Ancient temples, snow-covered mountains, calm backwaters, golden beaches, and colourful bazaars — India is a country where each destination tells you a different story. For most UK travellers, this country provides a great escape from the grey, overcast skies. Whether you are travelling solo or in a group, India is one of those destinations worth planning for your holidays.
India is an enormous country with many fabulous destinations. This makes it challenging for tourists to decide the places to visit in India. That’s why we created this guide. We’ll show you some of the best places to visit in India, making it easy to find a spot that fits your style.
Best Places to Visit in India for UK Tourists
1. Golden Triangle: A Tour To Northern India
When you ask people or search online about the best destination for first-time visitors in India, the most common answer you’ll get is the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle tour includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This trip provides an introduction to India’s rich history, colourful culture, and architectural wonders in one well-connected trip. Making it the easiest possible way to experience the country’s most iconic attractions.
What You’ll Experience
The usual journey begins in Delhi, the capital city of India. You get to see the historic landmarks standing beside the modern life of the city. Some popular landmarks you can look at are India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and bustling markets filled with local food, handicrafts, and colourful fabrics.
From there, you’ll travel to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. The city is known for its grand palaces, lively bazars, and royal heritage. While walking through Jaipur, you can feel yourself stepping into an era where colourful streets, traditional crafts, and beautiful architecture surround you at every turn.
If you want to see the Indian Bengal tigers, you can go for a jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park, which is near to Jaipur.
The final stop of your journey is to Agra, where you get to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Seeing this white, shiny masterpiece in person is truly an experience you don’t want to miss.
Want to explore the wonders of the Golden Triangle? Check out our Golden Triangle tour package and start your journey.
2. Kerala: God’s Own Country
A beautiful tropical place with calm waters, cool hills, and peaceful beaches. If this is the type of holiday destination you’ve been dreaming of, Kerala deserves a place on your travel list. The state is surrounded by palm and coconut trees, small villages, and plantation fields. Kerala holidays allow travellers to cherish the beauty of nature and disconnect from their busy digital life.
What You’ll Experience
Many journeys in Kerala start with Kochi, a lovely coastal city that perfectly blends history, urban life, and ancient culture. Walking through the city, you’ll discover the colonial buildings, Chinese fishing nets, art galleries and cafes that are part of the city’s diverse heritage.
Leaving the coast behind, you reach Munnar, one of Kerala’s scenic destinations, situated in the Western Ghats. Most of the hills of Munnar are covered with endless tea plantations. The winding roads will further lead you to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls and tranquil walking trails.
Continuing your journey to Kerala’s famous backwaters, Alleppey, where you can board a houseboat and cruise through the water canals. Along the way, you’ll watch fishermen at work and pass small villages tucked beneath the coconut trees.
End your holiday on the silent Murari Beach, which is uncovered by the loud crowd of people. You can peacefully relax on the beach, take long walks around the sea, watch sunset and enjoy the breezing wind under the shade of swaying palm trees.
Ready to experience the magic of Kerala? View our Enchanting Kerala holiday package to plan your trip.
3. Rajasthan: Forts, Deserts and Colour Everywhere
Rajasthan is a fascinating state, where India’s royal past comes to life. Each city unfolds its own story of kings, queens and magnificent palaces. Rajasthan is a destination full of history, colour and unforgettable experiences, from the shimmering lakes of Udaipur to the golden sand of the Thar Desert. It remains the top choice for UK travellers who enjoy architecture and local culture.
What You’ll Experience
Jaipur is the first place where most of the Rajasthan tour begins. You can explore popular landmarks, including Amber Fort, the City Palace, and Hawa Mahal, that showcase the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. Beyond these historical places, the city is known for its local markets where you can browse a variety of handcrafted jewellery, colourful textiles, pottery, and traditional artwork.
