Best 5 of the Most Beautiful Places in India

The beautiful and fabled land of India is known for its extremes, history, and enormous diversity. The country is still one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and attracts backpackers, cultural and spiritual seekers, and just those in search of a good party. As it is also the birthplace of yoga, it comes as no surprise that many travellers travel across the globe experience a yoga retreat in India. Love it or hate it, your trip to India is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. I’ve been privileged to have spent many years in this incredible country and from my time here, these are my personal recommendations for the best and most beautiful places to visit in India…

1. Agra and Taj Mahal – most of the most famous attractions in India

Agra is an unmissable stop on your tour of India. There are many places of interest to a visitor in Agra, the most famous of course being the iconic and very beautiful Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage site and an eternal symbol of love (it was built by an emperor in memory of his third wife). The white-domed structure boasts delicately detailed interiors, tranquil gardens and a collection of other impressive buildings.

The Agra Fort is the sister monument of the Taj Mahal and also holds UNESCO heritage site status. The striking fort dates from the year 1000 but was later remodelled in the 1500s to be used as a palace. Thirteen kilometres from the Agra Fort you will find Akbar’s Tomb, a stunning red-ochre sandstone tomb and another architectural masterpiece.

2. The backwaters of Kerala – a network of brackish lagoons and a famous beauty spot to visit in India

The backwaters are a beautiful chain of lakes and lagoons along the Arabian sea coast and are a place in India that definitely shouldn’t be missed – they are considered to be the number one tourist destination in India. Ferries here will take you anywhere and you can even hire a houseboat to stay in.

In the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha you’ll also be treated to boat races, where you will also find snake boats that can hold up to a hundred oarsmen. Thousands of fans line the riverbanks and cheer on their favourite teams which makes for a great atmosphere.

There are dozens of villages and communities throughout this area which you can visit and get a real sense of everyday life and culture in this interesting place.

3. Gadi Sagar – one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is known as the ‘golden city’ for the way its yellow sandstone architecture blends in with the Thar Desert, almost as if it is trying to hide itself. The lifeline of this dry city is the Gadi Sagar.

This manmade lake has its own golden gate and is surrounded by temples, shrines, and ghats. It’s also a beautiful place to watch the sunset against the haze of the desert reflected in the water. The eagle-eyed will spot many migratory birds feeding at the lake, from spoonbills to black-winged stilts and domestic geese.

4. Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab – a beautiful and spiritual place and the main attraction in the city of Amritsar

Amritsar is a city close to India’s border with Pakistan that is the beating heart of Punjab as well as a principal place of worship for Sikhs. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is considered the holiest shrine in Sikhism and draws people from all over the world to marvel and worship at it. Many tourists return to the temple after darkness falls to listen to the sounds of prayer emanating from it.

Everyone that visits the temple can sit down for a free meal, known as langar, which is served to 50,000 people by hundreds of volunteers every day. The food is made in vats due to the scale of it, and each plate is washed 5 times afterwards. In the early evening, don’t miss the Wagah-Attari border ceremony.

This is an elaborate ceremony performed by the Indian and Pakistani military to show comradeship between the nations.

5. Akshardham Temple at night, Delhi – one of the most beautiful attractions to visti in India

Delhi may be one of the most chaotic cities in the world, but it also has some of the most incredible architecture in the world within its boundaries. One of these unforgettable buildings is the stunning Akshardham Temple, and unlike the rest of them, it is best seen when darkness falls.

Its name means ‘the divine abode of God’ and not only does the pool around it reflect the sunset, but the carved stone is lit up to show off its grandeur. It’s located just down the river from the Red Fort and across the bridge from Humayun’s Tomb, both of which are UNESCO-heritage sites to combine in your trip.