So, you finally couldn’t resist the lure of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the shimmering Golden temple and the eternal symbol of love the Taj Mahal. Welcome to North India, the vibrant exuberant part of Incredible India. This India Travel Guide will ensure that you plan an itinerary that covers five of the top places that every tourist to this part of the country must see.

Delhi

The political center of India, Delhi is well connected by road, train, and air. This city is an amalgam of cosmopolitan culture alongside the rustic, mundane everyday citizen who works hard to make both the ends meet. Some of the country’s finest five-star hotels can be found here, but those on a budget can also find numerable options.

This burgeoning city offers plenty of transport options to travelers: the spanking new metro makes life easier but if you wish to navigate the city you can choose the tuk or tuk or the autorickshaws or even cabs. If you are short of time and do not want to miss out on any of the attractions the best bet would be to rent a car and a driver for the day; they are really affordable.

Start your day with Jama Masjid and the Red Fort in Old Delhi; don’t miss the bustle of Chandni Chowk. Move on to South Delhi for the Lotus Temple and Indian Gate and end the day in New Delhi where you visit Humanyun’s tomb before pleasing your palate with delectable street food and shopping to your heart’s content.

Agra

Get ready to be awestruck by the sheer beauty of this marble monument that has been praised since centuries for its workmanship and intricate designs. Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his eternal love for his wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal will mesmerize you. Check the opening and closing hours before you plan your trip. If time permits visit the Agra Fort. Be wary of touts and if you are in a mood for shopping refer to the India Travel Guide for best places to shop.

The best way to travel from Delhi would be to hire a cab that can take you to Agra and from there to Jaipur. It is a scenic drive through the desert where you might encounter a train of camels languidly crossing the road.

Jaipur

How can you bear to miss the life of the royals; Jaipur, the Pink City as it is popularly known is brimming with Rajput history and palaces, courtyards and forts that bring back the past alive. For those who love history and shopping, this is the place to be as the bazaars here sell some of the most exquisite embroidered leather shoes, tie and dye fabrics and blue pottery.

You can travel by autorickshaws, minivans, and buses around the city. For more information on the various options for stay and travel refer to the Indian Travel Guide.

The best places to see here are the Amber Fort and the bewitching view of the Maota Lake from atop the fort. The City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the famous Jantar Mantar observatory which was built by the Maharaja Jai Singh II to kindle the spirit of scientific adventure in the public are other must-see attractions in the city. And for gastronomic delight enjoy the thalis that serve some of the most delicious dishes in the Indian cuisine.

Amritsar

If you have the luxury of time take the Shatabdi from Jaipur to Amritsar which is a distance of over 700Km and will take over 15 hours. A better option is to fly to Delhi and then to Amritsar which is just an hour’s flight from Delhi. You can travel by road as well which will take about 6 hours.

Amritsar, home to the holiest of the Sikh mandirs the Harimandar Sahib and Darbar Sahib, is one of the most visited monuments in the country. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the satiating Langar which is a community meal served in this holy place. Do pay homage to the slain innocent citizens at Jallianwala Bagh, the site where the British massacred several unsuspecting civilians during the freedom struggle.

Finally, travel to the Wagah border, the border between India and Pakistan, which is just 30 km from Amritsar to see the “beating the Retreat” ceremony where the soldiers of both countries march in perfect coordination to the beating of the drums to bring down the flags of the respective nations. Plan to reach by 2 pm to procure a comfortable seat to watch the ceremony live.

Srinagar

And finally, the jewel in the crown – Srinagar. Popularly called the Switzerland of India, the beauty of Srinagar is spellbinding and captivating. The India Travel Guide has in-depth information on the best hotels to stay in Srinagar.

Despite the threat of terrorism looming large, the city per se is still safe. Enjoy a ride on the Shikar on the placid Dal lake with a trip to the Char Chinar and the greenery interspersed with colorful flowers and roses in the humongous Mughal gardens. Don’t miss the Gondola ride to the Ski slopes of Gulmarg and the horseback ride in Pahalgam.

There is an Indian Travel Guide for all regions of the country should you wish to discover the other parts of this fascinating land of culture and heritage.