India is known to have some of the best locations ending up in every travelers’ bucket. The historical monuments, spicy cuisines, street fashion markets, the beaches are only a few to list.
The Best Cities to visit in India consist of royal palaces in the cities of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are mind-blowing for somebody who loves art and culture, while the hills in the north give you a calming refreshing treat, beaches to chill with fellow tourists.
Being home to 138 crores of population, if you’re traveling first time in India, here are a few points you might consider before you step in:
- There are 22 official languages.
- Always carry cash for day to day expenditures.
- Beware of scammers.
- Pack light, add comfortable clothes (mostly covered due to cultural differences)
- Bargain is a must while shopping.
- Explore various cruisines as there are plenty of them!
Most of the places accept cash so make sure you carry enough cash once you’ve stepped in India.
What are the Best Cities to Visit in India?
We’ve shorted the best 12 cities in India to make your trip easier, having that said, there are more cities to explore which will talk about later!
1. Jaipur
Jaipur is called a land of kings and kingdoms, numerous royal palaces will blow your mind away. Also called the Pink City you’ll be stunned to see how vibrant the culture and cuisine here are.
Keep following the trail of cities as Jodhpur gives you a similar yet fresh vibe (the Blue City), flower-lined streets and the fantastic City Palace Complex of Udaipur is something out of the Box!
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, are a few of them.
Best Markets to visit: These include Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Kishanpole Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, etc.
Daily Cost: $50 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
Also Read: Jaipur Budget Travel Guide & Tips
2. Panaji
Based at the Seaside of Goa, inspired by the Portuguese, the tourists explore the Mediterranean-style architecture, white-washed houses with tiled red roofs, and squared churches are something to die for.
There are laid-back beach huts, art, and architecture inspired by Indian and Portuguese cultures explore the Baroque architecture and cathedrals to its core.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Reis Magos Fort, Shantadurga Temple, Fontainhas, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Dona Paula Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, are only a few of them.
Best Markets to visit: Panjim Market, Panaji Market, Velha Goa Galeria, Municipal Market, etc.
Daily Cost: $50-60 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
3. Kolkata
Coming with a long and complex history, Kolkata was founded by the East India Company as a trading center in 1773 which is now a developed Megacity.
There’s enough art, literature, and culture for you to explore. You can also look for beach sides but remember the place is extremely humid to be mindful of the clothes you wear.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Victoria Memorial Hall, Eco-Tourism Park, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Howrah Bridge, Birla Planetarium, to name a few.
Best Markets to visit: College Street, New Market Kolkata, Hatibagan Market, Burrabazar Market, etc.
Daily Cost: $30 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
4. Gangtok
The mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim has a humongous range of scenic views from the moment you enter the city.
There are monasteries and Tibet culture with a blend of Hindu culture and the markets are something to look out for.
If you are in India, do not miss out on this exotic Himalayan city of Sikkim at has the best of fashion and cuisines.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Nathula Pass, MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Seven Sisters Waterfalls, etc.
Best Markets to visit: M.G Market, Gangtok Market, Old Market, etc.
Daily Cost: $70 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
5. Delhi
Delhi has a perfect blend of ancient history with contemporary culture. India’s capital has a lot to offer when it comes to tourist attractions but with also comes traffic, so bear with that!
A place full of life has a lot to experience more than the crowd, numerous temples and street shops, and local cuisines.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit Gardens, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, are only a few.
Best Markets to visit: Sarojini Market, Janpath, CP market, etc.
Daily Cost: $30 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
Also Read: New Delhi Budget Travel Guide & Tips
6. Mumbai
One of the stunning combinations of slums to skyscrapers, Mumbai is called the city of dreams and the crowd will tell you why. It’s the center for its creative, cultural, and most famous movie industry, Bollywood! Marine Drive and the Art Deco building are something not to miss out on. Also, the local cuisine which is so authentic and special!
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Global Vipassana Pagoda, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Marine Drive, Gateway of India are a few of them not to miss out on.
Best Markets to visit: Colaba Causeway, Mangaldas Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, are a few of them.
Daily Cost: $75 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
7. Bangalore
A modern city with high-tech city sits in the south with booming industries that make Banglore a cosmopolitan city. Explore the exotic continental cuisines and cafes with the best lattes, walk around the parks and get the best of shopping, food, drinking, and great experiences.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Attara Kacheri, Cubbon Park Museum, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, UB City, Nandi Hills, and Snow City.
Best Markets to visit: Commercial Street, Indiranagar Market, Avenue Street, Malleswaram Market, Jyoti Nivas College, etc.
Daily Cost: $65 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
8. Agra
Denoted as the city symbolic of love, Agra holds a lot of sightseeing for tourists. Based at the south bank of the Yamuna River, Agra introduces you to the Taj Mahal coming from an ancient history ancient Mughal-era Agra Fort, and much Mughal architecture will be there to drool your mind.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Subhash Emporium, Mehtab Bagh, and the Anguri Bagh are a few attractions to visit.
Best Markets to visit: Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, TDI Mall, Raja Ki Mandi, Shah Market, etc.
Daily Cost: $30 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
9. Kochi
The southern state of Kerela has a variety of gorgeous cities, one in Kochi. There’s coast blended with culture and traditions while also having a perfect example of art and architecture.
You’ll see the foreign influences as they have been trading with Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans, all around the city with tilted bungalows and cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Kerala Kathakali Centre, Chottanikkara Temple, Kerala Folklore Museum, Wonderla Amusement Park, Fort Kochi, etc.
Best Markets to visit Broadway Market, Sea Market, Fort Kochi, Jew Town, etc.
Daily Cost: $30 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
10. Varanasi
Varanasi is all about religious feelings so explore the spiritual side of you by visiting this Hindus‘ famous sacred place of pilgrimage.
The visitors are allowed to wash their sins in the river Ganges and be a part of evening Arti which is a huge event and something you will be delighted to see.
Explore India’s deep cultural practices here and you’ll get the best.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Ganges River, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dhamek Stupa, Assi Ghat to name a few.
Best Markets to visit: Thatheri Bazar, Vishwanath Lane, Golghar, Rajan Silk Market, Dal Mandi Market, Rajan Silk Market, etc.
Daily Cost: $35 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
11. Darjeeling
Darjeeling has got one of the best northeastern sights! A part of wet Bengal that has a variety of tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries, gardens, and hills to view the best. You can also plan small treks on these mountains which are also a fun experience.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Kanchenjunga Mountain, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ghum Monastery, Peace Pagoda, etc.
Best Markets to visit: Ghoom Monastery Market, Nehru Road, Teesta Bazaar, Pashupati Nagar Market, Bhutia Market or New Mahakal Market, etc.
Daily Cost: Daily Cost: $50-60 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
12. Mysore
Rich with culture and history, Mysore has one of a kind experience for all tourists. Talking all about multiple monuments and Brindavan botanical gardens, the Mysore palace was built out of wood in 1897 which is the epitome of art and architecture.
Best Tourist Attractions to visit: Mysuru Palace, Devaraja Market, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Somnathpur Temple, etc.
Best Markets to visit Guru Sweet Mart, Sandalwood Oil Factory Garuda Mal, The Heritage, etc.
Daily Cost: Daily Cost: $50-60 (includes accommodation, local transport, street food, and sightseeing)
