India has a lot to offer to travelers from all walks of life. From heritage sites to scenic destinations, you can get everything in this magnificent country. With so many cities to explore, it often becomes difficult to shortlist a few ones. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the top 15 cities to visit in India.
Each of the cities on our list is an amazing destination to travel to. This means even if you choose just one of them, you can rest assured that you’ll have a memorable vacation.
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Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in India
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Situated on River Vaigai’s banks, Madurai is considered the cultural capital of the state. At the 2011 census, the metropolis had a total population of 1,017,865.
The “Lotus City” is another name of Madurai because it was planned and developed in a lotus shape. During your stay here, remember to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati and her spouse Shiva.
If you want to spend some peaceful time amidst nature, head to Meghamalai. It has an elevation of 1,500 meters and is located in the Western Ghats.
Some other famous tourist attractions in Madurai include:
- Samanar Hills
- Vaigai Dam
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
- Gandhi Museum
- Athisayam
- ISKCON Madurai
Amritsar, Punjab
Located in Punjab’s Majha region, Amritsar is among the prominent cultural, economic, and transportation centers of the country. As of the 2011 census, the city had a total population of 1,583,961.
Located in the middle of Amritsar, the Golden Temple is the most famous tourist attraction in the state. The amazing golden architecture of the temple will surely keep you mesmerized for long. You’ll also find more monuments and shrines around its compound’s edges.
While you’re in Amritsar, be sure to visit the Wagah Border. Located just about 28 kilometers from the city, the area marks the boundary between Indian and Pakistani borders. The prime attraction of the place is theWagah Border Ceremony.
Some other noteworthy tourist destinations in Amritsar are:
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Partition Museum
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
- Guru Ke Mahal
- Akal Takht
- Mata Lal Devi Temple
Udaipur, Rajasthan
One of the most famous tourist destinations in the state, Udaipur is encircled by the gorgeous Aravalli Hills. Apart from its magnificent lakes, the city is known for stunning palaces, delicious food, and vibrant culture. At the 2011 census, its total population was 451,100.
Lake Pichola is among the largest lakes in the city. It’s surrounded by temples, bathing ghats, and stunning palaces. Boating in this lake is one of the most popular activities in Udaipur.
City Palace is the largest palace in the state and was built along Lake Pichola’s banks. City Palace Museum is the most popular attraction of this place. Here, you’ll see the central garden, royal courtyard, ornate halls, and more.
Some other popular tourist attractions in Udaipur include:
- Sajjangarh Palace
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Jagdish Temple
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Ambrai Ghat
- The Udaipur Fish Aquarium
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
If you love architecture and sculptures, then Bhubaneswar has to be on your list of must-visit places. Here, you’ll also find beaches, archaeological sites, shopping arcades, and more. As of the census in 2011, its total population was 837,821.
The Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built-in the 11th century, this holy place houses a self-manifested Shivalinga. This is 8 inches tall and has a massive diameter of 8 feet.
If you’re a nature lover, be sure to visit Ekamra Kanan. This is the largest botanical garden in the city and covers a whopping space of more than 500 acres.
Some other notable tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar are:
- Ram Mandir
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Odisha State Museum
- Kedar Gauri Temple
- Regional Museum of Natural History
- Vaital Deul Temple
Darjeeling, West Bengal
One of the most famous tourist destinations in West Bengal, Darjeeling is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has received World Heritage Status. At the 2011 census, it had a total population of 118,805.
Your Darjeeling trip will be incomplete without having a ride on the Toy Train. This narrow gauge train runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. You’ll surely be amazed by the pleasing mountain views during the ride.
If you want to see the peaks of the Kanchenjunga during the sunrise, you should visit Tiger Hill. It’s located just about 13 kilometers away from the city.
Some other popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling are:
- Batasia Loop
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Darjeeling Rock Garden
- Nightingale Park
- The Peace Pagoda
- Darjeeling Zoo
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Located on River Yamuna’s banks, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal. It’s located about 230 kilometers from the national capital Delhi. As of the census in 2011, its total population was 1,585,704.
