Main Tourist Centers of India

Main Tourist Centers of India:

1. Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the largest tourist centric city. It lies on the banks of the Jhelum River.  Jhelum River is the tributary of the Indus, Anchar and Dal lakes. Srinagar is famous for its gardens and houseboats etc.

Srinagar is famous for dried fruits, carpets and Kashmiri handicrafts. It has sky – scraping mountains, deep valleys and green forests. Srinagar is also called as the “Paradise on Earth”. It is known for its beauty, lush green forests, harmony and for romance.  Famous tourist places includes:

• Shalimar Garden
• Mughal Gardens
• Nishant Bagh
• Chashm –E – Shahi
• Dal Lake
• Hazratbal Mosque
• Dachigam National Park
• Ladakh Region etc.

Shikara ride in popular Dal Lake is among the most mesmerizing experience in Srinagar. Hazratbal Mosque is the famous religious destination; it enshrines Moi-e-Muqaddas (the sacred hair) of the prophet Mohammed. Srinagar is also famous for various regions like Ladakh, Kargil, Dachigam National Park, Dras and Baramulla.

2. Gangtok (Sikkim)

It is located in the Eastern Himalayan range and one of the largest city of Sikkim. It is the main tourist centric place and popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. In 20^th Century it was the major stopover between Lhasa and cities like Kolkata during British India time. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India, situated at an attitude of 1800 meters. Gangtok is mainly known for MG Road, Nathu La Pass and Rumtek Monastery. Gangtok also famous for magnificient view of Kanchenjunga. With stunning sceneries and vibrant culture it is the main tourist destination of India. For white water rafting Teesta is the famous spot in Gangtok. Other popular tourist destinations in Gangtok are:

• MG Road
• Nathu La Pass
• Rumtek Monastery
• Ganesh Tok
• Tsongmo Lake
• Ban Jhakri Falls
• Kanchenjunga
• Mangen
• Do Drul Chorten
• Enchey Monastery

3. Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

Agra is the one of the seven wonders of India, Agra is known for its architectural history best examples are The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and The Red Fort Agra.  There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Agra, The Taj Mahal is among the world top 50 best tourist destinations.

Beside tourist spots Agra is also famous for Agra ka Petha, Lassi and Chaat. Agra is well connected by Road, Rail and air mode. Agra is a place which can be visited throughout the year, best time to visit the place is in October to March. Famous tourist spots are:

• Taj Mahal
• Jama Masjid
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Moti Masjid
• Sikandra Fort
• Agra Fort
• Yamuna 
• Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah
• Fatehpur Sikri

4. Manali

Manali is situated in a high altitude in Northen Himachal Pradesh State. Set on the Beas River, Manali is famous for Sking in the Solang Valley, rafting in Beas River and trekking in Parvati valley. It is also famous for various adventure sports like paragliding, rafting, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and mountaineering (in Pir Panjal Mountains). Manali is popular for its ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass. It is also the gateway to Lahul and Spiti District as well as Leh. Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport in Manali (KUU IATA Code) also known as Kullu-Manali airport. Manai has year – round tourist. Main tourist places in Manali are as follows:

• Solang Valley
• Rohtang pass
• Beas kund
• Hadimba Temple
• Vashisht Baths
• Chandratal Baralacha Trek
• The Great Himalyan National Park
• Hampta Pass
• Manikaran
• Parvati Valley
• Kullu
• Manu Temple
• Naggar

5. Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest state and known as the land of the kings. It is also covered by Thar (the Great Indian Desert).  Rajasthan is known for its courtesy, arts and architecture. It is one of the most culturally diverse places not only in India but in the World also. Rajasthan is famous for its forts, palaces, shopping places, cuisine, lakes, weddings and Havelies etc. Jaipur in Rajasthan is known as Pink City, Jaisalmer is known as Golden City, Jodhpur is known as Sun City, Udaipur is known as the Venice of East. The popular tourist places are as follows:

