{"id":313,"date":"2024-09-13T15:05:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T09:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.havemony.com\/?p=313"},"modified":"2026-04-16T19:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:34:10","slug":"must-visit-places-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"If You\u2019re Exploring India, These Places Are a Must"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"313\" class=\"elementor elementor-313\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-665afcb0 e-flex e-con-boxed qodef-container-heights--disabled e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"665afcb0\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58a8b71f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58a8b71f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India is one of those places that genuinely defies a single description. It&#8217;s loud, quiet, ancient, chaotic, spiritual, and utterly beautiful \u2014 sometimes all at once, sometimes all within the same city block. With over 20 official languages, seven land borders, and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than most people realise, it rewards travellers who take the time to explore beyond the obvious. Whether you&#8217;re a first-timer building an itinerary or a repeat visitor filling in the gaps, this guide covers the must visit places in India that deserve a spot on every travel list.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>1. Udaipur, Rajasthan<\/h2>\n<p>Few cities in India feel as cinematic as Udaipur. Nestled among the Aravalli Hills and built around a network of shimmering lakes, locals and visitors alike call it the &#8220;City of Lakes&#8221; \u2014 and the nickname is well earned. The star attraction is the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/6J9Eq3XqkFHgTzqC6\">Lake Palace<\/a>, a white marble structure that appears to float in the middle of Lake Pichola. You can&#8217;t stay there without a booking at the Taj hotel that now occupies it, but the views from the ghats cost nothing.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the lake, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/BFRwqR4QVRhnP13K6\">City Palace<\/a> is the real highlight for most visitors \u2014 a sprawling complex of courtyards, towers, and museums that the Mewar dynasty built over centuries. After that, wander the winding old city lanes and duck into the ancient bazaars for a feel of everyday Udaipur.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>City Palace: \u20b9300 for Indian nationals, \u20b9700 for foreign tourists | Open daily 9:30am\u20135:30pm<\/li>\n<li>Monsoon Palace: \u20b980 entry + \u20b9200 for vehicle | Open daily 9am\u20136pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Udaipur has no metro. Auto-rickshaws work best for getting around the old city (\u20b950\u2013\u20b9100 for short trips). Tuk-tuk apps like Rapido are also available.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p>For a proper sit-down meal, try the thali at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Ef6mETnHrmBqJPnX8\">Natraj Dining Hall<\/a> near the City Palace \u2014 unlimited Rajasthani thali for around \u20b9250\u2013\u20b9350.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>2. Amritsar, Punjab<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1FzxkXbSj3r9xSWB8\">Amritsar<\/a> sits close to the Pakistan border and holds one of the most emotionally powerful places in all of South Asia \u2014 the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/5Tv3kd4bJBkZUHV86\">Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)<\/a>. This Sikh shrine stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and welcomes visitors of all faiths at no charge. The golden structure reflects off the surrounding Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) at every hour, but it&#8217;s particularly striking at dusk or dawn. Remember to cover your head (the temple provides cloth) and remove your shoes before entering.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the temple itself, the langar \u2014 the communal kitchen that feeds over 100,000 people daily, entirely free \u2014 stands as one of the most humbling experiences India offers. You can volunteer for an hour or simply sit down and eat alongside pilgrims and tourists from around the world.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the streets around the temple buzz with energy. Shops sell phulkari embroidery, juttis (embroidered leather shoes), and Punjabi pickles and spices \u2014 so set aside time to explore before you leave.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Golden Temple: Free, open 24 hours<\/li>\n<li>Jallianwala Bagh: Free | Open daily 6:30am\u20137:30pm (seasonal variation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Trains connect Amritsar well to Delhi \u2014 the Shatabdi Express takes about 6 hours and starts from \u20b9700. Once in the city, the centre is compact and walkable.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Q7mw3uQtqc93FXoc8\">Kesar Da Dhaba<\/a> is an Amritsar institution \u2014 dal makhani and stuffed parathas for under \u20b9200 per person.