Top 10 Beautiful Cities of India
India is known for its warm welcome, delectable cuisine, deep-rooted heritage and amazing cultural extravaganza. Today, India is among the top developing countries of the world in terms of social infrastructure and hospitality.
The country attracts travellers from all parts of the world. Some love the coastal beaches, some come for spiritual transformation and others by the desire to experience the colorful colourful festivals and age-old traditions.
For backpackers planning their next Asian holiday and those who have already booked their Indian trip, here is a list of top 10 beautiful cities of India that will make you fall in love with them.
Udaipur: The Romantic Lake City of Rajasthan
Called the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur needs no introduction. Featured in many Bollywood movies and being a top wedding destination for many, the royal 450 year old City Palace of Udaipur will leave you awestruck with its rich beauty.
White marble and granite facade, colorful mosaics and rich architecture makes the City Palace a masterpiece of royal grandeur sitting on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola. Filled with historic havelis, old town lanes, lakes, temples and museums, Udaipur is without a doubt one of the top 10 beautiful cities of India.
Visit after sunset. When the palaces are beautifully lit and the calmness fills the air with romance and warmth.
- Must-see Places: Moti Magri, Jag Mandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jaisamand Lake, Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola
Srinagar: Paradisiacal wonder of the Kashmir Valley
Next on our list of top 10 beautiful cities of India is Srinagar — a wholesome package of snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, and houseboats.
The city is an exquisite beauty created by nature itself and carries the aura to charm all kinds of travelers. Perhaps that’s why people hail it as one of top romantic honeymoon destinations of India.
Top experiences in Srinagar? A stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake and shikara ride at sunset.
In winters, the mountains covered in snow are a visual feast to the eyes. You simply cannot hold back from clicking photos. So carry a good camera/phone or you might regret later.
- Must-see Places: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Nigeen Lake
3. Jaipur: The First Planned City of India
Nicknamed “the Pink City,” Jaipur is an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pink color is everywhere — on shopfronts, houses, and gateways.
You’ll probably find yourself admiring the red and pink coloured sandstone architecture of the Hawa Mahal for hours. And if you want more, head up to Amber Fort on the hill to see the mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Local markets and the delectable local cuisine further add another layer of colour to the city’s grandeur.
- Must-see Places: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal
4. Varanasi: India’s Ancient Spiritual Heart
Varanasi is the country’s most sacred site. Yogis and sages come here for mediation and liberation, while devotees come here to achieve spiritual enlightenment and cleanse their sins.
The sacred River Ganga is flowing side by side and the ghats are the heart of the city.
Rituals, prayer and a holy dip in the river is a daily affair. The aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evenings is filled with religious upsurge.
It is the mixture of traditions and rituals along with the ancient temples that makes Varanasi one of the 10 most beautiful cities in India.
- Must-see Places: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Banaras Hindu University
5. Kochi: Dazzling Coastline Along the Arabian Sea
No place can truly justify Kerala’s serene coastline and backwaters better than Kochi. The city gives two kinds of energy. One is modern and loud with bustling streets, cafes and art galleries. The other is purely historic with colonial buildings and narrow lanes.
The city is defined by many things – European churches, Gothic architecture and Indo-Portuguese Museums. Sunset at the Fort Kochi Beach is unmissable giving ample opportunities for photo enthusiasts.
- Must-see Places: Fort Kochi Beach, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive
6. Mysore: Sandalwood City of Karnataka
Mysore has all the features for being one of the top 10 beautiful cities of India. The city is full of palaces, churches, temples, mosques, gardens, and many others.
The Mysore Palace is a magnificent architectural marvel and every Sunday when it is lit up with over a hundred thousand bulbs it turns into a spectacular marvel to the eyes.
The Brindavan Gardens will leave you captivated with its wide range of colourful flowers and musical fountains. Quaint cafes can be found at every short distance. Markets are scattered here and there elevating the energy of the city.
- Must-see Places: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hill Temple, St. Philomena’s Church, Devaraja Market, Mysore Zoo
7. Pondicherry: A Slice of France in India
Pondicherry is the place to visit in case you want to have the taste of France without traveling abroad. There are cobblestone streets and lamp posts of the Victorian era, yellow houses, boulevards and walls of bougainvillea.
The cafes and bakeries at the French Quarter will make you stop and enjoy a cup of coffee or a pastry croissant. The city also has a spiritual side — Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the center of yoga and meditation.
Promenade Beach and Paradise Beach further put the city into the ranks of top 10 beautiful cities of India.
- Must-see Places: French Quarter, Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Read more: Best Beaches in Pondicherry
8. Gangtok: Refreshing Capital of Sikkim
Gangtok is a must see city in the Himalayas. There are prayer flags fluttering in the mild air all the time. You click photos from any angle, you will have the snow-covered mountains in the backdrop.
Wondering what’s more that makes Gangtok one of the top 10 beautiful cities of India ? The scenic viewpoints, the hot springs, and the tranquil Tsomgo Lake.
The Buddhist monasteries replete with the essence of pure calmness and spirituality will immediately calm your mind and soul. Do not miss the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Gangtok.
- Must-see Places: Tsomgo Lake, MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint, Do Drul Chorten
9. Mumbai: The Queen’s Necklace
Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. It is where you find all the Bollywood celebrities. It is where you will find the famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Gateway of India.
Skyscrapers, colonial buildings, beaches, temples, institutions and gourmet restaurants simply coexist here, which is just incredible.
Street food, local markets, and vibrant neighborhood areas such as Colaba and Bandra are added further colour, flavour, and energy to the city.
- Do visit: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Elephanta Caves, Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Read More: Best Places To Visit Near Mumbai Airport During Layover
10. Chandigarh: Model City of India
If you don’t wish to have a perfect itinerary to explore a city, come to Chandigarh. It is clean, has wide roads and offers ample green space for maximum relaxation. It is the first planned Indian city by Le Corbusier, the renowned French architect in 50s.
Besides all the modern design, there are places of attractions like the Rock Garden made up of recycled materials. For weekend picnics, boat rides, or simply enjoying sunsets, people come to Sukhna Lake. Shops and eateries are plenty here.
- Must-see Places: Rock Garden, Pinjore Gardens, Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Capitol Complex
Conclusion
These top 10 beautiful cities in India are perfect for all kinds of travellers. From history and culture to nature and food, each place has something special to offer. Whether you’re wandering through streets, relaxing by lakes, or exploring colourful markets, India never disappoints.
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