Top 10 Best Places To Visit In North India

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There is a vast array of places to visit in North India that you should explore at least once in your lifetime! From the cold desert of Ladakh, and the beautiful lakes of Nainital, to the iconic historical landmarks of Delhi, there are so many beautiful places in North India you’re bound to fall in love with!

Agra, Shimla, Jaipur, Srinagar, Leh, Varanasi, and Rishikesh are just some of the North India tourist places that you can visit. The list is endless!

But if you want to start your journey with the “top 10” of the lot, take a look at our recommendations below!

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Top 10 best places to visit in North India

From the laidback forts of Rajasthan to the adventure-packed hills of Himachal, North India travel has options for all!

Take your pick!

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra is among the most popular places to visit in India for both Indian and foreign travelers.

The home of the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra is world-famous for its distinct culture, food, markets, and the several ghats on the banks of the Yamuna river.

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It’s easily accessible from Delhi via the well-maintained Taj Expressway and is a great place to explore for photographers and history lovers.

Best time to visit: November to February
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri
Activities: Heritage walks, photography, shopping, local cuisine
Nearest airport: Delhi
Nearest railway station: Agra

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

If you want a real taste of Rajasthani royalty, ditch Jaipur and visit Udaipur instead!

The City of Lakes in Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful places in North India with rich Rajasthani culture, stunning architecture, ancient monuments, scenic lakes, bustling markets, and gorgeous sunsets.

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You can visit the City Palace, go boating in Lake Pichola, buy handicrafts, explore the many forts and palaces, head to the hills for panoramic views of the city, attend morning aarti at Jag Mandir, and relish some delicious ‘dal baati churma’!

Best time to visit: October to March
Attractions: Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Gangaur Ghat, Sajjangarh Palace, Bagore ki Haveli
Activities: Boating, shopping, local cuisine, temple visits, light and sound show, heritage walks
Nearest airport: Udaipur
Nearest railway station: Udaipur

3. Varanasi

Varanasi is more than just a pilgrimage site. This city on the banks of the Ganga is a spiritual hub frequented by people from near and far in search of inner peace and enlightenment!

It is one of the most photogenic and peaceful places to visit in North India with its artsy lanes, ancient temples, scenic ghats, and the mind-blowing evening aarti that lights up every corner of the city at night!

Varanasi is also famous for its amazing street food, cafes, backpacker hostels, and museums that showcase the history and heritage of this spiritual city using state-of-the-art technology and virtual reality.

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Best time to visit: November to March
Attractions: Ganga ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Chaukhandi Stupa, Virtual Experiential Museum
Activities: Evening aarti, boating, cafe hopping, ghat hopping, hot air balloon rides, shopping, street food
Nearest airport: Varanasi
Nearest railway station: Varanasi

4. Shimla

The Queen of the Hills in the north attracts travelers from around the country with its pleasing cool weather, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, restaurants, cafes, and the lively Mall Road.

In addition to being a major tourist destination in itself, it serves as the gateway to many remote and beautiful hill stations around where people can enjoy peace and tranquility.

With blissful views, youth-centered cafes and clubs, shopping arenas, the Himalayan Mountain Railway, as well as adventure activities like skiing, trekking, paragliding, and river rafting, Shimla is among the most frequented North India tourist places.

Best time to visit: March to June; December and January for snow
Attractions: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Christ Church, Chadwick Falls, Jakhoo Hill
Activities: Cafe hopping, trekking, camping, shopping, skiing, toy train rides, river rafting, paragliding
Nearest airport: Shimla
Nearest railway station: Shimla

5. Rishikesh

Haridwar is yet another highly revered spiritual destination in North India. Other than its temples and lit Ganga aartis, it’s also known for its expansive yoga retreats set in tranquil locations.

This hill station in Uttarakhand is also a great destination for adventure tourism where you can indulge in activities like river rafting, trekking, bungee jumping, and more.

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Its serene and scenic landscapes have also started attracting photographers here in large numbers.

Best time to visit: March to June
Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Ganga Aarti, Har ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Triveni Ghat, The Beatles Ashram, Rajaji National Park
Activities: Trekking, riverside camping, river rafting, bungee jumping, ziplining, paragliding, boating
Nearest airport: Dehradun
Nearest railway station: Haridwar

6. Leh Ladakh

North India tourism isn’t complete without a mention of the most breathtaking destination in it! With the most bizarre natural beauty in perhaps all of Asia, Ladakh is one of the most unique places to visit in North India.