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>3. Ladakh<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Y2A8zB5Z4fHy3kcN9\">Ladakh<\/a> is unlike anywhere else in India. High-altitude desert, snow-capped peaks, turquoise rivers, and monasteries perched on cliffsides \u2014 it draws trekkers, motorcyclists, and Buddhist pilgrims in roughly equal numbers. Because the region sits at an average elevation of 3,500 metres, you should give yourself 2\u20133 days on arrival in <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LTyU74TwNAQHgqJw9\">Leh<\/a> to acclimatise before doing anything strenuous. Altitude sickness is common and genuinely not to be underestimated.<\/p>\n<p>Once you&#8217;re settled, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/YnqmDQ7RHGzJjFGo6\">Leh Palace<\/a>, built in the 17th century, towers over the old town and gives panoramic views of the valley. Just 19km away, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/sQ3gxULgBa7bKuoQ9\">Thiksey Monastery<\/a> draws frequent comparisons to Potala Palace in Lhasa \u2014 and it earns every one of them.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Leh Palace: \u20b915 for Indians, \u20b9100 for foreigners | Open daily 7am\u20136pm<\/li>\n<li>Thiksey Monastery: Free entry, small donation expected<\/li>\n<li>Inner Line Permit required for certain areas near borders \u2014 pick it up at the DC office in Leh (\u20b920 per day)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting there<\/h3>\n<p>Fly into Leh&#8217;s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport \u2014 flights from Delhi take about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the Manali\u2013Leh highway opens from June to October only.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nCzg2xKYu97TGEPV9\">Bon App\u00e9tit<\/a> in Leh serves excellent thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) and momos for around \u20b9150\u2013\u20b9250.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>4. Goa<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/q7Z4XLEFuoeBgGC88\">Goa<\/a> has a personality that doesn&#8217;t quite fit the rest of India \u2014 and that&#8217;s precisely what makes it interesting. Four hundred years of Portuguese rule left behind whitewashed churches, Latin-influenced cuisine, and a laid-back coastal culture that blends seamlessly with Indian traditions. The beach scene draws most visitors, but Goa has a lot more going on beneath the surface.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Yc8XnCLsHxFdUQpw7\">Candolim Beach<\/a> is lively and well-developed, with beach shacks and sunloungers available for \u20b9200\u2013\u20b9500 per day (often waived with a food order). In contrast, <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/AyFGF5t8eAeWq3wJ8\">Palolem Beach<\/a> in South Goa offers a crescent-shaped bay framed by headlands and backed by a quiet village \u2014 far more relaxed, and arguably more beautiful. Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/q1w8D9CrpJuQpH8s9\">Anjuna<\/a> strikes a good middle ground, with the added bonus of a short walk up to the crumbling <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ZGWrjNHNqyMXNrJm8\">Chapora Fort<\/a> for sweeping views of the coastline.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Chapora Fort: Free | Open daily sunrise to sunset<\/li>\n<li>Basilica of Bom Jesus: Free | Monday\u2013Saturday 9am\u20136:30pm, Sunday 10:30am\u20136:30pm<\/li>\n<li>Beach shack sunloungers: \u20b9200\u2013\u20b9500\/day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Goa has no metro. Renting a scooter (\u20b9300\u2013\u20b9500\/day) or a motorbike is the most practical way to move between beaches. Taxis are plentiful, but always agree on a fixed fare upfront.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/HvnBL7F3Jh2mfH9k7\">Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf<\/a> in South Goa serves excellent prawn curry and rice for around \u20b9350\u2013\u20b9500 per person.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>5. Delhi<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nGeqjBFAZ3bW8FWUA\">Delhi<\/a> is enormous, contradictory, and endlessly fascinating. It&#8217;s a city where 17th-century Mughal monuments share streets with colonial-era bungalows, modern glass towers, and ancient temples. Furthermore, it&#8217;s one of India&#8217;s best-connected transport hubs, making it a natural starting or ending point for any northern India itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>Start with the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/EM5rwVkfFq8S7iV58\">Red Fort (Lal Qila)<\/a> \u2014 a sandstone fortress that Emperor Shah Jahan built in 1638. Inside, you can walk through the Lahori Gate, explore the Bazaar, and visit the former royal residences. Pay for the audio guide (\u20b9100) to get the most out of the complex.<\/p>\n<p>From there, head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/mzjGmb1VYR13tZ866\">Jama Masjid<\/a> \u2014 just a short walk away \u2014 one of the largest mosques in India and worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. Afterwards, lose yourself in <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/VeDo48hrmUW3UeLB7\">Chandni Chowk<\/a>: narrow lanes packed with spice traders, sweet shops, textile dealers, and street food vendors.