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If you’re going to India for the first time, the Taj Mahal is one spot that all tourists know they must make a stop at—but where else should you visit?
If you want to appreciate some of the other amazing sites in India, you should check out these five must-see sites around the country.
[Ajanta Caves]
Located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, these caves will astound you. The Ajanta Caves were created in the 2nd century B.C.—take a moment to think about how long ago that was! It is amazing how these caves have survived over all this time. The Ajanta Caves are Buddhist caves which contain original paintings and sculptures.
The Ellora caves actually consist of 34 caves and contain Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, sculptures, and inscriptions. The details in the cave, the preservation of the caves, and the fact that everyone can go see them make them a site worth seeing!
[Red Fort/Lal Qila]
“Lal” means red and “qila” means fort, so you would be going to see the Red Fort—which is astounding in and of itself. Lal Quila is located near the gardens of the Taj Mahal and was built in the 16th century. Several of the palaces built within the fort were by Shah Jahan himself—the same man who had the Taj Mahal built—during the Mughal occupation of India.
A fun fact about this fort is that on the Indian Independence Day (August 15), the national flag is hoisted here and a speech is delivered by the Prime Minister from the fort. It is a stunning place to behold for its architecture and endurance throughout time.
[Portrait of a female macaque (Macaca radiata) that sits on the top of the concrete wall of Periyar National Park in Kumily, Kerala, India]
We’re taking you down South for this next must-see place. Thekkady is located in Periyar National Park, which is in the state of Kerala. This park is extraordinary because you will see wild elephants, boars, tigers, birds, and plants—and don’t forget about the monkeys who harass women… but it’s all in good fun. This place offers night safaris, tours, boat rides, and a chance to commune with nature.
[Qutb Minar]
This is the tallest brick minaret in the world. You can’t miss it—it’s a World Heritage site. This monument is located in Delhi, India and construction started in 1200 AD. During a time when India was being invaded by Moghuls, and several Hindu and Jain temples were destroyed, this building was made from their ruins. The architecture is beautiful and if you’re in the area you should stop by and see it.
[Munnar’s tea plantation]
Munnar’s Tea Country in Kerala is absolutely stunning. If you’re looking to disconnect from the world, enjoy zero cell service, and see wild cattle running along tiny roads where fog is ubiquitous, then you must visit Munnar’s tea country. You’ll get to see peaceful hill stations, roam tea fields as far as the eye can see, chat with the women who pick the leaves, visit tea plantations, learn how to properly make tea, and spend time hiking in the mountains—it’s absolutely breathtaking.
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