Best Places to Visit in India

1. Varanasi

Varanasi is by far the most unique place I’ve been in the entire world. This is where many Hindus come to be cremated, along the Ganges River. You will see sadhu’s like the man above, with human ashes on them. Here are some tips on what to expect at the burning ghats, and some general travel tips on Varanasi.

2. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is world famous for a reason – it’s stunning! I hated being there I have to admit (you are herded like cattle through huge crowds if it’s busy but here are some tips to visit the best way possible like showing up for sunrise and saying no to photos.

3. Anjuna / Vagator

Anjuna, my home of the last five years, is the land of hippie vibes and the end of the hippie trail in the 60-70’s. Many foreigners came here, burnt their passports, and lived naked on the beach. Those days are gone but some of them are still here and the music, parties, and laid-back attitude has stuck around, too. Here’s my ultimate guide to Goa.

4. Rann of Kutch

This is where you’ll find the huge salt plains in India. Make sure to visit at the right time (Nov-Feb) or you might show up to find it under water. You can experience local life here and see how artisans make traditional clothing. CN Traveler called it the new fashion capital of India.

5. Tawang

In Tawang, you can visit the largest working Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the world. This once was Tibet and the food, language and people are Tibetan although now they are Indian. Come and learn about their culture! It’s gorgeous, but very very cold. It’s one of the highest places I’ve been in India! Read up a bit about Tawang here.

6. Kaziranga National Park

There aren’t many rhinos left in the world (they are endangered) but this park has worked hard to repopulate them and keep them safe from poachers. Some people buy the horns for Chinese medicine, and poaching is a major issue. We got very close to the rhinos here and it was nothing but magical. Here’s my guide.

7. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is known for it’s rolling tea fields. It’s in West Bengal at the base of the Himalaya Mountains. This is where the Brits would come for vacation back when they were in control of India. Make sure you ride the toy train and check out this post for more things to do here.

8. BR Hills

This is short for Biligirirangana Hills, which is a protected area in Karnataka just near the Tamil Nadu border. This wildlife sanctuary has tigers but it has tribal people too, called the Soliga, and this is in my top 5 places I’ve ever been in India and maybe even in the world. It’s so unique.

9. Mysore

Mysore is my favorite Indian city. There are so many parks, so little traffic, and the market is extraordinary! If you want to ease into India by starting in a small city, want to try Ayurveda, or do a yoga teacher training (the best school is here), this is where you want to be. You can also take amazing day trips from Mysore. This article has 7 must-do’s in Mysore.

10. Rishikesh

We all know by now that the Beatles and other celebs loved Rishikesh and came here to be with their guru and write. Still, it’s a place for yogis and hippies. The Ganges runs through the cute, busy, town and many tourists are here learning to teach yoga themselves. Here are my tips for Rishikesh.