10 Amazing Places to Visit in India for First Timers

India is a fantastic country. Here, you can see various splendid palaces and temples and feel the ubiquitous Buddhist culture. India has a long history and has created a magnificent civilization. If you are taking a trip to India for the first time, some of the most representative sites of Indian culture and history are well worth visiting.

Agra

Agra, in northern India, was the historic capital of the Mughal Empire. Agra, New Delhi, and Jaipur are known as the Golden Triangle of northern India. When it comes to Agra, the most impressive attraction is the world-famous Taj Mahal. Besides the Taj Mahal, there are two other famous ruins in Agra, namely Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an iconic site in India. The Taj Mahal is made of pure white marble, encrusted with gems and glass, sacred and brilliant in the sun. This typical Islamic building is full of unique styles. People are also moved by the love story of the Taj Mahal. The then emperor Shah Jahan built such a beautiful Taj Mahal for his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal is completely symmetrical and imbued with an architectural aesthetic.

Agra Fort was built by Akbar the Great and is made of red sandstone. Agra Fort was given a white appearance by later emperors. It has more than 400 years of history and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Agra Fort has all kinds of art carvings worth visiting. The whole fort is majestic, full of royal style. The Agra Fort is also associated with the Taj Mahal. Legend has it that Shah Jahan was imprisoned there in his later years. There is a watchtower in the fort where Shah Jahan used to look back silently at the Taj Mahal and remember his love.

In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra city also has what is considered to be the Baby Taj, called the Tomb of the Itimad-Ud-Daulah. It is small in size but similar in style to the Taj Mahal, so the tomb is affectionately known as the Baby Taj. The history of the Baby Taj is earlier than that of the Taj Mahal, so many people believe that this tomb is the inspiration for the construction of the real Taj Mahal. The main body of Baby Taj is made of marble and red sandstone. The whole building has an Islamic style, beautiful and holy.

Taj Mahal in Agra

Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India. Today, Delhi is divided into two parts: New Delhi and Old Delhi. Old Delhi has many historical sites and cultures, while New Delhi is mainly responsible for political and economic functions. There is India Gate between New Delhi and Old Delhi for separation and passage. India Gate is also a landmark of Delhi. Delhi is the second largest city in India. As the capital city, Delhi is steeped in Indian-specific culture. You can experience not only the diversity of modern culture in New Delhi but also the history and religion of Old Delhi.

Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is more than three hundred years old and is considered to be one of the largest mosques in India. The architecture of the Jama Masjid is made of red sandstone and white marble, which also represents the Indo-Islamic architectural style.

Chandni Chowk, also known as Moonlight Square, is located in old Delhi. Today, Moonlight Square is considered to be the busiest place in India. But long ago, it was a gathering place for wealthy merchants. Today, Moonlight Square has become the largest distribution center for all kinds of goods in South Asia. Moonlight Square is full of the life of the Indian people. You can buy some good and cheap Indian specialty products here, such as spices and India's sari.

The Qutub Minar: one of Delhi's famous attractions, the building is Mohammedan and a valuable world Heritage site. Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret. The facilities are carved with mystical texts and patterns. The whole building becomes thinner from low to high. The bottom is made of red sandstone, and the upper floor is made of white marble. With its ancient style and unique architecture, the Qutub Minar can experience the charm of Indian culture and religion.

Jaipur

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is a very romantic and unique city, with its full color being pink.

The most famous building in Jaipur is the Palace of the Wind, which is the historic royal palace of Jaipur and has been well preserved. The palace's structure is as thin as a wall, but it has more than 900 Windows. Opening the Windows when the wind blows can effectively prevent the building from being destroyed by the wind. The building is luxurious and grand, full of royal style.

There are five Jantar Mantars in India, and the one in Jaipur is the largest and best-preserved ancient observatory in India. The instruments of the Jantar Mantar are important representatives of ancient observation devices, among which the Samrat Yantra is the largest stone sundial in the world. In 2010, Jantar Mantar was listed as a World Heritage Site.

