India has a lot to offer in terms of monuments, forts, history and rich heritage. There are many unique places in India from Ladakh to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to seven sisters in the northeast of India. Every place has something special to showcase. Our culture is diverse and that’s what makes us a special country.
Also read Travel tips for India, How to plan a trip & travel in India and All about train travel in India
Here are 20 pictures from India that will make you visit now.
Thiksey Monastery Ladakh
This high altitude desert is one of its own kind in the world. There are barren mountains, world’s highest saltwater lake, and beautiful monasteries. The landscapes of Ladakh region are a sight to behold. Thiksey is one of the oldest Buddist monasteries in India. 
Read for more information on Ladakh
Golden Temple Amritsar
Amritsar in Punjab is next to Pakistan border and considered as holiest place in Sikkhism. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is unique in its own way. This temple is made of Gold and is open to people from all religions & sections of society. 
Read for information on Golden temple and Amritsar.
Qutab Minar Delhi
This 900 years old minaret is made of red and buff sandstone. This architectural marvel has intricate carvings and calligraphy on its outer walls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an interesting place to see pre-Mughal architecture. 
Also read about Must visit places in Delhi and Offbeat places in Delhi
Bara Imambara Lucknow
This monument was built by Nawab of Awadh to provide employment to people of his state during the famine. The Bhul Bhulaiya (Labyrinth), Asfi mosque and Bowli in Bara Imambara are unique in terms of concept and construction. 
Read for more information for Places to see in Lucknow.
Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi is also known as Banaras and Kashi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. There are 88 ghats on the banks of holy Ganga River and life revolves around these ghats. In Mark Twain words “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” 
Also check for information on Varanasi Ghats, Things to know before visiting Varanasi and Dev Deepavali in Varanasi.
Taj Mahal in Agra
There is so much written and said about Taj Mahal that it doesn’t require any introduction. This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most visited monument in India. 
Also check Taj Mahal and other places to visit in Agra
Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is also known as Palace of Wind and is constructed of red and pink sandstone lined with white color to make it vibrant. This beautiful five-story building was made to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city. Jaipur is first planned city of India and due to its pink color is also known as pink city.
For more information on Jaipur click Jaipur Forts, Jaipur other monuments, and Jaipur by night.
Temples of Khajuraho
These medieval Hindu and Jain temples are the largest group of temples in state of Madhya Pradesh. The Western Group of temples contains some stunning sculptures. Khajuraho’s temples are popularly known for their erotic sculptures. 
Check the Photo blog of Khajuraho.
Pushkar in Rajasthan
This temple town is situated on the banks of Pushkar Sarovar. Pushkar has spirituality and a different kind of magnetism. Annual Pushkar camel fair is very popular among Indian and foreign tourists.
For more information on Pushkar click Pushkar and Ajmer and Pushkar Camel Fair.
City Palace Udaipur in Rajasthan
Udaipur is the city of lakes and also known as Venice of the East. The Lake Pichola is very popular among the people and many good hotels are located on its banks. Other then this there are many beautiful monuments in Udaipur but City Palace is one of the most beautiful places in town. 
Also check Must visit places in Udaipur.
Mehrangarh fort Jodhpur
The blue city of Jodhpur is also known as sun city of Rajasthan as the sun is visible here first every morning. There are some majestic buildings like Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan and clock tower in Jodhpur but Mehrangarh fort is the most imposing & beautiful building in Jodhpur.
For more information on Jodhpur check Places to Visit in Blue city Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort,and Jaswant Thada.
Frescos and Haveli’s of Shekhawati in Rajasthan
This beautiful region is also known as an open art gallery of Rajasthan and India. Hundreds of Havelis and temples were made in this region between 18th to 20th centuries. The frescos in these buildings depict mythological and historical stories. There are beautiful frescos in every other lane of this region.
For more information on Havelis of Shekhawati click here.
Ajanta Caves in Maharastra
These 29 Buddhist caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. These rock-cut caves were made during the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. The beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings or statues in caves depict the life of the Buddha.
For more information on Ajanta caves click here.
Gateway of India Mumbai
This imposing structure is relatively new in comparison to other monuments. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India in 1911 but it was completed in 1924.
Matrimandir Pondicherry
Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. Auroville is 11 km from city center. The Matrimandir is the “temple of the mother” and is situated in a large open area known as ‘Peace’, in the center of Auroville village. Matrimandir is fondly known as the ‘soul of the city’.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
It is one of the biggest old city in South of India. There are temples, ruins of palaces, ancient market, streets, royal pavilions, royal platforms, and remains of many other structures built in the 14th Century. There are old building or ruins scattered all over the Hampi town. It is one of the biggest UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.
