Top 10 Places for First Time Traveller in India

It is an undeniable truth that travelling to India can be a major culture shock, especially on your first visit. It's a huge and baffling country, with many different religions and cultures, and cities that roar with traffic and bustle with activity non-stop. So planning for a such a long journey can be quite tough, especially when you are not sure of the places you must visit.

Here is the list of the top 10 destinations in India for a first-time visitor.

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1. Agra

Built by the fifth emperor of the Mughal dynasty in the 17^th century, the Taj stands on the banks of the river Yamuna, enclosing a history of 350 years.

The most popular method of reaching Agra from Delhi is by train (3 hrs approx), from Jaipur by road (5 to 6 hours), and by train (4 hours), and from Gwalior (train 1 hour) and by road (2 hours). The nearest international Airport is the Delhi Airport.

The main attractions around the Taj Mahal are the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-ud-Daulah, etc.

Suggested tour packages for Agra

• Maharajas Express - 6 Nights and 7 Days Heritage of India
• Maharajas Express - 3 Nights and 4 Days Treasures of India
• Maharajas Express - 6 Nights and 7 Days The Indian Splendor
• Maharajas Express - 6 Nights and 7 Days The Indian Panorama

2. Delhi

Delhi is also popular for its shops. They remain congested throughout the year.The local markets and shopping plazas provide all necessary things including footwear, accessories, household items, clothing, decorative items, handicrafts, leather goods and more. Explore India Gate, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Qutab Minar, Akshardham Temple, Jantar Mantar and Jama Masjid.

The best time to visit Delhi is between November to March as the weather is pleasant.

Also Read: Top 10 Places for First Time Traveller in India

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3. Amritsar

Amritsar is inextricably linked with the history of Sikhism. Many throng the Wagah Border to witness the 45-minute-long military practice of lowering the National Flag. Amritsar is known for being the home city of the Golden Temple, which is the spiritual and cultural center for the Sikh religion.

Other major attractions of Amritsar are the  Gobindgarh Fort, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht, and Tarn Taran Sahib temple.

The best time to visit Amritsar is between October and March, according to its climate.

The nearest international Airport is the Amritsar Raja Sansi International Airport.

You can buy several items like traditional juttis,patiala suits, phulkaris, sand, and wood carvings.

Also Read: Ultimate Quick Guide to Agra

4. Goa

The state of Goa in India is famous for its beaches and places of worship, lip-smacking seafood, and tourism is its primary industry. As it has been under the influence of 450 years of Portuguese Rule and Latin culture, Goa presents a somewhat different representation of the country to foreign visitors.

Major tourist attractions of Goa include: Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, a wax museum on Indian culture, and a heritage museum. UNESCO has declared the Churches and Convents of Goa to be a World Heritage Site.

Goa's splendid beaches cover about 125 kilometres (78 mi) of its coastline. A noteworthy exception in South Goa is Palolem Beach, which features basic accommodation and is one of the most visited beaches in Goa.

Goa international Airport which is the nearest Airport is also known as the Dabolim Airport. You can take the Deccan Odyssey which is the Asia's leading luxury train covering Goa through its various journeys.

From mid-November to mid-February is the best time to visit, as the weather is comfortable.

Read More: Luxury Train Trips Are a Perfect Way to See the India

Suggested tour packages for Goa

• Deccan Odyssey - 7 Nights and 8 Days Maharashtra Splendor

5. Mumbai

It is one of the busiest cities in the world and also one of the most visited cities in Maharashtra. The cultural heritage, architecture of the past and the present, amazing beaches, natural picnic spots and shopping malls and clubs for entertainment, and a lot more offer you one hundred percent entertainment during your stay.  Some of the major places to visit are the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and more.

There is no fixed time to visit Mumbai as the climate is suitable around the year. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport is the nearest international Airport.

In Aamchi Mumbai, you can find the latest outfits, unique furniture, delicate brass work, home furnishings, and much more. 

Read More: Why Should You Choose Luxury Trains to Discover India

Maharajas' Express

• The Heritage of India (6N / 7D)
• The Indian Panorama (6N / 7D)
• The Indian Splendour (6N / 7D)
• Treasures of India (3N / 4D)

Suggested tour packages for Mumbai

Deccan Odyssey

• Indian Odyssey (7N / 8D)
• Maharashtra Splendor (7N / 8D)
• Maharashtra Wild Trail (7N / 8D)
• Heritage Odyssey (7N / 8D)
• Cultural Odyssey (7N / 8D)
• Indian Sojourn (7N / 8D)

Palace On Wheels 

• Palace On Wheels Itinerary (7N / 8D)

6. Kerala

There are many tourist attractions in Kerala if you are planning your holiday in “God’s own country”. Alleppey, the Venice of the East, Munnar hill station, Lighthouse beach in Kovalam, Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Mattancherry Palace in Chettinadu, Cherai beach, Athirapally falls, Guruvayor temple, and Chinese fishing net in Fort Kochi are some of the places worth of a visit.

The nearest and most convenient airport near Munnar is Kochin International Airport in Nedumbassery which is 125 kilometres away and the most convenient time to visit is from September to March.

Kerala sarees, temple painting, and spices are some of the souvenirs that you can take home.

Read More: 8 So Attractive Train Journeys in India

7. Mysore

This city is an incredible mixture of traditional as well as modern attractions which are Mysore palace, Somnathpur, Mysore zoo, Vrindavan gardens , Chamundeshwari temple etc.

Mysore is famous for its silk, Rosewood and sandalwood carvings, Agarbattis and so on.

Winter is the best time to visit Mysore. Bangalore has the nearest international airport to Mysore.

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8. Shimla

Shimla is full of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. The list comprises of Annandale, Glenn, Mall road Shimla, Shimlaridge and so on. March to June us the most appropriate time of the year to visit it. Metal ware, wood carvings, shawls, rugs carpets, jewellery, clothing are some of the take homes here.

The nearest airport to Shimla is at Jubbarhatti, 26 km from Shimla. It has connecting flights to Delhi and Kullu. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, more handy as it is connected to all the major airports in India.

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9. Jaipur

Jaipur is well connected through the grand Maharaja Express train. The Jaipur International Airport and the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport are the two nearest airports to these cities. Winters are the best time to visit Jaipur.

Places to visit in Jaipur are Amber fort , Hawa Mahal , City Palace , Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Chokhi Dhani and many more heritage sites are some of noteworthy places that the Pink city have to offer.

Painting, jewellery, pottery items, rugs , metal work, spices, juttis are some to things you can spend your money on that things.

Suggested Indian Luxury train journey for Jaipur

• Palace on Wheels - 7 Nights and 8 Days Luxury Trip to Rajasthan

10. Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the colorful and most religious place in India. Varanasi is also known as Benares. There are many places to visit in Varanasi such as New Vishwanath Temple, Kathwala Temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Tulsi manas temple, Annapurna Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Benares Hindu University, Ramnagar Fort and Museum.

If you visiting first time, it is better to explore the iconic attractions and famous spots. So, plan your trip and make your trip more precious.

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