Since we are not able to travel so far, I decided to take a virtual tour to India, and all through amazing youtube videos and amazing pictures of all over this unique and charming country.
India is a unique place to visit and I always dreamt to visit it. India is a massive country that is home to more than a billion people with huge cultural wealth, diverse religions, and a history that goes back thousands of years.
India is home to stunning architecture constructed over various periods including the rock-cut caves of the Gupta period, majestic forts of the Deccan plateau, Mughal architecture, and impressive colonial structures including the Gateway of India.
India is also blessed with varied scenery from the coral islands of Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep, long coastline and fishing villages, mountain passes in the many mountain ranges including the Western Ghats, the sand dune deserts of Rajasthan and the arid desert of North India, and the dense forests of central plateaus.
Let’s jump into 5 most amazing virtual tours that I found on youtube to watch about India.
- Touropia
India is an enormous and diverse destination. Bordered by seven different countries, not to mention the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, means that there are many different sides to the country. More than 20 official languages, multiple religions and a variety of cuisines exist within India’s borders. To truly experience the breadth of Indian culture and history, travel is key. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in India
- Explore India
India is known to be the land of culture, scrumptious food, astounding beauty and world heritage sites. With over 1600 cities and towns to choose from, picking a holiday destination can be a herculean task. We’ve aimed to make the hassle of choosing between thousands of places easier for travellers by putting together a narrowed-down list of the most magnificent cities in India. Our list of the top 10 beautiful cities in India makes choosing easy as we describe what each place has to offer holiday goers
- Jakob Laukaitis
- Top Tourist Places
India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia.
In the north, Mughal Empire landmarks include Delhi’s Red Fort complex and massive Jama Masjid mosque, plus Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges in Varanasi, and Rishikesh is a yoga centre and base for Himalayan trekking.
- Scoop Whoop
The magnificent architecture that’s spread all over the country is enough reason to include India on your travel bucket list. On the following you will find my top pick to discover while in India.
- Taj Mahal
This place is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal needs no introduction and is probably one of the most famous places in India. This iconic monument is located in Agra and is part of the popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit that includes the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. A symbol of eternal love, it’s impossible not to include this majestic monument on your bucket list to visit some of the top tourist places in India.
- Agra Fort
Aside from the Taj Mahal, here is another popular tourist attraction in Agra that’s definitely worth a visit. It is the Agra Fort.
- Mehrangarh Fort
Originally built in the mid 15th century by the founder of Jodhpur, the fort was later expanded with various palaces and structures and most of what you can find at the fort now dates back to the 17th century.
The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan.
Seeing the Mehrangarh Fort with its expansive courtyards and museums, taking in the lovely views of the old town of Jodhpur from various vantage points of the Fort makes for a great half-day trip.
- The Blue City of Jodhpur
Surrounded by a sea of indigo buildings that stretches to more than 6 miles, Jodhpur is absolutely stunning to see from afar. It’s no wonder why the place is hailed as one of the top tourist places in India.
- Jal Mahal
The Jal Mahal is an abandoned floating palace in the midst of Jaipur’s Man Sagar Lake. The origin of this magnificent palace is uncertain, although it’s said to be at least 300 years old and has been used as a summer retreat by royals for duck hunting parties.
- Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is a 12th-century building that definitely rises from flat desert lands in the city of Jaisalmer in the Rajasthan state. Overlooking the golden city of Jaisalmer, this UNESCO-listed world heritage site features enthralling carvings and spectacular sculptures that made it to rank among the top tourist places in India.
- Amer or Amber Fort
Built by Raja Man Singh in 1592 AD, the extensive palace complex is beautifully perched on top of a hill that overlooks the Maota Lake in Jaipur. The fort is known for its unique and interesting architectural features, which is a combination of Rajput and Islamic architecture.
- Hawa Mahal
Also located in Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is one of the most visited tourist places in North India. The incredible structure is located in the Pink City on the main road near Badi Chaupar and City Palace complex. It is walking distance from other Jaipur attractions such as Jantar Mantar, The City Palace, and Bazaar.
- City Palace
Aside from the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal, another famous place in Jaipur that’s included in the list of the top tourist places in India is the City Palace. Featuring a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, the City Palace is located right in the middle of Jaipur’s Old City and consists of a complex of historical buildings, courtyards, and gardens. It features various palace buildings that date back to different eras, with some palaces dating back to the early 20th century.
- Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh is a massive fort complex in Rajasthan and is said to be the largest among all the Rajput forts. It’s where the legendary tale about Queen Rani Padmini’s act of self-immolation or Juhar took place, something that fascinates a lot of world historians.
- Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
In a country full of stunning landmarks, the Sri Meenakshi Temple complex in Madurai is one you should definitely add to your list of must-see things in Tamil Nadu.
The temple complex has 14 incredible gopurams (gateway towers) that soar into the sky, the tallest one being almost 52 meters high.
Each of the towers has thousands of intricately carved statues of animals, gods, and demons.
They’re in the most amazing bright colors and each tells a story. It’s estimated that there are around 33,000 sculptures combined on the towers!
- Charminar, Hyderabad
Charminar is one of the most iconic monuments in Hyderabad and perhaps the entire country, India. It is a Hindi word which means Four Minarets.
Built-in the 16th century, this majestic piece of limestone and granite hosts a mosque inside it and is one of the most important landmarks in Hyderabad.
