Best Places to Visit in India

India is a rich cultural and diverse country, constituting varied heritages and boundless places to visit in its vast geographical landscape. Yet there are distinct places in India ranging from the Himalayas to the Indian ocean, which are unique and beautiful in their own way. Below are ten best places to visit in India, read on and keep steering to explore incredible India.

1. Masinagudi-Bandipur:

Masinagudi located in the Nilgiri District and just 85 km from Mysore and 35 km from Ooty is a very beautiful hill station that houses a wildlife reserve. It is well known and visited by intrigued adventurers to explore wildlife and dwell in the natural landscape of the hills. Best known for Wild Elephants, tigers, wild boars, bison and leopards, Masinagudi is also a home for diverse species such as Grey Langurs, Flying Lizard, Sambar Deer, Ungulates, Pythons, Reptiles, Spectacled Cobra, Red Giant Flying Squirrel etc. The roadways of Masinagudi offer a picturesque landscape and a smooth ride for tourists. Of course, you are in the jungle, so keep your eyes and ears open. Wilderness passes along Masinagudi with every chilly breeze and stories of mauling elephants seem like quite a scare, yet stir up an interesting adventure. Gear up for a Safari ride with the Bandipur park, and catch the wild in action, you can spot langurs, elephants, peacocks and even tigers. Masinagudi apart from its exploring trail and trekking adventures, is a wonderful paradise of nature to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

2. Munnar Tea Gardens:

The picturesque and lush greenery of Munnar's tea gardens are sure to entice you into divine serenity. Munnar is a small town and a hill station which is situated in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. The town of Munnar is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk. You will find heaven in Munnar and atop the hills, feel so charmed you are near Almighty that it will give you goosebumps( well, literally too). If you are in India, you have to taste the Indian chai/tea. And savoring a visual treat of this rejuvenating drink's plantation at this green landscape is truly a wonderful experience. The enchanting fragrance of the fresh tea leaves will sweep your senses away into glorious peace. The famous tea museum is also worth a visit in Munnar to learn the evolution as well as the processing of tea and yes, do not forget to grab some fresh packs of tea bags to take home with you.

3. Leh-Ladakh:

Leh is situated at an altitude ranging from 2300 m to 5000 m above sea level and is the largest town in Ladakh or the 'land of high passes', the region in the Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir that currently extends from the Kuen Lun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas. The beauteous mountains surreptitiously peeping through the lucent clouds is a scenery to delve in. Leh with the essence of Buddhism and a touch of Tibetan heritage hosts a spot of divine intervention where you can connect with your inner self, peace and harmony. There are many monasteries and museums to visit, Hall of Fame being one prominent place that should be visited to let your blood pump up all that inspiration and respect for the Indian army. Do visit the Confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers for experiencing that life's bliss moment unleash under your foot as you step into the crystal-clear, pristine icy waters of the river. Leh is a magical mountain paradise and is one place you must never miss in your lifetime.

4. Tajmahal in Agra:

Why is Taj Mahal called the symbol of Love? There are innumerable sources that quote why-Shahjahan after the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, decided to build her a resting place that would denote heaven on Earth. Apart from this reason, it is what this magnificent monument radiates upon its spectators that makes Taj truly the symbol of love. The alluring glow of Taj can cast that spell on you making you fall in love with life and love itself. Every year millions of people flock to visit the Taj Mahal and bathe in the resplendent beauty of the marble mausoleum. Taj Mahal is also known to bask in different shades of colours from dawn to dusk- she glows golden at sunset and flaunts a pinkish radiance in the early morning and dazzles a spectacular pearl white during the day. It is worth many a visit to Taj Mahal and especially during different times of the day. Do visit this spectacular monument raised for the great empress " Jewel of the place" and cherish a wonderful life experience at one of the world's great wonders.

5. Lonavla-Khandala:

Lonavla and Khandala are amazing hill stations in Pune district located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Both hill stations are about 3 km from each other and are reachable from Mumbai and Pune within two hours. The magnificent valleys, WaterFalls and Lush Greenery represent paradise upon earth. The deep gorges and valleys of Lonavla can be viewed and experienced at various viewpoints like Lion's point, Rajamachi point, Tiger's leap etc., and remind you undoubtedly of the Grand Canyon. The ride uphill at these hills is itself a great experience and much voted fondly by bike riders and adventurers. The skyline streaks a spectacular golden-pink radiance over the hills during sunset and make you feel glorious. Other architecturally remarkable places to visit are the Lohgad Fort, Karla and Bhaja caves. Do pay a visit to India's exclusive and commendable celebrity wax museum for a new and fun experience. Take on a weekend of serenity and peace as you tour in Lonavala and Khandala and let the soothingly chill clean breeze of the hills calm your senses. Do not forget to indulge in the famous chikkis or candies of Lonavla.

6. Sunderbans National park, West Bengal:

Not a fan of National Parks? Still, you should visit this reserve for it is one to absolutely blow your mind. The Sundarban National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal, India. It is part of the Sundarban on the Ganges Delta, and adjacent to the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. Covered by Mangrove forests, the reserve is a home for the stunning Royal Bengal Tiger and also a variety of bird, reptile and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile. Unleash the explorer in you and embark upon a thrilling safari of the tiger reserve and catch a once in a lifetime glimpse of the National animal of India, a symbol of magnificence and brimming pride. Being a world heritage site, this reserve is sure to offer you wilderness at its best. The best time to visit Sunderbans is during winters between December and February. During the period of September to March, the maximum number of migratory birds can be found.

7. Golden Temple, Amritsar:

The holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism, Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden temple is an architectural marvel which fashions the style of both Hindu and Muslim style of heritage. It has a magnificent marble lower level adorned with flower and animal motifs in pietra dura work (as seen on the Taj Mahal). Above this rises a shimmering second level, encased in intricately engraved gold panels, and topped by a dome gilded with 750kg of gold. The temple is a great sight to see at night. It is worth a visit to feel empowered and feel the positive energy rise through you under the abode of God.

8. Hampi heritage site:

Hampi (Hampe) is a village in northern Karnataka, India. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. The site houses many architecturally significant monuments and royal buildings raised under the Krishnadevaraya dynasty, when art, architecture and religion flourished. Temples of this city are known for their unbound heritage and magnificent style of workmanship. Various deities and excavations of some palatial buildings found in the recent past are a matter of intrigue. This heritage site is sure to leave you in awe.

9. Pondicherry:

A fine union of heritage and modernity, excitement thrives in Pondy tourism, for this coastal town where French finesse marries Tamil heritage is a land of sandy beaches dotted by palm and coconut trees and is a must visit while in India. The coastal town with it exotic beaches, cobbled streets, petite European cafes and mouth-watering dishes of world cuisine is a favorite among tourists. Pondicherry also known as Puducherry or Pondy (used to be a French colonial settlement) is a union territory located in Southern India at the bay of Bengal. Pondy has many heritage sites like the Arikamedu, Auroville and statues and memorials of great leaders. This part-French town is an exciting shopping hub for women and explorers looking for Indian artifacts.

10. Konark Temple, Orissa:

The radiant sun temple of Orissa is a revelation of beautiful Oriya architecture. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across heavens. With its intricate stone work, the temple is definitely a cultural epitome of Orissa and is definitely worth the visit.