20 Most Visited Destinations In India By Foreigners (2024)

India for various foreign countries is considered to be the world’s most colorful, chaotic, cultural, and spiritual country. The landscape of India spreads over the north in the form of beautifully snow-covered and frozen Himalayas and spreads over the south in the form of lush greenery along with mesmerizing beaches. The land of India includes a vast range of people and cultures, as you would witness various people of great faiths.

There are various mind-blowing destinations to explore and witness like the Himalayas towards the north, beautiful beaches towards the south, the desert area towards the west, and lush greenery towards the east. And, as a foreigner, you could travel and could spend your money as economically as you desire in India. Let’s dive into various places that attract foreigners.

List of the Top 20 Travel Destinations in India For Foreigners:

1. Rishikesh

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Rishikesh is considered the yoga capital of the world and is a magnet for foreigners in India. Foreigners could experience spirituality with its pious ashrams and every type of meditation and yoga class.

Moreover, Rishikesh is an ideal destination for spiritual seekers that could enchant you entirely. You could easily reach Rishikesh by bus, car, or taxi and could enjoy the beauty and calmness of the place.

2. Delhi

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Delhi is the most aristocratic city in India and a huge number of foreigners travel to Delhi to explore its authenticity. Delhi includes great architecture along with strong nobility and the true history of India falls in the same place that catches the attention of every foreigner.

Explore various Mughal monuments as it is a treat for adventure lovers. Ensure to experience various popular monuments of Delhi such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb that come under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Witness every monument that is more beautiful than the previous one.

3. Agra

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Agra is another famous place that a foreign traveler could not miss during India’s itinerary. During the Agra visit don’t miss out on the chance to visit the symbol of love – the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Explore the ivory white marble designed structure and get attracted to it. Experience the rich culture of Agra along with its delicious food and eye-catching monuments.

4. Varanasi

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Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was formerly known as Banaras. For those in India who practice the Hindu religion, it is a hallowed location.

Overwhelming sights, sounds, smells, and colors can occur. Rituals and ceremonies carried out by priests, as well as cremations that take place beside the river, prevent devotees from praying to the Ganges with entire dedication.

5. Jaipur

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Jaipur provides a royal stay and foreigners can enjoy well-preserved architecture such as Amber fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and many others. Experience a rickshaw ride among the lanes of Old City heritage, market routes, and many others, especially for culture lovers.

For a more exciting and unique experience, try out hot air balloon rides and many other activities that you could enjoy. In the evening, visit any bar just for relaxation and experience the nightlife of Jaipur. Explore the rich and glorious past of Rajput culture along with its wildlife safari.

6. Goa

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Goa is considered the fun capital of India and is well-known for its enjoying culture and fun-filled vibes that allow enjoyable moments for foreign tourists. Explore its glistening beaches and magnificently built churches and spend your vacation irrespective of the season. Goa boasts palm trees, sun-kissed beaches, cashew plantations, flea markets, old monuments, and various other exotic places.

Ensure to dance to the vibrant beats of Trance while enjoying the nightlife of Goa and wake up to the most soothing sunrise on soothing beaches. Moreover, taste its delicious cuisine and make your trip more worthwhile.

7. Udaipur

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Udaipur is a photogenic and romantic destination that also includes heritage, grandeur, royalty, and extravagance. A most happening place in India that allows various tourist workshops such as cooking classes, art classes, and many more. Experience various adventurous activities like trekking, boat tours, meditation sessions, yoga classes, and various others that would suit you.

Experience its delicious cuisine, serene lakes, and royal architecture along with various colorful shopping centers. Be it a short trip for almost two days, it would grab your attention and provide you with many glorious things.

8. Jodhpur

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Jodhpur serves as a heritage location that is highly popular among foreigners as the lanes around the majestic Mehrangarh fort truly grab the attention of foreign tourists. Jodhpur cuisine is the best among all other Rajasthani cuisine and foreigners are in love with this cuisine.

If you are a traveling lover, then drive across Jodhpur and experience various hidden beauties as much as possible. Two days are enough to explore this mighty place, usually between the months of October-March, and make memories of its past.

