Top Places to Visit in North India
Top Tourist Places in North India
Here is the list of 48 Top Places to Visit in North India
1. New Delhi, NCR - The city of cities
Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Akshardham Temple Delhi
From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple personalities making it 'The good, the bad and the ugly'.
The Capital city of India and the base location to explore North India, Delhi is considered to be the city with a heart.
Best Time: October to March
2. Agra, Uttar Pradesh - The City of the Taj Mahal
Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav
Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra and hence makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
Best Time: October to March
3. Auli, Uttarakhand - The Skiing Destination of India
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.
Best Time: Throughout the year
4. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Magnetic Hill
A land like no other with superabundance of attractions to visit and phantasmagoric and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
Best Time: April - Mid-July
5. Amritsar, Punjab - Gateway to Punjab - home to Golden Temple
Known For : Golden Temple Wagah Border Jallianwala Bagh
Home of the glorious Golden Temple, the iconic city of Amritsar, portrays the heroic character of the Punjab. A day in this peaceful city starts with the spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The original name of first the ancient lake, then of the temple complex, and later the surrounding city, meaning "pool of ambrosial nectar."
Best Time: October to March
6. Manali, Himachal Pradesh - Lover's Paradise - India's Honeymoon capital
Known For : Hidimba Temple Solang Valley Manu Temple
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Best Time: October to June
7. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
8. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - The Paradise on Earth
Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shankaracharya Temple
Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.
Best Time: April to October
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Yoga Capital of the World
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports.
Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
10. Haridwar, Uttarakhand - Ganges' Wave of Religion and Spirituality
Known For : Ganga Aarti in Haridwar Har Ki Pauri Chandi Devi Temple
No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins. However, with the passage of time, Haridwar has evolved from being a mere religious city to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around i, and is the perfect holiday option for anyone seeking spiritual connection as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature.
Best Time: Throughout the year
11. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir - The Skiing School and Honeymoon
Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Kongdori Phase 1 Apharwat Peak
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys.
Best Time: October to June
12. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Cafes in Kasol
A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.
Best Time: October to June
13. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
14. Jaipur, Rajasthan - The Pink City
Known For : Amer Fort Jantar Mantar Jaipur Hawa Mahal
Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new. Also called the Pink City, The capital of the royal state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle, one of the most famous tourist circuits of the country.
Best Time: October to March
15. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand - The Queen of hill-stations
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the place for you to be.
Best Time: September to June
16. Pushkar, Rajasthan - The Only Dedicated Brahma Temple and the Mesmerising Cattle Fair
Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple
Pushkar, a small temple town, is located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country. Perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar is located amid Aravali ranges. Known for the world's only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Best Time: October to March
17. Jodhpur, Rajasthan - The Blue City
Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari
Also known as the "The Blue City", "Sun City" and "Gateway to Thar", Jodhpur is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.
Best Time: November to February
18. Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Best Time: October to June
19. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh - Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Little Lhasa
Known For : Triund Bhagsu Falls Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Best Time: October to June
20. Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir - The Holy Caves
Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir Ardhkuwari
Located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra at the height of 1560 m above sea level with bright clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.
Best Time: Throughout the year
21. Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir - A Photographer's paradise
Known For : Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Naag Mandir
With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest.
Best Time: Throughout the year
22. Almora, Uttarakhand - A cozy heritage town nestled in the Himalayas.
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horse-shoe is a hill station that boasts of a pre-British heritage and an adyllic vibe.
Best Time: Throughout the year
23. Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation.
Best Time: March - May; September - November
24. Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Known For : Bactrian Camel Safari Panamik Hot Springs Yarab Tso, Sumur
This masterpiece of God's own creation lies on the Silk route, in the paradisiacal of Jammu and Kashmir at a distance of around 140 Km from Leh. The valley is embellished with Shyok and Nubra river snaking through it and some beautiful monasteries colored with rich shades of golden, red and others.
Best Time: June to September
25. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Known For : Kedarnath Temple Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi Shri Bhairavnath Temple
Atop 3584 mts, this is one of the Char Dhams and one of the busiest pilgrim centres in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is believed that in order to evade the Pandavas, Lord Shiva hid himself in the form of a bull at Kedarnath, and when found by the Pandavas, he went further into the earth leaving the hump on the surface.
