The melting pot of religion, culture, and multiplicities – India makes one of the richest travel destination for enthusiasts from all over the world. The vibrance and profound heritage of this land of wonder and colours can be found in full bloom in North India, providing one with innumerable reasons to visit it. Whether you ride solo or are on that family getaway, these places in North India make for the some of the best tourist destinations in the world.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most alluring destinations for people bitten by the travel bug! So pack your bags, and let us walk you through the rest.

1. The daunting capital city of Delhi

An amalgamation of the imprints left by colonial rulers and the seat from which democracy in India actually began – Delhi is an absolute stunner, both for its historical charm and the power it invigorates. Housing the largest and one of the best airports in the world, Delhi is going to be the first stop in North India for travellers if you’re visiting India from another country. The capital city is irrefutably, the number one travel spot for both travellers from all around the globe and people homebound.

Delighting you with chiselled Mughal forts, monuments, and mosques, Delhi won’t leave you detached from the history it built itself on. Famous for its street food, the nooks and crannies of Old Delhi will leave your desire for North Indian cuisine satiated and eternal. From the formidable Red Fort to the quaint Jama Masjid, there’s no city quite as magical as Delhi.

2. A glistening beauty- Udaipur, Rajasthan

Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, Udaipur is a city in Rajasthan famous for its iconic artificial lakes and monumental palaces. Home to the Royal Mewar family and adding on to the unparalleled allure of lake Pichola, the City Palace is magnificent complex famous for its peacock mosaics, that comprises of 11 palaces, many courtyards and lush gardens. Famously known as the ‘Venice of the east,’ Udai is one of the most sought after travel destination for tourists trying to explore the beauty of North India. Don’t forget to calm those sore eyes with the blinding light of glimmering lakes and the exquisite Mughar-style palaces that surround them.

3. The pink hue of Jaipur, Rajasthan

A former princely state, the Pink City of Rajasthan has a lot to offer to its tourists travelling to North India. Colossal monuments left behind by the Rajputs shine in the glorious light of culture. The first planned city of India, Jaipur is exalted for its jewelry (especially the Kundan style), camel and other leather items, and handicrafts. Amongst the top destinations on the traveller’s list, Jaipur continues to be something that tourists are in absolute awe of. The timekeeper of the yesteryears Jantar-Mantar, the 16th century hilltop Amer Fort and the all-powerful ‘Palace of the Winds’ Hawa Mahal, the capital city of Rajasthan happens to be the most vivid that the state has to pride itself in.

4. The Golden City – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The Golden City established right in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is home to local art and folklore. Highlighted by the sandstone structures that run through the city and bring it to life, Jaisalmer is one of the most peaceful destinations for the inquisitive traveler trying to maneuver through the beds of North India. A former princely state also popular as a trading centre in the medieval age, Jaisalmer greets its visitors with majestic forts and palaces, ornamented temples, folklore museums and royal cenotaphs. Jaisalmer Fort, that remains as one of the most visited highlights of the city stands tall as an unshakeable hilltop citadel supported by 99 bastions. Once you enter the massive fort complex, you’ll be astounded by the beauty of the Maharaja’s Palace that rests surrounded by Jain temples.

Rest assured, you’re going to lose a little bit of yourself to the spirit of North India once you visit Jaisalmer, only to be adorned with gold, never to be rusted!

5. Magic of the Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

Commissioned in 1632 by the worshipped Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to give a bed to rest on to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is the most beautiful tomb to exists in the history to civilization – and within its walls, the secrets of the greatest love story ever told. The ivory-made, white marble mausoleum banks the mighty river Yamuna in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Revered as one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is graced with perfection and mystique that has the visitor captivated by its charm. The Taj’s splendor attracts tourists, historians, and artists from all over the world only to be left mesmerized by its perfection and patience that reflects with every cut in the marble. Renowned as the best example of Mughal art and history, tinted with the colours and tastes of Persia, it was declared a world heritage UNESCO site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. Be united with the spirits of love and the relics of their tale as you visit Taj Mahal to truly experience the eternality of North India.

