12 Must-See Destinations in India for Every Traveler

Traveling through India is an exhilarating experience. While the scents can be overwhelming at times, the breathtaking scenery is beyond description. It feels like stepping onto a wall calendar, showcasing beauty that captivates the soul. The heat, poverty, and spices create an intense atmosphere, but the warmth of the people is truly rewarding. No other place in the world matches its complexity and allure.

I've gathered a list of my favorite spots—both famous and hidden gems I stumbled upon during my five summers in India. Many of these locations were new to me until I discovered them through chance or recommendations. This post brings back a wave of nostalgia for India, and I hope it sparks your desire to book a flight!

A cow poses for a photo at Metab Bagh gardens, located across the river from the Taj Mahal.

1. Metab Bagh

Metab Bagh provides a stunning view of the Taj Mahal without the usual crowds. These beautiful gardens are a hidden treasure in Agra, often overlooked by taxi drivers unless you specify your destination. TIP: Visit at sunset and then marvel at the Taj at sunrise the following day. Trust me on this; I’ve visited the Taj seven times.

Facing my fear of heights at Kardung La pass in Ladakh, India.

2. Khardung La

Picture a mountain peak adorned with colorful, frayed Buddhist prayer flags against a snowy backdrop. At Khardung La, you'll find a small tea stall and a sign declaring you're at the world's highest motorable road. Located 39 km from Leh, this picturesque mountain pass connects Shyok and Nubra Valley. The sign claims an altitude of 18,379 feet, but it's actually 17,582 feet. Recently, another road in India has taken the title of the highest motorable pass.

Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell, Amber, India.

3. Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur, Rajasthan

This charming 16th-century stepwell near Amer Fort in Jaipur is smaller than the well-known Chand Baori and allows visitors to climb the steps leading to the water. It remains peaceful after the Amer Fort crowds disperse.

4. Kerala Backwaters

Everyone deserves to spend time on a houseboat navigating the tropical backwaters of Kerala, a maze of canals, rivers, and lakes bordered by palm trees. Kerala is considered one of the safest and cleanest regions in India, with Southern Indian cuisine, especially dishes like thoran, showcasing delightful flavors.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets the crowd at his temple in McLeod Ganj, India, on June 9, 2012.

5. Dalai Lama’s Teaching in McLeod Ganj

Attending the Dalai Lama’s teachings at his temple in McLeod Ganj was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I obtained a photo pass two years in a row, allowing me to capture the moment (cameras are strictly regulated). The atmosphere is magical—the warmth of his smile, the aroma of freshly baked bread distributed by monks, and a symphony of languages fill the air. The temple itself is breathtaking, so even if you can’t hear him, be sure to explore.

How to attend the Dalai Lama’s teaching in McLeod Ganj: Tickets are available three days before the event at the Tibetan Branch Security Office. Foreign visitors must show their passports for registration. Seating is first-come, first-served, with locals often reserving spots days in advance. Expect heavy security and metal detectors upon entry, so arrive early. For more details, visit the Dalai Lama’s website.

The Qutab Minar is a favorite spot in Delhi for my friends and photography students.

6. Qutab Minar

If you appreciate ancient architecture, the Qutab Minar is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi features a 239-foot sandstone tower built in the 13th century as a victory monument following the Islamic conquest of India. Don’t miss the intricate columns of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at its base. (Entry fee: Foreigners 500 Rupees/$7.65 USD; Indians 30 Rupees/45 cents USD)

A man relaxes near the holy pond at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple in Delhi, India.

7. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (Sikh temple), Delhi

If there's only one place you visit in Delhi, make it this one. Built in 1783, this white-marble Sikh temple complex with golden domes is surreal. It includes a main worship hall, a vast holy pond, and a langar kitchen that serves free meals twice daily—open to all. Visitors of all faiths are welcomed to volunteer. I once visited for a lunar eclipse, an unforgettable experience. Remember to bring a scarf or bandana to cover your head while visiting. Shoes must be removed before entering. Admission is free, and a tourist office is available for assistance.

