14 Places to Visit in North India + Things To Do for First-Timers

Incredible India is unlike any other place on the planet. This country is home to some of the world’s most stunning architecture and a vibrant mix of cultures.

Every location offers distinctive experiences geared to various types of travellers, making it seem like a whole continent in and of itself. Once you’ve visited and fallen in love with India, you’ll want to return for more. By travelling through Northern India, one can see some of the most breathtaking architectural wonders in the world. The Taj Mahal is not the only attraction in this region that makes it worthwhile to travel there; it is also the location of otherworldly ancient towns guarded by enormous royal fortifications, the holiest temples of the major religions of India, impressive reminders of British colonial authority, and breathtaking natural scenery.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

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See also: 9 Places To Visit in New Delhi, 10 Places To Visit in Kolkata, 6 Things to do in Rajasthan + Tourist Spots.

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1. Taj Mahal & Agra

The Taj Mahal is sheer perfection. If you came to India to feast your eyes on its man-made wonders, this is definitely a must-visit. When in town, don’t miss other incredible sites to see in Agra.

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Agra is around 4 to 5 hours drive south of the capital, New Delhi. The best way to get there is to book a shuttle or private car transfers that can take you directly to the main tourist area in Agra, which is found just outside the gates of the Taj Mahal. The nearest major train stations are Agra Fort Railway Station (AF) and Agra Cantonment railways station (AGC). Travel time by train fro Jaipur is 4 to 5 hours.

Agra Travel Essentials

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Agra Fort

Agra Fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Fatehpur Sikri Palace

Fatehpur Sikri Palace in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

See more: Taj Mahal & Agra travel tips

7 Places To Visit in Agra

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2. Jaipur & Amber

Overlooking view of Amber Fortress from Jaigarh Fortress in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Hawa Mahal at night in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur together with Agra and New Delhi completes the famous tourist trail known as India’s Golden Triangle. This is one easy itinerary that you can do if you’re visiting on a short trip. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan State, is famous for its massive royal palaces, imposing fortresses, and flamboyant buildings.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Jaipur is 1-hour southwest of New Dehli by plane. Jaipur International Airport (JAI), located 13km from the city center, serves direct flights from Singapore, Bangkok and several cities in the Middle East. And, major domestic destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai. Jaipur is also accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train is 7 to 8 hours from Delhi.

Jaipur Travel Essentials

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See more: Jaipur & Amber travel tips

8 Places To Visit in Jaipur

3. New Delhi

India Gate in New Delhi, India

Qutub Minar in New Delhi, India

Bahai Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India

Many travelers will tell you that New Delhi is one of those massively chaotic cities that is better skipped. It’s not one of the most exciting places to visit in India but if you’re headed there (for a flight) anyways, there are a couple of sites that are worth at least a day’s tour.

Location: Delhi, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary flight hub of northwest India and the busiest airport in the country. This airport serves direct flights from many cities in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa and of course, South Asia. Flight duration is around 4.5 hours from Bangkok, and 5.5 to 6 hours from Singapore, Hong Kong & Kuala Lumpur. Major airlines include Air India, AirAsia, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet & Zoom Air.

New Delhi Travel Essentials

4. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort, known as Rajasthan’s Golden Fort, is my favorite among the hilltop forts in India. It may not be the largest or most opulently decorated, but visiting this desert fortress was an extremely surreal experience. Walking down its narrow cobbled streets and enjoying views overlooking the sandstone-built city, especially under the golden hue of the sunset, felt like being transported to a land of fairytales.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Most travelers arrive in Jaisalmer by train, bus or car. The city does not have a commercial airport of its own. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport (JDH), which is about a 5 to 6-hour drive to Jaisalmer. Travel time by train is 12 to 17 hours from Delhi & Jaipur.

Jaisalmer Travel Essentials

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Jaisalmer Fortress

Jaisalmer Fortress in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Thar Desert

Sunset at Bigi Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, India

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10 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

5. Varanasi

Evening Puja at Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi, India

Sitting along the mighty Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in the Hindu and Buddhist faith. Visit this ancient city, if you came to India on a spiritual journey or to observe Hindu culture where it’s most revealing.

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Varanasi is found midway between Delhi and Kolkata. Flight duration from both cities usually takes 1.5 hours. Varanasi-Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) located 26 km away from the city center serves flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa. Varanasi is also accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train may take around 10 to 11 hours from Delhi or Kolkata.

Varanasi Travel Essentials

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8 Places To Visit in Varanasi

6. Khajuraho

Erotic Carvings on a temple in Khajuraho , Madhya Pradesh, India

Intricate sculptures showing explicit scenes of eroticism, orgies, and bestiality cover the outer walls of mysterious ancient temples in Khajuraho. This town is famous for its unusual temples and a great place to experience rural India.

Location: Madhya Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Khajuraho is 1-hour southeast of Delhi by plane. Khajuraho airport (HJR) located 3 kilometers away from the town center / main tourist area serves flights from Delhi, operated by Air India and Jet Airways. Khajuraho is also accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train is 11 to 12 from Varanasi or Delhi.

Khajuraho Travel Essentials

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10 Places To Visit in Khajuraho

7. Kolkata

Victoria Memorial Hall along Cathedral Road in Kolkata, India

Nakhoda Mosque in Bara Bazar, Kolkata India

This is India’s most chaotic city. Better prepare yourself to experience all the sights, smells, sounds, and scams of this megacity before visiting. Kolkata (Calcutta) is known for its grand colonial architecture and the Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa.

