North India is full of wonders – whether natural, cultural, or architectural. This land has sacred rivers that flow through historic cities, ancient temples that have stood since the time of gods, and natural wonders that captivate not only the mind but also the soul. So, if you are planning to visit this magical land, this list will help you start just at the right places and experience the best places to visit in North India.
These are your regal cities and capitals, summertime hill stations, spiritual getaways spots, and wildlife sanctuaries. So, if you have if you want to see the best that North India has to offer, this list will be guiding light.
Top 10 Places to Visit in North India
From the hustle and bustle of the city to the peace and quiet of the Himalayas, there are plenty of places to visit in North India. At IamNavigato, we have carefully picked the best attractions of this country that one must see once in a lifetime.
| S. No | Best Places To Visit In North India | Best Time To Visit |
| 1 | New Delhi | October-March |
| 2 | Agra | October-March |
| 3 | Jaipur | October-March |
| 4 | Varanasi | October-March |
| 5 | Amritsar | October-April |
| 6 | Rishikesh | October to June |
| 7 | Kashmir | April to October & November to February |
| 8 | Kolkata | October and February |
| 9 | Bhopal | October to March |
| 10 | Ahmedabad | October to March |
1. New Delhi
It is hard not to fall in love with New Delhi. Those who first visit this city describe it as intense and chaotic, where many flavors, cultures, and sights intermingle to create a harmony for the senses. But slowly yet surely, the city reveals itself through its much-loved cuisine, its historic monuments, its bustling bazaars, and most importantly, its people.
The New City features stretching avenues that are lined by Jamun trees while the Old City hides ancestral havelis and traditional tastes. But Delhi was best described by its poets, one of which, Mir Taqi Mir writes “There were no painted pages on Delhi. Every face of this city that I saw, I saw a painting.” This capital city of India is among the best attractions of North India.
Places To See: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple), India Gate, and more.
Things To Do: Cafe hopping, street food walks, souvenir shopping, visiting the art galleries, exploring the spice market, etc.
Also Read: Best Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi
2. Agra
You might have seen the Taj Mahal many times in pictures or your social media feed. But nothing can prepare you for the first encounter with the marvelous marble monument which was built by Shah Jahan both as a mausoleum as well as a monument of love for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. And today, it stands to represent the permanence of love as it did some 390 years ago.
But Agra holds many other iconic attractions in North India. There are dramatic forts, vibrant shopping streets, and an hour away, the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. While in Agra, don’t forget to taste the famous Petha, a crystal-like candy that is hard to put down.
Places To See: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Sadar Bazar, Kinari, Bazar, and more.
Things To Do: Explore gardens, enjoy a light and sound show, visit rooftop cafes, etc.
3. Jaipur
The last city of the iconic Golden Triangle of India, Jaipur is a lively place that is both regal and modern. On one hand, it has majestic palaces and forts, on the other, it has cosmopolitan malls and emerging shopping centers. But the soul of Jaipur lies somewhere in the middle. Established in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh, this beautiful city has become a gateway to Rajasthan, upholding everything the state is known for: whether lively music, delicious Dal bati churma, or stately royal structures.
Here, you’ll find almost every building soaked in its signature hue: pink. From pink residences to pink havelis, everything in Jaipur is painted with rose colored glasses as if to perfectly capture the feeling this city evokes.
Places To See: Amber Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum (Central Museum), Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, and More.
Things To Do: Experience elephant & camel rides, watch light & sound show, go on a street food tour, shop in the iconic bazaars of Jaipur, etc.
Also Read: Exploring the Gems of Rajasthan
4. Varanasi
Mention of this city go back to thousands of years ago in the Puranas, the Vedas, and the Mahabharata. However, it would be an understatement to call Varanasi an ancient city. Instead, the right word for this place could be “primordial” since gods and goddesses once walked by this sacred land. But today, it is flocked by tourists, pilgrims, and animals alike.
Varanasi is a city of contrasts. It is here that you can find calm mornings by the ghats as well as energetic evening aartis. You can find pizzas in upbeat eateries and sweet chai by roadside stalls. And on the darker side, it is where people come to find the meaning of life and wait for it to end as well. But Varanasi has much to offer, from its extraordinary temples to its rustic streets, making it one of the best places to visit in North India.
Places To See: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, and more.
Things To Do: Take a boat ride on the Ganga, Witness ganga aarti, explore markets, etc.
5. Amritsar
Amritsar, the spiritual and historical capital of Punjab buzzes with a vibrant energy. Its winding street and old-world charm cast a spell that makes you keep coming back.
Now, here’s an interesting fact: the famous Amritsari Kulcha was invented in a Mughal kitchen. It later traveled to Amritsar and was named after the city. But Amritsar is not only famous for its cuisine, like paratha, langar, and lassi. Beyond its delicious food lies a whole city that is rich in culture and history.
