1. Jaipur
At the top of our Must-Visit Cultural Destinations in India post is Jaipur. Jaipur tourism has something to offer to everyone. It includes a colourful mix of magnificent forts and palaces, colourful bazaars, delightfully chaotic streets brimming with activity, and a collection of devout temples for those seeking solace and spiritual bliss.
It is incredibly gorgeous and charming, decorated with historic towering temples, evocative Havelies, diverse museums, and royal mansions. More than merely a city, Jaipur can legitimately be referred to as the heart and soul of Indian culture. The beating centre of Rajasthan tourism is the chaotic yet peaceful, inviting, and hospitable Jaipur, which blends the old and the new.
Some of the popular heritage points of tourist interest in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Sunehri kothi, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Rambagh palace, Rajmahal Palace and many others. Each tourist places in Jaipur maintains a heavenly aspect.
Best time to visit Jaipur: Jaipur has a warm climate but October to March can be described as the best time to visit the pink city.
Attractions in Jaipur: Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh Fort, Galta Ji etc.
Tours: Explore our Tiger Safari & Rajasthan Tour & Just Tigers & Golden Triangle Tour.
Attractions & Places to see in Jaipur
1.1 Amer Fort
Amber (pronounced Amer) is at a distance of about 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber, until the capital was moved to the plains, to what is today Jaipur.
The palace is a stunning fusion of Hindu and Mughal design, set in rocky hills. The palace, which was erected as a strong, secure shelter against approaching foes, was started by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and finished by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. The stark outside and the warm inside contrast in the most unexpected way. Visitors are mesmerised by the splendour of the palace, which makes use of sculptures, precious stones, and mirrors. The palace is made completely of red sandstone and white marble.
The breathtaking view of Maota Lake in front only adds to the palace’s splendour. The palace has a mythical heritage and is around seven centuries old. The Rajputs captured a tiny building from the Meena tribes, which was later expanded into the opulent Amber Palace.
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1.2 City Palace
The City Palace Complex, which is tucked away inside the walled city, was designed and constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who founded Jaipur. The last ruling royal family still resides at the palace, which is a stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, in a private area. The majority of the constructions are credited to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, but other kings also added to them. The Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace are both part of the City Palace Complex (the palace of the queen).
The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum is now located in Mubarak Mahal and features an extensive and exceptional collection of royal attire, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other garments with Sanganeri motifs and folk needlework. There are also displays of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I’s attire. Surprisingly, the Maharani’s Palace includes an intriguing collection of very well-preserved Rajput weapons, some of which date back to the 15th century. The palace is decorated with well-maintained ceiling murals in addition to weapons.
1.3 Hawa Mahal
The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh constructed the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, in 1799 as a summer residence for himself and his family. The ladies of the royal household may witness daily life there without being seen themselves.
The outside of this unusual five-story building, which combines elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture and contains small latticed windows known as jharokhas, is meant to evoke the crown of Lord Krishna. The palace’s windows act as a sort of air conditioner, blowing cold air throughout the building and making it the ideal getaway during the summer. The Hawa Mahal, a famous landmark in Jaipur made of pink sandstone, can be seen from the exterior and across the street in all its splendour.
To get a fantastic look through the windows, one can even climb all the way to the top. The Government of Rajasthan’s Archaeological Department now looks after the Mahal, which also has an archaeological museum in the courtyard.
2. Agra
Next on our Must-Visit Cultural Destinations in India post is Second. Agra is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh along the Yamuna River. It is located 378 kilometres to the west of Lucknow, the state capital, 206 kilometres to the south of New Delhi, 58 kilometres to the south of Mathura, and 125 kilometres to the north of Gwalior. The 24th most populous city in India is Agra, one of the most populated in Uttar Pradesh.
Due to the abundance of Mughal-era structures in the city, particularly the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra is a popular tourist destination.
Along with Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc is a popular tourist route in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It also includes Varanasi and the state capital of Lucknow.
Best time to visit Agra: The best season to visit Agra is between autumn and winter, October to March, when the weather is nice and ideal for sightseeing and the heat has subsided. Spend a day strolling about the Taj complex and taking in the grandeur of this majestic structure.
Attractions in Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-il-Daulad’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Subhash Emporium, Fatehpur Sikri.
Tours: Explore our Tiger & Culture Tours including the Golden Triangle of India.
Attractions & Places to see in Agra
2.1 Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is situated in Agra along the Yamuna River. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected it as a monument to honour Mumtaz Mahal, his third wife. The grave of Shah Jahan himself is also located there. Taj Mahal, one of the most stunning structures in the world, was built in the 17th century using only white marble. Over the course of a year, more people than Agra’s whole population pass through the beautiful gates to get a sight of this breathtaking structure.
