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India is very very diverse – probably the most diverse of countries that you will find on this earth. We have some of the Coldest places in Kashmir, A place that has highest rainfall in world – Cherrapunji, and also one if the driest places on the Earth – The Thar Desert. Adding to that – More than half of Indian boundary is home to beautiful beaches. And don’t forget that Northern part of India hosts Himalayan Ranges snow capped mountains.

Mix all this with different cultures and hundreds of Languages and Dialects – You have a got a potent mix of diversity. If you really think, I really am amazed that with such diverse people & geographies how do we operate as one single democratic country !

The Top 10 Tourist Destinations in India

Agra

Agra’s Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra.

Completed in 1653, the T?j Mahal was built by the Mughal king Sh?h Jah?n as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumt?z Mahal. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens.

Jaipur / Udaipur

Jaipur is also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a very famous tourist and education destination in India.

Lots of people flock to Jaipur to view the various forts and monuments in Jaipur which reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here.

Forts & Monuments

Hawa Mahal
Amber Fort
Jaigarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort
City Palace
Jantar Mantar
Jal Mahal
Rambagh Palace
Chandra Mahal, The City Palace, Jaipur
Diwan-e-Aam, City Palace
Central Museum, (Albert Hall Museum)

Goa

Goa is Famous for its pristine beaches, infact 90% of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in Coastal Areas. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

In 2008 there were more than three million tourists reported to have visited Goa, more than half million of whom were from Foreign visitors. Infact, many foreigners have made Goa as there home for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle !

Kashmir

Kashmir was once called Heaven on Earth, and once of the most beautiful places in the world. However, in last couple of decades, terrorism has faded its charm – A place home to Himalayan Ranges.

The State of Jammu & Kashmir has main three geographical regions known as “The Lesser Himalayas” or the “Jhelum Valley” (Kashmir), “The Inner Himalayas” or “The Indus Valley” (Ladakh & Frontier areas) also called “Trans-Himalayas”, and “The Outer-Himalayas” or “The Southern mountain range” (Jammu). The area of Jammu & Kashmir is 2, 22,236 square kilometers.

Kanyakumari

Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon.

Kerala (Backwaters)

Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, Beautiful Backwaters and Alternative healing massages.

Old Delhi

Delhi, Capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest.

The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage Sites.

Ajanta Ellora

Ajantha & Ellora are 28 – 30 rock-cut cave monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art.

The caves are located just outside the village of Ajantha / Ellora in Aurangabad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Since 1983, the Ajanta & Ellora Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling in India owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun.

A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight.

Mysore

Mysore is a tourism hot spot within the state of Karnataka and also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city. The city receives the maximum number of tourists during the period of the Dasara festival when festivities take place for a period of 10 days. One of the most visited monuments in India, the Ambavilas Palace (also known as Mysore Palace) is the center of the Dasara festivities.

Tirupathi

Kapilatheertham:
A sacred Tank a mile and a half distant from Tirupati, where Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Kapila with a vision of himself and his concert.

Govindaraja Sway Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Govindaraja Perumal in contradistinction of the Venkatachalapathi shrine at the top of the hill. There is also a tower called Galigopuram, which is very famous. There are shrines of Sri Andal, Sri Parthasarathy and Sri Venkateswara in the temple.

Sri Kondandarama Swamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama is situated with n a distance of about a kilometer from Tirupati railway station. This temple was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Rama, Laksmana and Sita to Tirupati, while returning from Lanka.

Srinivasa Mangapuram:
It is a place where a temple dedicated to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, situated at a distance of 12 km on Tirupati Madanapalli Road. Puranas says that Lord Venkateswara Swamy after his Kalyanam with goddesses Padmavathi Devi at Narayana Vanam while proceeding to Tirumala Hills had stayed here for six months on the bank of the river Kalyani on the advice of Agastheeswara Maharshi. Hence this temple is named Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.

Tiruchanur
In Tiruchanur which is five kilometers from Tirupati is the temple of Alamelumaga, the consort of the Lord on the top of the hill. A visit to Tirupati will not be completed unless a Darshan of this Goddess is also had.

Srikalahasti:
This picturesque religious centre is famous for the temple dedicated to Vayu, the wind god. It is said that the Linga was worshipped by a spider, by spinning a web over it, a snake by placing gem upon the Linga and an Elephant by washing the Linga with water from its trunk and attain Mukti. Hence this place is called Srikalahasthi.

