Top ten Tourist Destinations in India

India the world tourism hot spot since 2008 and it will be till the year 2020, as predicted by WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council). This universally admired land has thousands of places that must be seen. Today I am only going to write about 10 of them. Here they are

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal located in Agra, one of the wonders of the world, is the supreme architectural Muslim art in India. This monument is a masterpiece admired by the whole world. Taj Mahal has been constructed in a Mughal architectural style which is a combination of Persian, Turkish and Indian elements of architectural methods. Construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1632 and completed in the year 1653. This monument is known for its white vaulted marble and it is a complex of architectural art and structures. The construction of Taj Mahal was undertaken by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (the chief designer), Abdul Karim Mamur khan and Makramat khan.

Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor was gravely in pain of the loss of his third wife, Arjmand Banou Begum also known as Mumtaz Mahal, who expired during the delivery of their 14th child, when he commissioned the construction of Taj Mahal in her memory.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the biggest and the Capital city of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur also known as the Pink City was founded in 1772 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This city has an amazing combination of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural arts. Some of the most popular palaces and architectural monuments in Jaipur are Jal Mahal, Narayan temple, Albert hall, Hawa Mahal, Jantar mantar. The emerging business that has recently been developing is the marriage tourism. Many people from across the globe go Rajasthan to get married in style. Here are some of the most popular locations in Jaipur:

• Amber Fort
• Jaigarh Fort
• Nahargarh Fort
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Rambagh Palace
• Chandra Mahal, The City Palace, Jaipur
• Diwan-e-Aam, City Palace
• Central Museum, ( also known as Albert Hall Museum)

Goa

Goa is the ultimate tourist destination for international and domestic tourists. Goa is quite well known for its astonishing beaches, pleasant weather and its warm and hospitable locality. The best time to visit Goa is during the winter. This season in India starts in November and ends in February. Goa can also be visited during the monsoon and summer but it could be a little inconvenience for you because of the heavy rain fall in rainy season or the intense heat in the summer. The most popular beaches of Goa are Calangute beach, Baga beach, Anjuna beach, Morjim, Candolim. There are also many churches and historical monuments located in old Goa which are mostly the effect of the 450 years of Portuguese rule in this Indian State.

Kashmir

Kashmir according to me is probably the most beautiful place on this planet. No wonder it was once called as heaven on Earth. In the last few decades Kashmir has been receiving less travelers and it has become an unsafe place because of terrorism. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has three geographical districts called as “Jhelum Valley”, “Indus Valley” and “the outer Himalayas. Jammu and Kashmir state cover an area of about 223000 sq km.
The main tourist places in Kashmir are as follows:-

• Gulmarg
• Pahalgam
• Sonamarg
• Amarnathji Yatra

Kanyakumari

The city of Kanyakumari is located in the state of Tamil Nadu which is the southernmost end of the Indian subcontinent. This place is especially well known for its astounding view of the sunrise and sunset. The convergence of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea makes it even more beautiful. On a full-moon evening in this place, you can see both sun set and moon rise at the same time.

Kanyakumari city is the location of art and religion and it is of great historical value. The main tourist locations where you can visit in Kanyakumari are the 133 feet tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Memorial Kanyakumari, light house, Kanyakumari Temple, Vattakottai Fort and many more.

Kerala

Between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the west, lies a land called Kerala. The Indian state of Kerala is located on the Malabar shore in south western part of India. Kerala also known as God’s own country is the ultimate tourist destination in India. The beauty of the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala will charm your heart away. If you ever go to Kerala do not miss the chance to take a visit to the backwaters of Kumarakom and Kuttandad and the incredible forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley.

Old Delhi

There are many monuments located in Delhi such as mosques, forts that in a way are the symbol of India’s rich history. Old Delhi was founded by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the 1600s as the Capital of the Mughal Empire. The major monuments in old Delhi are as follows:-

• Lotus Temple
• Humayun’s tomb
• Connaught Palace
• Akshardham Temple
• India Gate
• Qutub minar
• Red Fort
• North Block

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. They are basically 29 rock-cut Buddhist caves. They were constructed in the 2nd century BC. These caves have also been a UNESCO World Heritage site is the year 1983. This is a beautiful and peaceful place.

Darjeeling

The beautiful Himalayan city of Darjeeling is located in the State of West Bengal. This internationally well-known tourist destination is famous for its tea industry. Darjeeling is also known as Queen of the hills as it provides the perfect getaway holiday vacation for those who are seeking for calm and relaxing vacation away from the busy work life. Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a UNESCCO World Heritage Site.

The main tourist attractions in Darjeeling are as follows:

• Flora and Fauna
• Tiger hill
• Batasia loop
• War memorial
• Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Dhirdham Temple
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Ava Art Gallery
• Tea Gradens
• Yiga chilling Monastery
• Samten cholling Monastery
• Drukpa Kargyud Monastery

Mysore

Mysore is one of the largest cities in Karnataka State which lies at about a distance of 150 km way from Bangalore. The main monuments and tourist places in Mysore are as follows:

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hills
• Brindavan Gardens
• Mysore Zoo
• St.Philomena’s Church
• Railway Museum
• Jaganmohana Palace
• Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion
• Lalitha Mahal Palace
• Karanji Lake
• Kukkarahalli Lake