With bountiful popular cities in India, the country is a perfect travel destination for both Indian and foreign tourists. India being a versatile country with a sundry of options offers tourists all kinds of activities they can indulge in. In fact, it can be tough to pick one city saying this is the most popular city in India.
Rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, shopping, dance, and music shows, and food are just a few examples of all the things that one can enjoy and experience in India. From fun and games to historic shows and sightseeing, Indian cities have got it all.
Popular Cities in India
If you are planning to visit most popular city in India, or looking at the list of famous cities in India, let us help you.
Delhi
Being the capital as an additional attraction, Delhi is the most popular city in India. The capital inhabits people of all states, races, religions, and cultures.
Delhi attracts people from all over India and contains confetti of cultures, emotions, and perspectives. It has a magical aura that makes this place home for travelers, tourists, and students. It is one of the most famous cities of India.
The Delhi metro with its wide network is cheap and any place in Delhi can be reached by availing this facility. The food is also lip-smacking and a must-try.
Some of the most amazing tourist places in Delhi include Red Fort and the Parliament Building. Other monuments to visit in Delhi include Qutub Minar, Lotus temple, Rajiv Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, and Kashmiri Gate.
The capital has many monuments as it was the centre of the Mughal Empire in India. Together with these monuments, its rich heritage, tourism potential, economic and cultural significance make Delhi the most popular city in India.
Agra
Located in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal makes Agra the most popular city in India. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was built in almost 20 years. It was built as a memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shajahan the Mughal emperor. It can leave behind all the modern constructions with its evergreen epic charm and one of its style construction.
Other places to visit in Agra are Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Jahangir Mahal, the tomb of Itimad- ud- Daulah, etc.
Tourists can explore the jewels famous in Agra at the Agra Fort, the greenery of the gardens, and the exemplary structures of massive monuments. Besides this, many other monuments in Agra make it the most popular city in India.
The Bedai, jalebis, Dahi Bhalla, and the lip-smacking Mughlai delicacies are some things one should surely try in Agra. The city is also famous for the sweet, petha which is soft and syrupy in taste.
Varanasi
If you are new to the list of Old and New Names of Indian Cities, it is easy to get confused between the names Varanasi and Benaras. Also called Banaras, it is the pride of the country for its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and rituals. Its cultural and religious significance makes it the most popular city in India. Varanasi became the cultural spot due to the Ganga which is considered as the most sacred river in the Hindu mythology. The river flows through the city and is worshipped by people all over the country. The city is also popular for silk sarees and muslin fabrics.
One of the famous Ghats in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is near the Vishwanath temple and is the most crowded in the evening. People gather from 6 pm to witness the Maha aarti. This arti takes place at the ghat which is the riverside and the whole place is lightened up with sacred flames or diyas. The best time to visit- during the evening from 6 pm. The best part is that it is free of cost and everyone is welcome here.
Varanasi has around 2,000 temples and other spiritual places. It is a pilgrim and also has many monks with saffron clothes all over the city. Many funeral ceremonies happen here daily; also, people take a dip in the sacred Ganga to be cleansed of all their sins.
Other places to visit include the local art galleries to witness the rich art culture in the city. Few popular galleries are the Kirti Art gallery, Mehta Art gallery, and Ruchika Art Gallery. The city is also famous for yoga.
Nainital
Uttarakhand is nothing less than a heaven on Earth. Nainital has the most beautiful and touristy Naini Lake. It is the most popular city in India for summer vacations. Surrounding the Naini lake in a circle are the local shops and vendors. The most expensive hotels are also placed around the lake. The lake reflects the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains and snow in winters.
This freshwater lake is used to supply water to the whole city and has magnificent bug fishes and other sea animals. The city is famous for candles, and they are present in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Fishes, stars, dolls, animals, humans, all types of candles can be found here. There are also aromatic and other scented candles available.
The Tibetan market on mall road has an exquisite collection of winter wear. The candles and the lakes make Nainital one of the most famous cities of India and the most popular city in India.
It has the most beautiful sightseeing spot with a snow viewpoint and Naina peak to spot the mountains and the whole lake respectively. The city boasts of a renowned zoo called the GB Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital.
Amritsar
Situated in Punjab, Amritsar is another most popular city in India because of the Golden Temple. The temple is made up of real gold and looks radiant at night.
The temple is surrounded by holy lake on all sides in which pilgrims take a dip. The golden temple serves langar to approximately one lakh people per day. This food is free of cost and satiates thousands of homeless people. A staple roti, sabzi, and dal are served along with a sweet dish in the end. People serving at the Langer consider the service as serving God.
The city is also famous for mouth-watering lachha parantha, chole kulcha, and lassi. Many other replicas of the golden temple are built all around the city.
Jaipur
Jaipur, one of the most popular cities in India, enjoys the best charm ever found on earth. This city is full of ancient palaces and forts. The Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer fort, Jal Mahal are some amazing reflections of Indian architectural beauty .
The surroundings of these palaces and forts are occupied by the local shops and vendors where tourists can get a glimpse of the rich Rajasthani culture.
Wooden showpieces, stone statues, handicrafts, handcrafted bags with Jaipuri work, colorful bangles, clothes, etc are the popular souvenirs from this place.
Jaipur is also famous for Bandhani sarees, dupattas, meenakari work items, mojris, etc. The Rajasthani thalis and dal bati churma are some of the authentic cuisine tourists should not miss.
Kolkata
This is another popular city in India that is better known as the Home town of Rabindra Nath Tagor ji. The Howrah Bridge, the Victorian Museum, and the sweets are some famous tourist places of Kolkata.
One of the famous tourist places in Kolkata is Victorian Museum. It is a huge white marble museum with a rich colonial history, dedicated to Queen Victoria and has the English royal works placed inside. A light and sound show is called Son-et- Lumiere is the main attraction of this place. It remains closed from July to September.
