India has some of the best places to visit and explore, but its tourism industry lags behind that of other Asian countries. India is the 38th most visited country in the world by foreign tourists, with Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Agra being the most popular travel destinations in India for foreigners. Apart from the ultimate list of India’s wonders, the region of northeast India has recently become a popular tourist destination for foreign visitors.
1. Rishikesh
Foreigners flock to Rishikesh for three main reasons: rejuvenation, white water rafting, and meditation. Yoga and meditation are the two most important elements in rejuvenation. There are numerous ashrams, yoga centers, and even luxury rejuvenation centers to choose from. Foreigners are welcome to stay at many ashrams and receive spiritual healing. Yoga attracts a sizable number of international visitors each year.
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2. Agra
Travelers have a desire to see all of the world’s wonders in their lifetime. That undoubtedly includes the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is one of the most popular Golden Triangle tour destinations. The Taj Mahal, the Mughal Era’s crowning jewel, is undoubtedly the most popular attraction, but other Agra attractions such as Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Itimad-ud-Tomb, Daulah’s Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, and Fatehpur Sikri also attract a large number of foreign visitors, and it is one of the most popular travel destinations in India for foreigners.
3. Jaipur – Pushkar
Jaipur
The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the most valuable jewel of historical India, enchants foreign visitors with its unrivaled architectural landmarks, including the pink sandstone Hawa Mahal, which resembles a surreal honeycomb, and the hillfort known as Amer Fort, which is the finest example of Rajputana military architecture, as well as Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, and the astronomical designs of Jantar Mantar. Traditional Indian handicrafts, jewelry, art, and sculpture thrive in the city.
Image Source: Joao Eduardo Figueiredo (Flickr)
Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the five sacred dhams and is known for the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Brahma Temple, and the Pushkar Lake.
Image Source: Nidhi Srivastava (Flickr)
4. Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Jodhpur’s ethnic charm attracts visitors from all over the world. The ethereal ‘Blue City’ of India, known for its majestically constructed massive fort of Mehrangarh steeped in history, has always piqued the interest of foreign visitors seeking to discover India’s quintessential historic gems. Apart from the gorgeous Rajasthani handcrafted art jewelry, ethnic clothing, and specialty souvenir items, tourists are drawn to the ancient Clock Tower, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Jodhpur’s ‘Blue’ houses are a photographer’s dream.
Image Source: Laurent (Flickr)
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is unquestionably one of India’s most popular international destinations. The Jaisalmer Fort and the Thar Desert are two of the city’s most popular attractions. Foreign tourists flock to the Thar Desert for its luxury desert camps, camel safaris, fire dances, and belly dances, among other attractions. Puppet shows, night music performances, and other cultural events are popular among culture buffs.
Image Source: hurricanepower (Instagram)
5. Udaipur
Numerous foreigners with cameras can be seen photographing everything they see. Udaipur is a beautiful place to visit. Udaipur is a buzzing city with a plethora of tourist workshops such as art classes, cooking classes, and other activities.
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6. Hampi
When a foreign tourist decides to visit India, he or she looks for the most unique places in the country that will enrich their trip. Because of their otherworldly appeal and stunning architecture, the celebrated UNESCO Heritage site, group of monuments at Hampi, are high on the foreign tourist radar. The most visited and revered in the foreign tourist circuits, as well as architecture and history aficionados, are Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Stone Chariot, Krishna Temple, Royal Enclosure, Zenana Enclosure, and Hazara Rama Temple.
Image Source: karnatakatourism.org
7. Varanasi
Varanasi, India’s most famous religious and pilgrimage destination, and a photographer’s mecca in the west are visited by foreign nationals for a variety of reasons. Its unique ghats with awe-inspiring evening aartis, sunrise and sunset boat rides in the holy waters of the Ganges, the sights of Indian mystics and sadhus performing yoga and meditation, its old-world charm, and the transformative experience of witnessing Indian culture at its most vibrant are just a few of the attractions.
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8. Goa
Goa is India’s party capital, constantly swarmed by foreign tourists. It is one of the most famous travel destinations in India for foreigners. Goa is a foreign hotspot because of its numerous night beach party zones, cozy little shacks, pristine beaches of international standards, thrilling adventure sports, delectable cuisine, and thriving young culture. Every year, a large number of Russians and Europeans visit Goa. The welcoming locals of Goa certainly contribute to the increased footfall. Goa is also a great place for couples to visit on their honeymoon.
Image Source: Pavel Volkov (Flickr)
9. Gokarna
A small pilgrimage town in Karnataka that quickly transformed into a laid-back vacation destination after tourism arrived. The majority of Goa’s regulars have now relocated to Gokarna’s tranquil beaches, which are less crowded and cleaner.
Image Souce: sirsiattractions
10. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of the most popular beach destinations in India, with beaches such as Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach, and Promenade Beach. Pondicherry’s beaches, unlike those in other parts of the country, are known for their tranquility.