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Red Fort: \u20b935 for Indians, \u20b9500 for foreigners | Tuesday\u2013Sunday, 9:30am\u20134:30pm (closed Mondays)<\/li>\n<li>Humayun&#8217;s Tomb: \u20b940 for Indians, \u20b9600 for foreigners | Open daily 6am\u20136pm<\/li>\n<li>Qutub Minar: \u20b940 for Indians, \u20b9600 for foreigners | Open daily 7am\u20135pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Delhi runs an excellent metro network that covers most major sights. A Tourist Card (\u20b9200 for 1 day, \u20b9500 for 3 days) gives unlimited rides and is the most convenient option for visitors.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p>For street food, head to <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/P3PdWj5ppNVXfMST9\">Paranthe Wali Gali<\/a> in Chandni Chowk \u2014 fried stuffed parathas with pickle and curd for \u20b9100\u2013\u20b9150 per plate.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>6. Ellora and Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra<\/h2>\n<p>These two cave complexes rank among the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world \u2014 and because more famous landmarks tend to overshadow them, you&#8217;ll likely have room to breathe when you visit.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/KoVYbrSEXiP6y9WT6\">Ellora<\/a> features 34 caves that craftsmen cut directly into a basalt cliff over roughly 600 years, representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions side by side. The scale of some shrines is genuinely hard to process \u2014 especially the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a single-rock structure larger than the Parthenon. Plan at least half a day here.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/YaGxSj8oRQWJW5RX6\">Ajanta<\/a>, about 100km away (around 2 hours by road), holds 29 caves covered in painted murals that artists created as far back as the 2nd century BCE. Scholars widely regard these as the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian Buddhist art. Though the two sites sit two hours apart, visiting both is absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Ellora Caves: \u20b940 for Indians, \u20b9600 for foreigners | Open Tuesday\u2013Sunday, 6am\u20136pm (closed Mondays; Kailasa Temple open all days)<\/li>\n<li>Ajanta Caves: \u20b940 for Indians, \u20b9600 for foreigners | Open Tuesday\u2013Sunday, 9am\u20135:30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting there<\/h3>\n<p>Both sites are accessible from <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/h9xadMzv9cBrBjez5\">Aurangabad<\/a> (now called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), which has a domestic airport and rail connections from Mumbai (about 7 hours by train). Hire a car or join a day tour from the city.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p>Pack snacks for Ajanta as options are limited on-site. At Ellora, the MTDC restaurant near the entrance serves decent thalis for \u20b9200\u2013\u20b9300.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>7. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/GkhHMbz1P1Mk5gCf6\">Varanasi<\/a> is one of the oldest living cities in the world, and it shows. Hindus believe that dying here grants moksha \u2014 liberation from the cycle of rebirth \u2014 so the city holds life and death in plain view in a way that can genuinely unsettle first-time visitors.<\/p>\n<p>The ghats along the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/wUFG2aMJLmqCDgLQ6\">Ganges River<\/a> are where the city&#8217;s spiritual life plays out most visibly. Pilgrims bathe in the river at dawn, and priests perform elaborate aarti (fire offerings) at dusk at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ZFWAWnepXMb2MnFgA\">Dashashwamedh Ghat<\/a>. Meanwhile, the Manikarnika and Harishchandra cremation ghats burn around the clock. Leave the camera away at cremation sites \u2014 it&#8217;s a matter of basic respect.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the ghats, take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges (\u20b9200\u2013\u20b9500 depending on how well you negotiate). It&#8217;s one of the most memorable things you can do in India.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free entry (carry ID; rules for non-Hindus vary, so check locally) | Open daily, multiple darshan timings<\/li>\n<li>Sarnath (nearby Buddhist site): \u20b920 for Indians, \u20b9300 for foreigners | Open daily 9am\u20135:30pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Trains connect Varanasi Cantt station directly to Delhi, Agra, and Kolkata. Inside the city, autos and e-rickshaws handle the main roads, while much of the ghats area stays pedestrian-only.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/v3oFyN6vqVfCnFX76\">Kashi Chat Bhandar<\/a> near Godaulia dishes up tamatar chaat and dahi vadas for \u20b950\u2013\u20b9100 per plate. Cash only.