When you think of India, images of remnants of former kingdoms, mystical spiritual towns, scenic mountains, and lush valleys come to mind. And that’s exactly what you’ll get from North India. Here is a list of 20 best places to visit in North India that capture the region’s spirit and essence.
1. Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the best places to visit in North India because of its natural beauty. From the mesmerising lakes and expansive gardens to the distant snow-capped mountains, there’s a lot to take in here. Srinagar is also a bustling hub of activity, with a plethora of local markets. The rich aromas and flavours of Kashmiri wazwan deserve special mention. The slopes of Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are ideal for skiing and winter sports in the winter.
Source: Wikipedia
2. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is best known as the residence of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader. This hill station in North India is also known for its quaint monasteries, Tibetan markets, old bungalows, and churches, in addition to its natural beauty. They give you a taste of Tibetan culture and cuisine. Dharamshala draws visitors of all ages from all over the world.
Image Source: Pixahive
3. Kullu – Manali
The twin towns of Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are among the most visited hill stations in North India, with lush greenery, pristine streams, flower-filled meadows, and a pleasant climate. Waterfalls, hiking trails, apple orchards, religious sites, quaint villages, museums, and hip cafes abound in these towns, which are about 40 kilometres apart. While Kullu and Manali are popular with couples, they are also popular with adventure seekers interested in trekking, paragliding, camping, river rafting, and other activities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
4. Shimla
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque capital city, is nestled in the Himalayan foothills and offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience with its snow-capped mountains, forests, lush green valleys, placid lakes, and pleasant climate. Aside from natural wonders, the region also has a number of man-made wonders, such as religious sites, historical structures, museums, and the bustling Mall Road. Shimla is one of the best places to visit in North India for a honeymoon because it is away from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. Kinnaur – Sarahan, Kalpa, Chitkul
Kinnaur is about 235 kilometres from Shimla and is known for the serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape with the Satluj, Baspa, and Spiti rivers snaking through it.
Sarahan
The road to Sarahan, located halfway up a high mountainside, winds past flowering Pine trees before giving way to stately Oaks. Hundreds of small streams flow by. The fields and orchards that surround the small villages with their slate-roofed houses form pastoral perfection pictures. Many deodar trees line the slopes above Sarahan, and smooth birch trees and a variety of wildflowers and rare medicinal herbs encircle the Bashal peak. The temple’s unusual architecture and abundance of carvings have elevated it to a shining example of the Indo-Tibetan style. The river Sutlej flows deep down the alley, and across it is the snow-capped Shrikhand peak.
Image Credits: Garry Summers (Flickr)
Kalpa
Kalpa is one of Kinnaur’s largest and most beautiful villages. It is a rare treat to travel on this road, which is a great engineering feat, to enter the Kinnaur district at Village Chshora and follow a straight line road constructed in vertical rock.
Image Source – Biswarup Sarkar (Flickr)
Chitkul
Chitkul, located in the Kinnaur Valley, is a traveler’s dream come true. This location may be ideal for adventure seekers. Chitkul, on the banks of the Baspa River, boasts its unparalleled beauty with Kinner Kailash in the background. It is said to be the last village on the Hindustan-Tibet route and the beginning of the Baspa valley. The beauty of the snow-capped mountains can be seen on one side of the river, while the terrain on the other side is filled with wooden houses and apple orchards. The area is covered in a thick layer of snow for the majority of the year.
Image Source: Rahul Bera (Flickr)
6. Spiti Valley
The spiritualism of Spiti can be combined with the mesmerising visuals that unfold in front of your eyes. The village’s relaxing atmosphere, as well as the numerous monasteries, will help you forget about the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature. You can also have a good time by participating in adventure sports such as paragliding.
Image Source: Shashank Yadav (Flickr)
7. Ladakh
Leh-Ladakh is one of North India’s most beautiful adventure destinations. Its diverse landscape includes rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks, pristine blue lakes, lush green pockets, and the Nubra Valley’s shifting dunes, as well as meandering rivers. It is home to a number of monasteries with a mystic, spiritual aura. Thrill-seekers will enjoy treks across the Zanskar range, mountain bike rides, and rafting down the Indus and Zanskar rivers in Leh-Ladakh. Tibetan culture has a strong influence on the people, culture, and cuisine of this region.
Image Source: Tanay Kibe (Flickr)
8. Jaipur – Pushkar
Jaipur
Jaipur is a vibrant, flamboyant city with a rich history that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s regal past is visible in the form of palaces, some of which are still home to the Royal family, forts, and monuments. In Jaipur, there are also a number of beautiful gardens and lakes. As camels and buses share the same space, the city balances its heritage with all the conveniences of an urban metropolis.
Image Source: Joao Eduardo Figueiredo (Flickr)
Pushkar
The city of Pushkar, which is home to the world’s only Brahma temple and the vivacious Pushkar Mela, has been woven into the heart of Rajasthani culture and Hippie culture. This charming town is built around the mythical Pushkar Lake and is lined with temples. Brahma, the Hindu God, is said to have dropped a lotus on the spot, giving birth to the lake. Pushkar is unlike anywhere else on the planet; it strikes the perfect balance between rustic life and the hustle and bustle of commerce.