8. The Blue City (Jodhpur)

Jodhpur is my first stop on my next visit to India. Known for its blue-hued buildings, it's the largest city in Rajasthan, often referred to as the “sun city” due to its year-round sunny weather. The blue paint helps keep homes cooler. It’s easily reachable by train from Delhi and is incredibly photogenic.

Oberoi Hotel Gurgaon, Delhi, India.

9. Breakfast Buffet at the Oberoi Hotel

The breakfast buffet at the Oberoi Hotel is approximately $20 and well worth it. After spending months in India, it was a refreshing treat! With a wide array of Western and Indian breakfast options, along with fresh juices and an extensive tea selection, it’s a delightful start to the day. The two locations in Delhi are both excellent. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to around 10:30 a.m. The third location is currently being renovated and will reopen in January 2018. I’ve never stayed here due to budget constraints, but I often visit for breakfast as a special indulgence.

I enjoy skipping stones at Tso Moriri Lake in Korzok, India, near the Tibetan border. It’s about a six-hour drive from Leh.

10. Skip Rocks at Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri Lake is one of the best places in the world to skip rocks. As the largest high-altitude lake in India at 14,836 feet, it is situated near the Tibetan border. The water is crystal clear, fed by springs and melting snow. (It’s cold; I dipped my feet in once.) Located near Korzok, it takes six hours to reach Leh along bumpy roads. The lake’s shores are strewn with flat rocks, perfect for skipping!

View of the Ganges River in Varanasi, the holiest city in India.

11. Varanasi

Varanasi embodies the vibrant chaos of India. It is the holiest city, serving as the center of life and death and possibly the oldest continually inhabited city worldwide. Hindu pilgrims flock here to cleanse their sins in the Ganges River. Being cremated along the river is believed to break the cycle of rebirth. Ironically, the sacred river is heavily polluted and unsafe for bathing. Yet, it’s not uncommon to see a dead cow floating near someone bathing.

A view of Leh from the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa monastery.

12. Leh

Leh is a small tourist town in the Himalayas (11,500 feet) accessible by thrilling mountain roads or a challenging flight. It’s a fantastic resting spot between treks and offers amazing opportunities for street photography! It’s one of my favorite towns in India. Don’t miss the short hike to Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa monastery. Nearby, you’ll find several stunning monasteries and palaces, including Stok Palace, Shey Palace, Spituk Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Matho Monastery, all within a day’s tour. I recommend visiting Alchi and trying homestays in Ang.

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Alfred is likely the only gnome ever removed from the Taj Mahal.

Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal

• Visit at sunrise. Arrive right when it opens at sunrise to avoid crowds, bugs, and vendors. The early light is perfect for photos and the temperatures are cooler. The Taj is open from sunrise to sunset daily, except Fridays.
• Avoid Fridays. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
• Dress appropriately. Both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders. Loose, airy pants are great for comfort and to ward off mosquitoes.
• Leave bags behind. Carry only your camera. Strict rules apply regarding what you can bring inside. No pens, gum, or toys are allowed. It’s a sacred site. (My gnome was banned during my second visit, while a professional British film crew was filming parkour inside.)
• For the best photos, visit Metab Bagh mentioned earlier. These gardens opposite the Taj are perfect for sunset photography before your visit.
• Plan your transport. Train schedules to Delhi are limited, so you may need to stay overnight. Renting a driver from Delhi is an option. If you do, pay the $15 toll for a smoother three-hour drive instead of a grueling seven-hour journey.
• Visit the Red Fort. You can get a discount on entry if you visit both the Taj and the Red Fort on the same day.

A school for monks in Korzok, India.

Other Tips for Traveling in India

• India is vast. You can't see it all in one trip. Plan your travels according to the seasons based on your destinations. Summer can be unbearable in Delhi but pleasant in Ladakh. Choose wisely.
• Use safe taxi services in Delhi, especially at night. I recommend MERU, which operates from the airport. Alternatively, have your accommodation arrange a taxi. Tuktuks are safe during the day, but exercise caution at night. The metro has a nice, separate women’s car.
• Dress conservatively as a sign of respect. Always cover shoulders and knees.
• Accept that you might get sick; it's part of the adventure. Bring antibiotics and electrolytes.

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