Whether it’s an iconic city or an entire country, there are dozens of travel destinations that make you feel like you’re traveling through time or walking in a scene from a science fiction book. From Europe or Africa to Asia and beyond, we’re on a mission to help you unveil these mysterious and fantastic places. In this week’s Fantastic Destination series, we’re exploring India. 

As a traveler, the countries you visit can’t get much better than India. Sometimes referred to by its ancient Sanskrit name Bharat, India has a supreme combination of natural wonders, millenary traditions, and some of the most advanced cities in the world. You can literally open a map of India, drop your finger in any part of it, and there will be something to see, do, and explore in that region. Now, the country is so big, you may not have the chance to see every single attraction on your next trip. To help you out, we’ve created a list of seven stops for every traveler to experience India at its finest. 

#1. Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal may not be the most famous mahal or palace in India, but it’s still an impressive must-visit if you’re stopping in Jaipur. Made from pink, orange, and red sandstone, the entire temple is shaped like a crown, and it combines two huge schools of Indian architecture: Rajputana and Mughal. 

#2. Lotus Temple in New Delhi

A Baháʼí House of Worship built in 1986, the Lotus Temple has become a defining trait of the New Delhi skyline and one of the stops you have to make if you visit India’s capital. Built to reflect the symmetric beauty of the lotus, this magnificent temple doesn’t only pay tribute to the flower’s importance in Baháʼí beliefs but also in other faiths originating in Asia. 

#3. The Taj Mahal in Agra

The Taj Mahal was famously built for love. Shah Jaha, the fifth Mughal emperor, commissioned it to commemorate the passing of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Finished back in 1631, the majestic and iconic palace now houses the tombs of Jahan’s beloved wife as well as the final resting place of the Shah himself. 

#4. Medieval City in Orchha

While most tourists see Orchha as a stop that only merits a few hours, this mystical medieval town has seemingly countless temples, dense jungles, and miles of walking paths. Be prepared for a humble welcome! The town of Orchha consists of a few built-up blocks, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending days exploring this gifted area.

#5. Palolem Beach in Goa

The state of Goa is known for its welcoming vibes and rich Portuguese heritage, but perhaps the most impressive parts of this region are its pristine beaches. Palolem is the perfect example of what you can expect—a long, walkable, soft-sand beach that looks like something out of a postcard. This small town has a lot of diversity. From solo travelers to party crowds, and locals who like hanging out with travelers, it’s a surprisingly popular place for being so secluded. 

#6. Gali Paranthe Wali in Old Delhi

As one of the most famous food streets in the district of Delhi, you have to make sure you stop at the Gali Paranthe Wali. It’s located in the heart of the Chandni Chowk market, where you will be able to try a huge range of flatbreads, curries, samosas, and other traditional dishes. 

#7. Cave Paintings in Bundi

We all love success stories and there may not be a bigger one than the cave paintings in Bundi. Discovered by a local without archeology ties called Kukki, the wall paintings are believed to be more than 15,000 years old. The best part is that Kukki himself can give you a tour and tell you everything he’s found out about this ancient artwork.

Organizing Your Trip to India’s Top Spots

Dense jungles, pristine beaches, snow-covered peaks, and monumental temples scattered all over India make it one of the most impressive and mysterious destinations on the Asian continent. Your best bet is to create a travel plan with the help of a local using a platform like ALLMYNE. Through ALLMYNE, you can contact professional tour guides in India who know the different attractions and can help you create the perfect plan while you’re there. Worried that getting around may be difficult without speaking the language? Your ALLMYNE guide can meet you at the airport and travel with you while you explore the different corners of this majestic nation. 

Featured photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash