A country so vast is bound to have some breathtaking sights, and India has these in droves. The sheer variety is astonishing too. From ancient temples and royal cities to sacred rivers, mountain glaciers and a dizzying array of stunning landscapes in between, there’s plenty to choose from. The colourful, chaotic, spiritual and often surprising country might evoke extreme reactions but there's no denying the beauty of these places.
Read on to see 60 of India's most beautiful places...
Ladakh’s high-altitude lake is renowned for its startlingly blue waters that seem to shift colour throughout the day. This long and narrow stretch of water extends into western Tibet – stroll along the southern shore to appreciate the sight of the snow-capped Pangong Range reflected in the water.
Hidden way up in northeast India, with little infrastructure and very few tourists, Nagaland is a fascinating place. Naga Heritage Village is thrilling to visit year-round, with its traditional houses and brilliant exhibitions on the local culture. But come during December to see the village at its most vibrant, as the Hornbill Festival sees tribes come from all over the state to celebrate their colourful cultures, cuisines and crafts. There are sports events, dance displays and flower shows, and you'll get to meet hundreds of Indigenous people in incredible traditional dress.
This little-visited region in northeast India is rich in tribal heritage and lofty landscapes. Japfu Peak is one of the highest at 10,000 feet (3,000m) – trek up it for awe-inspiring views over the Dzukou Valley. Visit in spring when the valley is carpeted in orchids and lilies.
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Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is arguably India's most romantic city. Take a boat ride around Lake Pichola to admire the white City Palace, once home to the Maharani of Udaipur, and marvel at the Taj Lake Palace which seems to float on the water. This marble beauty is now an extravagant hotel.
The sprawling 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline of Jodhpur and is one of India’s largest palaces. Other must-sees in this desert city include the blue houses of the labyrinthine old city, and the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace.
One of India's most beautiful hill stations, Ooty is a fabulous mix of rolling green hills and swathes of pine forest, which wouldn't look out of place in the English countryside. Settled by the Brits in the 19th century and chosen as the summer HQ of the Madras government, it was quickly nicknamed 'snooty Ooty'. Getting here is an equally beautiful experience – take the miniature train that winds its way around the green hills.
The colossal, chariot-shaped temple was built by 13th-century King Narasimhadeva to carry the sun god Surya across the heavens. Complete with enormous intricately-carved wheels and horses, this is one of India's most famous Brahman temples. The wheels are thought to have been used as ancient sundials. Keep a look out for some eye-opening wall carvings.
One of Rajasthan's most magical spots, Orchha doesn't appear on the usual Golden Triangle itineraries around the state, and it's all the better for it. The small town has a complex of towering temples, palaces and monuments within its medieval fort, and ample legends and folklore add intrigue for visitors. Come with a guide to make the most of it, and don't miss sunset from across the river when the ancient towers will be silhouetted against a pinkish, yellowing sky.
One of India’s highest and most impressive waterfalls, visit the Jog Falls during monsoon season to see the water thundering down in all its glory at the head of the Sharavati River. Head to Watkins Platform to admire this force of nature, then hike to the base of the falls to take a dip in the river.
This arid region covers 77,000 square miles (200,000sq km) of sand dunes and open skies and is fringed by gorgeous Rajasthani cities like Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The best way to see the Thar Desert is on an overnight camel trek with a local tour operator. You'll trek for a couple hours before stopping at an open-air camp, where you'll enjoy traditional entertainment, a serious Rajasthani feast, and then overnight under the millions of stars.
The capital of Goa is often overlooked for the beach resorts further down the coast, but linger here and you'll discover another world of colonial architecture – built by the Portuguese during their occupation in southern India – and impressive whitewashed churches. The Fontainhas neighbourhood is the place to stroll, where traditional houses, painted in reds, yellows and pinks, line wide, quiet streets.
Watch the sunrise over the sand dunes at the honey-hued fort city which rises magnificently out of the Thar Desert. The colour of the sandstone architecture has earned Jaisalmer the tag of the Golden City. It's known for its grand havelis – former mansions of the city's wealthy merchants, embellished with exquisite carvings.
Scattered off the Keralan coast in the Arabian Sea, this chain of islands, atolls and reefs is about as idyllic as it gets. The isles are all coconut groves and sandy beaches with coral reef-edged shallow lagoons, rich in tropical fish. Out of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited and visitors can only stay on three – Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands.
