Whether you're planning a vacation, traveling for business, or simply want to see the best sites in India, there are several beautiful cities you won't want to miss. From Mumbai to Jaipur, here are the top cities to visit during your next trip to India.
Varanasi
Located in the North Indian plains, Varanasi is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is the spiritual capital of Hinduism. It is a city that receives more than a million pilgrims each year.
The city is known for its smoke-filled air and its temples and shrines. Locals come here to pray and bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges River. Thousands of oil lamps flicker in the sky and wavering lights create a magical ambience.
The city is also a center for Buddhism. It is said that the Buddha gave his first sermon in nearby Sarnath. The city is home to a number of temples, palaces, and shrines. The best areas to explore are near the Ganges.
Among the main tourist attractions in Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. These two temples are very popular among Hindus. The temples have a history that goes back almost a thousand years.
Aside from the ghats, there are several other places to see in Varanasi. You can also visit the Godowlia Market, which is one of the largest shopping areas in Varanasi. The market is home to numerous shops that sell everything from Benaras silk to musical instruments. You can also visit the Ruchika Art Gallery, which is a wonderful place to see local artistic works. There are paintings and postcards that you can take home with you.
You can also try Banarasi paan, which is a sweet stuffed betel leaf. It is an acquired taste and a slight stimulant.
You can also visit the Sankat Mochan Temple, which is a Hindu deity that is devoted to Hanuman. This temple dates back to the 16th century. There are hundreds of monkeys that live in the temple. The monkeys are trained to act like humans, and they are called by human names. They have been known to snatch cameras and throw tantrums.
You can also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is known as the Golden Temple. This temple has been a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus for hundreds of years. The temple is painted in a rich red color.
Jaipur
Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in India. The city has a rich legacy and is known for its exquisite palaces, forts, and other structures. The city also offers tourists the opportunity to experience the royal life and explore the rich history of India. Jaipur also has a number of exotic resorts.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is located on the edge of the Thar Desert. The city was the capital of the former Mughal Empire and was the site of the Amber Fort. It is also known as the Pink City. The color pink represents hospitality.
The city is also known for its unique architecture. It is the first planned city in India. The founder of the city, Jai Singh, and his architect, Bhattacharya, had a strict blueprint for the city. They divided the city into nine squares to symbolize the nine planets.
The city is also known for its royal tombs. The tombs have intricate carvings that reflect the king who built them. There are also several temples in Jaipur. These include the Garh Ganesh Temple and the Govind Dev Ji Temple.
Another popular tourist attraction in Jaipur is the City Palace. This opulent complex of buildings contains several pavilions, gardens, and courtyards. It also has a museum. The museum is home to a number of antiques, paintings, and sculptures. It also displays gifts from international dignitaries.
The city is also known for the Hawa Mahal, a five-story pink sandstone structure. The exterior of the structure looks like a honeycomb. The women of the royal family watched from its windows.
The city is also known for its traditional marketplaces. The Johari Bazaar and the Tripolia Bazaar are two of the best-known markets in Jaipur. You can buy local clothing and jewelry in these markets. These markets are also a good place to shop for local textiles and marble statues.
UNESCO listed Jaipur as a World Heritage Site in July 2019. Jaipur is also home to the Amer Fort, which is one of the most popular attractions in India.
Mumbai
Located on the Konkan coast, Mumbai is one of the largest and most populated cities in India. It is a city of great contrasts and diversity, with a rich and colorful culture. It is one of the most important financial, cultural, and artistic centers of India.
Mumbai is known for its cosmopolitan nature, its slums, and its skyscrapers. It is also home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires in the world. It is known as the 'city that never sleeps'.
Its people call themselves Bombayites. They are hard working and passionate. They prefer to dress in traditional attire. Earlier, Mumbai was called Bombay. But in 1899, it was officially changed to Mumbai.
Its rich culture, cuisine, and heritage sites make it one of the most beautiful cities in India. It is also a hub of the Indian cinema industry.
The city is characterized by its blend of Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, Indo-Saracenic, and contemporary architectural styles. It is home to the Bollywood and Marathi film industries. It is also a cultural hub, with festivals and theatre.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Gateway of India. The Gateway is a stone arch built in 1923 to celebrate the British Raj in Mumbai. It is also a religious site and a symbol of Indian independence.
The city is also home to some of India's premier scientific and nuclear institutes. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vasty Sangrahalaya Museum is one of the best collections of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another iconic landmark in Mumbai is the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai. This iconic hotel is located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. The city also boasts a variety of other beautiful hotels.
Another interesting attraction is Elephanta Island, a small island where you can find ancient carvings on the walls. The island is also home to the Elephanta Caves, a cave temple complex.
Other attractions include the Kanheri Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bombay Talkies. The city also has a number of beautiful hotels, such as the Taj Land's End.
Shillong
Known as the 'Scotland of the East', Shillong is an incredible city to visit. Its beautiful landscape is filled with beautiful waterfalls, scenic lakes and breathtaking mountain peaks. Whether you want to explore nature or indulge in a bit of shopping, Shillong is an incredible place to visit.
One of the best things to do in Shillong is visit the Air Force Museum. This museum is located on the outskirts of Shillong. It features various rockets, badges, rank medals, and miniature fighter planes. It is open throughout the year. It is also a great place for picnics and rejuvenation.
Another great attraction in Shillong is Lady Hydari Park. This mini park is well maintained and contains different birds, animals, and flowers. The park also has a mini zoo and children's play area. The park is located in the city centre, near the Cathedral.
The Botanical Garden is another great place to visit in Shillong. It is located near Ward Lake and is a beautiful place to visit with your spouse. The garden is filled with orchids and other beautiful plants. The park also features a butterfly museum.
Mary Help of Christian Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shillong. It is located in the city centre and is filled with high arches, stained glass windows, and artwork. It is also famous for its Gothic Revival Architecture. The cathedral is also known for its white marble building and Mother Mary statue. The cathedral is crowded on Sundays.
The Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures is a great place to visit in Shillong. The museum has seventeen galleries that feature art galleries, handicrafts, and a wide collection of artifacts. It also features a panoramic view of Northeast India. This museum is also home to a mini zoo, which houses 73 different species of birds.
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and is a beautiful hill station. It is surrounded by crystal clear streams and lakes, making it a wonderful place for a getaway. You can enjoy boating and picnics here. It is also home to a number of other attractions.