North India – When we start talking about North India, we first think of the historic Golden Triangle formed by Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and then we imagine crossing the Rajasthan deserts and then going to the destinations. Paradise of Himalayan paradise. So let’s start where most trips to India start and talk about the top ten places to visit in North India.
- Delhi-A City with Character.
You have a good chance of landing here if you visit North India. And if so, you will probably be told that the growing crime rate in Delhi is real, but there are other things in Delhi than that! It is a modern city with a rich historical heritage: its architecture is varied and especially its monuments, tombs, temples and ruins of old Delhi are very interesting. Shopping in the Sarojini Nagar and Janpath district, varied food in all the streets of the city, medieval village of HauzKhas, hippie district of Paharganj … These are things everyone appreciates in Delhi, however travelers who love luxury or Good dinners will also be enjoyed with all upscale malls and luxury stores in town.
- Agra – Much More Than the Taj Mahal.
Agra, in Uttar Pradesh in north India. Yes, we all know that the Taj Mahal, which is unmistakably beautiful is a big part of Agra’s fame, but there are many more places to see here. Agra Fort, the Baby Taj, Akbar’s Tomb and Fatehpur Fortress City (Fatehpur Sikri) are all famous monuments, each with unique historical significance and genius architectural. This is what you expect from a city that was the capital of India under the Mughals. The city of Agra itself can be an experience. Many bazaars are gathered and most monuments line the Yamuna River along the east side of the city. Sadar Bazaar is another area where you will find more chic accommodation, artisanal emporiums, and many restaurants. Further north of Agra Fort is the Kinari Commercial Bazaar that surrounds Jama Masjid, Friday’s mosque. Agra gives an excellent overview of the extravagance and artistic impulses of the Mughals and of life under their rule.
- Jaipur – The Pink City.
Jaipur is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the state of Rajasthan in north India. Browse the bazaars in the old city for crafts and souvenirs, ethnic clothing, textiles and accessories of beauty, culinary delights typical of the region (The “kachori” of “Kanji” deserves to be tested: it is the traditional “dal bati” only found in Jaipur). Fort Amber is, of course, a must-see monument with a very enriching sound and light show. The shine of the Sheesh Mahal, the temple of Galtaji, the Nahargarh Fort, and the lesser-known royal cenotaphs are the main attractions of the periphery While Hawa Mahal – the Palace of the Winds – is a visual delight of the city.
- Ranthambore – Locate A Tiger.
It is one of the best Indian destinations for tiger watching. Of all the Indian National Parks, you will have the best chance of seeing a tiger up close in Ranthambore located in the state of Rajasthan in north India. Tigers, here, feel masters of the place, less disturbed by the visitors and their cameras sometimes noisy. You may even feel that some of them are posing to please you from time to time. It’s not that simple, any animal photographer will tell you. But the proximity of this Delhi, Agra and Jaipur reserve makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. You will see not only tigers but Nilgaut antelopes, jackals, jungle cats, leopards, and many birds if you are observant. New areas called “buffer zones” have been created where you can actually get out of your jeep and wander, but do not expect to see a tiger in these spaces unless you’re really lucky! Animals are frequenting the lake this season as rainwater is scarce. There are fewer people in the summer because of the extreme heat, however, the winter season is more touristy, so be forewarning! But the central zone of the park is closed from July 1st to September 30th. From October to March, it’s the perfect time to visit the reserve.
- Jaisalmer – The Golden Edge of the Desert.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, North India. Jaisalmer is a bit more difficult to get to (a one-night rail trip from Jaipur or a car ride through Jodhpur) but it’s definitely worth it. Enjoy the sounds and lights of a typical Rajasthan desert city; take a camel ride at sunset, set out in the desert amidst the golden sand dunes. The people of the village proudly carrying their turbans stroll in the bazaar and there is absolutely no other place to admire the sandstone constructions of Jaisalmer.
- Jodhpur the Blue City.
Jodhpur in Rajasthan, North India, crosses the Thar Desert to the east. Almost all the houses in the old town are painted in a pretty azure color. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort stands out from a distance. Descending from the Tyrolean fort is an unforgettable experience that no one should miss. Do not just visit the fort, go to the city if you have time, you will find puppets, ties, dyes, spices and more. Lose yourself in the bazaars that radiate around the clock tower right in the center of town, in the former Sardar Market in particular. The neighborhoods of Jalori and Sojati Gates will give you another insight into the city of Jodhpur. For the pleasure of the eyes, enjoy a breathtaking view of the “blue city” and take a souvenir photo! TRIP
- Udaipur – Charming City Of Lakes.
Udaipur is the city located in this rich and romantic setting that you have seen in old Indian paintings and period films. Lake Pichola is bordered by a range of palaces with beautiful balconies; Havelis painted in pure white, waterside ghats and very refined restaurants from where you can have a breathtaking view on the lake and green hills. The Lake Palace Hotel floats fully in the middle of the lake, just like the Jag Mandir. The city palace is located east of Lake Pichola and the winding streets of the old town are worth exploring, not forgetting, of course, Fateh Sagar Lake to the north.
- Pushkar – Small, Witty and Hippie.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma dropped a lotus on this small town north of Ajmer and so the holy Pushkar Lake existed. This is the only place where you will see a temple dedicated to Brahma in India, so it is an important pilgrimage point. But it’s a center of interest for hippie travelers. The lake is flanked by hundreds of temples and ghats, and all around the lake you will find rooftop cafes, bakeries, etc. and a very colorful market, full of crafts, “baba-cool” clothes and small restaurants with a wide variety of dishes. The sunset at the lake is an excellent experience. If you come to Pushkar during the October / November camel fair, you will see a multitude of pilgrims, street artists, musicians, sellers and buyers of camels, tourists and many other people who come to Pushkar to admire the whole extent of the dunes around the city.
- Varanasi in North India – Hinduism’s Cradle
Also called Benares and Kashi, it is an old city that is around the banks of the Ganges. The banks of the river are lined with ghats that lead to the holy waters, where you will see priests, pilgrims and other people dressed in colorful clothes, performing their ablutions and performing rituals. The ghats of Varanasi are also the place where many Hindus in the north of India come to accompany their deceased for their cremation. Others come to attend the great Ganga aarti, the evening ceremony. Watching Ganga aarti in this “city of light” created by Lord Shiva is certainly one of the most intense and moving experiences you can have in North India.
- Khajuraho – The Erotic Temples
The sensual sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho are still unmatched. There are several theories that try to explain why the leaders of the Chandella dynasty erected these erotic temples, explicitly built between the 10th and the 12th century AD A particularly funny explanation is that they were intended to be a tutorial: “how to do” for Brahman boys! Another more serious is that statues symbolize the wedding of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. The village of Khajuraho, although a little forgotten by the grandeur of the temples, has its discreet charm, with a relaxed rhythm, a beautiful market, and beautiful restaurants. The dance festival is a good time of the year to visit Khajuraho.