Location: West Bengal, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Kolkata-Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is the primary flight hub of Kolkata area & northeast India. This airport serves direct international flights mainly from Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Bangladesh & Bhutan. Flight duration is around 2.5 to 3 hours from Bangkok, and 4 to 4.5 hours from Singapore, Hong Kong & Kuala Lumpur. Major airlines include Air India, AirAsia, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways & SpiceJet.

Kolkata Travel Essentials

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10 Places To Visit in Kolkata

Two Days in Kolkata: India Solo Travel 101

8. Jodhpur

Overlooking view of the blue city from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Jodhpur is the “Blue City” of Rajasthan. Taking center stage is the Mehrangarh Fort that overlooks the city’s massive sprawl of blue-painted houses interlinked by a maze of narrow alleyways. The hilltop fortress and royal palace in Jodhpur is one of Rajasthan’s most opulent and well-preserved.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Jodhpur is 1.5 hours southwest of Delhi by plane. Jodhpur Airport (JDH) serves flights from Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore & Mumbai. Flights are operated by Air India, Jet Airways & SpiceJet. Jodhpur is also accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train is 5 to 7 hours from Jaipur & 10 to 13 hours from Delhi.

Jodhpur Travel Essentials

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9. Udaipur

Lakeside view in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur, the White City in Rajasthan, captivate travelers with its extremely scenic lakeside setting. The cityscape is dominated by the massive City Palace famed for its lavish construction and intricate peacock mosaics.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Udaipur is 1.5 hours southwest of Delhi by plane. Udaipur-Maharana Pratap Airport Airport (UDR) serves flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad & Thiruvananthapuram. Flights are operated by Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways & SpiceJet. Udaipur is also accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train is 8 to 10 hours from Jaipur & 14 hours from Delhi. And, by bus/taxi/car from Jodhpur. Travel time between Jodhpur and Udaipur is 4 to 5 hours.

Udaipur Travel Essentials

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9 Things to do in Udaipur + Tourist Spots

10. Ranakpur

If you’re traveling between Udaipur and Jodhpur, it’s worth breaking the land journey by visiting the Jain Temple in Ranakpur. This architectural marvel is made entirely of white marble and features 1,444 towering support pillars carved in awe-inspiringly detail.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Most travelers arrive here by bus, taxi or private car from Udaipur or Jodhpur. Travel time from Jodhpur is around 3 hours. Meanwhile, travel time from Udaipur is around 1.5 hours.

Ranakpur Travel Essentials

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Ranakpur Jain Temple and Bird Sanctuary

11. Chittorgarh

Gaumukh Reservoir in Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, India

Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fortress in Rajasthan and India. Although much of the ancient city is now ruined, there are many surviving temples worth seeing and spectacular overlooking cliffside views from the still-intact portion of the fortress walls.

Location: Rajasthan, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Most travelers arrive in Chittorgarh by train, bus or car. The city does not have a commercial airport of its own. The nearest airport is Udaipur Airport (UDR), which is about a 2-hour drive away. Chittorgarh is accessible by train from major cities in India. Travel time by train is 11 to 13 hours from Delhi.

Chittorgarh Travel Essentials

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10 Things to do in Chittorgarh + Tourist Spots

12. Bodhgaya

Mahabodhi Temple in Bodghaya, Bihar, India

India is the birthplace of many of the World’s oldest surviving religions including Buddhism. If you are keen on following or learning about the path of enlightenment, you can find the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. This temple marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained Nirvana.

Location: Bihar, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Travelers on their way between Kolkata and Varanasi often break the long land journey with a side trip in Bodhgaya. The nearest train station is found in the town of Gaya, which is 30 minutes away by car from the main tourist area in Bodhgaya. From most hotels & guesthouses, Mahabodhi Temple and other temples can be easily reached by walking. Travel time by train to Gaya is around 6 hours from Kolkata and 5 hours from Varanasi.

Bodhgaya Travel Essentials

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10 Places To Visit in Bodhgaya

13. Orchha

Orccha Fortress in Orccha, Madhya Pradesh, India

Orchha isn’t very popular and that’s what I liked most about it. The city is home to a massive fortress and city palace, and several revered temples. This is one place to consider if you want to go off the beaten path and deeper into the Indian countryside.

Most travelers to Orchha go by way of Jhansi train station, which is 30 minutes away by car from Orchha town center. The nearest commercial airport is Khajuraho Airport (HJR), which is 4 to 5 hours away from Jhansi by train or car. Travel time by train is 7 to 9 hours from Delhi.

Location: Madhya Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

Orchha Travel Essentials

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8 Places To Visit in Orchha

Two Days in Off-beat Orchha

14. Gwalior

Gwalior Fortress in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Gwalior is another not-too-popular yet interesting place to visit. The main draw here is the Gwalior Fort known for its artistic architecture.

Location: Madhya Pradesh, India. Save on Google Maps.

How to go:

Gwalior is very well connected to major cities across India by direct train links. Travel time by train is around 3 hours from Delhi.

Gwalior Travel Essentials

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Beyond India

Nepal

Location: South Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Nepal Travel Essentials

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9 Things to do in Nepal + Tourist Spots

7 Places to Visit in Pokhara + Things To Do

13 Things to do in Kathmandu + Tourist Spots

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What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in India that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in India

India tourist spots, things to do in India, where to go in India & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

9 Places To Visit in New Delhi

10 Places To Visit in Kolkata

6 Things to do in Rajasthan + Tourist Spots