You could spend hours ogling the colourful, amusing and sometimes grotesque stone figures of mythical animals, gods and monsters that adorn the towers of this Hindu temple complex. Built between the 7th and 10th centuries, it's been added to over the years and is one of the most magnificent of South India’s many temples. The seven-storied Chitra Gopura (pictured) is the tallest of the complex’s 12 gopurams (towers).
These magnificent falls are where rainwater collected on a small plateau tumbles down over precipitous cliffs that reach 1,100 feet (335m). It's the highest plunge waterfall in India, and is at its strongest from December through February after the rainy season. The beautiful falls have a bleak folktale attached to them about an unfortunate woman who, after her daughter was murdered by her husband, was tricked into eating her remains and eventually ran off the edge of the cliff where the water now flows.
Once the capital of the Chola dynasty, Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore) is home to many magnificent architectural monuments but most notably the Brihadeshwara Temple (pictured). One of India’s finest ancient temples, it was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century and is dedicated to the god Shiva. It's packed with examples of the ancient dynasty’s elaborate architecture.
Much of this archipelago of idyllic isles, and the neighbouring Nicobar Islands, are off limits to tourists to preserve their biodiversity and protect the tribal groups that inhabit them. But those isles you can visit are worth the journey. The most popular are Havelock, with its long stretches of white sand, ideal for beach lazing, and Neil Island, which is all rice fields and plantations. Duck beneath the water to see the isle's rich marine life.
High in the Western Ghats, this hill station and former resort for the upper echelons of the British Raj looks out over lush plantations and mist-covered hilltops. There are lovely walks through the tea estates, which were originally established by the Scottish. But do keep a watch out for elephants, which are often spotted (or heard) crashing through the greenery. Come to Munnar at the right time and you might even be lucky enough to see the neelakurinji flowers, which only bloom every 12 years. The next event is due to happen in 2030.
Wander around the evocative temple ruins and carved caves of this port city on Tamil Nadu's Coromandel Coast. The majestic 7th-century Shore Temple (pictured) faces out to the Bay of Bengal and the Pancha Rathas are a complex of rock-cut shrines and intriguing stone monuments, including an elephant.
Thousands of people each year make the pilgrimage to this ornate temple, which sits on a platform in a pool of holy water – the holy tank was excavated in 1577 and the temple and city of Amritsar followed. It's the holiest shrine in Sikhism and one of the country's most visited, as it houses the original copy of the holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
This fort, with parts dating from the 10th century, has more than beauty on its side. It's a treasure trove of history, with walls dating back to the 1400s and an archaeological museum on site, and the second-oldest written use of the number 'zero' in an inscription in a small temple at its top. It's an excellent example of a classic Indian fortification, towering over the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, and was even described by a Mughal emperor as the "pearl of Indian fortresses". The panoramic views of the surrounding city are breathtaking too.
The atmospheric ruins of this deserted ancient city are surprisingly little visited by tourists. An intriguing blend of Islamic, Hindu and Jain traditions, the vast complex of Gujarat’s medieval capital houses numerous temples, mosques and fort walls.
The seemingly endless expanse of salty and marshy land in the Thar Desert is a surreal sight. This desolate wilderness stretches to Pakistan from the northwest of Gujarat. Part of it is a salt marsh and wildlife sanctuary called Little Rann of Kutch, which is home to the Asiatic wild ass – known locally as ghorkhur – as well as wolves and flamingos.
The one-time capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, on the banks of River Tungabhadra, is stuffed full of archaeological treasures. Set aside a full day at least to do justice to the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling complex of ancient temple ruins, royal pavilions, palaces, elephant stables and huge stone statues of Hindu gods.
Green and hilly with a cool climate, this region on the southernmost edge of Karnataka has waterfalls, coffee and spice plantations and outdoor adventures galore – this is the place to come for off-the-beaten track hikes amid thick forests. The region's wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are great elephant and bird watching spots.
Sitting in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli was the first island district in India and is officially the largest river island in the world. It's a glorious oasis and a sanctuary of calm amid some of Assam's busy cities, and has a distinct culture and tradition that can be experienced through local dancers and crafts. Guesthouses on the island tend to be traditional thatch huts made from local wood, so it's a wonderfully immersive experience.
Another enchanting valley awaits hikers at this national park in the western Himalayas. It's only accessible on a 12-mile (19km) trek from Govindghat but the explosion of colour as you reach the wild-flower-strewn alpine meadows is worth the effort. Roses, primulas, anemones and all manner of blooms spring up from June to early October, but are at their most beautiful in July and August.
