Seeing India for the First Time? 5 Places You Can’t Miss

by - 11/29/2017


India is the seventh largest country in the world (and the second largest in terms of population), so if it’s your first time travelling there you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. But don’t worry — we’ve picked out five places you can’t miss to help you narrow down your to-do list. Enjoy!
The beaches in Kerala
It’s impossible to narrow it down to just one — Kerala has some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and there’s a coastline to suit every kind of traveller.

If you’re looking to stay active, Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam has a surf club so you can make the most of the rolling waves. Varkala Beach, which is found at the bottom of the town’s striking red cliffs, is perfect for people watching, while Cherai Beach is the only option if you want a proper escape from everyday life. Completely isolated, it can only be reached by ferry and bus.

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(Photo by Anfal Shamsudeen on Unsplash)
The Himalayas
India is one of the five countries which the Himalayan mountain range runs through, and one of three to have sovereignty over it.

The most popular activities in the Himalayas are hiking and trekking, and there are routes for all abilities and levels of experience. No matter which walk you choose to do, it’s best to arrange your trip with a reputable guide or agency who know the area well and can advise you where necessary. If you’d rather rest your feet, gondola rides and yak safaris are also available.

Looking for something more fast-paced? Adrenaline junkies can try their hand at water rafting, mountain biking, and heli skiing, which involves being flown to the top of a hill before you ski over untouched snow.
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is on most travellers’ lists when they reach India, and it’s not difficult to see why. This enormous, off-white marble mausoleum is tipped with gold and decorated with semi-precious stones, and is surrounded by ornamental gardens. It marks the final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan, and took a total of 22 years to plan and build.
City Palace Complex, Udaipur
An enormous complex on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is part residence, part museum, and in fact contains eleven different palaces within its walls. The museum is accessible to the public and showcases priceless objects and art, including ornaments, paintings, crystal, porcelain, antique furniture, and glass mosaics.


Delhi


Visiting India’s busy capital city for the first time can cause culture shock, but don’t let that put you off. With its landscaped gardens and congested streets, it’s a curious blend of the old and new, and there’s something to see on every corner.

History buffs will have plenty to smile about — Delhi has an abundance of historical sites like monuments, forts and mosques, including Gandhi Smriti. Formerly known as Birla House, Gandhi Smriti allows you to see Gandhi’s quarters and prayer ground exactly as it was in 1948, the year he was assassinated.
To learn more about India’s culture and Hindu heritage, visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham, a temple complex with exhibits, including a boat ride that shows scenes from traditional Indian life. In the evening, it’s worth heading over to the Bahai Temple. Also known as the Lotus temple due to its distinctive shape, this white marble structure lights up the sky at night.

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2 comments

  1. You look amazing! Love your hat!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS

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  2. Nice pictures. Theses 5 places are really awesome. But, I'll recommend Kerala backwaters instead of Kerala Beaches. In India you can only find the backwaters in Kerala and the backwater based lifestyle of the locals is worth to visit once. If you missed it in your India tour, you can visit my post on Kerala backwaters, http://sayantideb.com/5things-kerala-backwaters-tour/

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