Places to Visit in North India

Places to Visit in North India northern region is blessed with exciting holiday destinations. An assortment of vibrant culture, interesting traditions, historical kaleidoscopic structures and tongue-tickling cuisine are the reasons to not miss the mesmerizing places to visit in North India. It can be hard to resist venturing up into the mystifying snow-capped mountains that delight adventure aficionados, and into the realms of the northern plains surrounded by scorching desert, where the grandiose medieval forts will spellbind you by their admirable appeal. Travelling across North India will offer you a soul-stirring experience. There won’t be a single moment you will feel out of place. All the holiday destinations in north India come with irresistible things to do and see. You can find the holiest river flowing through the dramatic mountain terrain into the oldest city in India, hike to the longest surviving Hindu temple in the Himalayan peaks, and marvel at some of the loveliest UNESCO attractions.

New Delhi, NCR
New Delhi, the national capital of India, is a traveler’s paradise, to say the least. As a city that has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties, Delhi boasts of several monuments and heritage places that pay tribute to its rich cultural and political past. While there is a good range of historical places to visit in Delhi, the city doesn’t lack in gardens, museums, places of worship, adventure spots, and theme parks, either. Add to that the vibrant shopping destinations, local markets, and street food, Delhi easily tops the list of best tourist places in North India.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions:Red Fort, Purana Qila, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Lotus Temple, Agrasen ki Baoli, National Rail Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Chandhi Chowk, and Connaught Place. Learn more about Delhi tourism
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Hazrat Nizamuddin, Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, and Anand Vihar

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, the picturesque capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a unique travel experience with its snow-capped mountains, forests, lush green valleys, placid lakes, and pleasant climatic conditions. Apart from these natural attractions, the region also boasts of several man-made wonders including religious places, historical structures, museums, and the lively Mall Road. Away from the hustle-bustle of large cities, Shimla makes for one of the best honeymoon destinations in North India.

Best Time to Visit: March to June. November to February is ideal for experiencing snowfall and enjoying snow-related adventure activities
Key Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Christ Church, Himachal State Museum, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Green Valley, Tara Devi Temple, Mashobra, Kufri, Chail, and Chadwick Falls. Learn about the top places to visit in Shimla
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station

Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal, counts among the top places to visit in North India and for all the right reasons. The historical city in Uttar Pradesh is a medley of grand monuments, exceptional architecture, and mesmerizing sights and sounds. It boasts of three UNESCO World Heritage sites, several enticing gardens, vibrant local markets, emporiums, and lip-smacking street food. Agra is also part of the famous Golden-Triangle circuit

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions: Taj Mahal, Mughal Gardens, Taj Museum, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, Chini-ka-Rauza, and I’timād-ud-Daulah or Baby Taj. Learn more about the places to visit in Agra
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Agra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra City Railway Station, and Idgah

Kullu and Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Blessed with verdant greenery, pristine streams, meadows blooming with flowers, and pleasant climate, the twin towns of Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are among the most visited hill stations in North India. These towns, which are at a distance of about 40 km, are dotted with waterfalls, trekking trails, apple orchards, religious places, quaint villages, museums, and hip cafes, among others. While Kullu and Manali draw in a large number of couples, they are also a favorite with adventure seekers looking to indulge in trekking, paragliding, camping, river rafting, etc.

Best Time to Visit: March to June. December to February is ideal to experience snow or enjoy winter sports
Key Attractions in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfalls, Manu Temple, The Manali Gompa, Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, Nehru Kund, Arjun Gufa, Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Great Himalayan National Park, Naggar Castle, Rahala Falls, Rohtang Pass, and Manali Sanctuary. Learn more about the best places to visit in Manali
Key Attractions in Kullu: Bijli Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, Friendship Peak, Pandoh Dam, Parvati Valley, Chandrakhani Pass, Manikaran, Bhrigu Lake, Hanogi Mata Temple, Naggar, Bhuntar, and Jagannathi Devi Temple
Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar railway station

Mussoorie and Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The tree-covered hills and valleys of Dehradun and Mussoorie have attracted families and couples since the 1800s. Offering stunning views of Dehradun on one side and snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the other, the British rightly called Mussoorie, The Queen of Hill Stations. Located merely 33 km apart, these hills are also popular with trekkers. In addition to their natural beauty, Dehradun and Mussoorie boast of a number of institutions, churches, and summer palaces from the British-raj era.