9. Kodaikanal

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Kodaikanal is epitomized as the most beautiful tourist destination for foreigners in India that easily grabs the attention of everyone. You could visit the place throughout the year as it has a cool and pleasant climate all around the year.

However, the best time to visit this exotic place is in March-June. Experience its lush greenery along with its varying types of flora and fauna and peaceful surroundings. An ideal place to visit for couples, youth, and families due to its serene climate, forest, and landscape.

10. Hampi

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Hampi can be a variety of things at once, including a world of desolate ruins, a carnival of carvings, a pilgrim’s delight, a refuge for travelers, a historian’s mystery, an artist’s muse, a sage’s haven, and a writer’s inspiration.

In the Indian state of Karnataka, the charming temple town of Hampi is surrounded by the fascinating historical ruins of Vijayanagara city. The dreamlike landscape of rocks, monoliths, and the remains of ancient structures in Hampi is a treat for travelers with a variety of tourist attractions.

11. Jaisalmer

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Jaisalmer is considered one of the top foreign tourist destinations in India and the major tourist attractions are the Thar desert and Jaisalmer fort. Its Thar desert attracts foreign tourists in huge numbers as it provides camel safari, luxurious desert camp, belly dance, fire dance, and various other exciting things.

Moreover, experience night music performances, puppet shows, and various other things, especially for culture lovers. Explore the place that entirely encapsulates the idea of incredible Indian valor and passion. The best time to visit the beautiful place is in October-March, as during this time the weather remains calm and favorable for sightseeing.

12. Kerala

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International tourists rank Kerala as the most well-liked tourist destination in India, citing beaches, Ayurveda resorts, and spas as the main draws. Kerala serves as God’s own country that owns backwaters, hill stations, hamlets, commercial cities, and much more.

Rich heritage and culture coupled with varying exotic places to visit in Kerala attract a huge number of people from across the world. Moreover, the most suitable time to visit the place is from September-May which would be most suitable for couples and family vacations.

13. Ranthambore

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The safari at Ranthambore National Park is well-known. Since the jeep safari brings them deeper into the jungle and increases the likelihood of seeing tigers, foreign visitors prefer it entirely. The majority of international visitors stay in the wildlife lodges near the park to take advantage of the many special activities.

Moreover, apart from witnessing other mammals and tigers, you could witness beautiful bird watching along with crocodile spotting. Experience the intriguing wilderness along with its natural beauty.

14. Pondicherry

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The lovely Pondicherry, the capital of France in India, lies right next to the sea and has many amazing tourist attractions. Pondicherry, one of the most famous tourist sites in South India, is known for its urban architecture style. Experience the greatest spots to visit in Pondicherry with your friends and family possessing picture-perfect yellow buildings to sunny beaches. Pondicherry is a beautiful city that draws a lot of tourists.

Winter is the ideal time to visit Pondicherry because the weather is beautiful and you can make the most of your trip by visiting the city’s top tourist destinations. You won’t be able to adequately tour the city in the intensely hot summer months of April to June. Make your travel arrangements between October and March to experience the best of everything.

15. Gokarna

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Gokarna is a tiny pilgrimage town in Karnataka that includes a wide stretch of sandy and beautiful beaches that serves as a destination spot for foreigners. Experience its calming beaches where beaches are much cleaner and less crowded.

Witness the old Mahabaleshwar temple that possesses Dravidian architecture style and leaves you captivated. Make sure to visit the beautiful place in October-March, as during these months the weather becomes pleasant and warm.

16. Ladakh

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Biking over the mountain passes is the most well-known activity in Ladakh that tourists adore. Although some people prefer a jeep, most tourists continue to use bikes. Each pass is peppered with various kinds of monasteries, villages, valleys, glaciers, and other features. Foreigners are welcome to stay in monasteries’ dormitories, participate in rites, and attend spiritual retreats.

Ladakh is a well-known destination for both spiritual and adventurous travelers from the East and West. The main Ladakh attractions that draw visitors from abroad include the Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Pangong Lake, Moriri Lake, Kargil, Dras, Diskit Village, and Zanskar Valley. Ladakh offers a variety of trekking routes, camping areas, and other adventure activities in addition to monasteries, mountain passes, and culture.