Tea, toy trains, temples and trekking galore – this Himalayan hill town has plenty to recommend it. There are manicured tea estates, and yet more wild and stunning scenery on offer for those who hike into its forests and along its Himalayan trails. The best time to visit this peaceful paradise is between April and June.
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The vast Ganges-Brahmaputra delta spreads from West Bengal into Bangladesh and lays claim to the biggest area of tidal mangrove forest in the world. Amid this tangle of trees and waterways, Bengal tigers roam, fishing for sustenance. The area is also home to other wildlife including Olive Ridley sea turtles, kingfishers, fish eagles, egrets, monkeys and crocodiles.
It may be top of the roll call of India’s sights, but it’s no less beautiful for all its hype. Arrive at sunrise for the best light or visit on a full moon to see the translucent Makrana marble of this vast mausoleum bathed in moonlight. Yes, you’ll be vying for a spot with coachloads of tourists but you’ll not fail to be struck by the beauty of this world wonder.
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Catching a glimpse of a Bengal tiger is one of India's most beguiling experiences. The chances of seeing one in the wild are extremely slim, but Ranthambore is one of the best places to try. The national park’s gorges, ridges, lakes and jungles also conceal other predators such as panthers, hyenas, jackals and crocodiles.
Built in the late 12th century, Delhi’s red sandstone Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 238 feet (72.5m). The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Delhi’s most impressive highlights, towering over the densely-populated capital in all its chaotic beauty.
It's not necessarily the landscape that's gorgeous here, but it's what lies within. Roaming this 27-square-mile (70sq km) area are around 500 Asiatic lions, characterised by their dark mane and small size compared to their African cousins. Visit and you'll also see mesmerisingly beautiful leopards, striped hyenas and even honey badgers. Stay just outside the park boundaries at The Gateway Hotel and you'll find even more beauty – views from the bedrooms and restaurant out to the surrounding countryside are spellbinding.
The magnificent abandoned city sprawls across the beautiful Vindhya Hills in southern Madhya Pradesh and is one of India’s most picturesque places. It was founded in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, but a succession of rulers have made it an intriguing combination of Hindu, Afghan and Mogul architecture. You could spend hours exploring the ornamental lakes, ruined palaces, mausoleums, mosques and temples.
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The sight of this serene lake against the striking backdrop of the Pir Panjal mountains makes it one of the most popular spots in India's Himalayan region. Visitors can sleep in a houseboat and take shikara (small boats) to the colourful floating flower and vegetable markets. Don’t miss the elegant terraced hillside gardens, created by Mughal emperors, on the eastern shore.
This French colonial architecture is usually more associated with locations in the Caribbean, but here in Pondicherry the old French quarter is a delightful place to spend some time. Wide, clean streets and brightly painted buildings with bougainvillea tumbling down their walls characterise this area, and it's a hotbed for boutique hotels, lifestyle shops and galleries by Indian artists and designers. This city was under French rule until the mid-1950s, so expect plenty of good French food and beer.
One of the country's most beautiful national parks, with its lush forests, rocky hills and meadows, Bandhavgarh is also home to a healthy number of Bengal tigers. Not only that but there’s an old hilltop fort complete with vast stone sculptures to peruse in between wildlife spotting.
The River Ganges is the spiritual life force of India's Hindus and you'll feel the energy watching devotees bathing. Take a boat ride at sunrise to see morning fire ceremonies or at sunset for the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ghats. Varanasi’s warren of lanes and the sight of funeral pyres on the shores can be overwhelming, but there is beauty in this centuries-old holy city.
An easy drive from the city of Agra in northern India, the power of this fortified city, built by 16th-century Mughal emperor Akbar, is striking. It was the Mughal’s capital for 14 years and is one of the greatest pieces of Muslim architecture in all of India, with its rich complex of palaces, royal pavilions, harem, mosque, gardens, ornamental pools and courtyards.
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There's something about the combination of water meeting undulating land that makes us swoon, and Chilika Lake is no exception. This serene body of water, fed by rivers and met by the ocean on the eastern coast of India, is a hotbed for migratory birds in winter. Expect to see white-bellied sea eagles, purple moorhen, greylag geese and even flamingos. Plus, the lake is home to a rare species: the Irrawaddy dolphin.
Strewn across both banks of the Beas River, Manali is a hugely popular Himalayan destination and a prime honeymooning spot for Indians. No wonder – the scenery makes for incredibly romantic days walking around its pretty nature park in summer, while winter brings plentiful snowfall. Hot air balloon rides offer a totally different perspective on the town and surrounding mountains too.