Best Places In India To Visit In 2020

Choice of vacation destinations in India seem to be infinite; from scenic destinations to historically and culturally soaked sites, from cities bustling with chaos and confusion to destinations offering laid-back and relaxed stays. Amidst this huge list of destinations, there is always a dilemma of choosing a destination that is really worth a visit. Well! Relieving you of this dilemma, here is a list of top and best destinations that make it to the list of ‘Must-Visit’ destinations in India for all travellers. Let’s now, find out the reasons as to why this is so. Remember the famous quote:

“THE WORLD IS A BOOK AND THOSE WHO DO NOT TRAVEL READ ONLY A PAGE.” ~ SAINT AUGUSTINE

Travel has helped us to understand the meaning of life and it has helped us become better people. Each time we travel, we see the world with new eyes.


Kashmir – Heaven on Earth



One of the most incredible places in India, Kashmir is known for its enthralling beauty and is rightly nicknamed as the ‘Heaven on Earth’. With its Picturesque lakes, striking fruit orchards, verdant meadows surrounded with thick woods of pines and deodars, lush green gardens teeming with vibrant flowers and captivating valleys enclosed with snow-covered peaks of Himalayan and Pir-Panjal ranges – Kashmir seems to have directly made its way out from a picture postcard. From enjoying a heavenly ‘Shikara boat ride‘ on the pristine ‘Dal Lake’, strolling through the beautifully manicured ‘Mughal Gardens’, soaking in the untouched pastoral beauty of ‘Betaab’ and ‘Aru’ valleys, paying your homage to ‘Amarnath ji’ standing amidst the ethereal natural beauty of the tiny hamlet of ‘Chandanwari’, relishing the moment of plucking a fresh walnut at one the ‘Walnut Orchards’, braving the strong currents of River Sind during white water rafting in ‘Sonmarg’ to revelling in the adventure of world’s highest Gondola ride at Gulmarg – the magic of Kashmir with its breath-taking vistas is sure to captivate your heart and soul forever. Make sure to buy some of the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and handlooms items and do try out few of the state’s world famous ‘Wazwan’ delicacies before returning from a memorable holiday in Kashmir.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)



Needless to say, Kashmir offers such breath-taking views that it becomes extremely difficult for one to go back home! From the very beautiful Tulip, Nishat, Chashma Shahi and Mughal Gardens to the marvelous hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonamarg; Kashmir has it all.

Leh Ladakh or the Biker’s heaven is a feast for eyes! The Valley is full of the mighty mountains, lush greenery, and blossoms of pinks, whites, yellows and flowers of all the rarest varieties.

With scorching heat and temperature rising over 40 degrees, in most of the cities; Kashmir is probably the best place to visit to get a relief from the summers.

Infact, it is a delight for people from cities like Mumbai and Delhi as one enjoys the exotic hills and breath-taking views of the mountain ranges. One would surely enjoy the pleasant weather in Srinagar.

Kashmir is certainly the best destination for those, who are adventure crazy and love to experience adrenaline rush. The state of Jammu and Kashmir offers top class sports including skiing, golfing, river rafting etc. Kashmir pulls Lakhs of International tourists mainly for its wide range of adventure sports.

                             
                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

Delhi – City of Rallies



Delhi, the bustling capital of India makes for one of the perfect travel destinations in India. A city of heritage monuments, teeming bazaars and mouth-watering street food reminding you of its rich past from the Mughal era to a city that is today, more cosmopolitan and contemporary with its sprawling boulevards, high-end malls, shopping complexes and luxury hotels & restaurants; Delhi is for sure, a true amalgamation of age-old cultures and present day’s modernization. Be it a stroll through the narrow lanes of ‘Chandni Chowk’ relishing on its lip-smacking chaats, a real shopping fun in the streets of ‘Sarojini Nagar’ or more exotic ‘Delhi Haat’, a heritage walk through the awe-inspiring Mughal architectural masterpieces of ‘Humayun’s Tomb’ and ‘Qutub Minar’, a visit to the 700 years old ‘Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah’, a lovely experience of relishing on some tasty cuisine sitting at a lake side cafe in the posh ‘Hauz Khas Village’, a memorable time at the lively ‘Kingdom of Dreams’ enjoying a musical Bollywood night, or a picnic time at the iconic ‘India Gate’; the list of ‘must-do things’ in Delhi has no end.