Leh and other areas in Ladakh are known for their unique terrain, otherworldly landscapes, cold deserts, barren mountains, colorful monasteries, friendly locals, distinct cuisine, and a vivid culture that shares its roots with Tibetan and Himachali heritage.

Its peculiar natural beauty and distinct topography have made this destination a favorite of photographers, filmmakers, and travel giants like Lonely Planet and National Geographic!

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Whether it’s the cold mountain desert of Nubra Valley, the azure blue lake of Pangong Tso, or the fairytale beauty of Key Monastery, every bit of Ladakh’s landscape will transport you to another world altogether!

Best time to visit: March to June
Attractions: Key Monastery, Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung-La, Zanskar River, 3 Idiots School, Magnetic Hill
Activities: Biking, driving, river rafting, camel safari, yak safari, skiing, trekking, photography, frozen river treks, paragliding, snow-sledding
Nearest airport: Leh
Nearest railway station: Jammu

7. Lucknow

The City of Nawabs is an unmissable part of any North India tour plan!

Royalty, luxury, delicious Awadhi cuisine, and the super polite locals are just a few chief aspects that bring the world to this charming city in UP.

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This multicultural hub beckons wanderers with its stunning gardens (or ‘bagh’), soulful music, ancient Mughal architecture, and lip-smacking culinary delights like ‘biryani’ and ‘galouti kebab’!

Best time to visit: October to March
Attractions: Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, The Residency, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial, Gomti Riverfront, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park
Activities: Shopping, sightseeing, local cuisine, heritage walks
Nearest airport: Lucknow
Nearest railway station: Lucknow

8. Nainital

Nainital is a lovely destination in Uttarakhand characterized by lofty mountain peaks surrounding a mesmerizing lake!

Dotted with colonial architecture, colorful Tibetan markets, and dreamy shikaras lining up the shores of Naini Lake, Nainital is a rich tapestry of culture, history, and beauty!

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It’s one of the 10 best places to visit in North India where travelers can shop for traditional woolen wear, go boating on a sunlit lake, walk around Mall Road, sit by the banks of the lake, or indulge in trekking and jungle camping.

Best time to visit: March to June
Attractions: Naini Lake, Naina Peak, Nainital Zoo, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Raj Bhavan, Naina Devi Temple
Activities: Trekking, camping, shopping, boating, Tibetan cuisine, nature walks
Nearest airport: Pantnagar
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam

9. Amritsar

This fascinating city in Punjab is renowned for its patriotic significance and solemn colonial history!

From the revered Golden Temple to the cheerful people and the delectable Punjabi cuisine, there’s a lot to explore in Amritsar!

Among others, paying respect to the hauntingly beautiful Jallianwallah Bagh and watching the fierce Changing of the Guard at Wagah Border are two of the most enlightening experiences this city offers!

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Golden Temple, which tends to delight travelers, especially patriots. This destination is definitely one of the best North India tourist places that travelers must visit.

Best time to visit: Year-round
Attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Gobindgarh Fort, Sri Durgiana Temple, Partition Museum, Hall Bazaar
Activities: Watching the Changing of the Guard at the Wagah Border, shopping, local cuisine, sightseeing
Nearest airport: Amritsar
Nearest railway station: Amritsar

10. Delhi

One of the best places to visit in India, the capital city has much more to offer than just expansive shopping malls, world-class restaurants, and political buildings.

This busy commercial hub is filled with numerous heritage sites, historical monuments, cool cafes, scores of bustling markets, several gardens, and a street food scene that brings foodies here from all corners of the country!

From the colorful lights of Qutub Minar, the delicious aroma of Chandni Chowk’s Parathe Wali Gali, to the busy streets of Sarojini Market, there is something here for everyone!

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Best time to visit: February to April
Attractions: Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Chandni Chowk, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Garden, Humayun’s Tomb
Activities: Sightseeing, heritage walks, food walks, shopping, nightlife
Nearest airport: Delhi
Nearest railway station: Delhi

Whether you’re a family traveling with kids, a newlywed couple, or an adventure-seeker, these diverse places to visit in India will surely appeal to all! Have you decided which place you’ll visit first?