There is something mysteriously attractive about North India. Start exploring and you'll experience a number of offbeat destinations that are just perfect to bring thrill into your life. Starting from the serene beauty of Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand and magnificent architectural grandeur of Rajasthan to stunning Himalayan paradise North India has ample of soul soothing and ultimate abode to offer. In the previous blog, we have shared with you the best places to visit in South India, in this blog, we gonna list down the top places to visit in North India. Take a journey through the places in North India which deserve to be a part of your itinerary if you are planning a trip to discover North India.
1. Agra — Historic Destination of India
Yes! We all know the Taj Mahal - Symbol of Love, which is undoubtedly magnificent especially when it changes its light at dawn and dusk is what Agra claim to fame but there’s a lot more to see in Agra than just the Taj Mahal. You can explore the chronological beauty of Mughal Empire such as Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Moti Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, and Tomb of Akbar the Great. With so many monuments to explore, Agra is one of the historical place and one of the best places to visit in North India. Your journey is incomplete, without exploring Agra.
Places to visit: Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Moti Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Jama Mosque
Things to do: Visit Taj Mahal, Shopping at Kinari Bazaar, Eat Mughlai Cuisine, Visit Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra, Bird Watching and Chambal River Safari
2. Udaipur — Palace Destination in India
Udaipur is as opulent and romantic setting as you’ve seen in the old Indian paintings and period films. The royalty of Udaipur oozes out of its architecture and people, as they religiously follow the commandment of "Atithi Devo Bhava". If you have got the love for culture, then Udaipur is probably the best place that you need to explore.
Places to visit: Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Ahar Cenotaphs
Things to do: Take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, Indulge in nature photography at Saheliyo Ki Bari Garden, Explore the classic Bagore-ki-Haveli, Ride the ropeway for bewitching aerial views of the City of Lakes, Get a whiff of Rajasthani cuisine with ‘Laal Maas’, Do traditional shopping at Hathi Pol Bazaar, Witness the classical beauties that ruled the road in the decades gone by, Stay at the iconic Taj Lake Palace
Quality Read: Soothe Your Soul at These Summer Destinations In India
3. Uttarakhand — Valley of Flowers
Situated in the Himalayan valley of the Chamoli district in Uttrakhand, Valley of Flower is a living landscape that is filled with exotic flowers and lush greenery that will seduce you and leave you spellbound. Trek along its wonderful trails while you gaze on the beauty of the wild alpine flowers.
Places to visit: Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nainital Lake, Tungnath, Badrinath Temple
Things to do: Kuari Pass Trekking, Mountain Biking in the Himalayas, Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh, Giant Swing in Rishikesh, Flying Fox, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Biagini Glacier Trek, Multi Sports Activity Trip in Sursingdhar and Jayalgarh
4. Almora — The Untouched Beauty of India
Quote by Swami Vivekananda for Almora - "These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of the centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope someone to realize it." - Credit – Wikipedia. A lesser-known offbeat place in the crown of the Uttarakhand, Almora is one of those places which boasts of agreeable climate throughout the year. Observe the beautiful green patches and the divine beauty of ancient temples, feel at home with the local people and let your camera stretch its legs. All this and more. Enjoy!
Places to visit: Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Bright End Corner, Mrig Vihar Zoo, Karbala Graveyard Stone of Swami Vivekananda
Things to do: Visit Nanda Devi Fair, Try some local cuisines and desserts, Interact with the local tribal people
Suggested Read: 10 Female Friendly Places in India for Solo Women Travellers
5. Rishikesh — A Charming Himalayan Footfall
Rishikesh is one absurd blend of yogis, sanyasis, pilgrims, travelers, hippies, adventure sports enthusiasts and more. Situated in the foothills of India and popularly called the 'Yoga Capital of the World', Rishikesh is the place where the holy River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga converge. Visit the Yoga and Meditation centers around Rishikesh to enrich yourself spiritually and indulge in the unparalleled adrenaline-pumping sport of white water rafting and bungee jumping to reaffirm your faith in life.
Places to visit: Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan, Beatles Ashram, Ganga Beach, Marine Drive, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram
Things to do: River rafting- The most popular thing to do in Rishikesh, Bungee Jumping, Camping and Bonfire, Mountain biking, Flying Fox, Cliff Jumping, Body Surfing, Trekking, Rappelling and rock climbing, Kayaking, Ayurvedic Massage and therapies
6. Kasol – A Soulful Holiday in the Lap of Himachal Pradesh
It may have become a bit of a cliche but there is a reason Kasol is so famous. It is the best place in India to just chill and do nothing. With its sleepy restaurants and cafes and hoards of Israeli tourists, Kasol makes for one of the best places to visit in North India and a perfect holiday destination away from the urban madness. It is the ideal summer getaway as the weather here is always pleasant. You can also explore nearby gems of the Parvati valley like Tosh, Manikaran, and Kheerganga.
