10 Tourist Places In India For Foreigners To Explore Ancient Monuments, Spiritual Hubs & Nature’s Blessings

No one can escape the allure of our ‘Incredible’ India! The most incredibly carved temples dating back centuries, majestic forts that house tales of valour in their pillars, street food cooked with rustic spices, snowy peaks, verdant greens, crashing waves, and a plethora of beautiful art forms… we have it all! Unsurprisingly, a foreign tourist’s first trip to India would definitely include ticking off all touristy things. So, here are 10 tourist places in India that would entice foreigners.

10 Tourist Places In India For Foreigners

1. Taj Mahal

It won’t be surprising to know of foreign tourists who have flown across the world just to have a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. One of the eight wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The crown jewel of India is the sentinel of Indo-Islamic architecture.

2. Qutub Minar

While Delhi has many majestic monuments dating back to the Mughal rule, the most prominent amongst those is Qutub Minar. A red sandstone structure towering 72.5m in height. With inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, Qutub Minar is known to have both Islamic and Hindu decorative elements. The spiral staircase, and its distinct red hues have often fascinated foreign tourists.

3. Hawa Mahal

The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur in Rajasthan is synonymous with Hawa Mahal. A honey-combed-shaped palace with 953 intricately carved windows on its outside walls. Hawa means ‘wind’ in Hindi. The windows not only add to the aesthetics of the structure but also allow the breeze to fill the palace and cool the interiors in Jaipur’s scorching summers. One of the most touristy things to do in Jaipur would be to visit the Hawa Mahal and click the most Insta-worthy photos for your feed.

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4. Gateway Of India

You haven’t been to Mumbai if you haven’t struck a pose in front of the Gateway of India for a photographer eager to capture your special moment. The clear blue sky, pigeons flying overhead and photographers hounding for snaps, are what the vibes of this place are really about. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India is an arch monument built in the early 20th century to welcome King George V and Queen Mary to the shores of India.

5. Varanasi Ghats

It’s no secret that tourists fly to India to become one with the divine. Varanasi or Kashi, India’s oldest city, dating back thousands of years is known for its deep roots in Hinduism and spirituality. On the ghats of Varanasi, you’ll be welcomed by busy priests in orange robes, tourists wandering around the chowk, palm readers and astrologers. Take a dip in the river Ganga, a ritual known to purify your sins, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Dham or just soak in the fervour.

6. North Goa Beaches

India’s favourite beach destination, Goa, is a beloved travel destination amongst foreign tourists. The most touristy thing to do in Goa would be to go beach hopping in the northern part of the state. Swim, surf, get your hair braided, sip Feni, gorge finger-licking good seafood at beach shacks and just revel in the Susegad life.

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7. Matrimandir

Auroville, a universal township in Pondicherry is known for being a home to people of different ages, genders, nationalities and religions. Peace and progressive harmony above everything, is its philosophy. It stands on the bedrock of human unity. In the centre of Auroville sits Matrimandir established by the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Built over 37 years, Matrimandir attracts tourists seeking a moment of peace, and a space to carry out their meditation practices.

8. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, is a 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the banks of the river Tungabhadra and is the crown jewel of the Vijayanagara Empire. Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain built the temple under the rule of Deva Raya II. The temple is known for its imposing gopura and distinct stone carvings.

9. Mysore Palace

The yoga hub of India, Mysore in Karnataka, attracts many tourists from across the globe. Many prefer to stay in the welcoming city and learn Hatha Yoga also known as Ashtanga Yoga. Their trips to the royal city often take them to Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore Palace. Facing the Chamundi Hills, Mysore Palace still serves as the residence of the royal family of Mysore. The imposing corridors, domed ceilings and sculpted pillars are testimonials to the Indo-Saracenic style architecture.

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10. Backwaters Of Allepey

For many travellers arriving from colder regions, there’s no better place to get tropical vibes in India than in the state of Kerala. And in Kerala. the famous backwaters of Alleppey, a group of lagoons, canals and lakes on the coast of Malabar beckon all. Spending a couple of days exploring the backwaters on houseboats, and relishing fresh catches while soaking in views of towering coconut trees is what a holiday in Alleppey looks like for foreign tourists.

So, these are 10 tourist places in India visited by foreigners. And we can’t help but desire to tick these spots off our wishlists too!

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