Narayanavanam:
The importance of this village is due to big temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswara swamy. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi Devi took palce here. This is the temple where in we can see both Venkateswara Swamy along with Padmavathi Devi in one temple complex. This place is famous for handlooms.

Nagalapuram:
Nagalapuram Temple is said to have been built by Sri Krishnadeveraya in memory of his mother Nagamba. It contains a few rare stone images such as Vinachara, Dakshinamurthy, Hayagriva, Bhuvarbha and Trivikrama. The sun festival is March is very important here. During the festival the first rays of sun falls on the feet of the first day, on the abdomen on the second day, and on the face on the face on the third day. The temple is maintained by the T.T.D and annual Brahmostavam is being celebrated in large scale.

Talakona:
Talakona is famous for the temple of Sri Siddheswara Swamy and the scenic and picturesque water falls in the midst of thich forest. People from Chittor district and neighboring districts will gather on 1st January and Mahasivaratri festival days and week ends to pray god and enjoy the water falls. Puranas says that those who do not have children come here and pray god for children and name their children as Siddaiah or Siddamma. The water falls are four km from the temple.

Reddemmakonda:
Reddemmakonda, the famous Pilgrim center is situated on Madanapalli - Gurramkonda - Cherlopalli - Rayachoti - Cuddapah road. The preceding deity here is a glorified and sanctified village "Lass Reddemma", Who lost her life in an attempt to escape molestation by sensuous lieutenants of Tippu Sultan, who chased her. On reaching huge rock during chase, finding no way to escape, she prayed protection in a sheer helpless state and the rock before her, left a cleavage enabling her to pass through it. Soon after she entered inside the cleft closed affording no entry for chasers. Ever since that time, people around started praying the sacrificed Lass Reddamma for begetting children.

Sompalyam:
Sompalli, which has got architectural importance, is situated in between Mulakalacheruvu and Thambalpalli civil road at a distance of 6 km from Mulkala Cheruvu. A temple of Chennakesava swamy is claimed as one of the finest temples in Andhra districts. A monolith of the most graceful proportions stand in front, presenting a beautiful spectacle. The rich carvings on the kalyana Mandapam are very attractive. According to local tradition a shepherd was responsible for the construction of this temple during Vijayanagar period.

Gudimallam:
Gudimallam is well known for its unique Sivalinga in the Parasurameswara Temple. The tmeple is of granite stone dated back to the Pallavas - Bana times. An insciption dated 1127 A.D. belongs to the period of Vikrama Chola records the reconstruction of the temple in stone. The sanctum enriches the unique Linga square at the bottom, seven sided in the middle and nut shaped at the top, corresponds to the errect of male organ containing the standing figure of Sivaparameswara over a stumpy dwarf figure in the front side. At present the temple complex has main Parasurameswara shrine.

Kanipakam:
Kanipakam is located on the northen banks of the river Bahuda at a distance of 13 km from Chittoor. The famous shrine of Varasiddhi Vinayaka, the deity of which is believed to be self manifest (swayambhu) and the annual celebrations of Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Brahmostavam on the eve of Vinayaka Chaturthi (Aug - Sep) of the special attractions of this place attracted by about 15,000 devotees from all over the District on this special occation.

Gudivanka:
Gudivanka is located at a distance of 16 km from Kuppam on the borders of Andhra and Karnataka. Here the Subramanyam Swamy Temple (gudi) is located on the top of a hillock, and at the foot of the hillock a small stream called Vanka is flowing. Hence this place is called Gudivanka. People in large numbers do gather here on Adikritika (Kavadi) Festival, during the month of August every year. On the back side of the temple a Reservoir, belongs to Karnataka state is located. It is a religious and picnic spot. The TTD has constructed a Guest House here to provide accomation to the visiting Tourists.

Warangal
Thousand Pillars Temple:
Perched elegantly on the slopes of the hills at Hanamkonda, the thousand pillars temple is fine specimen of Kakatiya Architecture and sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the Chalunkan style, the star-shaped, triple shrine temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is notable for its richly carved pillars, preformatted screens and exquisite icons, specially impressive are the rock cut elephants and the Nandi.

