India is a land of great cultural and regional diversity. For a tourist the country is a goldmine of both popular and off-beat destinations. The Taj Mahal in Agra has to be the most popular tourist destination in India. Built by Shahjahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is famous throughout the world as the Monument of Love. The Taj Mahal was built on the banks of the river Yamuna and it looks particularly beautiful bathed in the light of the full moon.
Rajasthan would rank after Taj Mahal in the popularity stakes, but only by a small margin. That life can be lived on a grand scale is most visible in this state. Forts, martial clans, colour, music and unique folk art – all can be found in this state. The Lake Palace at Udaipur has been classed as one of the best luxury heritage hotels in the world and indeed a boat ride to the Palace can leave you mesmerized. Jaipur City, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Shekhawati, Mount Abu – Rajasthan has something for every one.
The grand old Himalayas are third in this popularity list. Travelers from all over the world visit these imposing mountains in search of peace and spirituality. In the north, Kashmir, Himachal and Uttaranchal are popular places to go. A special mention should be made of Manali, Mcleodganj, Leh, Ladakh and the Garhwal and Kumaon region. First time visitors are left speechless by the beauty of these places. Slightly off-beat, both in terms of culture and accessibility, is the north-eastern part of India. It is the indigenous culture and wild beauty of these regions which makes people always long for these destinations.
The serene beauty of the Kerala backwaters draws numerous visitors to itself every year and it is fourth in our list of popular destinations in India. A houseboat ride in the placid water ways is a good window into the life of rural Kerala. Not only this, you get to sample Malayali cuisine and freshly caught seafood. Kerala is the land of Ayurveda - how can you leave without a proper massage?
The capital of the nation, Delhi City, features fifth in our list. Its unique blend of the old and the new, the Mughal Old City and the British New Delhi is enough to hold a visitor captive. This centuries-old capital city has lanes and by lanes where history lives and breathes even now. It pulses with power and an energy which is unmatched.
