Destinations
North India
11 destinations
Bihar
Bihar is the cradle of Buddhism and Jainism, home to Bodh Gaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree, and Rajgir and Nalanda where he taught for decades. The ancient ruins of Nalanda University, once the world's greatest center of learning, and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya are among India's most significant pilgrimage sites.
Haryana
Haryana is steeped in history as the site of the legendary Kurukshetra battlefield where the Mahabharata war was fought, and the state contains numerous ancient pilgrimage sites around this sacred geography. The state's Sultanpur National Park is a renowned birding destination and the Morni Hills offer pleasant hill station escapes from Delhi.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is India's quintessential Himalayan state, encompassing soaring peaks, ancient Buddhist monasteries, apple orchards, and adventure sports destinations like Manali, Dharamsala, and Spiti Valley. The residence of the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala has made it a global center of Tibetan culture and Buddhist learning.
Punjab
Punjab is the land of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the most sacred Sikh pilgrimage site and one of the most serene and welcoming spiritual spaces in the world, where the langar (free community kitchen) feeds tens of thousands daily. The state's fertile fields, vibrant bhangra traditions, and the poignant Wagah Border ceremony make it a memorable destination.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state and spiritual heartland, encompassing the eternal city of Varanasi on the Ganges, the Taj Mahal at Agra, and the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit of Sarnath and Kushinagar. The state's extraordinary concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its living religious traditions make it an essential India destination.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, the 'Land of Gods', encompasses the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, as well as the yoga capital of the world Rishikesh and the peaceful town of Haridwar where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas. Jim Corbett National Park, India's oldest wildlife reserve, offers exceptional tiger and elephant sightings.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is India's best-planned city, designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier and serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The city is renowned for its Rock Garden — an extraordinary outsider art installation by Nek Chand — its beautiful Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden containing over 50,000 rose bushes.
Dehradun
Dehradun is Uttarakhand's capital, set in the Doon Valley between the Himalayan foothills and the Shivalik range with a pleasant year-round climate. The city serves as the gateway to popular hill stations Mussoorie and Rishikesh, and is home to India's premier institutions including the Forest Research Institute and Survey of India.
Lucknow
Lucknow is the 'City of Nawabs', renowned for its exquisite Awadhi cuisine including the iconic dum biryani and galouti kebabs, its refined tehzeeb (culture of courtesy), and the magnificent Bara Imambara complex with its famous Bhul-Bhulaiya labyrinth. The city's distinctive architecture blending Mughal and European styles reflects its unique place as one of pre-Independence India's most cultured cities.
Patna
Patna (ancient Pataliputra) was once the capital of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka the Great and one of the ancient world's largest cities, a heritage that is being rediscovered through ongoing archaeological excavations. The city's Golghar granary built by the British, the Patna Museum with its remarkable collection, and proximity to Bodh Gaya make it historically significant.
Shimla
Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is a charming Himalayan hill town with Victorian architecture along its famous Mall Road, set amid cedar and oak forests with panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The historic Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, and the iconic toy train UNESCO World Heritage rail journey from Kalka make Shimla one of India's most beloved hill destinations.