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11. Dharamshala
Dharamshala, India’s Buddhist capital, is one of the country’s most visited travel destinations in India for foreigners. Spiritual seekers, ex-pats, and regular foreign tourists flock to the location to learn about Buddhism and practice it under the supervision of a master. It’s also known for its peaceful charm, spectacular mountain scenery, adventure activities, local cafe culture, and generally laid-back atmosphere. Norbulingka Monastery, Triund Hill Trek, and the Dalai Lama Temple Complex are particularly popular with foreign visitors.
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12. Delhi
Delhi, India’s capital, has always had an aristocracy. The majority of visitors to India arrive in Delhi. The nobility was accompanied by magnificent architecture. India’s entire history appears to have ended in the same spot. From Mughal monuments to modern Delhi, the bag packers have a lot to look forward to. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb, among India’s many famous monuments.
Image Source: Delhi Photography Club (Facebook)
13. Mumbai
When it comes to sightseeing, foreign visitors prefer the Elephanta Caves, Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Prince of Wales Museum, Dharavi Slums, and other well-known attractions. The September Bandra Fair draws a large number of foreign visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount. Tourists who are interested in culture come to Prithvi Theatre to see plays and performances.
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14. Munnar
Tea tourism is becoming increasingly popular among Munnar’s avid foreign visitors. Young travelers, on the other hand, prefer to stay in tree houses. Munnar is known for other outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, speedboat riding, and others, in addition to tea estate activities.
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15. Ladakh
Scaling the mountain passes on a bike is the most iconic attraction in Ladakh that foreign visitors enjoy. Some tourists prefer jeeps, but the majority of visitors prefer bikes. There are numerous passes, each dotted with monasteries, villages, valleys, glaciers, and other sights. Foreigners are welcome to stay in monasteries, participate in rituals, and enjoy a spiritual vacation. Ladakh is a well-known destination for adventure travelers from the west and spiritual travelers from the east.
Image Source: Tanay Kibe (Flickr)
16. Kasol
Thousands of tourists visit India each year to relax and unwind away from their hectic lives. Many tourists visit Kasol who enjoy living off the grid for a few days. Adventure and outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, village tours, river rafting, fishing, and others are available in Kasol.
Kasol is one of the travel destinations in India for foreigners and hard-core mountaineers and trekkers seeking Himalayan adventure. Honeymooners appreciate the peace and quiet that this location provides. Kasol is also known for its culture, which can be found in the surrounding small villages. During the summer, young aspiring minds flock to Kasol to gaze at the stars.
Image Source: Pixabay
17. Varkala
Varkala, a small town in Kerala, is also home to one of South India’s best beaches. Varkala’s pristine white sand beach is framed by majestic cliffs, making it a popular photo location. The town welcomes both backpackers and families. It’s a great place to get away from the city. Aside from the beach, there are shacks with a fresh catch of the day and flea markets that add to the uniqueness of this location. Varkala, on the other hand, is primarily a temple town with religious significance for Hindus.
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18. Sikkim
Sikkim is home to a number of well-known attractions and activities. The most popular activity among tourists, however, is riding a colorfully decorated yak. Visiting the region’s monasteries and gompas is a long-standing tourist attraction. The Rumtek monastery is the main attraction that attracts the majority of international visitors.
If you enjoy wildlife, go to Khangchendzonga and Kewzing national parks to see animals and birds that are native to the alpine environment. Rapid river rafting, cable car rides, paragliding, silk-route mountain pass riding, camping, trekking, and other adrenaline-pumping activities are popular among adventure-seeking foreigners. Last but not least, the vibrant north-east Indian cuisine never fails to excite the taste buds of Western visitors.
Image Source: soumyajit pramanick (flickr)
19. Meghalaya
Meghalaya, also known as the “City of Clouds,” is a hidden gem nestled in the lap of the pine-covered Khasi and Garo Hills in India’s northeast. Meghalaya, one of the most picturesque states in North East India, is an ideal destination in India for trekkers, cavers/spelunkers, and nature lovers, with its numerous waterfalls, mystic caves, dense forests, and sparkling lakes and rivers. Only in Meghalaya will you find one-of-a-kind man-made living root bridges that are grown rather than built.
The ‘double-decker living root bridge’ in Cherrapunjee is an example of artistic brilliance that has stood the test of time for more than 200 years. Meghalaya also provides a glimpse into tribal life as well as delicious local cuisine.
Image Source: Gaurav Singh (Flickr)
20. Shimla
Shimla is one of the few travel destinations in India for foreigners of all ages. Viewpoints, valleys, temples, shopping streets, and other attractions abound in this hill town. This is one of the best places to enjoy snow-related activities if you visit during the peak summer season. Visit the water catchment sanctuary, Summer Hill, Annandale’s cactus museum, and other attractions during your summer vacation. The ride on the toy train is the most enjoyable of all the activities. Shimla is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities such as horseback riding, ice skating, skiing, snow trekking, rope-way rides, hiking, camping, and more.
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“AthithiDevoBhava,” which means “the guest is God,” is an old Indian proverb. Indians welcome visitors into their homes and treat them as gods, going out of their way to make their visitors’ stay as pleasant as possible. Nothing compares to the warmth of Indian hospitality. Visit some of the best travel destinations in India for foreigners to learn about its vast cultural diversity and to see some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.