - The smallest state of India, Goa, has many beaches to offer despite its size. There are over 50 beaches in Goa and you can find crowded and secluded ones. The night life in Goa is also a major tourist attraction, especially for the party lovers. Almost all water sports are available in the state, that's why adventure seekers are abundant here. It's also a popular honeymoon destination, especially the more secluded beaches of South Goa. You would find five-star hotels in many locations but huts, guest houses and budget hotels are also scattered in different areas. The numerous beach shacks offer the best seafood dishes and local cuisine to tourists. There are also plenty of Portuguese churches that you can visit in Goa, owing to the fact that this was once a Portuguese territory. Must visit places - Benaulim Beach, Agonda Beach, Palolem Beach, Hollant Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Falls and many more. Related thread - How many beaches in Goa?, Most Beautiful Beach in Goa & Best beach resorts in Goa. 2. Kerala - The state of Kerala has many attractions. You name it, Kerala has it, from hill stations, beaches, backwaters, temples and much more. It's the best state to explore for the couples, as the backwaters are quite romantic to cruise in. If you have only a few days to spend in India and you're confused as to where to spend it, then do consider Kerala. You get to experience the diverse culture, history and beauty of the country in just this state alone. A tour of the backwaters takes you through the rural village life, lakes, canals and lagoons of Kerala. The beaches of Kerala are numerous and you won't run out of water to explore. Some of the most famous beaches here are the Lighthouse Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Bekal Beach and Samudra Beach. Almost all the further beaches are clean and secluded, fit for couples. Ayurvedic massage is also one major tourist attraction of the state. Wildlife is also teeming in the state with its numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Must visit places - Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kovalam and many more. Related thread - Places to see in Alleppey & Places To See in Munnar. Western India For a one-of-a-kind experience 1. Kutch - This is the largest district of India. The vast landscapes of sandy deserts are sure to mesmerise you. In the Great Rann of Kutch, the sands of the desert are of the white variety. Experiencing the vast desert, void of inhabitants, can be very romantic. Aside from that, it changes its beauty every sunrise, sunset and evening. Thus, it's a must to visit the region in different times of the day to truly experience it as a whole. There are also numerous rivers along the district which provides stunning views as well. Kutch also has many historical monuments like temples and palaces that are worth visiting. Must visit places - Great Rann of Kutch, Kala Dungar, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Purneshwar Temple, Dholavira Reservoir and many more. Related thread - 7 Wonders of India & Mumbai to Gujarat Trip. For those who enjoy the cold climate 2. Mahabaleshwar - This is a hill station in Maharashtra, which enjoys cool climate all-year round due to its elevation. The views of the mountains, coupled with the forests of Mahabaleshwar, are sure to melt even the hardest heart out there. The hill station also has many crops of strawberries, mulberries and blueberries. These are the freshest of their kind especially when picked on the spot. Boating along the Venna Lake in the hill station is a favourite activity for couples and families. The hill station also has many view points from which you can enjoy the views of the misty mountains and valleys below. The region also has many temples that you can explore with your loved one. Must visit places - Mahabaleshwar Temple, Arthur's Seat, Venna Lake, Panch Ganga Temple and many more. Related thread - Hill Stations Near Pune, 5 star hotels in Mahabaleshwar & Places near Pune to visit in summer. There you go, I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have more questions.
India is a vast and diverse country with a multitude of incredible destinations to explore. The best place for your holiday depends on your interests, preferences, and the type of experiences you are looking for. Here are a few suggestions based on different themes: For Cultural Enthusiasts: Jaipur, Rajasthan: Explore the rich history and architecture of the Pink City, including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber Fort. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural ambiance of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For Nature Lovers: Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas, and experience the spiritual vibes along the Ganges River. Munnar, Kerala: Relax amidst lush tea plantations, explore the Western Ghats, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. For History Buffs: Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Visit the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and explore the historical Mughal architecture. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: Witness the stunning medieval Hindu and Jain temples, known for their intricate erotic sculptures. For Beach Lovers: Goa: Relax on beautiful beaches, explore vibrant markets, and experience the unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Dive into the crystal-clear waters, relax on pristine beaches, and explore the rich marine life. For Adventure Seekers: Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: Embark on a thrilling road trip, explore high mountain passes, and witness breathtaking landscapes. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Experience white-water rafting, trekking, and yoga retreats in the adventure capital of India. These are just a few ideas, and India offers much more based on your specific preferences. Consider the weather, the duration of your trip, and the experiences you want to have when making your decision. If you have any specific criteria or preferences, feel free to share, and I can provide more tailored recommendations!
