Places to visit in India

North India

Northern India is landlocked and is closer to the Tropic of Cancer

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East India

The largest city in East India is Kolkata, which was once the capital of British India

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South India

States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana 

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West India

Kaleidoscope of cultures, distinct religions, traditions, and lifestyles 

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Central India

A plateau region, and the home of some of the famous mountain ranges

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India

India’s diverse geography, culture, and heritage are distinct in each of its regions. Here’s a breakdown by North, East, South, West, and Central India, detailing the highlights, population, famous attractions, best time to visit, and activities for tourists.

 

1. North India

  • States/UTs: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh.
  • Population: ~450 million (approx.).
  • Famous For: Himalayan landscapes, historical monuments, spirituality, desert forts.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Highlights:
    • Himalayas: Trekking, skiing, and scenic beauty in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
    • Historical Monuments: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jaipur’s palaces.
    • Spirituality: Ganges River in Varanasi, Golden Temple in Amritsar.
  • Top Attractions: Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, Jaipur forts, Dal Lake, Leh-Ladakh.
  • Tourist Activities: River rafting in Rishikesh, camel safaris in Rajasthan, exploring ancient temples.

2. East India

  • States: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, Assam (sometimes included).
  • Population: ~220 million (approx.).
  • Famous For: Colonial history, tea plantations, tribal culture, Buddhist heritage.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to February.
  • Highlights:
    • Kolkata: Cultural capital with colonial architecture, literature, and art.
    • Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Buddhist pilgrimage site.
    • Odisha: Konark Sun Temple, beaches, and Rath Yatra festival.
    • Sikkim: Gateway to the Himalayas, with monasteries and Kanchenjunga.
  • Top Attractions: Victoria Memorial (Kolkata), Konark Sun Temple, Darjeeling, Kaziranga National Park.
  • Tourist Activities: Tea tasting in Darjeeling, wildlife safaris, cultural festivals.

3. South India

  • States/UTs: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Lakshadweep, Puducherry.
  • Population: ~280 million (approx.).
  • Famous For: Temples, beaches, backwaters, and Ayurveda.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Highlights:
    • Kerala: Houseboats in backwaters, spice plantations, and Ayurvedic treatments.
    • Tamil Nadu: Dravidian temples in Madurai, Mahabalipuram, and Kanchipuram.
    • Karnataka: Ancient ruins in Hampi, coffee plantations in Coorg, IT hub Bengaluru.
  • Top Attractions: Meenakshi Temple, Mysore Palace, Marina Beach, Alleppey backwaters.
  • Tourist Activities: Temple tours, wildlife exploration, houseboat stays, trekking in the Western Ghats.

4. West India

  • States/UTs: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
  • Population: ~300 million (approx.).
  • Famous For: Deserts, palaces, festivals, and beaches.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Highlights:
    • Rajasthan: Desert landscapes, heritage forts, and camel safaris.
    • Gujarat: Gir National Park, Rann of Kutch, Somnath Temple.
    • Maharashtra: Mumbai’s Bollywood, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, hill stations.
    • Goa: Beaches, Portuguese culture, and nightlife.
  • Top Attractions: Ajanta Caves, Gateway of India, Thar Desert, beaches of Goa.
  • Tourist Activities: Exploring caves, beach hopping in Goa, wildlife safaris in Gujarat.

5. Central India

  • States: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
  • Population: ~170 million (approx.).
  • Famous For: Wildlife, temples, tribal culture.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Highlights:
    • Madhya Pradesh: Khajuraho Temples, Sanchi Stupa, Bandhavgarh National Park.
    • Chhattisgarh: Waterfalls, tribal culture, and natural caves.
  • Top Attractions: Kanha National Park, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Chitrakote Falls.
  • Tourist Activities: Wildlife safaris, temple tours, tribal village visits.

Major Tourist Attractions in India

  1. Taj Mahal (Agra): UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of love.
  2. Golden Temple (Amritsar): Iconic Sikh pilgrimage site.
  3. Backwaters of Kerala: Unique water ecosystems, houseboats.
  4. Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Maharashtra): Rock-cut Buddhist and Hindu temples.
  5. Himalayas: Trekking, skiing, and spiritual retreats.
  6. Rann of Kutch (Gujarat): White salt desert.
  7. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur: Royal palaces and forts.
  8. Varanasi Ghats (Uttar Pradesh): Spiritual activities along the Ganges.
  9. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Pristine beaches and water sports.
  10. Goa: Beach parties, colonial history, and water sports.

Activities Tourists Do Across India

  • Adventure: Trekking, paragliding, skiing, scuba diving.
  • Cultural Exploration: Festivals, temple tours, and historical monuments.
  • Wildlife Safaris: Tiger reserves, bird sanctuaries, and national parks.
  • Wellness and Spirituality: Yoga retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, meditation.
  • Shopping: Handicrafts, textiles, spices, and gemstones.

India’s regions offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Together, they create an unmatched travel experience for tourists.