Places to visit: Malana Village, Kheer Ganga Peak, Parvati River, Tirthan Valley, Pulga Village, Manali, Kullu
Things to do: Trekking and Rock Climbing, River Rafting
Further Read: 10 Gorgeous Unexplored Places In South India
7. Manali — The Jack of Holiday and the Queen of Summers
No list is complete without the very pristine valley of Manali. Resting amidst two Himalayan Ranges and witness to the gushing streams, Manali is the most popular and favorite summer escape among adventurers as well as honeymooners. Hosts of temples, springs, and adventures like paragliding, zorbing, trekking, and rafting lure the tourists to spend a memorable summer holiday here.
Places to visit: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Bhrigu Lake, Great Himalayan National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Van Vihar
Things to do: Don’t leave Manali without planning an excursion to Rohtang Pass, the unmatchable paradise covered with snow and offering breathtaking grandeur of nature
8. Dharamshala — Fun-filled and Awe-aspiring
Internationally known as the home of Dalai Lama of Tibet, Dharamshala is another great places to visit in north India and ideal for those who seek to spend summer among the picturesque hills and lush greeneries. Its temples and monasteries make it stand out among the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Places to visit: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, and tea plantations of Kangra valley
Things to do: Meditation & stay in Namgyal Monastery, boat ride in Dal Lake, and walks through the tea plantations
Worth Reading: Hear The Hills Calling At this Unexplored Paradise on Earth
9. Lahaul And Spiti — Picturesque Destination of India
This Himalayan desert is better known for its enchanting mountains, breathtaking views, fascinating fairy-tales and is home to some of the warmest people in the country. As an added advantage, this place is extremely safe because of its attractive and safe lodging facilities, which indeed is one of the most important aspects for any travelers.
Places to visit: Rohtang Pass, Leh–Manali Highway, Spiti Valley, Bara-lacha la, Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Rahala Waterfalls
Things to do: Walk through the Nako Village, Wander Around the Mummy Village, Spend a night at Tabo Monastery, Meditate in the monastery, Gazing stars at night, Take some selfies at Komik, Do some traditional shopping at Kaza
10. Ladakh — A Thrilling Holiday Destination
This is a whole separate part of the country, in terms of culture, administration, as well as terrain. Be ready to develop an unbreakable bond with this stupendous place. A cold barren desert where you can Hear the hills calling. Ladakh unveils its alluring facets as you decide to delve deeper. A perfect holiday destination that provides an escape from the heat. From contrasting landscapes of white sand dunes and green valleys to high mountain passes and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, Shanti Stupa to Khardung-La (highest motor-able pass in the world), azure lakes to river valleys Ladakh has many stupendous marvels to offers.
Places to visit: Chumathang, Old Monasteries, Cold Deserts and Moon Lands, Magnetic Hills, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Khardung-La
Things to do: Shower in natural hot water springs, Ride through the China Border, Watch the sunrise by the lake, Camp in the mountains, See the majestic Himalayas reflected in crystal clear lakes, Meditate in an open monastery
Also Read: 8 Travel Bloggers In India
11. Kashmir — The Valley of Fun and Adventure
Kashmir, the summer capital, is best among the places to visit in India. Get ready to explore the world-famous Dal Lake and Tulip Garden of Srinagar. Ride the popular and thrilling Gondola in Gulmarg or trek to one of the alpine lakes in the upper Himalayan reaches, explore floating gardens, pristine Valleys and serene beauty where nature’s very special crafts await your presence.
Places to visit: Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill
Things to do: Shikara rides in Dal Lake, bird watching at Hokersar, wildlife seeing at Dachigam National Park, and shopping from the floating markets of vegetables & flowers in Dal Lake
Apart from these places, there are various beautiful places to explore in North India like Nainital, Banaras, Kausani, Amritsar, Jaisalmer, Chandigarh, Gulmarg, Mcleodganj, and so on. So, if you're planning a trip to discover Northern parts of India then It might help you to prepare your itinerary in terms of Place selections. Centre point should be Delhi as these places are easily accessible from Delhi. So start planning your next trip & keep wandering!