Constructed in the mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal (literally meaning 'the crown palace') is an eternal ode to the love of Shah Jahan and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Saddened by her death, Shah Jahan had this glorious edifice built in honor of her memory. This marble-clad love-letter has been standing firm for nearly 300 years, and is now being protected from the harmful effects of the growing industrialization around it. Toxic gases released by the nearby factories have started corrupting its beautiful marble blanket, and the increasing use of the airspace above it is said to be harmful to its construction. The Taj Mahal has become a global identity, an instantly-recognizable symbol of India. The Hindu religious site of Mathura lies only 50 km away from Agra. Also, Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal empire from 1571 to 1585, is just 37 km away.

The most spiritual structure in Sikhism, this beautiful temple houses the Sikh holy script -- the Guru Granthsahib. Built in the late 1500s, it is the holiest place for Sikhs, and a marvel to behold for followers of other faiths. It was constructed in the 16th century, rebuilt in 1764, and the gold plating was added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 1800s, at the height of the Sikh Empire. The Golden Temple is an even more popular travel destination than the Taj. The construction of the Golden Temple incorporated symbolic acceptance, tolerance, and respect towards other religions, by building four doors, signifying the openness of Sikhism. The Wagah border between India and Pakistan, famous for the daily border ceremony held there, is just 30 km from Amritsar.

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It lies in the Ganges delta, across India and Bangladesh. It is famous for its resident population of Bengal tigers, the national animal of both India and Bangladesh. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also houses the Sundarbans National Park. Its bewitching natural beauty can churn up the perfect holiday, coupled with the thrill of seeing the world's largest big cat with your own eyes. Many serpents, including the poisonous king cobra, can also be seen here. The urban jungle of Kolkata, lying on the periphery of the mangrove one, is a popular destination in its own right. Bengali cuisine can be experienced in its full glory in Kolkata, and many museums and historic places also adorn this first capital of British India. The Kaziranga National Park, which makes an appearance further in this list, is also extremely close to the Sundarbans.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is the oldest city in India, and one of the oldest in the world. It lies on the banks of the river Ganga (Ganges), and is inseparably linked to the story and religious importance of the sacred river. It is one of the most important cities in Hinduism, and also holds an important place in Buddhism and Jainism. Varanasi has been a crucial road junction since ancient times, and has developed into a major industrial town. During the time of the establishment of Buddhism (around 530 BC), Varanasi was the capital of the Kashi kingdom. During Muslim occupation, many Hindu temples were razed, but Varanasi remained a hub for intellectuals and spiritual men. Its past is reflected in its many nicknames; it is known as the 'religious capital of India', 'the city of temples', and 'the city of knowledge', among others. It is famous for its bustling Hindu temples, dedicated to numerous deities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the holiest temples in Hinduism. A devout Hindu is supposed to travel to Kashi at least once in his lifetime. Another major tourist attraction in Varanasi are the Ghats, a number of embankments along the river Ganga, used for religious ceremonies and funeral rituals. In addition to the religious artifacts, Varanasi is also home to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Varanasi is just 125 km away from another holy city in Hinduism, Allahabad, the site of the union of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Khardung La (la in Tibetan means 'pass') is one of the highest roads in the world accessible by vehicles. It is often cited as the highest, but that claim is contentious and probably untrue. The pass leads to the scarcely populated and scenic Nubra Valley. The road to Khardung La is a true heaven for the adventure seeker. The many lakes of Ladakh can be accessed from Leh. Lined by the Himalayas, sparsely populated and unbelievably beautiful, the entire region of Ladakh is an absolute dream for adventurers, motorcyclists, and photographers.

Jim Corbett National Park was the first sanctuary to be included under the Project Tiger, a government initiative launched in 1973 to protect and conserve India's endangered national animal, the Bengal tiger. The park was formed under the name Hailey National Park in 1936, but was renamed in honor of the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. In addition to the famous Bengal tigers, the forest houses Indian leopards, Asian elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, several species of owls and nightjars, langur monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous other animals, birds, and plant species. The park is a popular travel destination for Indian conservationists, wildlife photographers, and tourists. The popular hill stations of Mussoorie, and especially Nainital, are quite close to the Corbett National Park.

The Qutb Complex, which houses the famous Qutb Minar (also spelled as Qutub and Qutab) and the Iron Pillar of Delhi, is a collection of historic monuments constructed for disparate purposes across centuries by different rulers. The Qutb Minar, probably the most famous, is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The original structure of the monument was built in 1192, in celebration of the defeat of Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad Ghori. The construction was later enhanced by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The Iron Pillar, a metallurgical marvel, is a victory pillar originally built by Gupta king Chandragupta II, and later transported to its present location by Iltutmish. Considered by some researchers to be over 1,500 years old, the pillar is largely untroubled by rust, displaying the mastery of ancient Indian metallurgists over their craft. The complex also houses the tombs of Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji, and the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. New Delhi, which is very close to the Qutb complex, houses many popular tourist spots, such as the iconic Red Fort.