For more information on Hampi click Monuments of Hampi, and Hampi Village.
Mountain Railways of India
These are also popularly known as “Toy Trains” of India. These trains run on “Narrow-gauge” railway tracks on slow speed providing a scenic drive through the mountains and natural landscapes.
There are four such railways across India, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the Kalka–Shimla Railway, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. These three are UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The fourth railway is the Matheran Hill Railway.
For more information on Mountain railways click Nilgiri Mountain Railway,and Kalka Shimla train.
Backwaters of Kerala
The lakes, lagoons, and canals lying parallel to the Arabian sea coast consist of Backwaters. The backwaters run from Allepy to Kollam in Kerala. Backwaters have 900 Km of water highways and have a diverse ecosystem. These are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
For more information on Kerala Backwaters check How to explore Alleppey backwaters economically and Travel in Tourist boat from Alleppey to Kollam
Madurai Meenakshi Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The temple complex is spread over about 14 acres and has 14 big or small gopurams. The colorful sculptures on temple’s exterior narrate legendary scenes from Hindu texts. These colorful sculptures make this temple unique and are the main attraction of this temple complex.
Also check in detail about Meenakashi Temple and Other places to visit in Madurai
Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is located on the southernmost lands end of India. Kanyakumari is synonymous with the Vivekanand Rock Memorial situated on a small island, here Swami Vivekanand attained enlightenment. Next to this memorial on another island is the statue of famous Tamil philosopher Tiruvalluvar. These structures together make a sight to behold during the day and during sunrise of Kanyakumari.
For more information check Places to Visit in and around Kanyakumari and Sunrise & Sunset in Kanyakumari
There is so much to see and experience in India other than these. I am sure these few selected pictures from India will inspire your next vacation or they will simply give you some reason to think about India.
Also check What to wear in India and 20 Naturally beautiful places in India
Lovely pics and incredible India
Thanks a lot. Yes, India is incredible 🙂
Being in India I have still seen only few of these places. Thanks for sharing this wonderful list.
Wonderful photos. I had no idea there were so many great places in India. I’ve mostly only seen pictures of loads of people. I really love the town of Pushkar. So many colors. Beautiful.
Thanks a lot.
India is a big country with a lot of diversity. During Camel fair Pushkar come alive.
Your photos are beautiful! I’ve been to 87 countries but not India…it definitely needs to be in my next 10!
Thanks a lot. That’s nice to know that after seeing pictures you added India to your list 🙂
Wow! Truly incredible pictures. And yes, I do want to visit India right away now.
Thanks a lot 🙂
I want to visit now! NOW! 🙂 Really beautiful photos and very inspiring.
🙂 Thanks
India is way up there on my bucket list, especially after reading Shantaram last year!
You also read Shantaram, so it means Mumbai will be your first city 🙂
Amazing pictures! I’ve been to India a couple of times but not explored much; I’d love to get the chance to see some of these places in real life!
Thanks a lot 🙂
There is so much to explore in India.
India is so beautiful! I’m dying to visit for sure. Jaipur is absolutely on my list. Would love to see pink city!
🙂
All cool collections. Many destinations from here are my fave. Kerala wishing to visit soon. 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Beautifully presented and it only makes INDIA look more beautiful. Keep it coming girl. Great work.
Thnaks.
Okay, these pictures are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing!! I’ve never been to India and it’s definitely on my list. Great to see pictures of things other than the Taj Mahal 🙂
Thanks for liking 🙂
Oh, woow! So many lovely places there <3
🙂
Love this post & love this country! Quite pleased to say I’ve been to 6 of these… I always say I’ll do each one next time! Golden temple is my ultimate goal though – it sounds incredible.
Wow, that’s nice. Yes, you should visit Golden Temple, its beautiful place with positive vibes. One of my favorite.
Ok im definitely putting india on my bucket list!
🙂
Wonderful photos!
Thanks a lot 🙂
My score 8/20. This matches my travel bucketlist. These photos would make it everyone’s list. Well done. 🙂
Thanks a lot 🙂
Very captivating pictures
Thanks 🙂
Beautiful pics, specially loved the first one coz never seen it earlier…its mesmerizing. Ajanta and Hampi are in my list from last few years.
Thanks. These are some of the best places in India. I hope you will be able to visit Ajanta and Hampi soon.
Nice post with beautiful photos
Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much 🙂
Pingback: Bundi Rajasthan and its laid back charm - My Simple Sojourn