Five Incredible Cities to Visit in India
The Incredible India campaign by the Ministry of Tourism of the Indian government is by no means hyping exaggerating, for India truly is incredible. It has a rich cultural heritage and a colorful history. This amazingly vibrant nation with stunning diversity never fails to charm its visitors. To experience India in all its colors, a visit to its cities is a must. A visit to India is more than just a vacation; it’s a truly life-changing experience. We bring you five incredible cities in India you should visit for the holiday of a lifetime!
Delhi
New Delhi is the capital of India. The city is dotted with numerous historical monuments like the Qutub Minar, the Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, the Old Fort, and the Tughlaqabad Fort, to name just a few. Delhi is a fantastic city where modern life blends seamlessly with Indian tradition. You’ll see men rushing to work in smart western wear, and you’ll also spot men relaxing at roadside tea stalls in kurtas and pajamas.
The city is also a hub of Mughlai food and offers some fine dining experiences. It’s an amazing display of religious diversity, home to both the Jama Masjid and the Akshardham Temple. Don’t give the roadside food on offer at Delhi a miss. You’ll love the spicy, and hot aloo tikia served here.
Mumbai
Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is the financial hub of India by the Arabian Sea. There’s never a dull moment in this city. Being India’s financial hub, Mumbai is a very cosmopolitan city indeed. The most iconic landmark in Mumbai is the Gateway of India, which was built in 1911. Apart from the Gateway of India, other places you must include in your itinerary are the Haji Ali Dargah and the Elephanta Caves.
For a feel of the real Mumbai, head straight to the Chowpatty or the Juhu Beach, where Mumbai spends its weekends. Don’t forget to try the lip-smacking Pao Bhaaji here.
Kolkata
Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, Kolkata, or Calcutta, as it used to be called earlier, is the cultural capital of India. This is the city of the iconic poet and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore and you are sure to catch a song or two composed by the bard while you are in the city. The people of Kolkata are proud of their city being home to cultural luminaries like filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen. The places to visit are the magnificent Victoria Memorial, the iconic Howrah Bridge, the Dakshineswar Temple.
To experience Kolkata off-the-beaten-track, take a walk along the narrow lanes and by-lanes of North Kolkata that exude old-world charm and take you back in time. You must try some of the roadside food on offer here, especially phuckas and the rolls at Nizam’s close to the Hogg Market (New Market).
Chennai
The southern metropolis of Chennai is situated along the Bay of Bengal. Chennai has a strong Tamil identity. The coffee here is just great, and you can’t escape the lovely aroma of filter coffee in this lovely city. The places that you must drop by are Marina Beach, Fort St. George, the Government Museum, and the Kapaleeswar Temple.
Chennai is also home to the thriving Tamil film industry, and the city is dotted with large and colorful film posters. Don’t forget to try the iconic south Indian dishes, Dosa and Idli, which have traveled far beyond the shores of Chennai into every Indian kitchen.
Benares
This lively town by the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh is interesting, the oldest surviving city in the world. It is an unbelievably congested city, and a walk through the alleys is an out-of-this-world experience. The roads are teeming with people, and you are sure to come across a few cows. Soak in real India at places like Daswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
While at Benares, make it a point to savor the rabri at the various sweet shops there. Benares is truly a breathtaking experience; it’s chaotic yet beautiful.
Some safety trips when visiting India
India’s major cities are a cultural melting pot with people of varied religious, ethnic, and community backgrounds coming together to form a canvas throbbing with life. Each of the cities has its distinct character and is a blend of modernity and tradition. However, you should prepare for the trip and follow recommendations that seasoned travelers emphasize.
While traveling, there are sure to be occasions when your mobile data fails to connect. In such situations, you have no option but to use public Wi-Fi. However, it’s a very risky thing to do. To protect yourself, you can install a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which prevents IP-based tracking by encrypting the connection between your device and the server. It does everything you need to connect to free Wi-Fi spots safely. Other recommendations include refusing rides from suspicious taxi drivers and others who offer cheap transportation. Instead, hotels typically offer airport transport facilities to get you where you need to go. Additionally, ride-hailing apps are also widely popular in India, so be sure to use them. Overall, be cautious, as traveling can be dangerous regardless of where you may go. Thus, protect your bags, personal documents, and try to stay away from strangers, nor should you reveal which hotel you are staying in currently.
