India is full of natural and cultural riches. It is a complete destination, which attracts as many trekking enthusiasts in the Himalayas, as wildlife lovers and fans of a romantic story. We come here to soak up the atmosphere of The Jungle Book and follow in the last footsteps of the Bengal tiger. We explore its 40 or so UNESCO World Heritage sites, witnesses to the intense past of the country. We walk in the footsteps of the maharajas in the sublime palaces of Rajasthan. We discover the vast world of Ayurveda and yoga retreats, and we relax on dream beaches. India is home to hundreds of wonders, and for all tastes! Between North India and South India, we tell you everything you need to know about this exceptional destination!
The Importance of Tourism in India
The tourism and travel industry is essential for the Indian government, which sees it as very great development opportunities for the territory. Indeed, this sector brings in between 6 and 7% of India’s GDP and employs 8% of the population. It has been growing steadily for several years, and after a pause during Covid-19, India is still as attractive as ever. Tamil Nadu, in the far south, is the most visited state in the country, and Chennai, one of the most popular cities. Next come Delhi, Agra and Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Mumbai, Kerala and Rajasthan.
The Indian government, with its slogan “Incredible India“, plays on the destination’s assets. It highlights the diversity of landscapes offered, the UNESCO sites and the niche sectors. Medical tourism constitutes more than 6% of global tourism, and nature activities, cruises and ecotourism are also being developed.
Domestic tourism is just as important as international travel. Major religious festivals and pilgrimages account for a considerable share of internal travel for the Indian population.
UNESCO sites
The extent of India’s wealth and diversity is reflected in the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. India is home to 34 listed cultural sites, 7 natural areas and 1 mixed space.
India’s cultural sites
The listed cultural sites include:
● The three mountain railway links of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal, the Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu, and Kalka in Shimla.
● Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, northern India. This monument is part of a list of 17 buildings, spread across other countries in the world, in a Modern Movement approach.
● The Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutb Minar, the tallest minaret in India, in Delhi.
● The six hill forts of Rajasthan, as witnesses to the influence of the Rajputs. Some of these complexes are nearly 20 km in circumference!
● The fortified city of Jaipur, founded in 1727 according to Vedic architecture, and the Jantar Mantar, in the same city. This monument is an astronomical observation site, dating back to the 18th century.
● The Red Fort of Agra and the Taj Mahal, both dating from the Mughal Empire. The latter is also classified as one of the new seven wonders of the world!
● Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century city, which was the capital of the Mughal reign. It is home to one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid.
● The ruins of the city of Dholavira, built by the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BC.
● Rani-ki-Vav, in Patan, a stepwell, built on several floors decorated with sublime stone statues.
● The temples of Khajuraho represent splendid examples of Hindu and Jain sanctuaries, covered with sculptures among the most beautiful in the country.
● The archaeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara, a monastic seat in activity from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century.
● The Mahabodhi temple complex, considered one of the four holy places of Buddhism.
● Santiniketan, in West Bengal, an artistic center sharing the values of Indian traditions, as well as a vision of the unity of humanity.
● The monuments of Sanchi, the oldest existing Buddhist complex.
● The fortified city of Ahmedabad, founded in the 15th century during the era of the sultanates.
● The Bhimbetka shelters and their rock paintings.
● The Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park, some of whose remains date from the 8th century.
● The Ajanta caves, inherited from the Gupta Empire, in the 5th and 6th centuries.
● The Ellora caves, which consist of temples and monasteries dug into the rock from 600 to 1000 AD.
● The Victorian and Art Deco neo-Gothic ensembles of Mumbai, as well as the Chhatrapati Shivaji station, where Indian architecture is mixed.
● The “cave city” of Elephanta, home to several cave shrines.
● The holy place of Kakatiya Rudreshwara, or Ramappa, in the state of Telangana, which dates back to the Kakatiya period
● The churches and convents of Goa, dating back to the Portuguese colonization of the territory.
● The buildings of Pattadakal, which is a fusion of styles from the north and south of the country.
● The city of Hampi, ancient capital of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar.
● The sacred complexes of the Hoysala from the 12th and 13th centuries.
● The rock monuments of Mahabalipuram, built in the 7th and 8th centuries.
● The great living temples of Chola.
Natural sites of India
In the classified natural sites, we find:
● The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, which preserves the landscapes of high mountains, forests, alpine plateaus, valleys and a great biodiversity.
