Top 10 Famous Indian Tourist Attractions for Your First Trip to India

It is genuinely unlike any other place on earth to travel through this land of diversity, from the busy bazaars to serene temples, from historic forts to magnificent natural wonders.Now that you've made up your mind to finally go ahead and take that much-awaited trip to India. Let me help you choose the best spots that I have been to and would love to visit again

What are the must-visit destinations for first-time travelers to India?

India offers incredible diversity from the Taj Mahal's romantic marble beauty in Agra to the spiritual peace of Amritsar's Golden Temple. History lovers should explore the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves carved into cliffs, while Rajasthan's Amer Fort showcases regal splendor overlooking Maota Lake. Don't miss Khajuraho's intricate temple sculptures or Mysore's grand palace that rivals European royalty. For unique experiences, visit Kerala's massive Jatayu bird sculpture or the Andaman Islands' Natural Bridge.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes the Taj Mahal India's Most Iconic Monument?
2. Why Is the Golden Temple a Must-Visit Spiritual Experience?
3. How old are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
4. How to Explore the Amer Fort in the Land of Kings?
5. What Makes Khajuraho's Temple Sculptures So Extraordinary?
6. Why Is Jatayu Earth Center Kerala's Most Unique Attraction?
7. What Makes Mysore Palace Worth the Journey to Karnataka?
8. How Can You Experience the Ancient Charm of Old Delhi?
9. How do you get to Natural Bridge Neil Island?
10. Why Does Charminar Define Hyderabad's Historic Identity?
11. FAQ

What Makes the Taj Mahal India's Most Iconic Monument?

Starting with the obvious showstopper, you may have seen it a million times in photos, but believe me, seeing it for yourself is worthwhile. Agra is easily accessible from Delhi via flight. After checking into the Oberoi Amarvilas or any other luxury hotel of your choice, head to the Agra Fort. You will see magnificent Mughal architecture as well as enjoy the view of the Taj Mahal.

If you truly want to experience the magical beauty of the world's seventh wonder, you should visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning. One of the benefits of staying at the Oberoi hotel is that they provide a golf cart ride to the entry gate before sunrise. It’s best to book with a luxury travel agency so you will be the first to enter the complex & watch the Taj as the sunlight hits the marble dome.

You can extend your trip for two days if you want to visit nearby historical monuments like Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza, and Akbar’s tomb, or you can enjoy a safari ride at the Ranthambore National Park.

TL;DR: Stay at Oberoi Amarvilas for early morning golf cart access to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and extend your trip to Fatehpur Sikri or go on a safari at Ranthambore National Park.

Book Your Taj Mahal Tour

Why Is the Golden Temple a Must-Visit Spiritual Experience?

The Golden Temple, which sparkles in the Amritsar Sarovar, is one of the most serene and peaceful places you'll ever see. It is located in the holy city of Amritsar, Punjab, in northwestern India.

To reach Amritsar, you can take a flight from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. The Taj Swarna Hotel is just a few kilometers away from the temple, so start your day with breakfast there, then visit nearby sites like Jallianwala Bagh and The Partition Museum. It’s best to visit the Golden Temple at night, as the lights enhance the beauty of this architectural marvel.

Share a meal with the locals here, prepared by the community kitchen, famously known as ‘Langar.’ The kitchen prepares 80,000 basic vegetarian meals 365 days a year, and that number doubles on the weekends.

How old are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

Ajanta and Ellora are the perfect places to get an experience like Indiana Jones without having to worry about rolling boulders chasing you. These caves in Maharashtra are ancient Indian craftsmanship masterpieces carved into cliffs.

You will need a full day to explore both sites. You can fly to Aurangabad from Delhi, and our chauffeur will take you on a two-hour ride to Ajanta, which has 30 caves. You don’t need to see every single one; your guide will advise you which ones should not be missed. You will get a meditative experience while strolling around the caves. It almost feels like walking into a spiritual art gallery.