17. Kasol

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Kasol is the best traveler hangout destination in India that is captivating and provides numerous adventurous activities to foreigners. Kasol is considered a hub for foreigners that allows them to stay calm and relaxed. Kasol is a catchy place that is far from a hectic schedule and from a pressurized world that makes the place more charming.

Kasol is a gorgeous place that vanishes away all your tension and worries and captivates you via hypnotic music along with the beauty of starry nights amidst the hills.

18. Sikkim

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Sikkim offers a wide range of well-known sights and enjoyable activities. However, riding a yak that has been colorfully painted is the first pastime that most tourists favor. Traveling to the region’s monasteries and gompas have long been a popular pastime for foreign tourists. The Rumtek monastery is the main draw that most foreign tourists find impressive.

Foreigners who enjoy adventure often select heart-pounding sports like rapid river rafting, cable car rides, paragliding, riding through a mountain pass on the Silk Road, camping, and trekking. Not to mention, Western visitors’ taste buds are constantly piqued by the vibrant northeast Indian food.

19. Shimla

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One of the rare travel locations that attract visitors of all ages from abroad is Shimla. The vistas, valleys, temples, retail lanes, and other attractions of this hill town are well known. This is one of the best spots to enjoy snow-related activities if you visit during the height of summer.

Visit the water catchment sanctuary, Summer Hill, and the cactus museum in Annandale, among other places, during your summer vacation. The toy train journey is the greatest of all the activities. Shimla is full of adrenaline-pumping activities for adventure seekers, including horseback riding, ice skating, skiing, snow trekking, ropeway rides, hiking, camping, and more.

20. Mumbai

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Foreign visitors tend to stick to well-known landmarks like the Prince of Wales Museum, Elephanta Caves, Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, and Dharavi Slums when it comes to sightseeing. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount attracts a large number of foreign tourists during the September Bandra Fair. Visitors to Prithvi Theater who are interested in culture go there to see plays and shows.

Mumbai has a wide variety of markets where you can go shopping. When shopping, foreign visitors tend to stay with well-known souvenirs while attempting to sample Mumbai’s street food. The majority of visitors find Mumbai’s street cuisine to be fairly hot and spicy.

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20 Most Visited Destinations In India By Foreigners (2024)

FAQs

Which place in India is most visited by foreigners? ›

Delhi. Delhi is the most aristocratic city in India and a huge number of foreigners travel to Delhi to explore its authenticity. Delhi includes great architecture along with strong nobility and the true history of India falls in the same place that catches the attention of every foreigner.

How many foreigners visit in India? ›

India received 6.19 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during 2022 as compare to 1.52 million during the same period of 2021. There were 10.93 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during pre-pandemic year 2019.

Which is the No 1 tourist city in India? ›

1. Delhi. One of the historic spots in India, Delhi is home to some of the spectacular scenes. This the capital city of India and the most visited by tourist as it is the first destination which tourists visit ever.

Which beach is most visited by foreigners in India? ›

Goa is a fan favourite among foreigners who travel to India. The carefree aura of the exquisite beaches and the placid waters offer the tranquility you are seeking.

Why do foreigners prefer to visit India? ›

Indian foods, the various historical and architectural designs and the unique handicrafts and cultural pursuits are the driving forces behind the increased levels of tourism in India.

Who is the first foreigner in India? ›

Megasthenes, ambassador of Seleucus Nikator was the first foreign traveller to India. India has witnessed the visit of great foreign envoys like Al-Masudi, Fa-Hien, Hiuen-Tsang, Marco Polo and Abdul Razak, etc.

Which country attracts most tourists? ›

Most Visited Countries in the World in 2022
  • France – 82.6 million visitors.
  • The United States – 75.6 million visitors.
  • Spain – 75.6 million visitors.
  • China – 59.3 million visitors.
  • Italy – 52.4 million visitors.
  • United Kingdom – 35.8 million visitors.
  • Germany – 35.6 million visitors.
  • Mexico – 35.0 million visitors.

How popular is India for tourists? ›

According to the latest research, India ranks second in the world's most popular countries that people want to visit, beating popular destinations such as Greece and Japan.

