With India’s vivid landscapes, monuments and architectural brilliance, it is rather unfair to confine your trip to only 10 regions. In this selection, I’ll take you all over the country for a multitude of different scenes and varied interests. Here are my top 10 places to visit in India.

Live in a House Boat in the Himalayas

Photo Credit: Steve Hicks

To start with the crown of India, visit Himalayas at Jammu and Kashmir. All the scenic mountain beauty makes Ladakh look more like paradise on lake. For a day well spent on a house boat: take in the beauty of the place, embrace the warm hospitality of the people, and absorb the culture of J&K. A visit to this place is a must.

Touch Clouds at Meghalaya

 Photo Credit: Ashwin Kumar

The name ‘Meghalaya’ translates to ‘abode of clouds’ for a reason. A combination of rich mountains, plateaus and rivers, makes Meghalaya look like the clouds live among them. Taking a break at these places often rejuvenates your mind and soul from the damage of cities. The climate and place makes Meghalaya look like India’s Scotland.

Explore Rajasthan

After a shower of snow and icy weathers, Rajasthan would be a good choice to heat things up. The forts and palaces give you enough reason to visit Rajasthan not to mention Udaipur which is the city of lakes. Add a bit of desert sports and some more adventure/sight-seeing, and you’ll never want to leave. 

Visit Ajanta Ellora in Maharashtra

Photo Credit: Kunal Mukherjee

The Ajanta Ellora caves are India’s most recognized caves with the brilliant carvings and statues. These caves hold the Buddhist religious art, with most of it considered masterpieces. When you are in Maharashtra, you should visit Mumbai – India’s most happening and vibrant city. This is where a lot of dreams have come true for people. After all, it’s called the “City of Dreams”, like our own version of New York.

Party in Goa

Beaches, churches and parties collide in Goa. This is one place every young adult has on his wish list. Take a look at the architectural brilliance of the churches by day, and have a fun-filled beach party at night. Goa also plays host to some of India’s most energetic music festivals. Goa is also a great place to visit as a solo female traveler. 

Sip Darjeeling at West Bengal

Photo Credit: shankar s.

At a quiet hill station, you’ll find the most high quality tea powder. The tea grown here is so good that the variety is named after the hill station itself – Darjeeling Tea. If you’re at West Bengal during Durga Pooja, pay a visit to Kolkata. The sleepy lanes come alive with ceremonies, festivities, processions, idols and lights. Don’t be a bystander – you’ll want to participate in the festivities!

Visit Temples in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Photo Credit: Paulthy

The temples in Tamil Nadu know no bounds. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most highly regarded temples at Madurai. This temple situated at the heart of the 2500-year-old city has more than 33,000 sculptures, attracting a whopping 15,000 visitors a day. There are many other striking temples, churches and mosques you wouldn’t regret visiting.

Live at God’s Own Country

Photo Credit: Sarath Kuchi

A houseboat stay in the backwaters of Kerala, the soothing palm groves, coconut trees, and the lovely food – it all adds up to a remarkable experience. Immerse in the local Kathakali and thiruvadhiraa dances, drift along in a houseboat at Kochi, trek the Munnar forests, and watch Fort Kochi light up at night. Kerala has got it all.

Pondicherry

You won’t find nightlife, brilliant architecture, or mountain scenery. So, what makes Pondicherry special? It’s a silent city, slow moving and peaceful, where nobody is in a rush. You sit back and let the calmness dawn upon you. A quiet stroll through the city lanes will teach you to appreciate silence in a city. Take a tour of Pondicherry with a private guide to show you all of the best spots.

Scuba Diving at Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The journey to the islands in itself is a memorable one because you get there only via cruise or airline. The islands are a haven for water lovers. For people who love beaches and sunsets, Andaman and Nicobar will be a hard place to bid adieu. Indulge in a plethora of water adventures at Andaman and experience first-hand the mysteries and exquisiteness of sea life.

Take a Tour of India with Lauren!

As an additional 11th thing to do in India, you can take a trip to India with me! I recently co-led a vegan tour of India. It’s focused on vegan travel, sustainability, eco-friendly travel, and responsible wildlife tourism. We’ll also be exploring lesser visited and incredible cultural/historical sites. Learn more about how you can travel to India with me again at some point in the future.

Until you travel to India, I encourage you to try preparing your own vegan Indian recipes at home! I’ve got a fantastic collection of 35 vegan Indian dishes to create in your own kitchen.