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2.2 Agra Fort
The Red Fort of Agra, also known as Agra Fort, was built in 1573 by Emperor Akbar and is a marvel of architecture. It is composed completely of red sandstone and is situated on the right side of the River Yamuna. The Mughals lived there until 1638, when it became a historical fort. It is 2.5 kilometres away from Taj Mahal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Varanasi
India’s spiritual capital is Varanasi, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, also referred to as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras. It is one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. The ancient city of Varanasi is dispersed among a maze of winding galis along the western banks of the Ganges. Be prepared to encounter some holy cows while on foot! Varanasi is surrounded by temples practically everywhere you look, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular and the oldest of the bunch. Benaras is referred to as the city of Lord Shiva.
The 80 or so ghats that flank the Ganges form the city’s spiritually enlightening centre. The sights, sounds, and fragrances will surprise you. Take advantage of the spicy chaat and refreshing lassi. The Ganga Aarti, a ceremony of incredible grandeur, starts to take place just before twilight, however, and all the chaos and noise on the ghats stops.
Best time to visit Varanasi: Wintertime is the ideal season to visit Varanasi (November to February). Winter is the greatest time to visit the holy city since you can walk around without getting too cold, despite the fact that it can get rather chilly. 5°C is the typical low temperature.
Attractions in Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
Attractions & Places to see in Varanasi
3.1 Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Every morning and evening on the banks of the revered Ganges, a significant ritual known as Ganga Aarti is performed on a large scale. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Aarti is performed by the priests. A powerful divine light that may be felt illuminates the entire Ghat. Huge brass lamps filled with oil are ignited as part of the beautiful ritual, and priests chant sacred mantras that resound across the entire space.
4. Delhi
Next on our Must-Visit Cultural Destinations in India post is Delhi. Delhi is India’s amazing nation’s capital, and for all the right reasons. Delhi has traditionally been the hub of all activity in India, which is reflected in its tourism. Delhi is synonymous with diversity.
It has played a significant role in the country’s strategic and cultural development since the time of the Pandavas, and today it serves as a museum showcasing India’s history. Travelling in Delhi isn’t just about taking in the past; it’s also about putting the past and current side by side. Delhi is the current-day city of Troy because it combines technological advancements. The demonstration of unity in diversity is the peaceful coexistence of all religions and spiritual centres of many faiths.
Delhi has a wide variety of tourist attractions, including modern markets, museums, shrines, and monuments. With Delhi Tourism serving as a mirror of the vibrant Indian culture, exploring the city is like visiting a miniature version of India.
Best time to visit Delhi: From October to March, when the weather is at its peak, is the ideal time to visit Delhi. Flowers are in full bloom during this time, and the pleasant weather makes it easy to enjoy Incredible Delhi.
Attractions in Delhi: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lodhi Garden, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb etc.
Tours: Explore our Tiger Safari & Golden Triangle Tour & Ranthambore Tiger Safari with Golden Triangle Tour of India.
Attractions & Places to see in Delhi
4.1 India Gate
Edwin Lutyens, a well-known war memorial architect, constructed the 42-meter-high India gate, also known as The All India War Memorial, in 1921. There is a war memorial honouring World War I martyrs on the Rajpath, which is near the eastern end of Kingsway (1914-21). Under the India Gate, a structure made of a black marble plinth, a reversed L1A1 rifle, a battle helmet, and four urns that lit the perpetual light was built during the liberation of Bangladesh.
The Amar Jawan Jyoti is the name of this building. The 23rd Republic Day in 1972 saw its inauguration by Indira Gandhi, who was the prime minister at the time. Since that time, Amar Jawan Jyoti has served as a memorial honouring all known and unidentified Indian martyrs who died protecting the country. The memorials bear the names of more than 13,000 Indian martyrs.
4.2 Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar, which was constructed in the 13th century, is not only the tallest brick minaret in the world but also one of India’s most well-known historical sites. Qutub Minar, a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws tens of thousands of tourists each day. When visiting the tourist attraction, one will see the nearby archaeological region, which is home to two mosques and the beautiful Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim architecture that was constructed in 1311.
When viewing the monument, you will undoubtedly be awestruck by the enormous building that has stood the test of time. Qutub Minar has 379 steps that must be climbed to get to the pinnacle of its 72.5-foot height. The top two levels are made of marble and sandstone, while the three stories from the base are constructed using red sandstone.
Also Read: Guide to Birding in Western Ghats of India.