• Amer Fort
• Hawa Mahal
• City Palace, Jaipur
• Mehrangarh Fort
• Ranthambore National Park
• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
• Sariska Tiger Reserve
• City Palace, Udaipur
• Jaiselmer Fort
• Jaigarh Fort
• Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Keoladeo National Park
• Chittor Fort
• Jal Mahal
• Junagarh Fort
• Brahma Temple, Pushkar
• Aravalli Range
• Kumbhalgarh
• Karni Mata Temple
• Birla Mandir, Jaipur
• Lake Pichola
• Pushkar Lake

6. Leh Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir)

Leh Ladhakh has fantabulous landscapes, beautiful attractions and friendly people. It is bounded by the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges, other popular ranges in Leh ladhak region are Ladakh range and Zanskar range.  Leh Ladhakh is famous for its sceneries, modest cultures, gompas, sensational momos, mountain ranges etc.  Best time to visit is fom June to September. Popular for Leh  Ladhakh Expedition, Mounatin Biking, white water rafting, Trekking etc. Popular tourist places are as follows:

• Pangong Lake
• Shanti Stupa
• Tso Moriri Lake
• Leh Palace
• Khardung La Pass
• Magnetic Hill
• Nubra Valley
• Chadar Frozen River Trek
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
• Spituk Monastery
• Hall of Fame Museum
• Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Tamilnadu 

Tamilnadu is a famous tourist center of India, it is bordered by Puducherry (Union Territory), on the North it is surrounded by Eastern Ghats, on the West surrounded by the Bay of Bengal, in the East by the Gulf of Mannar.  Tamilnadu is famous for the long coastline, fabulous hill stations, temples, monuments etc. Tamil ancient culture and Dravidian Civilizations attracts tourists.

Classical music, dance, temple gopurams, waterfall (Hogenakkal is the most famous waterfall in Tamilnadu) also attracts tourists. Mahabalipuram is one of the main tourist Centre of Tamilnadu known for its carved temples and rock –cut caves. It is also famous for its long white sand beaches. The serenity, architect, alluring atmosphere attracts tourist. Other famous tourist places in Tamilnadu are as follows:

• Kanchipuram
• Kodaikanal
• Mahabalipuram
• Ooty
• Chidambaram
• Madurai
• Rameshwaram
• Thanjavur
• Tiruchirappalli
• Kumbakonam
• Kanyakumari

8. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai is one of the largest city in India. It is a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline. Marathi and English are the languages of Mumbai region. Mumbai with Salsette Island known as Greater Mumubai. Presence of Bollywood within the city makes the Mumbai most fascinating city. Mumbai is divided into various regions like:

• South Mumbai (Fort, Colaba, Nariman Point, Tardo, Marine Lines, Malabar Hills)
• South Central Mumbai (Parel, Worli, Prabhadevi, Dadar, Byculla)
• North Central Mumbai (Dharavi, Matunga, Vadala, Sion, Mahim)
• West Mumbai (Bandra, Khar, Santa Cruz, Vile Parle, Andheri, Versova)
• East Mumbai ( Kurla, Vidyavihar, Ghatkopar, Kanjur Marg, Bhandup, Mulund, Powal, Thane, Kalyan)
• Harbour Suburbs (Chembur, Mankhurd, Govandi, Trombay)

North Mumbai (Manori, Jogeshwari, Malad, Borivali, Gorai, Mira Road, Bhyander, Naigaon, Vasai, Nala Sopara, Virar)

Mumbai is popularly known as a city which never sleeps. It is the city of dreams, passion, The City of Seven Island. Mumbai is also known as the financial capital of India and capital of Maharashtra.

