Top 15 Tourist Places to Visit in India for First-Time Foreign Travellers

Agra is the venue of the world’s most famous monument of love – the mighty Taj Mahal.

Emperor Shah Jahan had it built to reward his queen – it is a spectacular sight, at best see early in the morning.

Its ivory-white marble sparkles gently in the first light of the day, caught up in peaceful gardens and pools.

Foreign tourists appreciate this very much, as it is so easy to get to Agra from Delhi by train or car.

To save you the trouble of spending much time queuing at the entrance gate, book your tickets online in advance.

A stone’s throw away, visit Agra Fort – a big red sandstone wall enclosing a palace with halls, palaces and royal courtyards.

Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city: another very good stop is a city of Mughal history and architecture.

Tuk-tuks and guides can easily be seen here, and English is also common.

Agra combines history, emotion and beauty that no traveller should miss.

It’s your perfect introduction to the grandeur and eternal romance of India’s empire.

Jaipur is a conglomeration of forts, stories of royals and frantic bazaars.

Amber Fort is located on top of the city, overlooking the courtyards.

Don’t lose the honeycomb palace, Hawa Mahal, which has 953 windows.

For royal costumes and art, visit the City Palace.

Ride old town lanes in a tuk-tuk for fun and photos.

Try to go for a saree/ turban photoshoot wearing Rajasthani traditional attire.

Shop for jewellery, textiles and blue pottery among the local bazaars.

Live a heritage when you stay in a haveli.

Varanasi is a very spiritual place in the country.

Have a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to start your day.

See Ganga Aarti late in the evening- a beautiful ritual.

Be sacred in the cremation ghats, they are sacred.

Get free spirit energy residing at the riverside heritage hotel.

Lie among the narrow alleys of the hidden temples and the old houses.

Try pieces of Banarasi silk, cha in the clay pots and street snacks.

Sarnath: The Place where Buddha gave his first sermon, go there.

India has its best-loved beach in Goa.

North Goa stands for = party with clubs, flea markets and water sports.

South Goa is peace, quiet beaches and endless yoga retreats.

The sunset cruise will be enjoyed by couples and solo travellers.

Find Portuguese churches, forts and colorfully villages.

Have seafood and a local drink (feni).

Taste a seafood thali, of fish curry, rice and deep-fried prawns.

Hire a scooter and go anywhere to see the coast.

Kerala is colourful, lush green, quiet and rich in natural beauty.

Live on a houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters.

There are misty tea plantations and cold weather in Munnar. Visit here.

Fort Kochi is the place for art cafés and Dutch structures.

Have an Ayurvedic massage and herbal oils.

See birds, local life on a canoe ride here, go canoe ride here.

Experience a novel accommodation in the eco resort or bamboo cottage.

Taste Kerala foods eaten with banana leaves.

When in need to view wild tigers, then Ranthambore is the answer.

It’s among the best wildlife destinations for foreigners in India.

Book a morning jeep safari to have a higher chance and fewer crowds.

See spots, Leopards, deer, birds and crocodiles also.

See the centuries-old Ranthambore Fort in the park.

Tiger sightings are best from October until March.

Live in jungle resorts or the safari tents close to the park

Rishikesh lies at the foot of the Himalayas on the Ganges.

Yoga and meditation, and river rafting – that’s what it’s famous for.

Foreigners do love taking part in spiritual or wellness retreats.

Watch evening Ganga Aarti in Parmarth Niketan.

Cross the Laxman Jhula bridge and experience beautiful landscapes.

Experience murals/spiritual history in the Beatles' Ashram.

Taste Ayurvedic food and vegan cafes around the ghats.

Delhi is noisy but lovable, full of everything in combination.

Hail Uber or take the metro — it’s secure and won’t cost you a fortune.

Delhi has great food tours in Old Delhi — order parathas and jalebi.

See Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Qutub Minar.

View colonial buildings at Connaught Palace and Lodhi Garden.

Do not listen to touts in Old Delhi and always bargain for prices.

Udaipur is about lakes, palaces and romantic essence.

Enjoy a boat ride over Lake Pichola at sunset.

Take a tour of the City Palace, view royal artefacts.

Eat from rooftops as you look at the lake with a live band.

Book your accommodation at a heritage hotel to have an experience of royalty.

Check out what art is on in the city, silver jewellery and miniature paintings.

Taste dal baati churma, Rajasthani’s traditional food.

India’s Golden Temple is located in Amritsar.

It’s the most spiritual and warm place.

Go to the temple early or late to help you reflect.

Visit a langar (community kitchen), it’s free and lovely.

Be part of the patriotic show at the Wagah border.

If Punjabi food is something you like, then try the butter chicken and kulchas — Punjabi cuisine is rich in flavours.

Wear a hat and take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Hampi is covered with fantastic boulders and the ruins of past temples.

It’s a hit among backpackers and photographers.

Hire a cycle or scooter to go and explore this vast site.

Take a visit to the Virupaksha temple, and climb Matanga hill for sunrise.

Go across the river to peaceful cafés and guesthouses.

Spend the night in a hippie hut or on a riverside guesthouse.

Experience live music and cultural presentation in the evenings.

Dharamshala is the city of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture.

Go to monasteries, come to meditation retreats.

Search McLeod Ganj’s cafés and bookstores, as well as local handicrafts.

Study cooking classes or eat momo dumplings.

Do a mountain trek to Triund for a view of the entire stretch of the mountains.

The best period to visit is March–May or October.

In guesthouses with mountain views, stay.

Jaisalmer- the city appears like a mirage from the desert of Thar.

Walk about the living Jaisalmer Fort, packed with shops and houses.

Kneel in front of thousands of candles.

Spend a night in a desert tent, listening to the music of a campfire.

Eat laal maas dishes, spicy meat curry from Rajasthan.

Sun setting behind the dunes is ideal for photo taking and remembrance.

Khajuraho has UNESCO temples characterised by fine carvings.

Yes, the carvings are erotic, artistic and spiritual too.

They carry the openness of ancient Indian culture.

The temple complex is quiet with good upkeep.

Search in the mornings or evenings for soft light.

Add Orchha, a lovely riverside town; it’s close.

Spend nights in old forts hotels.

Mysore is famous for its palace, which is majestic and has a peaceful vibe.

The Mysore Palace looks good at night when it is illuminated.

Ashtanga yoga schools are the foreigners’ reason for arriving.

If you’re going to spend more time, try going to yoga classes or full courses.

Visit Devaraja Market for flowers, incense, and spices.

Buy Mysore silk and sandalwood soaps as presents.

Have a local food such as Masala Dosa or Mysore Pak sweets.

Add nearby nature escapes, Coorg or Ooty.

India is a stunning puzzle — spiritual, wild, royal and quiet.

If you want beaches, mountains, palaces, yoga, it’s all here.

These 15 are ideal for foreign tourists for the first time.

They’re safe, friendly and full of culture and magic.

Therefore, put your bags on, open your heart and come spend some time in the real India.