Places to See in India
posted October 15, 2009 - 2:54amIndia has so much to offer to a traveller that it would be impossible to see everything during a single trip, even if the trip lasts for months. But any visit to India should include at least one of these must-visit places.
Amritsar’s Golden Temple
The Golden temple in Amritsar, in the Punjab, is the holiest place for Sikhs, who represent the world's fifth largest religion. Also called the Harimandir Sahib, the temple houses Sikhism's holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Golden Temple is open to visitors representing all religions, men and women alike. The temple complex is incredibly beautiful and peaceful, although the same cannot be said about the busy city of Amritsar.
The Taj Mahal in Agra
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the 17th century as a mausoleum to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This stunning monument, built in white marble and decorated with gold, sapphires, jade, crystals and other precious and semi-precious stones, is now one of the seven wonders of the world and an Unesco World Heritage site. Millions of tourists visit the Taj Mahal in the North Indian city of Agra every year.
The Holy City of Varanasi
Of all the holy cities in India, the most breath-taking is Varanasi (Benares). It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and brings together the best and the worst of India. Varanasi stands on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and is a major pilgrimage destination as well as an important tourist attraction. Hindu pilgrims bathe on the ghats by the Ganges, knowing that the water will wash away their sins, while bodies are cremated on the burning ghats: Varanasi is also an auspicious place for Hindus to die.
Himachal Pradesh and the Himalayas
Most visitors to Himachal Pradesh fall in love with the area and don't want to leave. This North Indian state is the perfect place to explore the Himalayas, from the gorgeous Kullu and Parvati Valleys to high mountain peaks. Shimla is the old summer capital of the British Raj, in McLeodGanj is the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and from the bysy backpacker hill station of Manali starts the road towards India's northernmost part, Ladakh. The best time to visit Himachal is around April and May, when the rest of India is too hot but the mountains are pleasantly cool.
The Desert State Rajasthan
Those who love ancient palaces and forts should head to Rajasthan. This fascinating desert state is filled with stunning architecture, from the Lake Palace in Udaipur to the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur. Camel safaris to the desert are a popular way to see Rajasthan, and the holy city of Pushkar hosts a world-famous annual Camel Fair.
Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple
For travellers in South India a must-see sight is the Shri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and his wife Parvati (known here as Meenakshi), and is an enormous temple complex that takes hours to explore. One of the most famous sights here are the 12 gopuras, or towers, that are decorated with colourful sculptures of Hindu deities. According to legend, Shiva and Meenakshi were married here in Madurai.
Himachal Pradesh is at its best from March to May, but the best time to visit the other attractions is between October and March.
Join Xomba Today
Do you like to write? Would you like to make a little extra money on the side? These people do. Join the Xomba community today.
Become a Member
Comments
Post new comment