Darjeeling is a popular hill station among Indian tourists, and is famous all over the world for its tea farms. Tourism and tea plantations are the main sources of revenue for this city. Darjeeling is also gaining fame with mountaineers, thanks to its Himalayan terrain. Darjeeling is home to the largest high altitude zoo in India, and a stunning rock museum.

Kaziranga National Park was formed when the wife of Lord Curzon, the then-Viceroy of British India, visited the area hoping to see some rhinos, but was disappointed by their absence. On June 1, 1905, the park was created. It is now a World Heritage Site. Kaziranga is famous for its large breeding populations of the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, the 'barasingha' swamp deer, and the wild water buffalo. The national park has become synonymous with the Indian rhinoceros; two-thirds of the global population of this endangered species are found in Kaziranga. In addition to this emblematic animal, the park is also home to India's only ape, the Hoolock gibbon. The mighty Brahmaputra river also hosts the Gangetic dolphin, while one of the largest snakes in the world, the reticulated python, is also found here. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its large population of wild water buffaloes, is very close to Kaziranga. Along with Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, Manas is home to the endangered clouded leopard, Indian rhinoceroses, and Asian elephants. Kaziranga and Manas are also home to endemic species such as the hispid hare, the golden langur, the Assam roofed turtle, and the dangerously rare pygmy hog.

Goa has gained a worldwide reputation for its stunning beaches, but an altogether different treasure is to be found in the interior of this tiny state. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961, and the colonial influences can be clearly observed in Goan ('Goanese', which is sometimes used, is an incorrect demonym) architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Before the Portuguese rule, however, Goa was a thriving stronghold for Hindu kings. Hence, an alluring mix of Indian and European religious sites and artifacts can be seen all across Goa. A majority of Goans worship Mangesh, a form of Shiva, at the Mangeshi Temple in the town of Mangeshi. Among Christian artifacts and monuments, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the churches and convents of Old Goa (a city in northern Goa) are World Heritage Sites. While in Goa, it's a waste of anyone's time to stay away from the renowned Goan beaches. Goa is quite a small state, and can be traversed in its entirety in a few days. Goa is also the home of Goan trance music, and houses many popular artists.

Khajuraho's temples have gained worldwide fame due to the explicit erotic sculptures carved on them. Although they are often -- understandably -- called the 'Kama Sutra Temples', the carvings do not mirror the teachings from the original and often misunderstood text about sexuality and erotica. Though the erotic sculptures served as the site's catapult to fame, the temples themselves are excellent examples of medieval Indian architecture, and the skill of the architects and workers. The temples are made of sandstone, and employ a basic style of joints, called mortise and tenon. These joints require extremely precise placement to impart structural stability. There are presently 25 temples in the complex, remnants of the original complex, which housed more than 80. The tiger reserves of Bandhavgarh and Panna are quite close to the Khajuraho, with Panna just 90 km away. The nearby city of Jhansi is a famous historical hotspot, and was a major hub for Indian freedom fighters in the 1857 War of Independence.

These islands in the Bay of Bengal are a major tourist hotspot, thanks largely to the stunning beaches and the numerous artifacts of the British rule. At least 4 types of indigenous people live here: the Jarawa, the Sentinelese, the Onge, and the extremely rare Greater Andamanese. These islands house some of the best beaches in India. Some of the best include Havelock Island, Jolly Buoy Island, and Port Blair. Scuba diving and snorkeling facilities are available at many Andamanese beaches, and some islands house coral reefs. Other tourist attractions are the artifacts of British rule. The most famous of these is the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. The islands were primarily used by the British as an isolated prison for the most dangerous criminals (which often included Indian freedom fighters), and this jail was the main facility for the purpose. Many relics are also found on Ross Island, which had a permanent British colony. Barren Island, one of the Andamanese islands, houses the only volcano on the Indian subcontinent. It is a dormant volcano.

Mumbai is known as the financial capital of India, and is the most populous city in the country. It houses the Indian Stock Exchange market, the Sensex. Mumbai was originally an archipelago of seven islands, largely fused in an 1845 initiative of land reclamation. Mumbai's eclectic culture and vibrant lifestyle has attracted many foreign tourists. It houses many famous buildings such as the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel, and many historic artifacts such as the Elephanta and Kanheri caves. It is also renowned for its large number of beautiful beaches, and nearby coastal retreats, like Alibag. Mumbai also houses some of the oldest and most famous sporting venues in India, such as the Brabourne Stadium, the oldest cricket stadium in India, and the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. It also houses a national park in its cavernous expanse: the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali; the park houses Indian leopards. Mumbai is the ideal place to begin a vacation in India. It is well-connected to all other major cities and tourist hotspots in India, especially in the West and South, and contains enough tourist attractions to constitute a vacation on its own.