Best Time to Visit: March to June. December to February is ideal to experience snow.
Key Attractions in Mussoorie: Lake Mist, Camel’s Back Road, Cloud’s End, Mussoorie Lake, Gunhill Road, Mall Road, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Bhatta Falls, Company Garden, Soham Heritage & Art Center, Mossy Falls, Bhadraj Temple, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Jwala Devi Temple, Happy Valley, and Kempty Falls. Learn more about things to do in Mussoorie.
Key Attractions in Dehradun: Robber’s Cave, Doon Valley, Har Ki Dun, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Temple, Rajaji National Park, Buddha Temple, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun Zoo, Mindrolling Monastery, Lacchiwalla, Zonal Museum, Paltan Bazar, and Shikhar Fall. Learn more about the best places to visit in Dehradun.

Dharamsala and McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Dharmshala and McLeodganj – less than 10 km apart – are best known as the home of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama. Given the Tibetan influence, the calm and scenic McLeodganj is also known as Little Lhasa. Along with their natural beauty, these hill stations in North India are also known for quaint monasteries, Tibetan markets, old bungalows, and churches. They offer a sneak-peek into Tibetan culture and cuisine. Dharamshala and McLeodganj attract tourists of all ages from across the globe.

Best Time to Visit: February to June.
Key Attractions in Dharmshala and McLeodganj: Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsunag Temple, Tibetan Museum, Triund, Dal Lake and St. John in the Wilderness Church
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, Dharamsala
Nearest Railway Station: Dharamshala and Pathankot

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park, Indian’s first national park, is renowned for being home to the largest tiger population in the country. The park also has an abundance of elephants, deer, leopards, bears, reptiles, and birds spread across hills, grasslands, and jungles. It is divided into 6 zones with each offering a unique experience and Dhikala is the most popular amongst them. Given its proximity to cities like Delhi, Jim Corbett is one of the most popular long weekend destinations in North India.

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Key Attractions in Jim Corbett National Park: Jungle safari, Elephant Rides, River Rafting, Angling, Corbett Waterfall, Garjia Temple, Sitabani Temple, Corbett Museum, Birjani, Kosi River, Durga Devi Zone, and Dhikala
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar

Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
It is impossible to talk about religious places in North India without mentioning Haridwar and Rishikesh. Considered to be twin national heritage cities, Haridwar and Rishikesh have a spiritual aura that attracts soul seekers and pilgrims from across the world. Even the Beatles visited Rishikesh in the 60s! While on one hand, the Ganges is meditated upon, on the other, its white rapids call out to thrill-seekers making it one of the most popular adventure spots in North India. Both towns have a vegetarian food culture and are known for delicious street food spread. Further, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra.

Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to November
Key Attractions in Haridwar: Har ki Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Shanti Kunj Ashram, Rajaji National Park, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Swami Vivekanand Park, Maya Devi Temple, Piran Kaliyar, and Ganga Aarti. Learn more about top places to visit in Haridwar
Key Attractions in Rishikesh: Yoga Treats, Jadh Ganga Trek, Kuari Pass, Kaudiyala Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev, Byasi, Parmanth Ghat, and Tera Manzil (Trimbakeshwar )Temple. Learn more about things to do in Rishikesh.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar and Rishikesh

Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is a treasure trove of spiritual and architectural beauty. It is home to the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib as it is popularly known. With bullet marks still visible on the walls of the Jallianwala Bagh, the city is a poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle. The Change of Guard ceremony performed every evening at the Wagah-Attari border by soldiers of the Indian and Pakistani army is another reason Amritsar is worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions in Amritsar: Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Golden Temple, Company Bagh, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht, Partition Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Central Sikh Museum, The Old City Bazaar, Sada Pind, Harike Bird Sanctuary, and Wagah Border. Learn more about historical places in Amritsar
Nearest Airport: Amritsar International Airport or Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction

Chandigarh, Punjab
Designed by Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is renowned as the first planned city of independent India. Even today, though the façade has changed, the city retains the look of sweeping boulevards, gardens, lakes and grand buildings. The city is a popular shopping destination and the gateway to many of Punjab’s smaller towns. Chandigarh has plenty of monuments worth admiring, one-of-a-kind gardens, lakes, and picnic spots. While on one hand, it has fine dining and gourmet restaurants, on the other hand, it offers lip-smacking street food.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions in Chandigarh: Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Open Hand Monument, Capitol Complex, International Doll Museum, Terraced Garden, Japanese Garden, Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Fateh Burj, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Garden of Silence. Learn more about the historical places in Chandigarh
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction