Top 5 Tourist Spots in India and How to Plan Your Visit

India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture, offers countless destinations for tourists. Among the many must-visit places, five iconic locations stand out for their historical significance and breathtaking beauty. In this blog, we will explore the top 5 tourist spots in India and guide you on how to visit these magnificent places, where to stay, the best time to visit, and how to book hotels and plan your trip.

1. Taj Mahal, Agra

Why Visit: The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a symbol of love and an architectural masterpiece. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the marble mausoleum attracts millions of visitors every year.

• How to Reach: Agra is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, about 13 km from the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a train from Delhi, Jaipur, or other major cities. By road, Agra is about a 4-hour drive from Delhi.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is ideal when the weather is pleasant. Avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June), as it can be extremely hot.
• Where to Stay: Agra offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like The Oberoi Amar-Vilas and ITC Mughal to budget hotels and guesthouses. Many of these hotels are located near the Taj Mahal, offering stunning views.
• Booking Accommodation: You can book hotels through online platforms like Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, and Airbnb. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Tips for Visiting: Try to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the Taj in beautiful soft light.

2. Red Fort, Delhi

Why Visit: The Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a symbol of India’s sovereignty and a significant part of its history. Built in the mid-17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, this red sandstone fortress is a prime example of Mughal architecture.

• How to Reach: Delhi is the capital city and has excellent air, rail, and road connectivity. The Red Fort is located in Old Delhi and can be easily accessed via Delhi Metro (Chandni Chowk or Lal Qila Metro Station), taxis, or auto-rickshaws.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time, as the weather is cooler. Summers in Delhi can be unbearably hot.
• Where to Stay: You can choose from luxury hotels like The Leela Palace and Taj Mahal Hotel or affordable options like Ginger or Bloom rooms. Staying in central areas like Connaught Place or Karol Bagh will provide easy access to other tourist attractions.
• Booking Accommodation: Use websites like Agoda, MakeMyTrip, or Clear trip to find the best deals on hotels. Delhi has plenty of options for every budget.
• Tips for Visiting: Plan to visit early in the day to avoid crowds. After the Red Fort, explore nearby attractions like Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.

3. Golden Temple, Amritsar

Why Visit: The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest Sikh shrine and a symbol of equality and spirituality. The temple, with its striking golden façade and serene atmosphere, is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, a sacred pool.

• How to Reach: Amritsar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, about 11 km from the city centre. Amritsar Junction railway station has direct trains from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March is the best time, as the weather is pleasant. Summers are hot, and winters can be quite cold.
• Where to Stay: There are several hotels near the Golden Temple, from budget-friendly accommodations to luxury hotels like Taj Swarna. Many visitors also stay at the temple’s free accommodations (Sarais) provided for pilgrims.
• Booking Accommodation: Online platforms such as OYO Rooms, Goibibo, and TripAdvisor offer various hotel options in Amritsar. Booking in advance is advised, especially during religious festivals.
• Tips for Visiting: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to experience the Golden Temple at its most peaceful. Don’t miss the free Langar (community kitchen) offered at the temple.

4. Amer Fort, Jaipur

Why Visit: The Amer Fort, located on a hilltop overlooking the Maota Lake, is one of the most majestic forts in India. Known for its intricate architecture and stunning views, it is a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal styles.

• How to Reach: Jaipur is well-connected by air, road, and rail. Jaipur International Airport is about 12 km from the city centre. Amer Fort is located 11 km from the city and can be reached by taxis or auto-rickshaws.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is ideal for visiting Jaipur when the weather is cooler. Summers in Rajasthan can be scorching.
• Where to Stay: Jaipur offers a wide range of accommodations, including luxurious hotels like Rambagh Palace and affordable stays in heritage havelis. Staying near the old city will give you easy access to Amer Fort and other attractions.
• Booking Accommodation: Websites like MakeMyTrip, Agoda, and Booking.com offer many options in Jaipur. Heritage hotels are a popular choice for tourists.
• Tips for Visiting: Amer Fort can get crowded, so plan to visit early in the morning. Don’t forget to explore the nearby attractions like Jal Mahal and Jaigarh Fort.

5. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Why Visit: The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is an iconic structure in Jaipur. This five-story palace, with its lattice windows, was built so that the royal women could observe street festivals without being seen.

• How to Reach: Jaipur is well-connected, and the Hawa Mahal is centrally located in the heart of the city. You can easily reach it by taxis, auto-rickshaws, or even by walking if staying nearby.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is from October to March, like other tourist spots in Rajasthan.
• Where to Stay: Choose from high-end options like The Oberoi Raj-villas or budget-friendly hotels near the Pink City area. Staying close to the Hawa Mahal allows easy access to other attractions like Jantar Mantar and City Palace.
• Booking Accommodation: Platforms like Expedia, Yatra, and OYO Rooms offer hotel bookings in Jaipur with options for all budgets.
• Tips for Visiting: Plan to visit in the morning to see how the sunlight filters through the windows, creating a beautiful play of light and shadows.

Conclusion

These top 5 tourist spots in India—Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Golden Temple, Amer Fort, and Hawa Mahal—offer a glimpse into India’s rich history and architectural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, these sites are must-see. Make sure to plan your trip in advance, choose accommodations based on your budget, and visit during the best seasons to fully enjoy your experience. With convenient options to book hotels online and easy access to transportation, visiting these iconic tourist spots in India is a breeze!