Places to Visit in North India
“The diversity of India, of our civilization, is actually a thing of beauty, which is something we are extremely proud of.” — Narendra Modi
As a part of North India’s diverse and vast landscape, you will find the remnants of cosmopolitan cities, ancient empires, spiritual towns, picturesque lakes, lush valleys, and scenic mountains. This place has something to enthrall any person coming from a particular part of the corner.
Now let us dive into a list of the best places to visit in North India…
- Leh-Ladakh
With the Karakoram mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south, Leh-Ladakh is one of the favorite places for both biking enthusiasts and trekkers alike. This place is also home to a number of Buddhist monasteries which overlook a marvelous panoramic vista of the icy glaciers and snow-clad mountains. Those who are coming here to seek peace can either partake in the spiritual retreats or stay at the monasteries.
2. Manali
Manali lies in the Beas Valley at an altitude of 2,050 meters. It is one of the best ski places in winter, lying in North India. It becomes one of the best spots for adventure enthusiasts during the summer months when the snows have retreated. These people can engage in trekking in the Beas Kund and Rohtang Pass, river rafting in Beas River, yak riding, zorbing, and paragliding in the Solang Valley. And if adventurous outings are not your thing, you don’t need to fret! There are plenty of other places on offer in Manali, including wildlife sanctuaries, Tibetan monasteries, ancient temples, and art and cultural centers.
3. Delhi
You should visit Delhi at least once in your lifetime. It is a great cosmopolitan and a uniquely historic city that everyone loves. This city has been made wonderfully dynamic and imbibes a feeling of excitement and vigor due to its amazing food, landscaped gardens, historic monuments, well-lit nightlife scenes, vibrant art, bustling markets, youthful liveliness, and diverse cultures. Phew! And if these are still not enough, I’ll go on to mention a few noteworthy places which are a must-visit — Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Lotus temple, Lodhi Gardens, and the Chandni Chowk (famous market) area.
4. Agra
There is no doubt in the fact that Agra is one of the most well-known places in North India. Reminiscent of the Mughal-era, this place is famed for its historic sites. If you are a history buff or an architecture aficionado, then Agra will be a dream for you. Famous attractions include the Taj Mahal, 16th-century Agra Fort, and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri.
5. Amritsar
In terms of gastronomy, history, and culture, Amritsar is a treasure. This city will thoroughly amaze you with the history of the Jallianwala Bagh (a massacre memorial and garden), impress you with the breathtakingly beautiful Golden Temple (Sikhism’s sacred seat), and give you knowledge of the Wagah border (a crossing which lies on the grand trunk road between the two neighboring but rival countries India and Pakistan). Make sure you try the langar (a famous local Punjabi food) at the Golden Temple.
6. Varanasi
Varanasi dates back to the 6th century BC and is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in India. It has been an important site for spiritual seekers and Hindu pilgrims from all across the world for centuries. Besides taking a dip in the sacred water of the Ganges, which is part of an ancient ongoing ritual to purify the body, mind, and soul, people often come here for the purpose of seeking the blessing of Lord Shiva. Do not leave this place without attending the Ganga Aarti. It is a prayer ritual which is held every evening. Also, enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges.
7. Haridwar and Rishikesh
Along the bank of the Ganges and in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, you’ll find the twin national heritage cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. With a plethora of religious celebration and temples that attracts Hindu pilgrims and foreigners from all over the world, Haridwar is a famous spiritual destination. Rishikesh is a place which lies just 12 miles upslope from Haridwar. It is a go-to destination for meditation, yoga and adventure sports like flying fox, bungee-jumping, and river rafting.
8. Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Srinagar, Kashmir
Kashmir is the place where visitors come, only to be mesmerized by its picturesque lakes, snow-clad mountains, lush valleys, an abundance of natural beauty, and vibrant flowers. You will find plenty of things to fall in love with in Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Srinagar. These activities include kayaking on the Lidder river’s glistening waters, taking the shikara ride on the Dal lake, trekking the hills, gliding over majestic valleys, and riding a pony. Kashmir is indeed spectacular!
9. Parvati Valley
If you are a keen adventurer or a nature lover, the Parvati Valley will beckon to you. Upon arriving here, you can visit and explore the picture-perfect villages of Malana, Tosh, and Kasol. These villages are complete with the unspoilt beauty of nature, outdoor activities such as riverside camping and trekking, and the hippie vibes. If you seek respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then this is the ideal place for you.
10. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a place that has been captivating the hearts of the tourists are locals alike for years now. It is dubbed as the ‘Land of Kings’ due to its diverse landscape, glamorous palaces, ancient forts, exquisite Havelis (mansions), traditional cuisine, and vibrant art and culture. Although it is a royal land filled with exquisite places to explore, the best ones still remain the following: Jaipur (the pink city), Ajmer (the holy city, Jaisalmer (the golden city), Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner.
In case you are curious about visiting any of these places, there are multiple specialized guided tours available. So make sure you pick the most suitable one and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Source: Dotravel
Pack your bags now and get on the flight to North India — A place when once visited, can never be forgotten. J
