India is one country on just about any serious traveler’s bucket list. It is profoundly traditional yet eternally beautiful. The variety of tourist locations in India appears endless, from aesthetically and culturally rich sites to cities bursting with commotion and chaos to places offering laid-back and peaceful stays. StudyFinds wanted to find the best places to visit in India that are most recommended by travel experts.
Of course, India is a country with numerous cultures, fantastic history, iconic monuments, traditional medicines, delicious cuisine, vibrant fabrics, and thriving media industries. When it comes to traditional Indian medicines, recent research reports that some of these age-old health practices can effectively treat Type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the University of Nottingham found that Ayurveda medicines, which are a common tool in South Asia, can help people with the condition maintain their blood sugar levels. These remedies can also help people manage their body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, according to the study.
Ayurveda is a traditional medical system in practice for thousands of years in many South Asian countries including India and Nepal.
And for Indian food lovers, one ingredient, Curcumin, commonly found in Indian food, improves memory, mood, and attention highlights one study. Curcumin is most commonly found in turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine. In fact, it’s curcumin that gives curry its unmistakable bright color. In previous studies, curcumin has been shown to improve inflammation, and it even has antioxidant properties. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Indian adults have low rates of Alzheimer’s disease and generally show better cognitive performance as they age, the researchers say.
In our search for the best places to visit in India, we examined 11 “expert” websites and sought the most suggested places. We also considered where these locations ranked on their list. Of course, you may entirely disagree with this — and that’s fine! Let us know which one is your favorite place or the one that is on your bucket list.
The List: Best Places To Visit In India, According To Experts
1. Varanasi
Hippie in heels ranks first overall in their list. “Varanasi is by far the most unique place I’ve been in the entire world. This is where many Hindus come to be cremated, along the Ganges River. You will see sadhu’s with human ashes on them. Here are some tips on what to expect at the burning ghats in Varanasi, and some general Varanasi travel tips as well as which places to visit.”
Touropia says, “Probably the most famous sites of the city are the ghats, the series of embankment steps leading down to the Ganges River, where many people gather to bathe. The oldest and main ghat is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The Manikarnika Ghat is a burning ghat where Hindu cremations and rituals of death anniversaries are frequently held. Yoga, shaves and massages are other activities available here. The best way to see the ghats is by taking a morning boat ride at sunrise. Silk weaving is popular in Varanasi, and there are scores of shops and markets selling silk products like sarees and scarves in addition to other handicrafts.”
“This is one place where you are guaranteed to come face to face with the hard-edged realities of life and death. Take a deep breath, join the yogis – and throw yourself in at the deep end,” adds Lonely planet.
Myholidays writes,”Varanasi is one of the major places to visit in October in India where you can witness the surreal beauty of God and nature.”
2. Agra
Appearing on half of the reviews we used, Agra’s highest ranking came on various sites. One of them is Tourmyindia. “Needing no introduction, Taj Mahal is a popular tourist attraction for foreigners. The finest monument depicting love and devotion, Taj Mahal and other historical monuments of the glorious Mughal era are world famous for their architectural significance and beauty.”
“The best time to visit Agra is between September to March, as the weather is pleasant and favourable for sightseeing and other activities such as shopping. It can be foggy in December and January,” adds Breathe dream go.
Planetware also ranks it first on their list, and it says,”The city in Uttar Pradesh is chock-full of marvelous Mughal monuments, like Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb and Akbar’s Mausoleum, decked out in hypnotic inlaid marble designs from top to bottom. Plus, tourists can also see another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Agra Fort. With so many wonders in just one place, Agra is a must-visit city for tourists in India.”
“People from across the world visit this small town to check out the timeless symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. You can also visit the Agra Fort and later shop for your favorites from the street market. ‘Agra Petha’ is a must-try sweet delicacy that is made using Ash Gourd. Remember to carry your camera so you can capture your trip into pictures.” – Travel Diary.
3. Goa
“Though Goa is small in size but its greatness from tourist perspective cannot be undermined. With amazing beaches that renders immaculate sunrises and sunsets, the golden sand and coconut palms adds to the charm. It also renders you yummy seafood with adventure activities such as parasailing, wind surfing and water-skiing.” – Travelogy India writes.
My adventures across the world says, “If you feel the need to escape the crowds of the big cities and are all templed out, head straight to Goa where you’ll find beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea that are perfect to relax. This is a unique state thanks to the Portuguese influence which is reflected in the local culture (many here are Catholics) and architecture.”
Planetware adds,”One unique part of Goa is its blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. You’ll experience the fusion throughout the destination, from its Baroque architecture and cathedrals to its spicy vindaloo curries and seafood dishes.”
“Goa has one of the best nightlife in India with trendy bars, beach shacks, elegant cafes and many clubs and discotheques. For those looking for a luxury stay, South Goa has many options,” Tourmyindia says.
4. Leh Ladakh
“Here you’ll find a high-altitude moonscape of towering Tibetan monasteries (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thikse), excellent homestay trekking, colorful monastic masked dance festivals and horizon-spanning, high-altitude turquoise salt lakes,” says Lonelyplanet. “These days, it’s the closest independent travelers can come to actually setting foot in Tibet.”
Adds Myholidays: “It is one of the best tourist places in Kashmir as it is known for its culture that is similar to Tibet. Ladakh is a land like no other as it has the Siachen Glacier and Great Himalayas. It is often called the adventure playground as people can enjoy climbing, jeep tours, rafting, and high-altitude trekking.”,
Global Grasshopper writes: “To be in with a chance of seeing India’s snow leopards, you need to travel up to Leh, in the Northwest corner of the country. Whether you are looking for the elusive leopard or not, Ladakh is a jaw-dropping place to hike through its mountains and valleys.”
“Best time to visit Ladakh is the summer months from June to September. The Hemis Festival in July and the Ladakh Festival in September are two of the most beloved festivals and well worth attending,” adds Breathe Dream Go.
5. Udaipur
“There is no doubt that Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in India. Udaipur Palace is certainly one of the most beautiful in India, though beware it can get crowded beyond belief. Another place to visit is Lake Pichola. Go on a boat tour of the lake, which will provide some stunning views of the palace, and also visit Jagmandir Island. Finally, you will want to explore the local market for a glimpse of local life,” writes my adventure across the world.
“India’s romantic white city has stolen my heart – I LOVE this city. It’s small and wraps around four lakes, with Lake Pichola being the most popular. You must stay in my favorite guesthouse there (a palace with lake views for under $50-$200 a night). Also, here is my guide to Udaipur. I am sure I’ll be back for the third time! Hippie in heels concludes.
Planetware adds, “Udaipur oozes romance with its flower-lined streets and fantastic City Palace Complex, where the royal family still lives today.”
Sources:
- Hippie in heels
- Lonely Planet
- Touropia
- Myholidays
- Tourmyindia
- Breathe Dream Go
- Planetware
- Travel diary
- Travelogy India
- My adventures across the world
- Global Grasshopper
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