At Jodhpur, you will see the immersive Mehrangarh Fort. Below its massive walls, there are hundreds of blue-coloured houses, which creates a striking contrast in the deserted landscape. Walking down the streets, you’ll discover the local markets, historic temples and cafes that capture the charm of old Rajasthan.
Next, in Udaipur, the City of Lakes, you can find yourself surrounded by scenic lakes and Aravalli hills. The city features stunning palaces, peaceful courtyards, and beautiful lake views that make every walk a wonderful experience.
Your Rajasthan journey is incomplete if you haven’t visited the Thar Desert. You can ride a camel across the sand dunes, enjoy traditional folk music, discover Rajasthani cuisine and witness a desert sunset. These are some moments that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Interested in the royal history of Rajasthan? Discover our Boutiques of Rajasthan tour and book your holiday.
4. Goa: Beaches, Sunsets and a Slower Pace
Goa has always been the favourite Indian holiday destination for a long time. The vibrant nightlife, beach parties, watersports and the rich Portuguese culture make it the perfect destination for an adventurous and fun trip. The relaxed atmosphere brings people together and allows them to enjoy the beaches, explore charming villages and dine at restaurants near the sea.
What You’ll Experience
Panaji, the capital of Goa, creates a welcoming atmosphere with its colourful Portuguese-style houses, riverside promenades, and historic churches. Strolling through the narrow lanes of Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter, Goa’s unique cultural heritage is revealed through its vibrant buildings, cosy cafés, and local bakeries.
North Goa and South Goa are two prominent regions known for their coastal beaches. At North Goa beaches, parties and water sports are the main highlights. On the other hand, South Goa beaches are quiet and are ideal for relaxing in luxury resorts.
Beyond the beaches, Goa has another side to its character. You get to explore the Portuguese churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa’s Wednesday Market, fragrant spice plantations, retreat sites, and other regional delicacies.
Dreaming of a beach getaway in Goa? Explore our Goa holiday package and find your perfect escape.
5. Ladakh and the Himalayas: For the Adventurous
If you are a UK traveller who loves exploring mountains, Ladakh should be at the top of your travel list. Ladakh is situated in the mighty Himalayas, which is a remarkable holiday destination famous for its dramatic landscapes, snow-capped peaks, Buddhist monasteries, crystal-clear lakes, and winding mountain roads. This place is a perfect adventurous destination mixed with culture and natural beauty.
What You’ll Experience
Your adventure begins in Leh, which is a small town in Ladakh, surrounded by the Himalayan hills. In the town you can see the colourful prayer flags fluttering above the narrow streets. In Leh’s local bazaars, you can find attractive handmade products like Pashmina shawls, exquisite Tibetan jewellery, and Khabdan carpets.
Leaving Leh behind, you can go visit the monasteries. The Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and the Hemis Monastery are some renowned holy Buddhist sites located in the upper Indus Valley.
You can go for the Sham Valley trek. The trek begins with Likir village, famous for its Gompa monastery, where you can see a 75-foot golden Buddha statue. From there you will pass through the villages and cross waterstreams to reach Yangthang. Continue your trek through the juniper forest towards Temisgam, known for its apricot orchards.
Then take the road to Lamayuru, the Moonland of Ladkah. The village has a strange, crater-like landscape that looks like a place from an outer world. Its monastery is one of the oldest in that region that is located above the village on the rocky hilltop.
Alchi will be your last destination. It is a UNESCO world heritage site that has a centuries-old monastery. Its walls are covered in detailed paintings that have survived for over a thousand years, offering a rare window into Ladakh’s artistic and spiritual past.
Ready for an adventure in the Himalayas? Browse our Cultural Peaks of Ladakh itinerary and plan your mountain escape.
Interested in the Best Places to Visit in India?
Planning your perfect India holidays should be fun, not stressful. At India Tours & Travels, we design custom India holidays tailored just for you, whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure.
Ready to make it happen? Give us a call at +91 8130680917 to chat with our experts, or fill out our quick enquiry form today. Let’s start planning your amazing trip to India!