Which type of tourism is famous in India? ›

Cultural tourism

The various fairs and festivals that tourists can visit in India are the Pushkar fair (Rajasthan), Taj Mahotsav (Uttar Pradesh), and Suraj Kund mela (Haryana). Sites like Ajanta & Ellora caves (Maharshtra), Mahabalipuram (TamilNadu), Hampi (Karnataka), Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Hawa Mahal (Rajasthan).

Which is the safest city in India? ›

As of 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) claims that Kolkata is the safest city in India. It has less crime rate compared to other metropolitan cities. Which are the safest cities in India for women? Coimbatore, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, etc are some of the safest cities for women.

Which city is most beautiful in India? ›

Here is the list of 20 Most Beautiful Cities In India That You Ought Not To Miss
  • Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - The Paradise on Earth. ...
  • Jaipur, Rajasthan - The Pink City. ...
  • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - The Spiritual Capital of India. ...
  • Kolkata, West Bengal - The city of Joy. ...
  • Shillong, Meghalaya - Scotland of the East.

What is the richest city in India? ›

Mumbai, the wealthiest city in the nation, serves as India's financial centre and is the residence to many of the country's billionaires.

Which is the cleanest beach in India? ›

Minicoy, Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach - both in Lakshadweep - are the proud entrants in the coveted list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world," Yadav tweeted.

Which is Asia cleanest beach in India? ›

The most beautiful blue flag beaches in India

If you're already planning a holiday, here are the names of the cleanest beaches in India: Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Which city has most tourists? ›

Most Visited Cities in The World
  1. Hong Kong, China with 27.880 million tourists per year.
  2. Bangkok, Thailand with 22.453 million tourists per year. ...
  3. London, UK with 19.827 million tourists per year. ...
  4. Singapore, Singapore with 17.618 million tourists per year. ...
  5. Macau, China with 17.337 million tourists per year. ...

Is India a good place for foreigners? ›

It's a relatively safe city and already houses a large expat community so it won't take long to settle in. There are of course plenty of career opportunities and there's a great infrastructure in place.

Is India friendly to tourists? ›

Generally speaking, India can be considered a safe destination for tourists, but there are some things you should be aware of in order to avoid any problems during your journey.

Which Chinese Traveller visited India? ›

Faxien, also spelt as Fa-Hien, was the first Chinese traveller to visit India in the early fifth century. The purpose of his visit was to look for texts sacred to Buddhism.

Which foreigner first attacked India? ›

Aryans are thought to have invaded India for the first time ever. They are a collection of Indo-European nomadic tribes. As the Aryans invaded and settled in the Indus River Valley, the Indus Valley Civilization was flourishing in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

How many foreigners come to India every year? ›

In 2021, seven million international tourists and non-resident Indians arrived in India, down from about 18 million in 2019.

Who is #1 in foreign tourism? ›

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris.

What is the #1 travel destination? ›

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World's Best Places to VisitBest Places to Visit in the USA
1. South Island, New Zealand1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
2. Paris2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
3. Maui, Hawaii3. Yosemite National Park, California
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia4. Maui, Hawaii
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May 24, 2022

What's the least visited country in the world? ›

The Least-Visited Country in the World: Tuvalu

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the remote Pacific island country Tuvalu is the least-visited country globally.

Why do people go to India? ›

There are plenty of reasons to visit India – be it mountains or plains, beaches or backwaters, wildlife tours or adventure activities, secluded islands or bustling metropolitan, culinary delights or local drinks, spiritual holidays or romantic vacations.

In which country India is most famous? ›

Largest Democracy in The World

India is the 7th largest country in the world, measuring a total area of 3.29 mn sq km. According to UN estimates, the country is home to 18 percent of the world's population. India is renowned as the most populous democracy in the world.

Which state in India has best tourism? ›

Uttar Pradesh

The state's prime attraction is the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Begum. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India is home to a large number of historical monuments and religious places.

Why is tourism so popular in India? ›

Preservation of National Heritage and Environment: Tourism helps preserve several places which are of historical importance by declaring them as heritage sites. For instance, the Taj Mahal, the Qutab Minar, Ajanta and Ellora temples, etc.