Kerala, rightly called God's Own Country, is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Kerala's beaches are renowned in their own right, and the backwaters (lagoons of brackish water) are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, if not the world. The center of the backwater tourism is Alappuzha, situated about 55 km from Kochi. Alappuzha is also the center of the popular Snake Boat Races, held in autumn. The eastern side of Kerala is famous for their lush, green hills, and tea plantations. Many hill stations in the Western Ghats, such as Munnar and Thekkady, are fast becoming popular with foreign as well as domestic travelers. Thekkady is also the headquarters of the Periyar National Park, which is an elephant and tiger reserve.

Sanchi's group of Buddhist monuments contain about 50 monuments, including the oldest stone structure in India, the Great Stupa. The Great Stupa was the first monument to be constructed, on the orders of the Maurya emperor Ashoka the Great. The rest of the complex was built during the Maurya, Sunga, and Satvahan periods. The Great Stupa contains many inscriptions in Brahmi, dating back through the ages to the Maurya, Sunga, Satavahana, Kushana, and Gupta eras. Many other Buddhist monuments are also located around Sanchi, such as Sonari, Andher, Bhojpur, and Satdhara.

The Gir forest is the last remaining refuge of the Asiatic lion. These majestic beasts were once found abundantly from the Levant to Bengal, but their numbers dropped severely in the late 1800s, and the species almost became extinct. Thankfully, the numbers are now on the up again, with more than 400 lions now found in Gir, and reintroductions being planned in India and elsewhere. In addition to lions, various antelopes such as nilgai (blue bulls), chinkara, spotted deer, blackbucks, and sambar deer are found in the park. Indian leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, cobras, and honey badgers can also be seen, along with several bird species. There is an interpretation zone at Devalia. The city of Junagadh was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Junagadh, and contains many historic monuments.

Bhubaneshwar, Puri, and Konark, together termed as the 'Golden Triangle' (not related to the 'Golden Quadrilateral' road network), hold a fascinating panorama of ancient and medieval Indian architecture. These three cities lie within 70 km of each other, and together form one of the most visited regions in the world. The temples in these three cities are world-famous, and the Sun Temple in Konark is a World Heritage Site. The large number of temples in Bhubaneshwar has led to it being termed as the Temple City of India. Puri is especially important in the Vaishnava tradition, and is considered one of the places a devout Hindu must visit. Apart from the temples, Odisha also has a long coastline. Puri and Konark both lie on the coast, and the beach in Puri is considered one of the best in India. It is one of the few beaches in the world where both sunrise and sunset can be observed.

Rajasthan, the land of the proud Rajputs, is home to the 18th largest desert in the world. Stretching across the border between India and Pakistan, the Thar has played a major part in defining the culture of Rajasthan. Both Jaipur and Jodhpur lie on the periphery of the desert. The cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, situated right in the middle of the desert, are among the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. They are famous for their buzzing markets, selling various Rajasthani artifacts, and Jaisalmer's imposing fort. The desert itself can be enjoyed through camel rides, and bonfire nights in the middle of the vast expanse. Rustic Rajasthani music and cuisine at its best, is found in these desert cities. During the months of January or February, Jaisalmer also hosts the Desert Festival, a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan and its fascinating culture. The Thar desert is surprisingly close to the drastically different environment of the hill station, Mount Abu. Mt. Abu, lying in the Aravalli range of mountains, is a very popular summer destination among Indian and foreign tourists. Rajasthan also has many forts and palaces, reminders of the glorious past of the Rajputs.

Hampi is situated within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the capital of the medieval Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara empire was one of the strongest and largest in the history of India, and at its peak, its capital was the second most populated city in the world. The ruins contain numerous temples and royal buildings, all of which have been preserved in excellent condition. The main temple, dedicated to Virupaksha, an incarnation of Shiva, is still in use. The temple complex also houses temples to Krishna, Narasimha, and Vitthala, all incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This signifies the peace between Shaivites and Vaishnavites in the Vijayanagara kingdom. The royal complex houses many palaces, a stepwell, and an elephant stable. This complex also houses temples of Rama and Shiva.

Mudumalai National Park, situated in the southern reaches of the biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats, is a tiger reserve, and also houses a large population of the Asiatic elephant. In addition to these two prominent species, the park is home to Indian leopards, sloth bears, dholes, striped hyenas, giant squirrels, gaurs, sambar deer, barking deer, and Indian rock pythons. It also houses some endemic species of birds, such as the Malabar trogon and the Malabar gray hornbill, and some critically endangered species like the Indian white-rumped vulture and the long-billed vulture. Mudumalai is situated in the stunningly beautiful Nilgiri Hills. The Nilgiris house the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which, in conjunction with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a World Heritage Site.

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