● The Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers reserves, characterized by their very many endemic flowers. Endangered species are also discovered there, such as the Asiatic black bear and the snow leopard.
● The Kangchenjunga natural area (classified as mixed by UNESCO), which protects unique spaces, as well as the third highest peak in the world.
● The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the tiger, the elephant and the rhinoceros.
● The Kaziranga National Park, which is home to rare biodiversity, such as the animals found in Manas, as well as panthers and bears.
● Keoladeo, home to a multitude of birds.
● Sundarbans, home to the largest mangrove forest on earth.
● Western Ghats, which are even older than the Himalayas.
Top sites to see in India
India is home to an absolutely incredible natural and cultural wealth, and it would take a lifetime to discover it all! Here is a summary of the major sites to see in the seventh largest country in the world.
In Northern India
Your trip to Northern India takes you to Delhi. You will admire its magnificent buildings: the Red Fort, Quatb Minar, the Jama Masjid mosque or Humayun’s tomb.
You will continue your discovery with the Taj Mahal, in Agra. It is the most famous monument in India and a real must-see during your stay in India! Also admire other UNESCO World Heritage buildings in the region, such as the emblematic temples of Khajuraho!
Don’t miss exploring Rajasthan, with the superb Jaipur. Stroll through its alleys to perceive its authentic charm, and visit the Amber Fort, as well as the legendary Palace of the Winds. Also, continue your journey to Jodhpur, which is worth the detour for the blue color of its houses. The architecture of its monuments will never cease to amaze you, like that of the Mehrangarh for, which overlooks the city! Rajasthan is home to the Thar Desert, the largest in India, Jaisalmer, as well as Ranthambore National Park, a magnificent protected area for tigers.
In Northern India, the Kanha and Bandhavgarh reserves are also renowned for their rich biodiversity. Going on a wildlife safari there is a magical interlude close to nature!
Are you a fan of culture and history? Head to the religious sites that have shaped Indian traditions, lifestyles and beliefs. Among them is the city of Varanasi, formerly Benares, located on the banks of India’s most sacred river, the Ganges. North of Agra, discover the Hindu sanctuary of Akshardham, one of the largest in the country! Enjoy an extraordinary view of the famous Buddhist monastery of Tawang, the largest in India, located in eastern Bhutan. Finally, admire the Golden Temple of Amritsar, a holy place of Sikhism.
Mountain lovers will not miss exploring the fascinating landscapes of Ladakh, in the heart of the Himalayan range.
The exploration of Northern India ends with an immersion in West Bengal. There you will taste Darjeeling tea and visit Calcutta, with the emblematic Victoria Memorial Hall!
Discover a first summary of the best of this part of India in our stay The essentials of Northern India!
In South India
Kerala offers superb landscapes, a warm atmosphere and authentic experiences! Don’t miss boarding a boat to discover the famous backwaters, small canals and lagoons, in the heart of lush vegetation. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the historic city of Kochi. Or go on an animal safari in the Periyar National Park to try to observe the king of the jungles, the mythical tiger. Also, don’t hesitate to find an Ayurvedic center to enjoy a real wellness break!
Discover the best of Kerala in one of our tours!
The cities of South India will charm you. Immerse yourself in the French heritage of Pondicherry, and admire Mysore and its famous palace which is adorned with a thousand lights at nightfall. Don’t miss Chennai, formerly Madras, as well as Madurai and its temples. The most emblematic, Minakshi, is a true architectural gem, which fascinates with the finesse of its sculptures and the detail of its colorful paintings. Stroll through the historic streets of Mumbai and retrace its hectic past. Also capture the whole atmosphere of the Bollywood industry!
Archaeologists at heart set off to discover the ruins of more than 400 Hindu sanctuaries in Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar kingdom. They also delve into the discovery of the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Finally, there is nothing better than ending a trip to South India by relaxing on the sublime beaches of Goa!
The Golden Triangle in India
It corresponds to the most popular sites in Northern India: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Their geographical location forms a triangle when placed on a map of the territory.
It offers a summary of some of the most beautiful buildings in India. You can admire the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the grandiose architecture of Rajasthan in Jaipur.
We suggest you discover the Golden Triangle in one of our tours. In addition, explore the holy city of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges, and the city of Fatehpur Sikri. You will thus experience a complete immersion in the atmosphere and history of this part of the Indian territory!