Image Source: Nidhi Srivastava (Flickr)
9. Delhi
To say the least, New Delhi, India’s national capital, is a traveler’s paradise. Delhi, as a city that has seen many dynasties rise and fall, has a number of monuments and heritage sites that pay homage to its rich cultural and political past. While there are plenty of historical sites to see in Delhi, the city also has plenty of gardens, museums, places of worship, adventure spots, and theme parks. With its vibrant shopping destinations, local markets, and street food, Delhi easily ranks first among the most famous places to visit in North India.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
10. Agra
Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India, and for good reason. The historical city of Uttar Pradesh is a kaleidoscope of grand monuments, outstanding architecture, and hypnotic sights and sounds. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites, several enticing gardens, vibrant local markets, emporiums, and mouthwatering street food are just a few of the attractions.
11. Jim Corbett
The largest tiger population in the country can be found in Jim Corbett National Park, India’s first national park. Elephants, deer, leopards, bears, reptiles, and birds abound throughout the park’s hills, grasslands, and jungles. It is divided into six zones, each of which offers a unique experience, with Dhikala being the most popular. Jim Corbett is one of the most popular places to visit in North India due to its proximity to cities like Delhi.
Image Source: Hardik Pala (Flickr)
12. Haridwar-Rishikesh
Haridwar and Rishikesh are unavoidable when discussing religious destinations in North India. Haridwar and Rishikesh, considered twin national heritage cities, have a spiritual aura that draws soul seekers and pilgrims from all over the world. Rishikesh was even visited by the Beatles in the 1960s! While the Ganges is revered on one hand, its white rapids beckon thrill-seekers, making it one of North India’s most popular adventure destinations. Both towns are known for their delicious street food spreads and have a vegetarian food culture. In addition, Rishikesh is where the Char Dhaam Yatra begins.
Image Source: Siddharth Nagi (Flickr)
13. Kedarnath
This is one of the Char Dhams and one of the busiest pilgrim centres in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched at 3584 metres. Lord Shiva is said to have disguised himself as a bull at Kedarnath in order to avoid the Pandavas, and when the Pandavas discovered him, he went deeper into the earth, leaving the hump on the surface.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
14. Tirthan Valley
Have you ever been to Tirthan Valley? What have you been up to if that isn’t the case? The Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh is nothing short of a paradise. Your gateway to the wild is Tirthan Valley, which serves as a gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. Spend some time outside, taking in the fresh mountain air. You will not miss the monotony of city life or the pollution in Delhi. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
15. Amritsar
Amritsar is a spiritual and architectural treasure trove. The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib as it is popularly known, is the Sikhs’ holiest shrine. The city of Jallianwala Bagh is a poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle, with bullet marks still visible on the walls. Another reason to go to Amritsar is to see the Change of Guard ceremony, which is held every evening at the Wagah-Attari border by Indian and Pakistani army soldiers.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
16. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a small village in the Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan Range. This place is known for its highly adventurous and nerve-wracking trekking trails, which offer splendours of natureaas beauty in their most captivating form.
Image Credits: Krisnendu Sar (Flickr)
17. Auli
There is no shortage of natural beauty in Auli, which is dotted with apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees. Aside from skiing, you can go on numerous treks in the Garhwal Himalayan hills and take in the breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks. Auli is a popular Himalayan hill resort that dates back to the 8th century AD.
Image Source: Kebi (Flickr)
18. Almora-Nainital
Nainital is one of the most popular family destinations in North India, thanks to its beautiful lake. There are several hiking trails in the town that provide breathtaking views of forested valleys and pristine lakes. Every aspect of Nainital appears to be designed to soothe the mind and spirit. The town is covered in snow in the winter and looks like it belongs on a postcard. The Nainital Winter Carnival is a three-day event that includes cultural performances, bird watching, and heritage trails.
The sprawling town of Almora, shaped like a horseshoe, is a hill station with a pre-British heritage and an adyllic vibe, cradled in the wilderness of the Himalayan ranges.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
19. Mussorie
Since the 1800s, the tree-covered hills and valleys of Dehradun and Mussoorie have drawn families and couples. Mussoorie was dubbed “The Queen of Hill Stations” by the British because of its stunning views of Dehradun on one side and snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the other. These hills, which are only 33 kilometres apart, are also popular with hikers. In addition to their natural beauty, Dehradun and Mussoorie are home to a number of British-era institutions, churches, and summer palaces.
Image Source: Curious Eagle (Flickr)
20. Mathura-Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, are among the most religious places in North India. These towns, which are only about 10 kilometres apart, are dotted with temples and have 25 ghats lining the Yamuna. Mathura was once a major Buddhist centre, and several sculptural ruins from that time can be found here. Pilgrims come here all year, but Holi and Janmashtami deserve special mention because of the influx of pilgrims and tourists they attract.
Source: PixaBay
Let us know which of these places to visit in North India you’ve checked off your list in the comments section below. If you believe a gem is missing from this list, please let us know in the comments section below!