                         
                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

Delhi is heaven for shopaholics since people shop here till they drop! Several small markets are present here and there but there are some markets which have been able to fascinate the travellers beyond what words can explain. There is heavy bargaining going on the street and flea markets like Janpath, Sarojini Nagar etc and there are some markets which can offer you the best of branded products like Connaught Place, Khan Market etc. You can do truckloads of shopping in a small budget in most of the markets here.

Delhi boasts of housing several museums, memorials etc which can help a person to know about India’s history and present. There is the National Science Museum which helps a person explore science the fun way, the National Museum that lets you know about the history of India and many more.

One of the must-visit destinations in India, a trip to Delhi should definitely be on the travel list for all curious travellers, knowledge seekers and gastronomes looking out for a holiday trips in India.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

Agra – City of Taj



A city immersed in a splendid Mughal charm, Agra needs no introduction. Home to the eternal symbol of love, the iconic ‘Taj Mahal‘. There is beauty in exploring the monument and there is another beauty in enjoying this monument from a distance to see the symmetric beauty. One such destination to catch a panoramic view of the monument is Mehtab Bagh. Mehtab Bagh is famously known as Moonlit Gardens providing splendid views of the white marble structure. International yoga day is celebrated on June 21st when several tourists from all over the world practiced yoga by the Taj at sunrise at the beautiful Mehtab Gardens situated on the western side of the River Yamuna. Agra finds one of the top most places on the world heritage map. Having to its acclaim of being the only city in the world glittering with three world heritage sites, Agra definitely makes it to the list of popular Indian travel destinations. With its three gems, the impressive Taj Mahal, magnificent Agra Fort and splendid Fatehpur Sikri; the city lures thousands of tourists including historians and art lovers from all across India and the world. From savouring on the city’s authentic and traditional Mughlai flavours, shopping in the lively markets teeming with marble handicrafts adorned with fine inlay carvings and fine leather items, watching the epic of the timeless love between Shah Jahan and his beloved, Noor Jahan coming to life at the ‘Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center’ to soaking your spirits in the enthralling fiesta of the ‘Taj Mahotsav‘, there is much more to do in the historic city of Agra than just exploring its monuments.

For a smaller city like Agra, it has numerous thriving local lanes of shops and historic markets. Top items to by here are Taj Mahal miniature, marble items, leather articles, zardozi embroidery work, Persian rugs, carpets, and others. When it comes to Indian destinations, there is always a link between culture and cuisine.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

If you wish to enjoy all the beauties of Agra, take up food shopping to enjoy street foods in the markets like besan ka cheela, petha, samosa, kachori, and others. Petha is one of the top souvenirs for international foodie travelers.

The Oberoi Amarvillas offers luxurious restaurant with choice options for the type of fine dining experience you would like to have. There is a choice to dine in your private balcony with the services of your private butler. Enjoy a romantic candlelit for the two of you by the poolside. There are two well appointed international fine dine restaurants offering authentic Mughali cuisine in pure ambiance.

When you visit the Agra Fort then it takes a minimum 3 hours of visit duration. Remain for the evening Sound and Lights Show at Agra Fort at Sunset. This show happens near the Diwan-i-Aam courtyard of the Agra Fort. The timings can change on a day to day basis so check before buying the tickets. You can also get the show in English other than Hindi.

Timings of Sound and Light Show may be vary by 15 - 30 min. So check at booking time. Timing for Hindi Show – 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm and Timing for English Show – 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.