In Mumbai you can find diversity (The Rich, The Poor, Labourers, slums, big markets, slums, grand malls etc.). Mumbai is famous for its beaches, lakes, parks, Marine Drive; also famous for religious sites like Siddhi Vinayak Mandir, the Haji Ali Dargah, Mount Marry Church etc. The main tourist places in Mumbai are as follows:

• Gateway of India
• Powai Lake
• St. Thomas Cathedral
• Aksa Beach
• Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus
• The Asiatic Society
• Bandra – Worli Sea Link
• Marine Drive
• Mount Mary Church
• Haji Ali
• Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
• The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
• Mahalakshmi Temple
• Colaba Causeway
• Nehru Planetarium
• Dharavi
• Bandra
• Juhu Beach
• Prithvi Theater
• Giirgaon Chowpatty
• Elephanta Caves
• Film City
• Vasai

9. Goa

Goa is popular for its beautiful beaches, it is located in the coastal region also known as the Konkan in India. In the North bounded by Maharashtra, in the East bounded by Karnataka and bounded by Arabian Sea in the South. Goa is the smallest state of India by area and by population it is 4^th smallest state.  The largest city of Goa is Vasco da Gama. Goa is famous for its churches, beaches and world heritage architecture. Three million tourists were reported in 2008

Goa is a year – round destination, in winter season tourist from mainly Europe come to enjoy their holidays in Goa and in summer season major rush is of Indian tourist. Best time to come to Goa is from October to March. Goa has over 300 year Old Portuguese architecture. Goa cuisine has Portuguese influence. Goa has beautiful colorful houses, charming villages, lush green fields etc. It provides beautiful atmosphere for morning or evening stroll. Goa Carnival is the main attraction in Goa, beside this each festival is celebrated with huge enthusiasm and curiosity.

Goa is a nature lover spot with greenery and wildlife. Goa is also famous for its water sports activities like windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing etc. Goa is also popular for its food, if you are food adventurer, you should visit spice gardens (Cashew feni is popular one). Goa is also popular for its crazy parties and for night life. Main tourist places in Goa are as follows:

• Baga Beach
• Palolem Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Basillica of Bom Jesus  Colva Beach
• Tito’s Calangute
• Flea Markets
• Dudhsagar waterfalls
• Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
• Dona Paula
• Agonda Beach
• Fort Aguada
• Se Cathedral
• Church of St Francis of Assisi

10. Kerala 

Kerala is the one of the most popular tourist destination also called as Gods Own Country.It is situated in South India on the Malabar Coast, on the North it is bordered by Karnataka, Tamilnadu to the East and South and on the west surrounded by Lakshadweep Sea. By population it is the 13^th largest Indian State divided into 14 districts. Most widely spoken language is Malayalam. Kerala is famous for hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, Allepey Beach, houseboats etc

For any kind of holiday it is one of the best destination. Backwaters in Kerala, Elephants, and culture, architecture attracts number of tourist every year. Kerala is also popular for its tea gardens, Western Ghats etc. In Kerala Alleppey is among the top tourist places. Mainly famous for houseboats, and for backwater trips. Lord curzen described Alleppey as Venice of the East. Best time to go to Alleppey is from September to May. Famous tourist destinations in Alleppey are Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Punnamada Lake, Arthunkal

Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy etc. Another most popular destination in Kerala is Munnar, it is a very famous hill station of India. The main attraction her is green tea farms with beautiful view of low flying clouds and misty valleys. Munner is also famous for its waterfalls and hiking routes. It is also popular destination among adventure seeking tourist. Most popular attraction in Munnar are blossom Park, TATA Tea museum, Kundala Lake, Marayoor Dolmens, Anamudi, Indo Swimm Dairy Farm etc. Thekkady is another most popular tourist center in Kerala. In Thekkady Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the popular wildlife sanctuary known for various wildlife species like elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs etc, Tourist enjoy boating in Thekkady Lake. Best tourist centers in Kerala are as follows:

• Wayanad
• Periyar Jungle Jeep Safari
• Varakala Beach, Thiruvananthpuram
• Fort Kochi
• Lighthouse Beach
• Athirappilly Waterfalls, Thrissur
• Bekal Fort, Kasargod
• Backwater Cruise
• Kuruva Island
• Chembra Peak
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Vagamon
• TATA Tea Museum
• Eravikulam National Park, Idukki
• Mattupetty Dam
• Anamudi
• Attukal Waterfalls
• Cherai Beach
• Santa Cruz Basilica
• Marine Drive, Kochi
• Karamana River

