Top 5 tourist places in India you cannot give a miss
India is a huge country with snow peaks, green jungles, quiet lakes and long beaches. Picking where to go first can feel hard. This guide looks at five tourist places in India that many travellers put at the top of their list. They are the Taj Mahal, the Kerala backwaters, Ladakh, Jim Corbett National Park and Goa.
For each place, you will find what makes it special, the best time to go and a few simple tips. The facts come from UNESCO, official sources and well known reference works. Rules and timings can change, so check the latest details before you travel.
Table of Contents
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is a white marble tomb on the bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Many people call it a palace, but it is a mausoleum. That means a building made to hold a grave. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered it in 1631 for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who had died that year. Shah Jahan himself was later buried there too.
Why it is famous
Work began in 1632. The main tomb was done by 1648, and the gardens and other buildings by 1653. More than 20,000 workers are believed to have worked on it. The white marble is set with semi precious stones, while the mosque and guest house beside it are made of red sandstone.
UNESCO made the Taj Mahal a World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global vote. The old version of this post said it was one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. That list of ancient wonders is much older and does not include it. The 2007 vote is the right one to mention.
Tips for your visit
- The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
- On other days, it opens one hour before sunrise and closes 45 minutes before sunset. Going early helps you beat the heat and the biggest crowds.
- On full moon nights, a limited number of visitors can see it by moonlight. This is not offered in the month of Ramadan.
- It draws more than five million visitors a year, so expect long queues on weekends.
If you plan to drive from the capital, read our guide to a Delhi to Agra road trip.
2. Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters are a long chain of lakes, rivers and canals that run beside the Arabian Sea coast in Kerala. The water here is brackish, which means it is a mix of salt sea water and fresh river water. The whole network covers more than 900 kilometres of waterways.
What you will see
Village homes, coconut trees, paddy fields and small temples line the banks. People still use the water as a road, going to school, work and market by boat. The biggest lake here is Vembanad, the longest lake in India, with an area of about 2,033 square kilometres. Parts of the backwaters, including Vembanad, are protected Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of world importance.
Houseboats
The most popular way to see the backwaters is on a houseboat. These are based on the old kettuvallam, a wooden boat once used to carry rice and spices. Today’s houseboats have bedrooms, toilets, a dining area and an open deck. Many visitors stay a night on board and drift past villages at a slow pace.
Kumarakom, on the shore of Vembanad, and the Kuttanad area of Alappuzha district are among the best known spots. Kumarakom also has a bird sanctuary by the lake. Do choose an operator that cares for the water. Diesel engines and waste from boats are a real worry for the backwaters.
3. Ladakh
Ladakh sits high in the far north of India, between the Himalayas and the Karakoram range. The old version of this post called it a hill station. That is not right. Ladakh is a large, dry, high mountain region, and since 31 October 2019 it has been a union territory of India. Most of its land lies more than 3,000 metres above sea level.
What to see
Leh is the main town and the usual base for visitors. Old Buddhist monasteries sit on hilltops around it. Pangong Tso is the place most people want to see. It is a long blue lake at about 4,300 metres. It is about 134 kilometres long, and much of it lies on the Chinese side of the border. The lake freezes over in winter.
Ladakh became much more popular after the 2009 film 3 Idiots, which showed Pangong Tso in its last scene. In 2022 and 2023, more than five lakh tourists visited each year.
Stay safe at high altitude
The air is thin up here, and many people feel unwell on the first day or two. This is called altitude sickness. It can start above about 2,500 metres. Signs include headache, tiredness, feeling sick and dizziness. Being fit does not protect you. The best plan is to rest for a day or two after you land in Leh, drink water and climb slowly. Once above 3,000 metres, do not raise your sleeping height by more than about 300 metres a day. If the signs get worse, go down to a lower place and see a doctor. People with heart or lung problems should speak to a doctor before the trip.
Leh has daily flights from Delhi. By road, many travellers take the Srinagar to Leh highway or the Manali route. These roads close for months in winter, so June to September is the usual season. For route ideas and tips, see our Leh Ladakh travel guide.
4. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was set up in 1936 as Hailey National Park, which made it India’s first national park. It was later renamed after Jim Corbett. He was a hunter who became a famous naturalist and writer and helped set up the park.
Home of the tiger
Corbett was the first park to come under Project Tiger, India’s big programme to save the tiger. The park covers about 520 square kilometres of hills, grassland, rivers and thick sal forest. The 2022 tiger census counted 260 tigers in the park. A 2019 count put the number of elephants at about 1,100. You may also see deer, wild boar, crocodiles and hundreds of kinds of birds.
Tips for your visit
For decades, the main tourist season has run from 15 November to 15 June, as rain is heavy in the monsoon. Book your safari well ahead in the busy months. Seeing a tiger is never certain, so enjoy the forest itself. Learn more in our full guide to Jim Corbett National Park.
5. Goa
Goa is India’s smallest state by area, but it is one of its best known holiday spots. It sits on the west coast, along the Arabian Sea. Portugal ruled Goa for about 450 years, from 1510 until 19 December 1961, when India took it back.
Beaches and old churches
Most people come for the beaches, the seafood and the relaxed mood. Water sports are a big draw. Beaches like Baga and Calangute offer jet ski rides, parasailing and banana boat rides. Goa also has a long history. The Churches and Convents of Goa, in Old Goa, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The Basilica of Bom Jesus there holds the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier. Old Portuguese style houses, spice farms and local food add to the charm.
When to go
Goa has two main tourist seasons, winter and summer. The heavy monsoon runs from June to September, and the sea can be rough then, so take care at the beach and follow lifeguard flags. Read more about the state in our guide to Goa’s history and tourism.
Simple Tips for Tourist Places in India
- Check the weather and road status before you leave.
- Book stays and permits early in peak season.
- Carry a valid photo ID. You will need it at many sites and hotels.
- Respect local rules at temples, churches and monasteries.
- Do not litter, and avoid single use plastic where you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these places is best for a short trip?
Agra is easy to reach from Delhi, so the Taj Mahal works well for a one or two day trip. Goa is also good for a short break.
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
June to September is the usual season, as the main roads are open. Winter is very cold and many roads close.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day?
No. It is closed on Fridays. On other days, it is open from one hour before sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset.
Can I see tigers in Jim Corbett National Park?
Yes, Corbett has one of India’s largest tiger populations. But sightings are never guaranteed, so treat any sighting as a bonus.
Is altitude sickness common in Ladakh?
Yes, many visitors feel mild signs at first. Rest on arrival, drink water and go up slowly. See a doctor if the signs get worse.