6. The land of faith – Amritsar, Punjab

One isn’t a tourist following their heart if one doesn’t reach the sacred beauty that Amritsar is. One of the most historically important cities of India, Amritsar is a remainder of the freedom struggle that comes with an ache so profound. Infamously remembered for the massacre, the Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial serving in endless gratitude to all the imperishable souls that were lost to the dominance of the English. Bordering Pakistan, Amritsar hides the tale of India’s scars that it bore during partition and polishes it with a shining light, reminding the country of the difference of a thin line that is marked in respect and oneness. Surrounded by the bimmering and sacred Akal Takht that is the most worshipped site for pilgrims basks the Golden Temple in all its glory. The holiest Gurdwara in Sikh pilgrimage, Sri Harmandir Sahib was brought to life by Guru Ram Das in 1577.
If you’re traveling all the way to North India to drench yourself into the soils of Punjab, you’ll be swooning all over the delicious street food that Amritsar city has to offer!

7. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is probably one of the easily forgotten spots in North india. This dwelling is blessed with enchanting beauty, a certain tranquility of its ambiance and the serenity and sacredness of its culture. This hill station was one of the most favourite summer destinations of the ruling Britishers and this is truly reflected in the majestic Victorian style mansions in this region. It’s a haven for nature lovers and it’s dense forest and freshwater spots are a must visit. Come winters and this scenic beauty with its white-capped peaks start calling out to the snow-loving tourists. Among them the most famous are Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, and the Daikund peak. Dalhousie has a lot to offer. This station in Himachal Pradesh has a galore of adventure sports like trekking, paragliding and if the weather permits, many water sports. It also hosts the Dham Food festival, which is a sight for rumbling stomachs- mutton preparation, spicy lotus stems and aloo palda are its biggest features. Do not forget to add a day to your trip by visiting the Chamba valley, an hour’s drive from Dalhousie.

Also, visit Khajjiar, officially proclaimed the mini-Switzerland of India. At an altitude of 6450 ft, this saucer-shaped green meadow, ringed by Devadar Trees has a lake in the middle complete with floating island.

8. The valleys of Manali, Himachal Pradesh

The valley of Manali rests in the laps of the great Himalayan range in Himachal Pradesh. Located towards the northern end of the freezing Kullu Valley, it is soaring at an altitude of 6726 ft with the spectral Beas River running through in the Beas River Valley. It’s an absolutely breathtaking site that has tourists from the country and abroad running towards the mountains every summer! Snow-clad mountains in the everlasting beauty of the lush green valleys that add the tint of vibrancy to the state, you aren’t truly visiting North India if your duffel bags don’t reach Manali. Another popular destination Lahaul and Spiti, which is a wonder of nature, can be reached by passing through the city of Manali. During your stay in the small town, you’ll meet the kind people who have witnessed the beginning of one of the most ancient routes in India – the trade route to Ladakh. Solang Valley and Bhrigu Lake will cast such an impression that Manali’s vitality will add colour to your metro shades of grey.

9. Mussoorie, Uttrakhand

Famous for its waterfalls and art museums, Mussoorie is the most adored getaway hill-station for all cityfolks! Tourists love visiting Mussoorie to experience the pleasant winds of North India in the months of summer. Located in Dehradun district, the capital city of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie works best for an affordable short trip that one needs to soothe overworked nerves.

10. The Land of High Passes: Leh and Ladakh

Leh and Ladakh is the most beautiful offering that north India could make to its loving tourists. Farthest away from the chaos of modernization, Leh and Ladakh ad perfectly hidden in Jammu and Kashmir by its peaceful inhabitants of the Tibetan and indo-Aryan descent. Known for its sparse population, rich flora and fauna, beautiful valleys, mountain passes and monasteries, Ladakh is a site for one who is in search for their soul’s calling. If going back to your roots of joy and pure experience is what you’re looking for, we highly recommend you to visit Leh and Ladakh to confront the North India that is unexploited by the throes of modernity.