The next day, our chauffeur will drive you to the Ellora Caves. The Ellora Caves are an example of what humans can accomplish with a hammer and chisel. The cave's most famous entry point is the Kailash cave, which is located in front of Cave 16. It is best to hire a chauffeur who will guide you through the caves while also providing historical information; otherwise, the routes will feel like a maze.

How to Explore the Amer Fort in the Land of Kings?

If the Taj Mahal represents love in India, then Amer Fort represents regal splendor. One of Jaipur's top tourist attractions is located atop a small hill overlooking Maota Lake. A vast palace complex that gives you the impression that you have entered a historical epic, the magnificent Amer Fort was constructed with white marble and pale yellow and pink sandstone.

There are four main sections of the fort, each of which has its own courtyard. While enjoying the views of this beautifully carved fort, you will witness the diwan-e-aam, Shila Mata Mandir, and the Sukh Mahal. You can extend your tour to the nearby attractions like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort. You can fly from Delhi to reach here. You can book your stay at the Le Meridien hotel or any other luxury hotel.

What Makes Khajuraho's Temple Sculptures So Extraordinary?

One of the most intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites in India is this collection of temples, which are tucked away in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Every aspect of life thousands of years ago is depicted in Khajuraho, much like an old Instagram feed carved in stone. Although they are well-known for their erotic sculptures, they are really about life in general: Gods, humans, Warriors, musicians, dancers, and lovers. The temples of Khajuraho were commissioned by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty sometime between 900 AD and 1100 AD.

Unique to the Nagara architectural style, the sandstone temples are raised on a complex terraced platform called a jagati. A heavily carved Shikhara, or tower, sits atop the sanctum. Each miniature spire symbolizes Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva.

There are 15 temples in the Western group, like the Lakshmana temple, the Varaha temple, the Kandriya Mahadev Temple, etc. It will take you a whole day just to explore the Western group. Eight temples make up the eastern group, which is situated somewhat outside of the main Khajuraho town. Even though you can walk to these, it's best to have some kind of transportation. If you have less time or temples do not interest you, then you can choose to visit only the Western Group, or you can choose which temples you want to visit.

TL;DR: Khajuraho’s UNESCO World Heritage temples from 900-1100 AD feature intricate carvings depicting all aspects of ancient life.

Reserve Your Spiritual Retreat

Why Is Jatayu Earth Center Kerala's Most Unique Attraction?

The perfect spot for sustainable tourism is the world's largest bird sculpture in Chadayamangalam (Kollam district) in Kerala. This massive sculpture of the mythological bird Jatayu was built on a hill called Jadayupara. The intriguing backstory is that while Lord Rama was looking for his wife, he met the dying Jatayu, who told him about the battle with Ravana and how he had taken Sita, Lord Rama's wife, and traveled south. Lord Rama received all of the details of Sita's abduction from Jatayu and granted him salvation.

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport, from which our chauffeur will transport you to the Earth Center. Instead of climbing 800 stairs, I recommend taking a cable ride to the top of the hill, which will provide you with a unique experience and a perfect view of the statue. If you plan to spend an entire day here, there are a lot of adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, jummering, bouldering, valley crossing, chimney climbing, archery, zip-lining, rifle shooting, and paintball.

You can also visit Kilimanoor Palace (birthplace of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma), located very close to the Jatayu statue, it has some magnificent original paintings.

What Makes Mysore Palace Worth the Journey to Karnataka?

Mysore, known as the "city of palaces," has several royal residences, the most famous of which is the Mysore Palace. A palace so grand that even Buckingham would nod in agreement. Located in the state of Karnataka, this architectural marvel looks straight out of a storybook. The first thing you notice when you enter the palace is the entrance gate and the arch of Mysore Palace, which bears the emblem of the Wadiyar dynasty.

