India is a pretty incredible country – home to a huge array of diverse terrain. It includes landscapes from the Himalayan peaks to paradisaical beaches along the Indian Ocean coast. Full of history, rich in culture, with amazing wildlife and diverse spirituality; India is a destination like no other. Here are BackHackers’ top picks for Incredible India!
Jaipur
Also known as the Pink City due to the colour of its buildings, Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. Head here for the gardens, courtyards and museums of colonial India. Make sure not to miss the Jantar Mantar (an open air astronomical observatory), Amer Fort (which you can reach via elephant if you fancy) and Jal Mahal (the submerged palace as seen above).
Goa
Head to Goa to dip your feet in the Arabian Sea! Its most popular beaches are Baga and Palolem, but if you’re after something a little more remote then head to the chilled fishing village of Agonda. Make sure not to miss Anjuna’s flea market and Mackie’s Seasonal Night Bazaar. If shopping isn’t your thing, we definitely recommend heading inland where you can find jungle trails and waterfalls to explore.
Manali
The Himalayan town of Manali can be found in the Himachal Pradesh state. It sits neatly on the Beas River and is also an access route to the Solang Valley if you fancy some skiing. Alternatively, head to Parvati Valley and the Pir Panjal Mountains for some trekking adventures, paragliding, rafting or mountaineering. After a hard days trek, you may also want to head east of the Beas River – where you’ll find the village of Vashisht which is home to some amazing hot springs.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park can be found near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. Head here to see tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles, as well as some scenic ruins.
Agra
Find the city of Agra in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state. Head here for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daula, just across the Yamuna River). If you travel west, you can experience the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri – which dates back to the 1500s!
Delhi
India’s Capital of Delhi has a lot on offer – from the metropolis of Delhi to the neighbouring Old Delhi (full of historical buildings and forts). Head to the vibrant bazaar of Chandni Chowk, where you can find an array of foods, sweets and spices – a feast for your senses! Make sure to also check out the Lodi Gardens, Mughal emperor Humayun’s tomb, Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.
Varanasi
Varanasi can be found in northern India and is known as the spiritual capital of the country. Many Hindu pilgrims bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. The city is full of temples (over 2000 of them!) along its winding roads. Visitors are able to catch a boat in order to float past the many ghats (especially the Dashashwamedh Ghat) in order to see the fiery aarti ritual, which takes place nightly.