                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

Varanasi – City of Lord Shiva



India is a land of cultures, religions and spirituality, therefore, an Indian exploration remains incomplete without a trip to the holy city of Varanasi. Also known as the city of ‘Moksha’, the place holds a great religious significance for Hindus. Situated on the banks of sacred river Ganga, the city is believed to be more than 5000 years old. It is believed that the waters of the River Ganga are holy and sacred and taking a bath there offers ‘moksha’ to that person. People from across borders and of different age groups do this to cleanse their soul from past sins and receive liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Bustling with enchanting ancient temples and holy Ghats crowded with people performing various rituals and prayers, Varanasi makes for an ultimate spiritual travel destinations India. From paying homage to Lord Shiva in the famous ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’, taking a dip in holy waters of river Ganga absolving your sins, revelling in the spiritual aura of the divine Ganga Aarti during evenings on the ‘Dasaswamedha Ghat’, taking a walk along the Ghats watching life flow by, exploring the chaotic and colourful streets teeming with life to gorging on its delicious ‘Benaras ki Chaat’ or indulging in a unique shopping experience of musical instruments and world-renowned ‘Benarasi Silk Sarees’; Varanasi is indeed an incredible place to visit in India.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)



This fascinating ritual at Varanasi is popular all over the world as it mesmerizes the visitor as the River Ganga gets illuminated with several lighted diyas. There are millions of visitors to this only for witnessing the Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Varanasi.

While the authorized religious heads and sadhus perform this ceremony with huge lamps weighting up to 4.5 kg the pilgrims and visitors also float smaller cup candles across the river. With so many diyas and lamps on the water at dusk it gives a visual treat to the people watching.

The pilgrimage city of Varanasi is surrounded by enthralling ghats of over 80 in number. There is also an interesting tale behind each of them. This was constructed during the rule of kingdom of Marathas. The city of Varanasi derives its name from two main Ghats – Varun Ghat & Assi Ghat.

The city has several of such ghats or a pathway that goes into the river as it is the meeting point of three massive rivers – River Yamuna, Gangas, and the Brahmaputra.


                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)

Jaisalmer – The Golden City



Also known as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is a beautiful city known for its rich cultural heritage and stories of bravery and chivalry of the great Rajput rulers. An exotic city set amidst endless stretches of golden Thar Desert, Jaisalmer spells a magnetic pull at travellers sitting in different corners of the world. Be it the magnificence of the ‘Sonar Quila’ or the ‘Jaisalmer Fort’ beaming in its full glory, the magical charisma of the ancient ‘Salim Ji ki Haveli‘, ‘Nathmal Ji ki Haveli‘ and ‘Patwon-ki-Haveli‘ reminding us of the royal grandeur of erstwhile wealthy Rajput merchants, an enthralling experience of ‘Sand Dune Bashing’, a rustic charm of a ‘Camel Safari’ exploring infinite stretches of golden sand or an unforgettable culinary experience of authentic Rajasthani cuisine; Jaisalmer impresses its every visitor with an extensive range of cultural offerings.

Jaisalmer lies near to Indo-Pak border, and there are several cultural exchanges between the borders. The tales of Merasi community is a great example of such a cultural and religious exchange. Merasi is a Muslim community of musicians who sing songs on Hindu Gods! Yeah, they are said to be Muslim converts who were Hindus. Merasi musicians are very much part of Jaisalmer culture, and their music has a great significance in the region.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)



The annual ‘Jaisalmer Desert Festival‘ is a visual treat to eyes and it makes much sense to plan for a holiday trip to Jaisalmer during this festival. Folk dances, cultural musical performances, campfires under open starlit sky, enthralling camel shows, local haats selling exquisite jewellery and handicrafts; exuberance and vivaciousness of this gala event can be seen at every nook and corner of the city. One of the most colourful and vibrant places, Jaisalmer, for sure is one of the most striking places to visit in India.

                      Also Read: Best Places In India To Visit In 2020 (Part 2)