Which is the no 1 tourist places in India? List of top 5 destinations

1-Taj Mahal Agra

Many us wondering that which is the no 1 tourist places in India , We say proudly “The Taj Mahal”, one of the seven wonders of the world, holds the top spot as is the no 1 tourist places in India. This iconic monument, a symbol of love, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Poet Tagore famously described it as a “teardrop on the cheek of eternity”. Drawing in visitors from all corners of the globe, the Taj Mahal remains a popular attraction year-round.

Taj Mahal Agra India: Which is the no 1 tourist places in India
Taj Mahal Agra India:
Here is our curated  list of other no 1 tourist places in India which you must know before planning to visit India.

2-Amber Palace Rajasthan

Amber Palace, also known as Amber Fort, is a fortified palace dating back to 1592, built by Maharaja Man Singh I and serving as the capital of Jaipur.  It lies high on a hillside. The fort is accessible  by a steep climb from the town below, leading through the Sun Gate (Suraj Pol) into the first courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, adorned with decorated elephants and the Shila Devi Temple of the goddess of war.

Amber Palace Rajasthan
Amber Palace Rajasthan

Inside, the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am) boasts intricately decoration of the walls and terraces, often frequented by monkeys. The Hall of Pleasure (Sukh Niwas) features a remarkable ivory-inlaid sandalwood door, vibrant flowerbeds, and a channel once used for cooling water.

The Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir) showcases ornate panels and a ceiling adorned with mirrors. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Maota Lake from the palace ramparts.

3-Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is one of the oldest continually cities in the world. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, it has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Mark Twain famously described Varanasi as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” This ancient city, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, is one of India’s seven sacred cities and a place where centuries of history, art, and tradition converge.

Suggested Read:  Places to visit near Varanasi Ayodhya
Varanasi en la India
Varanasi

River Fronts

The ghats of Varanasi, with their stepped banks, are the focal points of spiritual life. Here, Hindu rituals such as the Ganga Aarti, a fire ritual, and cremation ceremonies happen daily. According to legend, the Ganges was brought to earth by Lord Shiva, making its waters holy. Devotees from all over India come to bathe in the river, believing it cleanses them of their sins. Many also seek to be cremated here to achieve moksha, or salvation.

Varanasi, known as Kashi in ancient times, is also a significant site for Buddhism. Sarnath, just 12 km away, is where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Jainism also considers Varanasi a holy city, being the birthplace of four Jain tirthankaras. The 15th-century mystic poet Kabir was also born here.

Ghats in Varanasi: Which is the no 1 tourist places in India
Ghats in Varanasi

Dating back to around 1400 BC, Varanasi is mentioned in the Upanishads as Benaras. It is an important center for trade and education. The city has inspired countless literary, poetic, and historical works by famous Indian writers like Kabir, DN Khatri, Hazari Dwivedi, and Jaishankar Prasad. Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving, especially brocade sarees, a staple in many Indian bridal trousseaus. The city also produces copperware, brassware, wooden and clay toys, and jewelry.

Varanasi’s rich musical heritage is noteworthy musicians like sitar player Ravi Shankar, Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, and vocalist Girija Devi. Its influence on both classical and contemporary music is profound, earning it a place among UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Music.

In recent years, Varanasi has also become a center for philosophy, yoga, Ayurveda, and astrology, drawing spiritual seekers from around the world. This blend of ancient traditions and modern spiritual practices makes Varanasi a unique and enduringly fascinating destination.

Ajanta Caves Maharashtra
Ajanta Caves Maharashtra

4- Ajanta Caves Maharashtra

The awe-inspiring Ajanta Caves are an ensemble of rock-cut cave monuments. All caves carved into a vertical cliff overlooking the River Waghora in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district. It is a set of  thirty caves, including some unfinished ones. They links to the river by rock-cut staircases. All caves date back  from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE.
These caves were abandoned around 650 AD and stayed hidden until a British hunting party accidentally discovered them in 1819.

Their remote location contributed to the remarkable preservation of many paintings adorning the caves. These well-maintained murals depict a diverse range of scenes, from ancient battlefields to bustling city streets, vibrant forests teeming with wildlife, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

Serving as the gateway to both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the city of Aurangabad offers access to these extraordinary historical marvels, providing visitors with a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage.

Golden Temple, Punjab
Golden Temple, Punjab

5- Golden Temple, Punjab

The iconic Golden Temple, part of the expansive gurdwara complex known as Harmandir Sahib. It  stands as the primary tourist attraction in Amritsar and holds immense religious significance for Sikhs worldwide. Inside the temple complex there is Amrit Sarovar, a sacred tank built in 1577.

Connected by a marble walkway, the Golden Temple itself is a stunning fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Its lower level, adorned with intricate floral and animal motifs, gives way to a shimmering second level embellished with intricately engraved gold panels.  The dome of the temple covered with over 1650 pounds of gold. The temple stands as a mesmerizing testament to architectural splendor.

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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