"India is a country with deep cultural roots and a rich heritage. A great country for budget travel, India
is popular for its forts and palace.North India is like a color palatte of an artist
who had painted the canvas with green of the farms and valleys, the brown of the mountains and deserts, and
the white of snow beautifully."
Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal, counts among
the top
places to visit in North India and for all the right reasons. The historical city in Uttar Pradesh is a
medley of grand monuments, exceptional architecture, and mesmerizing sights and sounds. It boasts of three
UNESCO World Heritage sites, several enticing gardens, vibrant local markets, emporiums, and lip-smacking
street food. Agra is also part of the famous Golden-Triangle circuit
Key Attractions : Taj Mahal, Mughal Gardens, Taj Museum, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb,
Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, Chini-ka-Rauza, and I’timād-ud-Daulah or Baby Taj. Learn more about the
places to visit in Agra
Nearest Airport : Indira Gandhi International Airport, Agra Airport
Nearest Railway Station : Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra City Railway Station,
and Idgah
💫 Leh-Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir
Leh-Ladakh is one of the most picturesque adventure spots in North India. Its unique landscape varies
from rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks to pristine blue lakes, lush green pockets, and shifting dunes
of the Nubra valley to meandering rivers. It is home to several monasteries covered in a mystic, spiritual
air. Thrill-seekers find Leh-Ladakh exhilarating for treks across the Zanskar range, bike rides over the
mountains and rafting down the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The people, culture, and food of this region are
heavily influenced by Tibetan culture.
Best Time to Visit : April to September. November to March offers a unique chance to see the
lakes frozen into solid ice.
Key Attractions in Leh-Ladakh : Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace,
Magnetic Hill, Shanti stupa, Zorawar Fort, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Pangang Tso, Tso
Moriri, Tso Kar and Hemis Monastery
Nestled between the forests of Kasol and the pilgrim town of Manikaran, Parvati Valley is famed for its
natural beauty. Its slopes are covered with lush greenery and pine trees while the gushing Parvati River
complements the magnificent mountain hills. With a reputation for excellent trekking routes, the Parvati
Valley welcomes Indian and international tourists with affordable accommodation and plenty of hangout spots.
While on one hand, it has a spiritual aura, one the other the hippies make the air reverberate with
music.
Best Time to Visit : April to May and October to November
Key Attractions in the Parvati Valley : Kasol, Chalal Trek, Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Hot
Springs, Choj Bridge, Khirganga National Park, Fairy Forest, Rudranaag, Kheerganga Waterfall, and
Barshaini Temple
Nearest Airport : Bhuntar Airport, Kullu,
Nearest Railway Station : Joginder Nagar
💫 Nainital, Uttarakhand
With a beautiful lake that takes center stage, Nainital is one of the most popular family destinations in
North India. The town has a number of trekking routes that offer spectacular views of forested valleys and
pristine lakes. Everything about Nainital seems designed to relax the mind and spirit. In winter, the town
is covered with snow and looks like it belongs to a postcard. The Nainital Winter Carnival is a 3 days
extravagant celebration with cultural performances, bird watching, and heritage trails.
Best Time to Visit : March to June. Late November to February is a good time to experience snow
and winter carnival.
Key Attractions in Nainital : Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Garden, G B Pant High Altitude
Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, Snow View Point, Governor House, Naina Peak, Kilbury Road, Jeolikot,
Land’s End, Peora, Sariyatal, and Nainital Ropeway
Nearest Airport : Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station : Kathgodam Railway Station
💫 Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Surrounded by snow-capped hills in the winter and pine-clad valleys in the summer, Dalhousie is a nature
lover’s paradise. Apart from honeymooners and families, this is one of the popular tourist places for solo
travelers in North India. Sprawled across 5 hills and valleys, Dalhousie has many bungalows, churches, and
cottages that date back to the British era. It abounds in natural beauty and boasts of picturesque
waterfalls, trekking routes, lakes, dams and a wildlife sanctuary that houses over 100 rare species of birds
and animals.
Best Time to Visit : March to May. October to February is a good time to experience snow.
Key Attractions in Dalhousie : Panch Pulla, St. John’s Church, Satdhara Falls, St. Francis’
Church, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak, Chamunda Devi Temple, Khajjiar, Barapattar Hill,
Subhash Baoli, Sach Pass, and Ganji Pahari
Nearest Airport : Pathankot Airport and Gaggal Airport
Nearest Railway Station : Pathankot Railway Station
💫 Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti is one of the coldest places in India and offers spectacular peeks of the cold desert. The place is
accessible only during the summer months. With its numerous trekking trails offering panoramic views of the
Himalayans, Spiti is a trekker’s paradise. Its long winding roads are also favored by bikers. The natural
beauty of the place is enhanced by whitewashed chortens, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and
quaint monasteries. In the summer, the snow melts to reveal a carpet of beautiful flowers over the
hillsides.