The Amber Fort, built in the north of Jaipur on a large area, was the capital of India for more than a hundred years, more than four hundred years ago. The Amber Keep is built against a mountain, with a moat below it and a wall around it.

Inside the Amber Fort is the particularly ornate Sheesh Mahal. The walls and ceiling of the palace are inlaid with numerous mirrors, which shine brightly in the light and are very noble.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)

Varanasi

Varanasi is a very popular tourist attraction in India and is considered to be the oldest and holiest city in India, with a history of six thousand years. It is sacred to Buddhists as well as Hindus.

Sarnath is the first place where Buddha Sakyamuni preached after he became enlightened. The faithful come to worship with the most devout hearts to understand the Buddhist enlightenment.

Puja is the practice of Hindus giving thanks to Lord Shiva and the Ganges for all their blessings. It has been going on for thousands of years. The ritual lasts for an hour each night, and there is a complete set of rituals in the process. This is where you get the most Indian sense of ritual.

Ganges River in Varanasi

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan in northwest India, known as the Blue City of India. Probably because Jodhpur is populated mostly by Hindus, and blue is the color of a Hindu god. So the color of Jodhpur's old town is still blue, and it's holding up very well. You can feel the connection between blue and religion, and you can also appreciate the magic of the city.

The Mehrangarh has a long history of more than 500 years since it was built in the 15th century. The Mehrangarh offers a panoramic view of the Blue City. From anywhere in Jodhpur, you can see the Mehrangarh.

Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is famous for having a massive number of fierce tigers. It is one of the largest national parks in northern India and was listed as a wildlife reserve in 1955. Apart from tigers, there are more than 300 animals here, and you can see the biodiversity of India here.

Ranthambore National Park

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Mumbai

Mumbai is the most populous city in India and one of the most populated cities in the world. Mumbai is an important economic and trade region of India. Mumbai has beautiful scenery and many cultural heritages.

Elephanta Island, located in Mumbai, is a well-known tourist attraction. Mumbai's Elephanta Caves, a World Heritage site, display Hindu and Buddhist grottoes.

Kerala

Kerala is rich in natural resources, and its climate and environment support diverse species. Kerala's many nature parks and animal sanctuaries can provide a boost to local tourism. The beaches, the animals, and the harmonious religious relationships are all important reasons for developing tourism in Kerala.

The Backwaters of Kerala have a long reputation and are popular tourist attractions. The banks of the backwaters of Kerala are full of tropical flavor. Visitors can spend the night on the water in a houseboat, go along the water, and experience the scenery up close.

Wayanad, located in Kerala, is a forest area inhabited by various species of animals. You can see tigers, elephants, peacocks, and so on here. Kerala's openness and tolerance allow all religions to thrive here.

Beach in Kerala

Udaipur

Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East. The whole building of Udaipur is mainly white marble, also known as the White City. Udaipur has a long history, and several palaces have been preserved. Although it is located in a desert area, Udaipur has built artificial lakes in its history, so there are lakes in the city that are very beautiful with the light of the sun or night lights.

The city palace is featured, and you can overlook the lake in Udaipur. The palace is luxurious and exquisite, and there is a museum with various exhibits, which is well worth visiting.

Goa

Goa is the perfect city for relaxing on holiday. It has beautiful golden beaches, an open and free spirit, passionate and bold music, and a slow pace of life. You can have a happy holiday here.

You can go water sports or paragliding in the morning. You can also dive into the sea or go out. Goa is great for dolphin watching, and the chances of meeting one are high. You can see them on many beaches. The nightlife is also very rich, and the beach at night has very lively parties and passionate music.

These places can bring you unique travel enjoyment. You can experience the products developed by different civilizations, including temples, palaces, and rivers that brought the people of India to life. India also has diverse cultures and customs that you can learn more about. If you value spiritual enjoyment while traveling, India will not disappoint.

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