Best Time: May to June, September to October
26. Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir - A haven for pilgrims.
Known For : Amarnath Cave Amarnath Yatra Baltal
Amarnath is one of the most important pilgrimage in India for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave is haven to an enshrined image of ice called the Shivaling formed naturally, which resembles Lord Shiva.
Best Time: May to September
27. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Known For : Birthi falls Maheshwari Kund Panchachuli Peak
A small village with an awe-inspiring panorama of snow capped Himalayan Range; Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh District. Offering splendors of natureaÛªs beauty in their most captivating form, this place is famous for its some highly adventurous and nerve wrecking trekking trails.
Best Time: April to June, October to November
28. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh - Cozy little hill-station
Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.
Best Time: March - June; September - November
29. Chandigarh, Punjab - India's first planned city
Known For : Sukhna Lake Rock Garden Elante Mall
Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana is a subtle and ideal definition of the word 'city'. In a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as a modernity, Chandigarh is a pretty town resembling a morning dream which is sure to flatter you with its innocence and pleasantness.
Best Time: August to March
30. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh - Little Switzerland of India
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Best Time: Throughout the year
31. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Komic Village
Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti River. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering and bubbling rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green, Kaza is a dream destination.
Best Time: May to September
32. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand - Serene valley of Flowers
Known For : Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Fauna & Flora
Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.
Best Time: May to October
33. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak
Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.
Best Time: November to March
34. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
Known For : Dhanaulti Adventure Park Eco Park, Dhanaulti Apple Orchard Resort
With minimal human intrusion, without overloading or overwhelming your senses or expectations, Dhanaulti slowly seeps into your conscience like a long lost pleasant dream, bringing with it comfort and quiet, and giving you the much needed break from your humdrum routine life.
Best Time: September to June
35. Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Skiing in Narkanda Hatu Peak Hatu Mata Temple
Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters.
Best Time: Throughout the year
36. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Encompassing the Shivalik mountain ranges, Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in flora and fauna and proves a great holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Best Time: Mid November to Mid June
37. Kausani, Uttarakhand
Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath
Embellished with all the right ingredients including lush green valley, verdant pine tree forests, meandering creeks, tranquility and majestic Himalayan peaks, Kausani is one of the most spellbinding hill stations in Uttarakhand.
Best Time: April to June, September to December
38. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History
39. Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Known For : Munsiyari Chandak Kafni Glacier Trek
A small urban town bustling with tourists is a prime example of raw beauty of nature and is often fondly referred to as the ?Little Kashmir?.
Best Time: April to June, October to December
40. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand - The Queen's Farm
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
41. Gangotri, Uttarakhand - Char Dham: Source of River Ganges
Known For : Gangotri Temple Gangotri Glacier Surya Kund
This pilgrimage destination situated in Uttarkashi is mostly famous for the four religious centers, or as they say, the Char Dham spots.
Best Time: April to June, September to November
42. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Known For : Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Bineshwar Temple Zero Point
A small town set in the midst of lush green forests covered with oak, pine, deodar trees, Binsar has plenty of tourist attractions including green meadows, temples and the Binsar wildlife sanctuary.
Best Time: Throughout the year
43. Nainital, Uttarakhand - Misty lakes and mountains
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
44. Chakrata, Uttarakhand
Known For : Tiger Falls Deoban Budher Caves
Chakrata is a small hill town near Dehradun located on top of the Yamuna valley, amidst lush green forests, caves and ancient temples.
Best Time: Throughout the year
45. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh - Mini Switzerland of India
Known For : Khajjiar lake Homestay Experience in Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.
Best Time: Throughout the year
46. Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh - The land of god
Known For : Reckong Peo Nako Kalpa
Kinnaur, also known as "Land of god" is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it.
Best Time: April to June; September, October
47. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi
Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
48. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Dham Temple
Mukteshwar is a small hill town mostly known for adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling etc. and the amazing view of Himalayan ranges you get from there.
Best Time: October to June
Now that you have read through our list, let us know down in the comment section below which of these have you ticked off your list? If you think a destination is missing from this list, be sure to add that too down in the comments below!