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>8. Kerala<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/9J2Sj7f3GHxdxvQ46\">Kerala<\/a> feels like a different India entirely \u2014 lush, tropical, and comparatively unhurried. The state stretches along India&#8217;s southwestern tip, with beaches on one side, the Western Ghats on the other, and a network of backwaters threading through the middle. A houseboat stay around <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/hBqtxVjJvp9Z4YTg7\">Alleppey (Alappuzha)<\/a> is a genuine highlight \u2014 overnight rice barge hire runs from \u20b97,000\u2013\u20b915,000 depending on size and season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/R6Dv4fNaGbmL5xNF8\">Kochi (Cochin)<\/a> makes the ideal base \u2014 a fascinating mix of fishing villages, colonial architecture, and contemporary art galleries. At Fort Kochi, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/EnnCXwEPtNHKMwqQ8\">Chinese Fishing Nets<\/a> look best at sunset, and the nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/R7xmq7WS3HVjbvS86\">Mattancherry Palace<\/a> houses some of the finest murals in Kerala at just \u20b910 for Indians and \u20b925 for foreigners.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts should head to <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/rcRgdqNNB3YbFHUT7\">Periyar National Park<\/a> for lake boat safaris \u2014 elephants and deer regularly appear at the water&#8217;s edge.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Periyar National Park boat safari: \u20b9300\u2013\u20b9450 per person | Timings vary by season<\/li>\n<li>Mattancherry Palace: \u20b910 for Indians, \u20b925 for foreigners | Saturday\u2013Thursday 10am\u20135pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Fly into Kochi International Airport to start. Kerala has no metro outside Kochi, where the Kochi Metro runs efficiently. For the backwaters, KSRTC ferries are cheap and scenic. AC sleeper trains link Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p>The Kerala sadya \u2014 a multi-dish vegetarian feast on a banana leaf \u2014 is non-negotiable. Try it at <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/9HyFmkSj5kqHaFgw8\">Dhe Puttu<\/a> in Kochi for around \u20b9200\u2013\u20b9350.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>9. Agra, Uttar Pradesh<\/h2>\n<p>Let&#8217;s be straightforward about <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/S5fRqD4HBnm3MHPB9\">Agra<\/a>: most people come for the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/MoEi8h4z9DkJQcBN9\">Taj Mahal<\/a> and not a lot else. That&#8217;s entirely fair, because the Taj is genuinely one of the most extraordinary things ever built. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and it changes character across the day. Crowds are thinnest at opening time, so sunrise visits are popular for good reason.<\/p>\n<p>That said, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/1dBR5i8yJV5rRHLZ7\">Agra Fort<\/a> deserves more credit than it typically gets. It&#8217;s a substantial Mughal fortification with a remarkable story \u2014 Shah Jahan&#8217;s own son later imprisoned him here, and the emperor spent his final years gazing at the Taj from a window in the fort.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Taj Mahal: \u20b9200 for Indians, \u20b91,300 for foreigners (includes \u20b9200 monument fee) | Open Saturday\u2013Thursday, 6am\u20136:30pm (closed Fridays). Full moon night visits also available \u2014 book in advance<\/li>\n<li>Agra Fort: \u20b950 for Indians, \u20b9650 for foreigners | Open daily 6am\u20136pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting there<\/h3>\n<p>The Gatimaan Express from Delhi (1h 40min, from \u20b9750) and the Shatabdi Express are the fastest train options. Note that the Taj Mahal area restricts vehicle access \u2014 electric vehicles and cycle rickshaws operate in the zone, and your driver will drop you at the designated parking area.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/s5uEopPhh1ZXyJVw9\">Sheroes Hangout<\/a> near the Taj runs on a pay-what-you-can model and employs acid attack survivors. Good coffee and snacks, and well worth supporting.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>10. Jaipur, Rajasthan<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Ep63VzFoLixKNJXq7\">Jaipur<\/a> is the capital of Rajasthan and the third corner of the Golden Triangle (after Delhi and Agra), though it earns its place on merit rather than geography. The old city sits inside pink-painted walls, with bazaars selling gemstones, blue pottery, silk, and spices at every turn. The &#8220;Pink City&#8221; nickname came about in 1876, when the city painted its buildings to welcome the Prince of Wales.<\/p>\n<p>Just 11km outside the city, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/5o6qnKFSY7jBM5LX8\">Amber Fort<\/a> (or Amer Fort) is the main draw \u2014 a palace-fortress that rises dramatically from the hillside above a lake. It&#8217;s genuinely large and ornate, so arrive early to beat both the crowds and the heat.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the city, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Y8Jnr4v3bNoFRdSo6\">Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)<\/a> is more photogenic from the outside than within, but the upper-floor views over the bazaar justify the small entry fee. Meanwhile, the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/w2FBK1CQAKPZ2xJV6\">City Palace<\/a> complex \u2014 still partly home to the royal family \u2014 houses an excellent museum.