It takes around 2 hours, and the palace is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm. You can get an entry pass at the entrance, but if you want to avoid the queue, I recommend booking an online pass the day before. Aside from the standard tour, the 45-minute light and sound show that depicts Mysore's 400-year history is also worth seeing. It takes place from Thursday to Saturday between 7 and 8 pm in English. The best time to visit is during the Dussehra festivities, when the Palace is decorated like a bride and you can admire its beauty.

It’s best to book a stay in Bangalore (the capital city of Karnataka) so you can visit the nearby spots like Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park and indulge in the masala dosa at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe.

How Can You Experience the Ancient Charm of Old Delhi?

Delhi, your gateway to India, is a city of historic marvels and bustling streets. Old Delhi offers more than just sightseeing; it's a sensory overload in the best way. Old Delhi was founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal.

Take a tour of the historic Red Fort first thing in the morning, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the house of the Mughals. I would suggest you hire a guide for the tour, as the stories make the walls come alive. Imagine Mughal emperors holding royal courts here centuries ago. Just a short walk away is the iconic Jama Masjid Mosque. If you want an unforgettable experience, climb one of the minarets to get a 360-degree view of Old Delhi. Indulge in Butter Chicken and Mutton Korma at the famous Karim's, which is directly behind the Jama Masjid, or try different types of parathas at Chandni Chowk's famous Parathe Wali Gali.

If you want to see India in its rawest form and explore local shops, Chandni Chowk is the place to go. It's a crazy market with chaotic, noisy, and colorful streets. It's fascinating to walk through those narrow and crowded streets, filled with shops selling saris, jewelry, shoes, novels, toys, and anything else you could possibly need. By the end of the day, you've not only seen old Delhi, but also lived it.

How do you get to Natural Bridge Neil Island?

Neil Island is a hidden gem in the Andaman Islands, and one of its most striking wonders is the natural bridge. The Natural Bridge, also referred to locally as the Howrah Bridge, is a naturally occurring sea arch or rock arch that was formed by the constant erosion of limestone rocks by sea waves.

Corals, sea cucumbers, starfish, and colorful-shelled crabs live in the rocky pools that surround the bridge. Salt in the air, waves at your feet, and the bridge standing tall at the horizon—it’s a perfect place to connect with nature. You can also enjoy activities like stargazing, scuba diving, and boat rides on Neil Island. To get here, fly from Delhi to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, where our chauffeur will pick you up and transport you to the Natural Bridge.

Plan Your Island Escape

Why Does Charminar Define Hyderabad's Historic Identity?

It is no secret that Hyderabad is home to many well-known landmarks that have contributed to the city's reputation for history, culture, and outstanding architectural examples. Charminar, the magnificent structure at the heart of the Old City, is the most popular tourist destination. When you climb up the spiral staircase inside the Minarets and step onto the balcony, the chaos of the city beneath you feels like watching a live painting.

Close to Char Minar is a great place for history and architecture nerds like me, Mecca Masjid, which is one of the biggest and oldest mosques of India. You can wander around the Laad Bazaar and experience Hyderabad's local culture; the market is full of shops selling old-style bangles, fashion accessories, and souvenirs.

At one of the Luxury restaurants, try the city's signature Irani chai and the world-famous Hyderabadi biryani. A short distance from Charminar is Chowmohalla Palace, another historical treasure that was the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

FAQs

1. What are the things I need to remember when visiting the Golden Temple?
Both men and women are required to wear a scarf over their heads (don’t worry if you forget to bring a scarf, as headscarves are available outside the Golden Temple) and remove their shoes before entering the temple.

2. What other attractions are nearby that I can see while visiting the Ajanta Ellora caves?
You can visit the tomb of Aurangzeb, the coin museum, and the famous Satpura ropeway on your trip to the Ajanta Ellora caves.

3. What is the best time to visit the natural bridge?
The best time to visit the natural bridge is between October and May. During this period, the temperature ranges from 68°F to 86°F, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the beach.