Ramappa Temple:
The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, built by the 7th Kakatiya kind Rudra Senani, is the right choice for architectural lovers with a panoramic view of scenic beauty, situated at Palamet village 64 kms away from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya kingdom with rich intricate culture on walls, pillars and ceilings brackets and ceiling will captivate you. The main attraction of this temple is the floating bricks and a warrior queen.

Bhadrakalli Temple:
Situated at a top of Hillock between and Warangal it is famous for the stone image of the goddess with eight-armed with a weapon in each hand is shown in a sitting posture.

Khazipet Dargha:
Situated at a distance of 2 kms from Kazipet Railway Station, Dargha which is popularly known as Kazipet Dargha is the place of visit not only for the Muslim Community but also for other religious from all over the country.

Fatima Church:
Fatima Church at Fathimanagar in Kazipet is a unique Roman catholic Church and is famous in Telegana Region. Many devotees from all over A.P in thousands visit the church to venerate Mary Matha and participate in festival celebration in the month of February every year. Most of the devotees are under belief that they get lot of relief and their petitions put forth are fulfilled.

Raja Rajeswaram Temple:
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Kshetram (holy place) is one of the most sacred spots in the southern part of the India. There are many evidences of inscriptions on stone to provide information of historical, political, religious, cultural and greatness of this holy place. The greatness of this sacred place came with the very existence of Sri Raja Rajeshwara swamy Suyambulingam, which is ancient than the Vemulawada village,Karimnagar

Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunakonda :

Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in South India from the second century BC until the third century AD. It was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowed Buddhist scholar and philosopher, who had migrated here from Amarvati to propagate and spread the Buddha's message of universal peace and brotherhood. The founder of Mahayana Buddhism, this revered monk governed the sangha for almost 60 years and the Madhyamika school be established attracted students from far and wide including Sri Lanka and China.

As the site, excavations have unearthed a university, monastries, aswamedha altar, royal baths, advanced drainage system, viharas, chaityas, mandapams the life and times of the Buddha. Of special significance is the finding of nine stupa- like structures arranged in a wheel shaped formation which includes the Mahachaitya, the most sacred of them all. The Brahmi characters inscribed on it reveal that the remains of Lord Buddha are preserved within it.

With the construction of the Nagarjunasagar dam and the subsequent flooding of this site by the rising water, all the priceless finds have been shifted to an island in the middle of the lake. The ruins were transported and reconstructed at the unique island museum, in the form of an ancient Buddhist Vihara. So that visitors can get a glimpse of a great chapter in Indian history and see for themselves a rich culture that has successfully survived through the centuries. Along with these, the museum also houses invaluable relics such as stone tools and weapons from the Paleolthic and Neolithic ages, which were found at the same site.

The mammoth task undertaken to shift the archeological treasures and preserve them at another location is reminiscent of the famous Abu Simbel operation carried out in Egypt.

Vijayawada
Kanaka Durga Temple
This picturesque temple will take you to a spiritual journey that will treat your visual senses. Located atop the Indrakiladri Hill, this temple worships Goddess Kanaka Durga as the presiding deity. Indrakiladri Hill will surprise you with the stunning views of the entire city. You have a choice of two routes to reach the temple. Test your fitness levels by taking the stairs. Or if it isn't for you, then motor up the Ghat road. Either way you'll find lots to discover with inscriptions of different dynasties that unfold stories of the past. For a more festive holiday, be here during the occasion of Dassara or Durgashtami where a large number of devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers to the Goddess.

Buddhist sites
Dhyanakataka, Bhattiprolu, Goli Guntupalli, Ghantasala and Chinna Ganjam are some important Buddhist sites in and around Vijayawada. Many stupas and viharas were built during the Satavahana and Salivahana dynasties.

Gunadala Mary Matha shrine
An annual feast is held every year to commemorate the appearance of Mother Mary at Lourdes on February 11, 1858. A church and a museum of valuable articles offered by the devotees and sacred relics of the past are present. An iron cross is erected atop the hill.

Hazratbal Mosque
A holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed is kept here and displayed once a year. A large number of Muslims join in the celebrations.

Hinkar Thirtha (Jain Temple), Mangalagiri
Definitely a must see, this Jain temple is the biggest in this region with an architecture that will mesmerize you.

Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam is surronded by ancient Buddist sites, most of which have been excavated recently . The imprint of Buddhist legacy is so strong here that the interest of archeologists in this area is growing by the day.