<\/p>\n<h3>Entry fees &amp; timings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Amber Fort: \u20b9100 for Indians, \u20b9500 for foreigners | Open daily 8am\u20135:30pm (light and sound show in evenings)<\/li>\n<li>Hawa Mahal: \u20b950 for Indians, \u20b9200 for foreigners | Open daily 9am\u20135pm<\/li>\n<li>City Palace Museum: \u20b9200 for Indians, \u20b9700 for foreigners | Open daily 9:30am\u20135pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Getting around<\/h3>\n<p>Jaipur&#8217;s metro line (\u20b99\u2013\u20b945 per trip) connects the railway station to key areas of the city. Autos cover the rest. Note that the Jaipur Metro Phase 2 expansion is ongoing, so check routes locally before you travel.<\/p>\n<h3>Food stop<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zXfNAWD9VYKxvvN79\">LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar)<\/a> in Johari Bazaar has been a Jaipur institution for decades \u2014 try the ghevar and mawa kachori. Around \u20b9200\u2013\u20b9400 for a solid selection.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Practical tips for visiting India<\/h2>\n<h3>Best time to visit<\/h3>\n<p>October to March suits most of India well. However, Rajasthan and the north get brutally hot from April to June, so avoid those months if you can. Kerala and Goa are at their best between November and February, while Ladakh only opens up from June to September.<\/p>\n<h3>Visa<\/h3>\n<p>Most nationalities can apply for an India e-Visa online at evisa.india.gov.in \u2014 options include 30-day, 90-day, and 5-year visas. The process takes around 72 hours and costs $25\u2013$80 depending on your nationality.<\/p>\n<h3>Getting around India<\/h3>\n<p>The Indian Railways network is one of the largest in the world and the most practical way to cover long distances. Book well in advance through IRCTC (irctc.co.in) \u2014 premium trains like Vande Bharat and Shatabdi sell out fast. For longer journeys, domestic flights on IndiGo and Air India are affordable and save significant time.<\/p>\n<h3>Money<\/h3>\n<p>India is still largely cash-dependent outside major tourist areas. ATMs are widespread in cities, and UPI payment apps now work almost everywhere \u2014 some restaurants and shops actively prefer digital payments. If you want to manage your travel budget easily on the go, <a href=\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/how-to-pay-in-india-as-a-tourist\/\">Mony<\/a> is worth downloading before you leave. It lets you top up your account and make quick, secure payments whether you&#8217;re settling a restaurant bill in Varanasi or booking a houseboat in Kerala, without fumbling for cash or worrying about currency conversion.<\/p>\n<h3>Safety<\/h3>\n<p>India is generally <a href=\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/is-india-safe-for-tourists-heres-the-honest-truth-2026\/\">safe<\/a> for tourists. Nevertheless, take the usual precautions \u2014 agree on taxi fares before getting in (or use Ola\/Uber), go easy on street food until your stomach adjusts, and carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 India is one of those places that genuinely defies a single description. It&#8217;s loud, quiet, ancient, chaotic, spiritual, and utterly beautiful \u2014 sometimes all at once, sometimes all within the same city block. With over 20 official languages, seven land borders, and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than most people realise, it rewards travellers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":16811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[396],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Must Visit Places in India in 2026 | Mony<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Planning a trip to India? 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Discover the 10 must visit places in India \u2014 from the Taj Mahal in Agra to the backwaters of Kerala.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Mony Blogs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-13T09:35:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-16T13:34:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Ornate-marble-balcony-overlooking-a-misty-lake-and-palace-at-sunrise-\u2014-one-of-the-must-visit-places-in-India-Udaipurs-Lake-Palace-Rajasthan-1024x410.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"410\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Meera Kapoor\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Meera Kapoor\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/\",\"name\":\"Must Visit Places in India in 2026 | Mony\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/must-visit-places-in-india\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Ornate-marble-balcony-overlooking-a-misty-lake-and-palace-at-sunrise-\u2014-one-of-the-must-visit-places-in-India-Udaipurs-Lake-Palace-Rajasthan.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-13T09:35:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-16T13:34:10+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/havemony.com\/blogs\/#\/schema\/person\/449bbbcd7c7389aa85e384007621ba82\"},\"description\":\"Planning a trip to India? 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