The highlight of this city is, of course, the Golden Temple, called thus because of its gilded dome. It is one of the most revered Sikh places in the world, and visiting it is a very peaceful experience. Besides that, Amritsar holds many iconic sights, making it the best city in Punjab (arguably) and one of the best attractions in north India.
Places To See: Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Durgiana Temple, Ram Tirath, Wagah Border, Jallian Wala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, and more.
Things To Do: Savor street food, visit partition museum, watch ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at Wagah Border, and more.
6. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the yoga capital of India which also offers adrenaline pumping activities. Here, learning the art of yoga is a must. You can sit by the serene riverbanks or join a yoga class to practice meditation.
Even the Beatles paid a visit here after being attracted by the charm of this sacred city. Today, spiritual seekers all around the globe come here to learn yoga, practice, meditation, or simply participate in thrilling water sports.
Places To See: Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, The Beatles Ashram, and more.
Things To Do: Enjoy river rafting, practice yoga and meditation, visit temples & ashrams, watch Ganga Aarti, and more.
Also Read: 8 Winter Getaways in Uttarakhand You Can’t-Miss
7. Kashmir
Kashmir is nothing less than a natural paradise, where alpine lakes and snowcapped mountains meet a welcoming culture. This state is vast and dotted with so many wonders that you can spend months exploring each of its corners.
The best thing is, you can visit Kashmir anytime and chances are you will find it as captivating as shown in the pictures. So, if you want to escape from the scorching heat of the plains or experience winter at its best, Kashmir is the best place to visit in North India.
Places To See: Srinagar, Jammu, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gurez Valley, Yousmarg, Bungus Valley, Doodhpathri, and more.
Things To Do: Enjoy a shikara ride, stay in a houseboat, enjoy snow activities, go on multi-day treks, etc.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Kashmir
8. Kolkata
Kolkata is a city that is trapped in time. You can find beautiful colonial buildings and zamindarbaris (landlord havelis). Here, the trams, which ran some hundred years ago, still rush through the city. And festivals, like the Durga Puja, are still celebrated with much joy.
But Kolkata’s cuisine and street food is unbeatable. Its range of seafood dishes like hilsa fish curry and the iconic dessert of rasgulla are the best things to have after a long day of exploring. This city is the best place to visit in North India if you are a foodie.
Places To See: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more.
Things To Do: Sample street food, enjoy a boat ride in Hooghly, go pandal hopping during Durga Puja, etc.
9. Bhopal
The capital of the second biggest state of India, Bhopal, usually remains away from the spotlight. But visiting this attraction in North India is a must. This place is very different from other tourist destinations. You can stroll through its rustic bazars, make a visit to its enchanting havelies or enjoy a boat ride on many of its lakes.
And if you have a few hours to spare, you can visit the famous Bhimbetka Rock Shelters or go on a wildlife safari in the nearby national parks.
Places To See: Taj-ul-Masajid, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Van Vihar National Park Bhopal, and more.
Things To Do: Enjoy boat rides on the lakes, savor Mughal cuisine, etc.
10. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it has number of incredible places that showcase the Indian culture and architecture at its best. From centuries-old mausoleums and mosques to the old city where narrow streets hide hidden gems around every corner. Celebrating Navratri here is one of the best experiences you can have anywhere in North India.
Today, Ahmedabad has its own thriving culture with concerts, comedy shows, and upbeat boutique halls popping up every now and then throughout the city.
Places To See: Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, Kankaria Lake, The Calico Museum of Textiles, Jama Masjid, Hutheesing Jain Temple, and more,
Things To Do: Explore underground art galleries, enjoy a boat ride at Kankaria Lake, attend garba nights, etc.
Final Takeaway
With this list, you’ll be well equipped with the knowledge that will help you explore the best attractions of North India. From historic cities to hill stations and national parks, this will be your helping hand for all your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which is the best hill station in north India?
A. There is no clear-cut answer. Each hill station has its own charm and can be called the best destination of North India. Manali and Shimla are happening places with colonial architecture and iconic mall roads. Dharamshala and Rishikesh offer a spiritual retreat. Gulmarg, Bir, and Auli are known for their sports and winter activities. And Dalhousie and Lansdowne are slow towns where one can find calm and peace.
Q. What are the hidden places in North India?
A. Since North India is a vast region, there are many hidden places.
- Daman and Diu in Gujrat are best visited for their beaches and caves.
- Jaisalmer offers the charm of the desert.
- Ladakh is a mountainous desert of its own kind.
- Panna National Park provides a glimpse of the lush jungle.
- Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is an ancient marvel.
Q.Which food is famous in North India?
A. Here is a list of food that you must try while in North India:
- Stuffed paratha
- Chole bhature
- Butter chicken
- Kheer
- Jalebi
- Litthi and Chokha
Q. Which is the best month to visit North India?
A. The best month to visit North India is around springtime (February to April) or winters (November to January), when the weather is pleasant, and rain is very seldom.
Also Read:
Places To Visit In South India | Places To Visit In Goa | Top 10 Tourist Places in Udaipur
