Picturesque palaces, confronting fortresses, vibrant bazaars and unrivalled heritage sites, India is a tapestry of cultures and colors that will astonish at every turn – no matter which state you're planning to visit.
During your visit, you can also sample authentic cuisine fresh from the tandoor, spot sensational animals in the wild and stay at exceptional luxury accommodations with fascinating pasts.
As a large country, it can be pretty overwhelming to decide which part of India you should visit as a first-time traveler. If this is your first taste of India, this beginner's guide will help you to ensure you hit all of the highlights and don't miss the best places to visit in India for first-time travelers.
The Essential Guide to India Travel: Where to Visit on Your First Trip to India
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1. Delhi
Divided between its Old Town and the nation’s capital, New Delhi, this major city is one of contrasts. The old Mughal capital is crowded and clamoring while New Delhi is peaceful and polished.
Heritage sites such as the mammoth Jama Masjid mosque stand proud within the maze of market-lined alleyways bursting with noise, scents and color and characterful multi-story buildings. Rickshaw-rammed roads encircle quiet parks and tree-lined boulevards.
Delhi is almost guaranteed to feel overwhelming but it’s the ideal introduction to the astonishing diversity of India.
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2. Agra
Just a half day's drive from Delhi is Agra, a relatively small and quiet town with one major tourist attraction: the Taj Mahal. Situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is not only one of the most popular spots in the country—but also around the world!
Surrounded by arid plains, Agra’s main ‘road’ is lined with little but hotels and restaurants and runs in a straight line to the gates of this spectacular structure.
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Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal deserves its status as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, carefully crafted over 22 years in glittering bright-white marble which glows gold and pink at sunrise and sunset.
While in Agra, you should also see the Red Fort which became the prison of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who created the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife.
3. Jaipur
The iconic pink city, first painted to welcome Prince Albert in 1876, is a treasure trove of wonders.
It’s well worth looking into escorted tours to India with expert guides to get the most out of your visit as you cannot hope to find the countless hidden gems independently, and they are guaranteed to be highlights of your holiday.
The main examples are found in the enormous bazaars including the self-proclaimed Pickle Man of Jaipur and the stand selling the best chai.
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Historic hotspots are in abundance too, such as the staggering Palace of the Winds which appears to be in motion and the Amber Fort which sits atop a hill towering over the city below.
Jaipur was once one of the richest cities in the state and still boasts many magnificent havelis too, several of which are now boutique hotels where everything is the height of luxury.
4. Jodhpur
Believe it or not, Rajasthan has another colored city at the opposite end of the color wheel.
Jodhpur is famed for its bright blue houses which stretch for as far as the eye can see when you view the city from Mehrangarh Fort, a former palace-turned-museum often used for Bollywood films.
The houses are cobbled together in jumbled stacks, and you can watch the sunset from one of these raised rooftops after an authentic cooking class at the home of a Jodhpur local.
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While in the city center, you should spend time exploring the Sardar Market around the century-old Ghanta Ghar, known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, and visit the elaborately carved cenotaph Jaswant Thada. You can also venture out into the desert on a camel ride.
5. Udaipur
Another classic tour of Rajasthan is Udaipur.
Formerly the capital of the Mewer Kingdom, this centuries-old city spreads out leisurely around a series of artificial waterways which have earned it the nickname of ‘India’s lake city’.
If you sail the lakes, your view from the water is of awe-inspiring architecture including the 11-palace strong City Palace complex crowning Lake Pichola, famed for its peacock mosaics.
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You can spend your days relaxing by the pool of your hotel or walking the streets of this surprisingly serene city.
Seemingly pointless alleyways conceal intricate Jain temples and narrow boutique hotels where fresh tea is served on terraces overlooking the lakes.
6. Ranthambore
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If time allows, break up your urban adventure with a stop at Ranthambore, best visited between Agra and Jaipur.
The park also contains chattering monkeys, swift deer, vibrant birds and slow-moving sloth bears.
Conclusion
India is a vibrant and large country to visit, making it a bit tricky to decide where to go on your first trip. From New Delhi to Jaipur, there are so many popular attractions in India that are worth visiting!
If you're traveling to India for the first time, it's best to start your trip from the capital and head west to the Indian state of Rajashtan. There are many international flights available to Delhi, making it easier to plan out your India itinerary.
When choosing this route, you'll get a chance to explore the vibrant city of New Delhi, as well as stop by the iconic Taj Mahal before wandering around the palaces and forts on the land of Maharajas—Rajashtan!
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