Undoubtedly, the Taj Mahal is the biggest attraction of Agra. Built by the famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this is among the seven wonders of the world. It was constructed completely out of white marble.
During your stay in Agra, make sure to visit the Agra Fort (also known as Lal Qila). This huge fort of red sandstone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some other tourist attractions that you should visit in Agra are:
- Mehtab Bagh
- Jama Masjid
- Jahangir Mahal
- Anguri Bagh
- Dolphin Water Park
- Akbar’s Tomb
Kochi, Kerala
Situated on the Malabar Coast, Kochi is the commercial, industrial, and financial capital of the state. The city boasts an unusual mix of islands, beaches, backwaters, and plain terrains. At the 2011 census, its total population was 677,381.
On the south-western side of main Kochi, you’ll find a seaside town called Fort Kochi. The place is famous for its ruins of palatial buildings from the Portuguese era and historical fortifications. Here, you’ll also find European structures, churches, etc.
If you want to see a fine display of Portuguese architecture, you should visit the St. Francis Church. It was built by Portuguese traders in the 15th century.
Some other noteworthy tourist attractions in Kochi include:
- Marine Drive
- Bolgatty Palace
- Museum of Kerala History
- Lulu Mall
- Hill Palace Museum
- Mattancherry Palace
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai, which is commonly known as the City of Dreams, is a melting pot of lifestyles and cultures. This is one of the few Indian cities where you can find an exceptional paradox of tradition and modernity. At the 2011 census, it had a total population of 12,478,447.
If you want to see the best sunset in Mumbai, you need to be on Marine Drive. This is a 3-kilometer long road, stretching from Nariman Point to Chowpatty Beach.
The Gateway of India is among the most popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. Built in 1924, the monument will let you have a wonderful view of the Arabian Sea.
Some other prominent tourist destinations in Mumbai are:
- Juhu Beach
- Elephanta Caves
- Mumbai Zoo
- National Museum of Indian Cinema
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Kamala Nehru Park
Hyderabad, Telangana
The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad will let you experience a unique mix of luxurious office buildings and noisy bazaars. At the 2011 census, its total population was 6,809,970.
The city has two sides: the Old City and Cyberabad. Remember to visit both sides to experience a memorable Hyderabad trip.
The most popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Ramoji Film City. The Guinness Book of World Records has certified it as the world’s largest film studio complex. Here, you can do many things, from eco tours and studio tours to live entertainment shows, thrilling rides, and much more.
Hussain Sagar Lake, another amazing attraction of Hyderabad, is the largest artificial lake in Asia. It boasts a monolith of Lord Buddha in its center.
Some other popular tourist destinations in Hyderabad include:
- Charminar
- Golconda Fort
- Thrill City
- Chowmahalla Palace
- Jalavihar
- Nehru Zoological Park
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Located on the Bay of Bengal’s Coromandel coast, Chennai boasts a rich cultural history coupled with a dynamic lifestyle. At the census in 2011, its total population was 4,646,732.
One of the must-visit places in Chennai is the Marina Beach. With a stretch of 13 kilometers, it’s the country’s longest natural urban beach.
Established in 1851, the Government Museum is the country’s second-oldest museum. Situated in Chennai’s Egmore suburb, it’s a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture.
If you want to see a spectacular sample of the Dravidian architecture, you should visit Marundeeswarar Temple. Situated in Thiruvanmiyur, this temple has been a place of worship for people with health issues.
Some other famous tourist attractions in Chennai are:
- MGR Film City
- Breezy Beach
- Ashtalakshmi Temple
- Valluvar Kottam
- Connemara Public Library
- Elliot’s Beach
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Also known as Kashi, Varanasi is widely considered the spiritual capital of India. It’s also among the oldest living cities in the world. According to the census in 2011, it had a total population of 1,212,610.