Key Attractions in Spiti : Chandra Taal, Pin Valley National Park, Bara-lacha la, Key Monastery,
Kunzum Pass, Hamta Pass, Suraj Tal, Bhabha Pass, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Lahaul Valley, Kardang
Monastery, Inderkilla National Park, and Bara Shingri Glacier
Nearest Airport : Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
Nearest Railway Station : Joginder Nagar and Shimla
💫 Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is amongst the most popular hill stations in North India. Everywhere you look, you can see pine trees,
majestic old oaks, and apple orchards. The lush green hillsides of the Garhwal Himalayas are popular
trekking routes that offer spectacular views of the snow-draped mountains around Auli. In winter, the slopes
come alive with skiers. During the rest of the year, the slopes are covered with snow. Auli also has a
number of temples that make it a part of the pilgrim circuit.
Best Time to Visit : April to June. December to February is ideal for skiing.
Key Attractions in Auli : Auli Ropeway, Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Artificial
Lake, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Chattrakund, Narsigh Temple, Rudraprayag, Nandaprayag, and Nanda Devi Peak
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station : Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh
💫 Kashmir Circuit – Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Srinagar
The natural beauty of the Kashmir Circuit makes it one of the top places to visit in North India. There’s a
lot to take in here ranging from the mesmerizing lakes and expansive gardens to the snow-capped mountains in
the distance. Srinagar is also a hub of activity with bustling local markets. The Kashmiri wazwan calls for
a special mention for its rich aromas and flavors. In winter, the slopes of Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam
become ideal for skiing and winter sports.
Best Time to Visit : March to August. December to February is a good time to enjoy snow
Key Attractions in the Kashmir Circuit : Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple, Pari
Mahal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Chashme Shahi, Hazratbal Shrine, Hari Parbat, Jamia Masjid,
Betaab Valley, Pahalgam Lakes, Gulmarg Gondola, and
Nearest Airport : Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
Nearest Railway Station : Jammu Railway Station and Srinagar Railway Station
💫 Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan are considered one the most religious places
in North India. Just about 10 km apart, these towns are dotted with temples and have 25 ghats lining the
Yamuna. Mathura was once also an important Buddhist center and houses several sculptural ruins from that
time. Pilgrims travel here throughout the year but Holi and Janmashtami call for a special mention for the
flood of pilgrims and tourists that they attract.
Best Time to Visit : October to March. It is also worth visiting in February/March for Holi and
August/September for Janmashtami celebrations
Key Attractions in Mathura : Krishan Balram Temple, Kusum Sarovar, Mathura – Vrindavan Marg, Prem
Mandir, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura Museum, Dwarkadhish Temple, Kans Quila, Raman Reti
Gokul, Radha Rani Mandir, Giriraj Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Vishram Ghat, Jama Masjid, Gita Mandi,
Nand Bhawan, and the Yamuna. Learn more about things to do in Mathura
Nearest Airport : Indira Gandhi International Airport, and Kheria Airport, Agra
Nearest Railway Station : Mathura Junction, Mathura Cantonment, and Vrindavan
💫 Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
It is impossible to talk about religious places in North India without mentioning Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Considered to be twin national heritage cities, Haridwar and Rishikesh have a spiritual aura that attracts
soul seekers and pilgrims from across the world. Even the Beatles visited Rishikesh in the 60s! While on one
hand, the Ganges is meditated upon, on the other, its white rapids call out to thrill-seekers making it one
of the most popular adventure spots in North India. Both towns have a vegetarian food culture and are known
for delicious street food spread. Further, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra.
Best Time to Visit : March to June and October to November
Key Attractions in Haridwar : Har ki Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksha
Mahadev Temple, Shanti Kunj Ashram, Rajaji National Park, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Swami Vivekanand
Park, Maya Devi Temple, Piran Kaliyar, and Ganga Aarti. Learn more about top places to visit in Haridwar
Key Attractions in Rishikesh : Yoga Treats, Jadh Ganga Trek, Kuari Pass, Kaudiyala Ram Jhula,
Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev, Byasi, Parmanth Ghat, and Tera Manzil (Trimbakeshwar
)Temple. Learn more about things to do in Rishikesh.
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station : Haridwar and Rishikesh
💫 Mussoorie and Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The tree-covered hills and valleys of Dehradun and Mussoorie have attracted families and couples since the
1800s. Offering stunning views of Dehradun on one side and snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the other, the
British rightly called Mussoorie, The Queen of Hill Stations. Located merely 33 km apart, these hills are
also popular with trekkers. In addition to their natural beauty, Dehradun and Mussoorie boast of a number of
institutions, churches, and summer palaces from the British-raj era.
Best Time to Visit : March to June. December to February is ideal to experience snow.
Key Attractions in Mussoorie : Lake Mist, Camel’s Back Road, Cloud’s End, Mussoorie Lake, Gunhill
Road, Mall Road, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Bhatta Falls, Company Garden, Soham Heritage & Art Center,
Mossy Falls, Bhadraj Temple, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Jwala Devi Temple, Happy Valley, and Kempty
Falls. Learn more about things to do in Mussoorie.
Key Attractions in Dehradun : Robber’s Cave, Doon Valley, Har Ki Dun, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar
Temple, Rajaji National Park, Buddha Temple, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun Zoo, Mindrolling Monastery,
Lacchiwalla, Zonal Museum, Paltan Bazar, and Shikhar Fall. Learn more about the best places to visit in
Dehradun.
Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal, counts among
the top
places to visit in North India and for all the right reasons. The historical city in Uttar Pradesh is a
medley of grand monuments, exceptional architecture, and mesmerizing sights and sounds. It boasts of three
UNESCO World Heritage sites, several enticing gardens, vibrant local markets, emporiums, and lip-smacking
street food. Agra is also part of the famous Golden-Triangle circuit
With a beautiful lake that takes center stage, Nainital is one of the most popular family destinations in
North India. The town has a number of trekking routes that offer spectacular views of forested valleys and
pristine lakes. Everything about Nainital seems designed to relax the mind and spirit. In winter, the town
is covered with snow and looks like it belongs to a postcard. The Nainital Winter Carnival is a 3 days
extravagant celebration with cultural performances, bird watching, and heritage trails. 
Surrounded by snow-capped hills in the winter and pine-clad valleys in the summer, Dalhousie is a nature
lover’s paradise. Apart from honeymooners and families, this is one of the popular tourist places for solo
travelers in North India. Sprawled across 5 hills and valleys, Dalhousie has many bungalows, churches, and
cottages that date back to the British era. It abounds in natural beauty and boasts of picturesque
waterfalls, trekking routes, lakes, dams and a wildlife sanctuary that houses over 100 rare species of birds
and animals.
Spiti is one of the coldest places in India and offers spectacular peeks of the cold desert. The place is
accessible only during the summer months. With its numerous trekking trails offering panoramic views of the
Himalayans, Spiti is a trekker’s paradise. Its long winding roads are also favored by bikers. The natural
beauty of the place is enhanced by whitewashed chortens, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and
quaint monasteries. In the summer, the snow melts to reveal a carpet of beautiful flowers over the
hillsides.
Auli is amongst the most popular hill stations in North India. Everywhere you look, you can see pine trees,
majestic old oaks, and apple orchards. The lush green hillsides of the Garhwal Himalayas are popular
trekking routes that offer spectacular views of the snow-draped mountains around Auli. In winter, the slopes
come alive with skiers. During the rest of the year, the slopes are covered with snow. Auli also has a
number of temples that make it a part of the pilgrim circuit.
The natural beauty of the Kashmir Circuit makes it one of the top places to visit in North India. There’s a
lot to take in here ranging from the mesmerizing lakes and expansive gardens to the snow-capped mountains in
the distance. Srinagar is also a hub of activity with bustling local markets. The Kashmiri wazwan calls for
a special mention for its rich aromas and flavors. In winter, the slopes of Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam
become ideal for skiing and winter sports.
Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan are considered one the most religious places
in North India. Just about 10 km apart, these towns are dotted with temples and have 25 ghats lining the
Yamuna. Mathura was once also an important Buddhist center and houses several sculptural ruins from that
time. Pilgrims travel here throughout the year but Holi and Janmashtami call for a special mention for the
flood of pilgrims and tourists that they attract.
It is impossible to talk about religious places in North India without mentioning Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Considered to be twin national heritage cities, Haridwar and Rishikesh have a spiritual aura that attracts
soul seekers and pilgrims from across the world. Even the Beatles visited Rishikesh in the 60s! While on one
hand, the Ganges is meditated upon, on the other, its white rapids call out to thrill-seekers making it one
of the most popular adventure spots in North India. Both towns have a vegetarian food culture and are known
for delicious street food spread. Further, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra.
The tree-covered hills and valleys of Dehradun and Mussoorie have attracted families and couples since the
1800s. Offering stunning views of Dehradun on one side and snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the other, the
British rightly called Mussoorie, The Queen of Hill Stations. Located merely 33 km apart, these hills are
also popular with trekkers. In addition to their natural beauty, Dehradun and Mussoorie boast of a number of
institutions, churches, and summer palaces from the British-raj era.