Other places of interest are St. Paul’s Cathedral, Newmarket Kolkata for shopping, South Park Street cemetery, and marble palace for sightseeing. Tourists should not miss the Kolkata’s signature fish fry and the Bengali sweet rasgulla.
Mumbai
Ranking always in the list of the most famous cities of India, Mumbai needs no introduction. With its countless attractions, Mumbai is one of the popular city in India. Two core attractions in Mumbai are Marine Drive and Gateway of India. Marine Drive is a 4 km stretch is extremely glittery during the night. It is the best spot for seeing the setting sun and also for casual morning walks beside the waves in the sea. People go for long drives in this stretch all the time. The place looks dazzling during sunsets and nights.
Gateway of India was built during the British Raj and one can go to this soothing place for the zephyr of soft winds and admire this brilliant creation. Mumbai street food is dominated by Vada Pav famous all over Maharashtra. Mumbai is a living proof of the numerous facts about India that make tourists go awe.
Goa
Visited by Indian and foreign tourists alike for its beaches, and parties, Goa is the most popular city in India for partying. It has a wide range of beaches perfect for building sandcastles and staring at the sunset from the seashore. It is famous for its Portuguese heritage, nightlife, and Goan cuisine.
Baga, Palolem, Mandrem, and Arambol are few of the most popular beaches which also serve refreshing drinks and food. Tourists should not miss the Beach shack dining and the beach water sports.
The Goa film festival is famous and even the new year parties create a huge buzz. Such attractions make Goa one of the most famous cities of India. Plan Goa visit during winter to avoid the heat. Make sure to indulge in the scrumptious Goan sausages.
Hyderabad
Also called the city of pearls, Hyderabad is another famous city in India for varied reasons. Its climate, culture, food, cost of living and work oppurtunities make it one of the popular city in India.
This pearl city of India is also a technology hub. Hyderabad boasts of many startups and international companies at its heart. The city is a perfect amalgamation of modernity and traditions. The list of Hyderabad tourist places include many monuments from the Nawab’s era such as Charminar, Taramati Baradari, Golkonda, Qutub Shahi tombs, and more. Modern landmarks such as the Financial District, Hitech City, Durgam Cheruv, Zoological Park, Shilparamam, Status of Equality are the latest additions onto the Hyderabad tourist places list.
The ultimate landmark of Hyderabad, the ideal time to visit Charminar is in the evening. The lights of the monument as well as the road side vendors dazzle the whole place. It is also a shopping heaven for beautiful jewelry, Indian apparel, juthis and many more. It is also one of the best places in Hyderabad to taste Mughlai and authentic Hyderabad cuisine.
The Hussain Sagar Lake is another tourist spot in Hyderabad in the center of which lies a huge Buddha statue. Boat riding, and light shows are popular tourist activities here. The city contains many street food places that serve diverse cuisine from global to local.
Mysuru
This is another royal tourist city of India that offers an entirely different experience to tourists. The city is clean, easy to navigate and the climate is comfortable for sightseeing all throughout the year.
Mysore palace , the famous landmark in Mysuru, displays the most amazing blend of Rajputana, Gothi, and Islamic culture and architecture. Similar such royal monuments make Mysore a popular city in India. Other places to visit are the Brindavan Garden, karanji lake, Sri ChamaRajendra Zoological garden, and many more spots.
The city is also popular for south Indian food, Sandalwood, and Mysore silk sarees, etc. A popular shopping place in Mysore is the Devaraja market. The Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam reflects in the city with the warmth and peace it offers.
Bengaluru
The IT hub and the most popular city in India, Bangalore is rich in greenery, parks, and nightlife. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of the famous tourist places in Bangalore which enjoys a history of decades. Bangalore Palace is yet another palace famous for its interiors. It is a beautiful palace with big open spaces and gardens. Commercial Street in Bengaluru is famous for shopping at reasonable rates. The city is also famous for its street food places that serve lip-smacking Bisibela bath and masala dosa.
Pondicherry
This city is ideal to experience the French legacy and it is the most popular city in India for its beaches. Here we can see the French quarters and colonial villas. The Auroville Visitors Centre is a meditation center, and offers peace and calm to its visitors. The best time to visit Pondicherry is from November to March.
Lady Des Angels – Notre Dames Church is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry, built in Greco-Roman architecture. The best time to visit the church is on Sundays. Pondicherry is also famous for eat and clean beaches, Hindu temples, boutiques, and café culture.
These are a few of the most amazing and famous cities of the Incredible India for both local and foreign travelers to visit throughout the year. These places can be visited easily with friends and family in a whole package. Fun, games, parties, and scenic beauty – Indian cities offer them all in a single go.
Chennai
The cultural capital of India, known for its temples, music festivals and classical dances, Chennai boasts of temples, shopping malls and beaches. The food options in Chennai will make you linger for them more. Shopping in Chennai includes handloom sarees, wooden toys, sandalwood, jasmines, and handmade items. Chennai is one of the popular cities in India and you can find people of various cultures living here.
Trivandrum
A silent and peaceful city in India, Trivandrum is another popular city for tourists. Its famous landmark Anantha Padmanabha Temple as well the beaches Varkala and Kovalam gives it a place on the international tourism map. Sea food lovers get spoilt with choice here, while vegetarians can enjoy the traditional Kerala cuisine made in pure coconut oil. Kasavu sarees, wooden items, and coir made items are famous souvenirs from here.
Come, fall in love with Indian cities!
Any popular city in India mentioned on this list are affordable for tourists. They offer comfortable tourism experience and leaves indelible impressions on tourists making them wanting to come back again and again!