Kashi Viswanath Temple is among the most popular tourist attractions in Varanasi. Located in the center of the city, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must-watch during your stay in Varanasi. During this grand-scale ritual, holy mantras are chanted by the priests. It’s believed that the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifice was performed by Lord Brahma at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Some other noteworthy tourist attractions in Varanasi include:
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Assi Ghat
- Tulsi Manasa Temple
- Durga Temple
- Kedar Ghat
- Bharat Mata Mandir
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is famous for its pleasant weather, large number of lakes, and beautiful parks. Try to visit a few parks to understand why it’s called the “Garden City.” At the 2011 census, its total population was 8,443,675.
Situated on a whopping 240 acres of land, Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a must-visit place in Bengaluru. A haven for every nature lover, it’s home to a huge variety of species of plants and numerous birds.
If you want to see the lifestyle of the Mysore Royal family, you should visit the majestic Bangalore Palace. You’ll surely be mesmerized by its outstanding architecture with spectacular carvings.
Some other major tourist destinations in Bengaluru are:
- Cubbon Park
- ISKCON Temple
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
- Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
Kolkata, West Bengal
Situated on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank, Kolkata is known for being the city of many legends including Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray. As of the 2011 census, it had a total population of 4,496,694.
Constructed between 1906 and 1921, the Victoria Memorial is dedicated to Queen Victoria’s memory. It boasts 64 acres of spectacular gardens. The marble building is now a museum managed by the Ministry of Culture.
While you’re in Kolkata, remember to visit the Birla Planetarium. It’s the largest planetarium in the continent and regularly hosts many programs and shows in different languages. It also has an astronomy gallery and an electronics laboratory.
Some other popular tourist attractions in Kolkata include:
- Indian Museum
- Mother House
- Science City
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Birla Mandir
- Kalighat Temple
Panjim, Goa
Situated on the Mandovi River’s banks, Panaji or Panjim is one of the most popular cities in Goa. Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of casinos, restaurants, gorgeous commercial buildings, and old Portuguese-styled houses. At the 2011 census, its total population was 40,017.
Located on a hillock, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is among the oldest chapels in Goa. It’s known to have the second-largest church bells in the state.
If you want to get a superb panoramic view of the Aguada Fort, you should visit Miramar Beach. Located on the confluence of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi River, the beach is popular for dolphin spotting cruises, barbecue parties, and water sports.
Some other notable tourist destinations in Panjim are:
- Dona Paula
- Bambolim Beach
- Reis Magos Fort
- Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
- Siridao Beach
- Archaeological Museum of Goa
Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is bordered by pine trees. The city is famous for its picturesque locations, pleasant weather, and traditions. According to the 2011 census, it had a total population of 143,229.
If you want to get a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas, its waterfalls, and the entire city, you should visit Shillong Peak. Situated at an altitude of 1961 meters, this is the highest point of the city.
Surrounded by East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is an amazing man-made reservoir. It’s famous for its astonishing sunset view and water sports and boating.
Some other popular tourist attractions in Shillong include:
- Don Bosco Museum
- Laitlum Canyons
- Ward’s Lake
- Sweet Falls
- Spread Eagle Falls
- Lady Hydari Park
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is India’s No 1 tourist city?
India’s No. 1 tourist city is Agra. This city is famous for its mesmerizing Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other historical attractions like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Millions of tourists visit Agra every year to witness its architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage.
What is the richest city in India?
Mumbai, also known as the financial capital of India, is the richest city in the country. It is home to major industries like finance, entertainment, and technology. Mumbai’s robust economy, combined with a high concentration of high-net-worth individuals, contributes to its status as the wealthiest city in India.
Which city is known as beautiful city of India?
Udaipur, often referred to as the “City of Lakes” or the “Venice of the East,” is known as the beautiful city of India. It boasts stunning lakes, such as Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, surrounded by majestic palaces and picturesque landscapes.
Udaipur’s architectural grandeur and cultural vibrancy make it a popular destination for tourists seeking beauty and tranquility.
Now that you’ve got a clear idea of a number of the best cities that you can visit in India, it’s time to start planning and making the bookings. Visit any of these cities and you’ll surely come back with some unforgettable memories.