Which city has worst crime in India? ›

Overall, Delhi has the highest crime rate, and D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu has the lowest crime rate in 2021. Violent crimes are particularly high in Eastern India, Northeast India, National Capital Region (India).

Which city is safe for girl in India? ›

Chennai – Cultural Capital Of India

Chennai has consistently ranked first in the women's safety rating as Tamil Nadu's safest state for females till 2022. With a rich legacy and a well-educated populace, Chennai is also a favourite location for software engineers and higher education hopefuls.

Which is the most pleasant city in India? ›

One of India's most beautiful cities, Varanasi is a wonderful destination. The city is one of the holiest for Hindus across the world, situated by the holy River Ganga, the city is a spiritual wonder where people come to seek blessings.

Which place is very nice in India? ›

Kashmir has often been called the heaven on Earth by poets and rulers alike. Dal Lake, considered as the Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India.

Which city is known as city of Love in India? ›

Uttarakhand
City/townNickname
DehradunIndian City of Love Capital of Uttarakhand School Capital of India
RishikeshAdventure Capital of India Rafting Capital of India Yoga Capital of the World

Where do rich live in India? ›

Delhi – Multicultural Hub Of India

Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the most wealthiest cities in the world with an estimated GDP of $293.6 billion.

What is the poorest city in India? ›

Dharavi is a suburb in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It has often been considered to be one of the world's largest slums. Dharavi has an area of just over 2.39 square kilometres (0.92 sq mi; 590 acres) and a population of about 1,000,000.

Which is the most unaffordable city in India? ›

According to Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living survey, which includes 227 cities from across five continents, Mumbai, positioned at 147 in the global ranking, retains the top spot as India's most expensive city for expats, while Hong Kong topped the global chart.

Why is Rishikesh famous among foreigners? ›

Besides its mythological and spiritual origins, what makes it a wanderlust destination are its adventurous chores. Rishikesh is a mosaic of venturesome activities like hiking, white water rafting, trekking and camping.

What do foreigners like about India? ›

The enthusiasm, colours and traditional attire will be loved by every foreigner who visits India! Indians are very kind and cultural people who treat guests as God! The short conversations can invite you to their homes or for any celebrations in their family!

Where can meet a woman in India? ›

Our editor`s conclusion
RankSiteGet Started
1EasternHoneysVisit Site
2OrchidRomanceVisit Site
3TheLuckyDateVisit Site
4AsianMelodiesVisit Site
1 more row
Dec 31, 2022

How long foreigners stay in India? ›

Long term tourist visa is issued to travel agents who have to visit India frequently. Those on tourist visas will also need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in case they stay continuously in India for more than 180 days.

How many Westerners live in India? ›

According to a White House press release on 26 June 2017, over 700,000 U.S. citizens reside in India.

Where do most of the foreigners stay in Rishikesh? ›

GANGA KINARE By Holy Water Hotels

Ganga Kinare is one of the most well-known and popular hotels among foreigners in Rishikesh that is located 1.5 km from Triveni Ghat and 2 km from Rishikesh railway station.

Where do most foreigners live in Delhi? ›

Chanakyapuri: House to most of the major embassies, high commissions and diplomatic mission since its establishment in 1950s, Chanakyapuri is the most preferred location for the expats and foreigners living in Delhi.

What language is spoken in Rishikesh? ›

Rishikesh
Languages
• OfficialHindi
• NativeGarhwali
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
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How are foreigners treated in India? ›

India has always been famous for treating the tourists wholeheartedly, which why the famous saying goes, “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning a Guest is equivalent to God. Indians are known for their hospitality even when it comes to treating even distant relatives at home.

What problems foreigners face in India? ›

There are a few problems faced by tourists in India which are not having good pollution, lack of safety, and transportation here are a few of the issues that will lead to a bad name. So many foreigners who want to come to India have stopped themselves.

Why do foreigners love Kerala? ›

Natural beauty makes Kerala an apt place to relax,” she added. The serenity of Kerala's tourism destinations gets enhanced by their cultural ambience, making the State especially attractive for foreign tourists, said Alexandra Nazimek, owner of Planet Escape, Poland.

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