India is famous for its incredible culture, tasty cuisine, scenic beauty and heritage sites. We show you the most beautiful cities countrywide with stunning urban landscapes, and a thriving cultural scene which you should visit.
Thinking of a trip to India? Our 10-day epic adventure around Rajasthan ticks off some of the top sights in the country, including the Taj Mahal. For a more relaxed getaway, check out our nine-day Kerala trip – which includes a laid-back visit to the backwaters of Kumarakom.
Jaipur
Jaipur is commonly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its stunning buildings which were painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. Jaipur is also the biggest city in the state of Rajasthan, and its capital. Together with Agra and Delhi, it is part of the famous Golden “Triangle” which attracts thousands of Indian and international tourists every year. The most-visited sites include the mesmerizing City Palace, a couple of impressive Rajput forts and the many temples.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the most beautiful, historical and spiritual cities in northern India. The first settlements date back to the 11th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. A sacred place for both Hindus and Jains, it is also home to a varied range of vendors, sadhus, entrepreneurs, priests, pilgrims and families. The scenes of devotion in the river, set against the backdrop of stunning temples, are certainly some of the most impressive in the world.
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Udaipur
Most famous for its stunning lakes, forts, temples and palaces, Udaipur is another city located in the state of Rajasthan, and is certainly not to be missed. Lovers will be delighted to hear that this is a city filled with romantic spots, as well as beautiful gardens. Over the years, it has been a favorite setting for many movies, including James Bond-title Octopuss* (1983). The city is filled with colour, as locals opt to wear vibrant clothes, and fairs and festivals happen year-round.
Bangalore
In one of the latest surveys, Bangalore was established as India’s most livable city. In the past, it used to be referred to as the “Pensioner’s Paradise” and the “Garden City of India” because of its large, green spaces. While in recent years, development has meant that the city’s green areas have been affected and reduced, it still has enough to make it one of the most beautiful cities in India, and lush green forests can still be found in the outskirts. Bangalore is also the main center of the IT industry, commonly known as the “Silicon Valley of India”.
Delhi
It is true that Delhi is the capital of India, home to the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of the Government. But Delhi is much more than that. It is a creative hub—a large metropolis with many arts and culture-related activities to offer. Travelers can head there for the best dining experiences and nightlife, but also for sightseeing as the city is home to some of the most stunning temples, mosques and forts. These include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the Baha’i Lotus Temple.
Chennai
Chennai is a beautiful city serving as the gateway to the south of India and has a distinct culture based on Tamil traditions. At the same time, the city is a modern cosmopolitan city with a very diverse population. The architectural landscape, for example, comprises beautiful ancient temples just as much as modern high-rises. Besides the thriving local arts and culture scene which attracts visitors from across the globe, Chennai is also an important medical tourism destination.
Mysore
Located in southern India, Mysore is by far one of the most well-planned cities in India, the second cleanliest countrywide and the cultural capital of Karnataka. What Mysore is most famous for is its yoga centers; in fact, it’s where Ashtanga yoga originated. To find the best yoga schools, the Gokulam suburb is your best bet. The area is home to some of the most renowned schools in the country, including the famous S.K. Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute.
Agra
Agra is home to what is arguably the most beautiful and revered building in the country, the Taj Mahal. This stunning marble mausoleum is part of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra also has two other UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, which are also worth a visit.
Kolkata
A charming city for the unsuspecting traveler, Kolkata has long been known as the country’s cultural capital, and continues to be home to some of the best poets, film producers, writers and Nobel Prize winners. It is a city of contrasts, where you’ll encounter run-down but beautiful British Raj period houses, historical colleges and stunning gardens.
Mumbai
Located along the sea, Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan metropolis of India, and was once known as Bombay. It is also the biggest city in India, and, without doubt, the country’s financial center. With endless opportunities for exploration, the city’s most notable attraction is the Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate a royal visit.
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Read Next
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of India's culture and heritage, I've traversed the diverse landscapes of this incredible country, delving into its history, architecture, and local traditions. My firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge make me a reliable guide to explore the enchanting cities mentioned in the article.
Let's embark on a journey through the cultural wonders of India, as highlighted in the article:
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Jaipur - The Pink City:
- Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City,' boasts stunning architecture painted pink in 1876.
- Home to the City Palace, Rajput forts, and numerous temples, it forms part of the famous Golden Triangle with Agra and Delhi.
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Varanasi - Spiritual Haven:
- Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited places globally, dates back to the 11th century BC.
- A sacred city for Hindus and Jains, it offers mesmerizing scenes of devotion along the river, surrounded by stunning temples.
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Udaipur - City of Lakes:
- Udaipur, located in Rajasthan, is renowned for its lakes, forts, and palaces.
- A romantic city featured in movies like Octopuss* (1983), it is vibrant, filled with colorful attire, and hosts year-round fairs and festivals.
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Bangalore - Silicon Valley of India:
- Bangalore, India's most livable city, was once called the "Pensioner's Paradise" and the "Garden City."
- Despite development, it retains its beauty with green spaces, and it is a major center for the IT industry.
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Delhi - Beyond the Capital:
- Delhi, the capital of India, is a creative hub with a thriving arts and culture scene.
- Known for its historical sites like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Baha’i Lotus Temple, it offers diverse experiences in dining, nightlife, and sightseeing.
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Chennai - Gateway to the South:
- Chennai, with a distinct culture based on Tamil traditions, is a modern cosmopolitan city.
- The architectural landscape includes ancient temples and modern high-rises, attracting visitors with a vibrant local arts and culture scene.
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Mysore - Cultural Capital of Karnataka:
- Mysore, a well-planned city in southern India, is the cultural capital of Karnataka.
- Known for its yoga centers, especially in the Gokulam suburb, it is where Ashtanga yoga originated.
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Agra - Home to the Taj Mahal:
- Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a stunning marble mausoleum and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- The city also features UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
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Kolkata - Cultural Capital:
- Kolkata, known as the cultural capital of India, is a city of contrasts with historical houses, colleges, and gardens.
- It continues to be a hub for poets, film producers, writers, and Nobel Prize winners.
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Mumbai - Cosmopolitan Metropolis:
- Mumbai, along the sea and the country’s financial center, is a cosmopolitan metropolis.
- The Gateway of India, built in 1911, is a notable attraction in this city of endless opportunities for exploration.
For those eager to explore India's wonders, each city promises a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. As an enthusiast deeply passionate about these destinations, I encourage you to embrace the diverse experiences that await you in this fascinating country.