Thotlakonda:
The Buddhist Complex on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta, locally known as Thotlakonda lies about 16Kms from Visakhapatnam on Vizag Bheemili beach road. It is picturesquely located on the hilltop at about 128mts. high above the MSL. The existence of Buddhist site at Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy. After its discovery, the Government of A.P has declared the site measuring an area of 120 acres on the summit as protected monument during 1978.

The excavations that lasted from 1988 to 1992 have exposed structural remains. These remains are classified as A) Religious, B) Secular and C) Civil. These structures include the Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. The complex comprises of several structural components such as a Mahastupa, 16 votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well paved stone path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas , two votive platforms, 10 viharas consisted of 72 cells, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dinning hall) etc. Associated with the above structures were unearthed several inscribed chatra pieces with early Brahmi letters, nine Satavahana and five roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, Buddha padas depicted with asthamangal symbols, early historic pottery etc.

Bavikonda:
Bavikonda, an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15kms., northeast from Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40 acres flat terraced area. Bavikonda in Telugu means a hill of wells. A Hinayana school of Buddhism was practiced here. Bavikonda Monastery flourished between 3rd Century B.C., and 3rd Century A.D., The discovery of relic caskets in Mahachaitya is significant. Bavikonda has remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures belonging to three phases. A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the mortal remains of the Buddha. It also contains large quantity of ash, charcoal, and earthenware. Three abandoned water tanks were also have been found on this hillock.

Sankaram:
A Britisher Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site in 1907. Located 40 km from South of Vizag, locally it is known as Bojjannakonda. The three phases of Buddhism viz. Hinayana, Mahayana & Vajrayana flourished here. This complex is famous for its numerous Monolithic Votive Stupas, Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. Excavations yielded several historic potteries, Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D. several clay tablets bearing figures of Buddha etc.

Bojjannakonda, the Eastern one bears richer architecture of the two hills. It presents a picturesque appearance with its Main Stupa on the hilltop and dominating myriads of stupas, mostly rock-cut and rarely brick-built, one above the other. Almost every outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Similarly at Lingalakonda, there are innumerable rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Other Attractions are a Maha stupa nearby which yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture is a must see for any tourist.

Pavuralakonda:
Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at about 24 km from Vizag. The Buddhist setllement found here is estimated to have witnessed human habitation between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. Sixteen rock cut cisterns for impounding rain water are found on the hillock, which offer a panoramic view of the coastline.

Gopalapatnam:
Gopalapatnam, situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also excavated from these sites.

Hyderabad
Mecca Masjid:
A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Birla Mandir:
This white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.

Medak Church:
The Medak church, the single largest diocese in Asia and second largest in the world after the Vatican, is a priceless heritage. The main tower of the cathedral is 173 feet high and the structure is believed to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in India.

This famous Cathedral was built with love and crafted to perfection. As the legend goes this church was born out of a famine that struck Medak during world War I. Reverend Charles Walker Posnett was posted as Reverend at Medak during that time. Moved by the plight of the people due to the unprecedented famine that lasted for three years, he proposed to build a great church at Medak in the year 1914. It took ten continuous years to complete this beautiful piece of architecture. With its massive dimensions the church can accommodate as many as 5000 people at a time.

The main tower of the cathedral is 173 feet high and the structure is believed to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in India.

Kurnool
Srisailam Temple:
The ancient and sacred temple of Srisailam is of great historical and religious significance. Situated on the south bank of the river Krishna, in the Nallamalai forest, on a 457 meter high hill is the Bhramaramba Mallikharjunaswamy temple, one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in the country. One of the state's three famous Linga Kshetrams (Draksharamam and Nagarjunamo are the other two), it is also known as "Sri Mallikharjunam" and "Sri Parvatham". The temple is also the seat of Mahakali in the form of Bhramaramba.The most appealing feature of this temple is that any one of any cast or creed can touch the deity and worship here.

Puttaparthi
Prasanthi Nilayam
The Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram was established 40 years ago to provide a platform for the countless Sai Baba's devotees in India and abroad, to gather and share their woes and happiness and take lessons on life from the learned Sri Sathya Sai Baba who himself claimed at a tender age of 14 that he was Sai Baba reincarnated.
The ashram sees frequent celebrity devotees visiting the ashram to relax in the peace of Puttaparthi's scenic surroundings. The huge donations received by the Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the Ashram's name are channeled into various philanthropic institutions, to built Puttaparthi into a self-sufficient township.