You could spend a whole lifetime exploring and getting to know the vast country of India. But for most travelers, a few weeks is all they can fit into their schedules. With so many languages, cultures, ethnicities and gods, it takes a while to put a finger on what makes India, India. The more you learn, the more you realise how much you don't know. So no single destination is going to give you a complete picture of what the Indian experience is. Nor will 7. But the 7 I've listed below will go a long ways:
A family negotiates with a taxi driver in Kolkata.
Kolkata
A bustling city with a backdrop of old British structures and gardens from the Raj-era. Like other parts of India, there is a level of poverty that is impossible to ignore, but Kolkata will also charm you with its many side streets, markets, cultural events and festivities.
Hillside view of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling
You might recognize the name from the tea. But Darjeeling offers a lot more than just the leafy beverage. The city is one of the main gateways to Nepal and Sikkim, an Indian state where you can find the highest peak in India, Kangchenjunga (8,585m) and do a hike or expedition in the Himalayas.
The city is also a beautiful destination in and of itself. The climate is cooler which can be a major reprieve during hot summer months. There's also an interesting mix of ethnic backgrounds due to its history and proximity to Nepal. Old Colonial buildings, small cafes and spectacular views go hand and hand with any Darjeeling visit.
Plates of incense burning in front of the Ganges.
Varanasi
This is the top place I'd recommend if you want to experience the real India. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and a very holy place for Hindu worshippers that come from all over India. In Hindu belief, the Ganges River is sacred and personified as the Goddess Ganga. Every morning you'll see scores of people bathing in its divine waters. Every night a ceremony of worship is performed called the Dashashwamedh Ghat to welcome the Lord Shiva.
Many Indians also choose this city to be cremated or have their body floated down the river after they pass. Most evenings you will see groups of people walking through the narrow streets, banging drums or chanting while marching towards the Burning Ghat, as they carry the remains of the recently departed. Being in Varanasi you get a feeling for the fragility of life and witness how death is just as much a part of life as birth. Intense emotions are bound to arise from time to time. But yet there is a strange sense of calm that comes with the acknowledgement and awareness of one's inevitable fate, especially when it carries such normality within the walls of this spiritual city.
Bahai temple in the evening.
New Delhi
Usually this is one of the first stops for travelers visiting India. As modern as New Delhi has become in recent times, you still get a sense of its ancient roots. As the second oldest surviving city in India, you'll see the ruins of ancient mosques and fortresses that have stood well over a thousand years.
Bearded Sikh man looks out onto street.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is the most holy site for followers of the Sikh religion. As soon as you arrive at Amritsar Train Station, you'll notice a different vibe from other parts of India. If you believe in and feel spiritual energy, you'll feel it here. Even if you don't, you might anyways. People appear very peaceful and thoughtful. The dress is also unique. Almost all men wear brightly colored turbins.
Everyone is welcome to enter the Golden Temple regardless of religious background. It is Sikh custom to offer free meals as a service to nourish everyone that's hungry or in need. It's an incredible sight to witness hundreds of people volunteering their time to make this amazing service possible.
Early morning view of Agra Fort.
Agra
The city the Taj Mahal calls home. You can read the article I wrote about getting away from the more touristy spots by clicking this link:
Get Lost on the Side Streets to Discover another World.
Architecture unique to Jaipur.
Jaipur
Just when you thought you knew what to visually expect from an Indian city, Jaipur comes along. Aesthetically this city is so different from other parts of India it almost feels as if you were transported into a different region of the world. Located in a desert-like climate, Jaipur has a unique sense of place with its pink sandstone buildings and its iconic fortress perched upon a nearby mesa. The beauty of the architecture alone is worth a visit, but I also found it to be a great city to wander the back streets. You'll see herds of goats being funneled down the road, cows freely roaming around and countless shrines and temples of worship.
If you're interested to visit these places, I'd highly recommend going by train. It really is the best way to get around in India. You can read why here:
5 Reasons to Travel India by Train. All 7 places mentioned above are a night train away from either New Delhi or Kolkata, which should make it easy to visit any of these spots.