11. Karnataka

Karnataka is a well-known destination with spell allure and sedation tourist centers. Karnataka is known for its varied culture vast geographic regions, it is locked between Deccan Plateau, Western Ghats, the Deccan Plateau and Kannad Coast. Karnataka is famous for its hill stations, temples, caves, riversides, beaches, waterfalls, coffee estates etc. Gokarna is one of the famous and best tourist spot in Karnataka with beautiful beaches and mesmerizing landscapes. Gokarna is also called as Land of Palm Trees, Blue Seas and Golden Sands. It is a hub for beach lovers and popular pilgrimage town also. Gokarna is situated on the coast of karwar. Goakarna is known for its temples, famous for full of coconut and palm trees, tourist enjoys beautiful serenity and relaxing beach atmosphere here. Another major tourist attraction is Banglore (also known as Bengaluru). Bangalore is the 5^th largest city in India and in population its ranked 3^rd. Bangalore  is also called as Garden city of India and with a large number of technology companies referred as Sillicon valley of India. It is also known as land of boiled beans. Another popular destination is Bandipur National Park, it is the one of the best known and well preserved National Park in India. Coorg is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Another name of Coorg is Kodagu also called as Scotland of India. Another major attraction in Karnataka is Hampi, Hampi is famous heritage destination. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Hampi is famous for its monuments and temples. It is situated on the banks of Tungbhadra River. It was an ancient village stands within the ruins of the city Vijayanagara. It is the most popular and among top tourist destinations of Karnataka. Other major tourist centers of India are as follows:

• Mysore
• Shivanasamundra Falls
• Belur
• Jog Falls
• Nagarhole National Park
• Udupi
• Dandeli
• Pattadakal
• Badami Rocks
• Aihole
• Belur
• Haveri
• Sivasamundram Waterfall
• Lalbagh and Brindavan Gardens

12. Uttrakhand (Rishikesh)

 Rishikesh is the most popular tourist destination, situated along the Ganga and Chandrabhaga River. Rishikesh is also famous for temples, yoga ashrams and popular cafes. It is the most popular spiritual destination as well as adventurous destination. Rishikesh is also known as Yoga Capital of the World. In Rishikesh there are number of ashrams teaching spirituality, mediatation, yoga and Ayurrveda. Rishikesh is also famous for white water rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, rappelling, river crossing, trekking etc. Rishikesh is also famous for camping sites, wildlife etc. Other famous tourist places in Rishikesh are as follows:

• Triveni Ghat
• Lakshman Jhula
• Shivpuri
• Kaudiyala
• Vashistha Gufa
• Kunjapuri temples
• Beatles Ashram
• Bahrat Mandir
• Swarga Ashram
• Rishikund
• Ram Jhula
• Gita Bhavan
• Parmath Niketan Ashram
• Neer Gaddu Waterfall
• Tera Manzil Temple
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

13. Puri (Orissa)

In Puri most famous attraction is Jaannath temple, it is among the Char Dham of India. It is also famous for its beaches. It is located alongside the coast of Bay of Bengal.  Puri is known as the resting place of Lord Shiva and famous for Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) takes place during the month of June – July. Puri is fampous for Chilika Lake, Puri Beach, Gudicha Ghar, Sun Temple Konark. The famous tourist destination in Puri are as follows:

• Jagannath Temple
• Puri Bech
• Konark Beach
• Chilika Lake
• Raghurajpur Artist Village
• Swargadwar Beach
• Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sakshigopal Temple
• Gundicha Temple
• Alarnatha Temple
• Bedi hanuman Temple

14. Bodh Gaya (Bihar)

Bodh Gaya is one of the most popular and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center. It is the place where Gautam Buddha achieved Enlightment. In Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi Tree is the popular tourist center where Gautam Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is a very popular destination in the world, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bodh Gaya is also famous for various temples and monasteries. Uruwela is the other name of Bodh Gaya.

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