Top Places to Visit in North India | An Array of Incredible Locations
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, a history buff, or a mountain lover, the prominent places to visit in North India are a true delight to visit and explore. Think of North India and you can visualize formidable forts, incredible temples, gorgeous palaces, a vast expanse of verdant landscapes, shifting dunes, rippling rivers, snow-capped mountains, wildlife, birds, and more. Set amidst a backdrop of diverse but striking landscapes, that is exactly what is offered by North India. Besides some of the most popular and visited places, there is no dearth of offbeat locales that is sure going to leave you awestruck with their sheer beauty and magnificence. You will get a chance to explore much more than what is known and popular! Here are the choicest places you must visit in North India.
Top Tourist Places To Visit In North India 2023
Here are some places that you must visit in North India and learn more about our rich geographical, cultural, historical, architectural, and spiritual legacy and heritage. Go through this elaborate compilation of tourist places in North India.
- Delhi
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Jaisalmer
- Amritsar
- Varanasi
- Haridwar
- Rishikesh
- Khajuraho
- Ladakh Region
- Old Manali
- Spiti
- Kanha National Park
Places Known for Its Historical Significance
Let us begin exploring the northern part of the country with places that are historically significant. Many of these places have popular monuments and structures that also make them architecturally relevant.
1.Delhi
Delhi is generally the first port of call for foreign tourists who visit India. Touted as India's capital, Delhi offers a perfect blend of ancient monuments and structures and modern infrastructure. Thus, Delhi treasures the ancient past while offering a sneak-peek into India's contemporary future. The city is divided into the well-planned and orderly New Delhi and the crumbling Old Delhi. It is dotted with forts, monuments, and evocative mosques built by Mughal rulers. Many of these structures offer you a picturesque backdrop. Visiting this city will give you a lot of knowledge about its rich historical past that includes endless invasions and building and rebuilding of the city. Visit the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and shop all your heart out at Janpath and Khan Market!
2. Agra
Another one of the historical place worth exploring in North India is Agra. It is undoubtedly one of the ideal tourist places in North India. The city celebrates love in the form of the Taj Mahal, a gorgeous white-marble structure built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument looms in the form of a fairy tale from Yamuna River's bank and has an ancient history dating back to the era of 1630. Composed from marble, it took 20,000 workers and 22 years to complete the monument. One of the most enthralling facts about the building is the change in its light throughout the day. The imposing Red Fort built of red sandstone is another incredible structure worth exploring.
Places Known for Its Architectural Endeavours
The next category has places famous in North India for its architectural marvels. Most of these cities belong to Rajasthan, the princely state of yesteryears. Imposing forts, gorgeous palaces, spectacular temples with intricate carvings are just to name a few.
1.Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan, also referred to as the Pink City is another place worth visiting and exploring in North India. The Old City or ‘parkota’ area of Jaipur is famous due to its unique pink colour painted on its buildings and walls. Jaipur houses some of the most identifiable places or tourist attractions- e.g., the Hawa Mahal. However, in the current years, Jaipur is evolving as a developed city with several popular malls, trendy shops, fine dining restaurants, lounges, and cafes opening up. If you're traveling from Agra to Jaipur by road, don't forget to visit the Abhaneri and Chand Baori, known for their stunning stepwells and awe-inspiring architecture.
2. Jodhpur
Several tourists believe Jodhpur or "Blue City" to be more attractive than Jaipur due to its laid back ambiance and easy to explore limited geographical area. You can select from an array of heritage havelis or guesthouses around the fort for a comfortable and relaxing stay. When we talk about Jodhpur, one image that conjures up in our mind is of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in North India, known for its fabulous fort and intricately carved jharokha in the royal palace. The fort also houses some of the city's royal palaces, restaurants, temples, and museums. Dance performances and cultural musical fests are held here every day. Another attraction worth checking out is the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Tourists can also take part in heritage walks and zip-lining.
3. Udaipur
There's no better romantic destination than India's regal city, Udaipur! You can't resist the attraction of its expansive, well-manicured gardens, beautiful old mansions, intricate temples, or grand palaces that overlook beautiful and shimmering lakes. Udaipur's City Palace, which stretches across Lake Pichola's eastern shore, leaves tourists spellbound. Featuring an artistic blend of Mughal style decorative techniques and Rajput military architecture, Udaipur is a must-visit destination. The royal family of Mewar still resides in a secluded part of the palace. The light and sound show held at the Palace speaks volumes about the valour, bravery, and courage of Mewar soldiers.
4. Jaisalmer
Housing fairy-tale palaces, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is known as the ‘Sonar Qila’, a term coined by Nobel-Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. It features an elegant fort that overlooks the entire city. Constructed in 1156, the place overlooks temples, residences, shops, exquisite havelis, and palaces. Although you can choose from an array of activities to enjoy in Jaisalmer, Camel safari is a quintessential activity you should take part in. To prevent the fort from further damage like seepage, tourists are requested to remain outside the fort. Stay in a hotel in Jaisalmer that offers spellbinding fort views as it lights up with focused lights in the evening. Or, you can choose to stay in the huge desert by checking in Jaisalmer's desert camps or famous tent hotels. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in north India.
Places Known for Its Religious Significance
India is a land of diverse religions, castes, and creeds. If you are a religious or spiritual minded person, you will come across a lot of places in North India, known for its religious significance. Visiting these places brings us closer to Lord Almighty and makes us realize the Supreme Power running this world.
1.Amritsar
If you're visiting the exquisite Golden Temple located in Amritsar for the first time- get ready to feel awestruck by its golden exteriors. Amritsar is the place where Sikh religion originated, flourished, and spread all over the world. Founded by Guru Ram Das in 1577, the place is considered holy by Sikh devotees. Later on, Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, completed its construction. The renowned Muslim Sufi saint Miyan Mir laid its foundations in 1588 completed its construction in 1604. The Golden temple's view looks more picturesque at night when it's elegantly lit up, accompanied by its illuminated pure gold dome. If you're fond of street food- Amritsar houses several lip-smacking delicacies for you. The flag-lowering ceremony at the exuberant Wagah Border is another source of attraction.
2. Varanasi
One of India's renowned spiritual tourist destinations, Varanasi is amazing-yet, you'll either hate or love Varanasi! The city is renowned for its ancient history, a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus in India. Worshipped as Lord Shiva's city, people believe that a person who'll die here can be liberated forever from the chain of reincarnation. Even a Holy bath in the Ganges River can help you break free from past sins. The fascinating thing about this mystical city of Varanasi is that the rituals are performed openly on the riverside ghats. In recent years, many cleaning projects have been carried out to maintain Varanasi's cleanliness. The evening Ganga Aarti is a sight to behold. When thousands of lamps light up and synchronized arm movements of priests create a stunning ambience. You can stay at a hotel overlooking the holy river to ensure your trip is worth remembering.