The Charminar is famous for its architectural brilliance along with the historical importance during the Qutub dynasty.
- Sun Temple Of Modhera, Gujarat
In the heart of the Mehsana district of Gujarat, a mere two hours (100km) drive from the capital city, Ahmedabad, lies one of the most eye-catching architecture spectacles of India.
The Sun Temple of Modhera is the 11th-century creation of Solanki King Bhimdev of the Patan empire.
The golden brown stone edifice of the temple is built directly on the Tropic of Cancer that passes through the country.
The layout of the temple is such that on the days of equinoxes, the rays of the sun enter the entrance arches to hit the main idol inside, illuminating it as if a thousand light bulbs had been switched on.
- Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Gardens, Delhi
Escape the hustle and bustle of New Delhi with a stroll through Lodhi Gardens. Situated on over 90 acres, this massive park also is the home to historical monuments.
There are plans to combine Lodhi Gardens, Sunder nursery (also on 90 acres) and a third yet to be developed into one large Central Park in Delhi.
- Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
The whole city of Jaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a beautiful landscape, but the jewel in its crown is the magnificent forts. All are spectacular, especially Nahargarh Fort.
The fort was built in the 18th Century to protect the Rajas (Indian royalty) from invaders, though it never needed to be used.
- Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Another prime example of Mughal architecture, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Emperor Akbar.
The famed Buland Darwaza serves as the entrance to the walled city. Literally translated, the Buland Darwaza means the Gate of Victory and was built in 1572 to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
At 54 m above ground, the semi-octagonal structure is the tallest gate in the world and the entire city of Fatehpur Sikri was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
- Ajanta And Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Ajanta and Ellora caves are Buddhist caves located in the western state of Maharashtra.
The Ajanta caves are the oldest with work continuing from 2nd century BC to 6th century AD while the Ellora Caves were built from the 6th century to the 10th century.
These caves, constructed during the Gupta period, are excellent specimens of Buddhist artwork and architecture that flourished in ancient India and hence are included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
- Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
It is so remarkable that it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
- French Quarter, Pondicherry
Pondicherry (which has recently changed its name to Puducherry, but locals refer to it as ‘Pondy’) has a relaxed pace, which you’ll immediately notice (and appreciate) if arriving from one of India’s larger cities.
- Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is located in Karnataka and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is so much to see in Karnataka.
There are over 350 temples located in Hampi, also known as the City of Victory.
It was an advanced city for its time, with a groundbreaking irrigation system and so much grandeur.
With such a plethora of temples, there is much to see in Hampi but it is especially known for its elephant stables. These stables were built by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century to provide living quarters for their royal elephants.
- Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram lies on the coast. Unlike many UNESCO sites, it isn’t just one structure but a collection of structures that dates back to an age-old civilization. It is a place where you can see temples carved into stone, a lighthouse rising high above the skyline and the entire coast in all its beauty.
- Tea Plantations, Munnar
One of the most beautiful landscapes in India is the tea plantations around the hills of Munnar in Kerala. Kerala is India’s most southern state and especially known for its tropical beaches and the lush and exotic backwaters.
The small town of Munnar is the perfect base to explore the tea plantations and surroundings.
- Kerala Backwaters
Located in Southern India is the Kerala State, the backwaters are a chain of lagoons, rivers, canals, and lakes which stretch over 900 kilometers. This covers nearly half the length of the state of Kerala.
There are five large lakes that make up the Kerala Backwaters. These are linked by canals which are both made by man and natural, as well as thirty-eight rivers. The largest of all the lakes is Vembanad lake which covers an area of 2033 kilometers squared.
- Chandrataal Lake, Spiti Valley
Chandrataal Lake literally means the Lake of the Moon. Located in the Spiti Valley area of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India, the lake is crescent-shaped and hence the name. The lake is surrounded by mountains and looks beautiful when it mirrors the barren mountain ranges.
- Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The Himalayan meadow full of flowering alpine flowers is one of the most photographed nature spots in North India. Valley of Flowers National Park located in the western Himalayas is an established UNESCO Site because of its vibrant and vivid flora and because of rich wildlife.
The valley has a gentle slope and stands out against the backdrop of the towering Himalayas, creating a truly beautiful site especially when it blooms.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the key skiing destinations in India.
- Sand Dunes Of Thar Desert
The Thar Desert, also popularly known as the Great Indian Desert, is a vast sandy desert spread over parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and extends well over into Pakistan.
The Thar desert has a varied environment consisting of scrub forests with low vegetation, gravel plains that are home to wildlife including blackbucks, gazelles, and lots of migratory birds, saltwater lakes, and rolling sand dunes.
- Tree Bridges, Meghalaya
The living tree bridges of Meghalaya are a unique tourist attraction. Located in eastern India in the state of Meghalaya, these bridges are handmade by the tribal people of Meghalaya from the roots of the rubber fig tree. This particular tree produces secondary roots from its trunk. These aerial roots are shaped, tied and twisted, and guided over streams and rivers until they grow big enough to support the weight of humans.
- Dal Lake, Srinagar
Sitting at a small boat in the middle of the Dal Lake, surrounded by nothing but peace and quiet, it’s hard to imagine that this beautiful place is located at Srinagar, the capital of the most controversial state in India.
So, after the lockdown comes easier and we can go to normality again, I am sure, where we will head with our 2 kids.