Cities In India You Must Visit

India’s bigger cities today are making their mark as important global cities. India, however, is best witnessed in the smaller cities and towns that echo of the glorious legacy through their unique art, culture and their people. The following are some cities in India that you must visit –

The humbling land of Sikh culture, Amritsar is an experience of a lifetime. Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ram Das, the city now divided into old and new, displays the transition of India from the 19th century to the 20th and 21st. Every sunset since 1959, more than 30,000 hearts resonate “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” at the Wagha Border. Serving 50,000 people a day, escape into the feeling of oneness, sharing, and generosity at the Guru Ka Langar.

Famous Eateries: Kesar Da Dhaba, Neelam’s and Pal Da Dhaba.

Best time to visit: November to March

A city that is more than just Taj Mahal, Agra is a celestial city that reflects the regal era of the Mughal empire. Agra’s historical significance is gigantic as most of the monuments present in the city are renowned world heritage sites. Inhabited by the labourers and artisans of Taj Mahal, Taj Ganj is now a local bazaar for the ethnic Agra art and craft. An example of the sheer brilliance of Akbar the Great, Fatehpur Sikri, lying to the west of Agra is a well-preserved city that once served as a capital to the magnanimous Mughal empire.

Famous Eateries: Esphahan, Pinch of Spice, Jahanpanah

Best time to visit: October to March

A delightful fusion of Bonjour and Namaste, the French Riviera of the East is more than what meets the eye. Under the French rule till 1954, you’ll see fragments of classic France dominating the city in all aspects till today. The City of Dawn, Auroville is an experimental township which aims at the realization of human unity. The Matrimandir is a structure inside the Auroville that signifies peace and serenity. Popular for exquisite beaches, witness the enthralling water activities like Scuba Diving at Pondicherry.

Famous Eateries: Le Café, Baker Street, and Villa Shanti

Best time to visit: October to February

Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi or Benares is the oldest living city in the world. An important pilgrimage center for the Hindus, the city of Benares is a mystical land of culture and ethnicity. The grandest of all aartis is the one held at Dashawamedha Ghat that has people gathering one hour prior to the ritual. Special puja is held every Tuesday and on days of religious significance. A city of Ghats, there are some 87 ghats, big and small riverfront steps leading to the sacred Ganga in Benaras.

Famous Eateries: Canton Royale, Keshari, and Eden

Best time to visit:  October to March

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey is considered to be the oldest planned city in this region, formed about 100 years ago. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of British India called the city as “The Venice of the East”, fascinated by the city’s beauty. In the Punnamada Lake, the annual Snake Boat Race is the most popular event held in the month of August. In the 18th century, Alleppey served as an important trade port of Kerala. Established in the year 1862, the lighthouse is open to the public. The scenic beauty of the sea and the town of Alleppey can be viewed perfectly through the Lighthouse.

Famous Eateries: Mushroom, Cream Corner, Chakara

Best time to visit: November to February

From a kingdom ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty to an independent city that is enriched with culture, Mysore has come a long way. Be it the palaces or a local market, tourists are attracted to Mysore for its huge cultural heritage. Celebrating the victory of good over evil, Mysore during Dussera is a pure delight to the eyes. Give yourself a break and enter a zone of tranquility amidst nature at the picturesque Karanji Lake.

Famous Eateries: Tiger Trail, Parklane Hotel, and Sapphire

Best time to visit: October to February

A contrasting cityscape of the traditional and modern era, Bhopal lies in the heart of India. Founded by Raja Bhoj and built by an Afghan soldier Dost Muhammed, Bhopal is the result of the amalgamation of different cultures including Moghul, Afghan, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu. More than 12,000 years old cave paintings from prehistoric times exist till today in the rock caves of Bhimbetka, just 46 kilometers away from the city of Bhopal. The inner chowks offering delicious Kebabs, Rogan Josh, Keema, Sulfis and Baflas are a foodie’s paradise.

Famous Eateries: Under The Mango Tree, Bapu Ki Kutia, Zam Zam

Best time to visit: November to February

The center of British rule in India, Baharampur in West Bengal was the first headquarter of the East India Company. The roots of Indian nationalism lie in this city. Its past is augmented by the British, Bengal Nawabs, Zamindars, and Sultans which make the city historically rich. The First War of Independence in India began with the first armed revolts against the East India Company in Barrack Field, Baharampur. A Smarak was built to honour the martyrs of the revolt of 1857. The tomb of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Katra Mosque was once a center of Islamic learning. The most distinctive feature of this mosque is the two pillars at the corner that have holes used for military tactics.

Famous Eateries: Gossip More, Haveli, Heritage

Best time to visit: October to March