North India

Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the highest stone tower in India. The construction of the Qutub Minar was started by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199 and was finished by his successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. This magnificent structure was named after the Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Though the exact purpose of the Qutub Minar is not known but it is believed that it served as a minaret to the adjoining mosque and was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

An enchanting city of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is located at a distance of 178 km from the Pink city, Jaipur. It also lies on the golden triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra, which helps the place attract even more tourists. Bharatpur also has other names such “Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan” and “Lohagarh“.The Bharatpur National Park is extremely famous with wildlife enthusiasts. The Deeg palace is another famous place to visit here.Before planning a trip to this historically and naturally rich region in the desert state of Rajasthan, you should make a list of places to visit in Bharatpur. Missing on any of its attraction might keep you in a state of dilemma. However, some of the splendid Bharatpur attractions that take you back to its past.

The architecture of ancient times is seen at its absolute best at the Chota Imambara in Lucknow. Built by the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838, this place signifies the cultural symbol of Panjetan. Called the holy five, the importance of this symbol also comes across in the structure of this place. It has five main doorways, two halls and a Shehnasheen platform. There is an Azakhana, which is a large green and white bordered hall decorated with beautiful chandeliers and crystal glass lamp-stands. With all these adornments, this place got the name ‘Palace of Lights’ back in the day. These chandeliers were imported all the way from Belgium. The outer walls of the building are covered with beautiful Islamic calligraphy showcasing Quranic verses.

Agra, the land of the Taj Mahal, the monument that has come to eternally symbolize love, is a city of rich historical and architectural heritage which is visited by a large number of tourists every year. Though Taj Mahal is the single largest tourist attraction of this city, Agra also offers fine works of art and craft. The Taj Mahal looms fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It’s India’s most recognized monument and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The monument dates back 1630 and is actually a tomb that contains the body of Mumtaz Mahal — the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He had it built as an ode to his love for her. It’s made out of marble and took 22 years and 20 000 workers to complete. Words cannot do the Taj Mahal justice, its incredible detail simply has to be seen to be appreciated.

Surrounded by green hills, the Gatore Ki Chhatriyan is a complex of temples and tombs in the foothills of the Nahargarh (Tiger) Fort. It was the royal crematorium for the majestic rulers of Rajasthan. The beautiful edifice also has a cenotaph for each of the more famous maharajas cremated there. Engraved with beautiful Rajasthani carvings, the cenotaphs are one of the major attractions of the place. The cenotaphs are shaped like umbrellas (chhatris) and hence the place is called Gatore Ki Chhatriyan.

Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enfold this magical Buddhist ex-kingdom. Picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops amid whitewashed stupas and mani walls. Colourful fluttering prayer flags share their spiritual messages metaphorically with the mountain breeze. Prayer wheels spun clockwise release more merit-making mantras. Gompa interiors are colourfully awash with the murals and statuary of countless bodhisattvas.

Perched on a mountain valley at an elevation of 6,170 feet, Mussoorie is a hill station and municipal board situated in the district of Dehradun of Northern state Uttar Pradesh. The awe-inspiring green hills with blooming diversity of flora and fauna is one of the most charming pictorial tourist spots in India. The place speaks for itself through captivating landscapes that are soothing to the eyes. It is one of those types of places where you do nothing but seek bliss and communion with nature.

One of the chief places to visit in Nagaur, this fort has been the epitome of wars between the rulers of earlier times and thus is a significant attraction to travel around. It was erected around 4^th century by Nagavanshis and later re-established by Ghaznivities especially by 12^th century. It is the abode of copious palaces and many other monuments and is primarily the destination which draws history lovers to Nagaur. There are several mahals situated inside this Nagaur Fort and let time travel into those eras when the kings used to rule this place and the intricate ornamental work is also too luring and fascinating.

Nainital is on the must visit places map of most tourist and is one of the most popular getaways among Indians and international tourists alike. Places near Nainital are a perfect amalgamation of hill stations, trekking spots, and wildlife sanctuaries. Tourist places near Nainital provide a perfect weekend getaway for laid back vacationers or adrenaline fuelled adventurers alike. There are many tourist places near Nainital that showcases the beauty of the place and offer an unforgettable travel experience. Find here the top places to visit near Nainital.

A city known for its vibrant colours, narrow streets bustling with life and to top it all, the city’s historic monuments that boast of its glorious past, chivalry and valour of Rajput kings – welcome to the historic city of ‘Jaipur’. Also known as the ‘Pink City’ owing to its structures built in pink sandstone, the charisma of this cultural city of India continues to lure travellers, history buffs and researchers from different corners of the world. With its array of monuments soaked in the glory of opulence and grandeur of the Rajput rulers, Jaipur offers a spectacular journey in its rich past. Let us uncover some of its best places and attractions on this memorable journey.

Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist hotspots among the young Indian population. Tranquilising beauty, architectural marvels, grand temples and a never ending list of adventure sports — Rishikesh is a platterful of two opposite worlds.

Be it a rejuvenating session of meditation and an over-crowded yet glorious Ganga aarti or an adventurous river rafting – this city has got something for everyone.

Snow covered mountains, breathtaking lakes, pleasant climate, and alluring greenery –Shimla offers everything one can ask for. Popularly known as the queen of hill stations, the city and the places nearby never cease to amaze with their endearing beauty. There is this magic in Shimla’s air that makes everyone fall in love with it. With such wide range of attractions and famous places, Shimla is definitely one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

Udaipur casts its spell and everyone gets mesmerized by it! It wouldn’t be incorrect if we label Udaipur as one of the most romantic places in India. Proffering a perfect mélange of culture, history and traditions, the gorgeous city makes for the perfect honeymoon destination, cultural centre and face of Rajasthan. I believe what gives Udaipur its pretty face is the brilliant architecture and the Mewars should be given the credit for it. These wise rulers literally created an oasis amid the desert, thanks to their love for leisure and passion for creation. There is so much that one can see in Udaipur and most of these attractions have been built and created by the Maharanas.