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Hi everyone, can anyone suggest me the cities I should visit in India?
-@William Brown29

Hi William Brown29, and welcome to expat.com!

Your question would be best addressed to the expat.com members in India itself(Link).

I have little doubt that you'll receive good advice there.

@Aidan in HCMC thank you

Hello everyone,

Welcome to ½ûÂþÌìÌà @William Brown29!

To enhance interaction with individuals residing in India, I have moved your post to the India forum.

When are you planning your visit there?

Regards,

Cheryl

½ûÂþÌìÌà team

Thanks, Cheryl. I am planning to visit in the month of November.

@William Brown29

Hi William,

I am a Canadian who has lived in India since 2015 and I travel a lot. I'm sure you have heard of the typical tourist destinations in India. Let me suggest a few alternatives.

Skip Jaipur and check out Udaipur. It is also called the Venice of India and it is quite beautiful

For wildlife I suggest Mudumalai and Bandipur Tiger Reserves (they are right next to each other). Here you can see elephants, tigers, bison etc in their natural habitat. These are not zoos or safari parks. These are protected areas where wild animals roam freely. You must go with a government approved vehicle. No private vehicles are allow into the projected areas.

For the best beaches and snorkeling in India try Andamans. It is also a very affordable place to get your Padi Open Water Certification. These islands are actually closer to Thailand that to mainland India but they belong to India. You are only permitted to visit a few of these island. I recommend Swaraj Dweep.

[Self-promotion]

@William Brown29

Hi everyone! I recently explored some amazing places in India, and I highly recommend adding Kashmir to your travel list. The beauty of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam is simply surreal—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. I booked one of the Kashmir Tour Packages, and it was a hassle-free experience with breathtaking views, cozy stays, and lots of snow activities. Apart from Kashmir, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi are also incredible cities to experience India’s culture and heritage. Hope this helps anyone planning their trip. Happy travels!

Hampi is MUST!

I has been to Hampi 10 times and this october I will go there again with bikers from Latvia.

An example (link timecode starts where we reached Hampi thru "backdoors" - tiny dirt road path:

Best Cities to Visit in India

Great question! India is incredibly diverse, so the cities you choose really depend on what kind of experiences you’re looking for. Since you mentioned culture, history, food, and natural beauty, here are some of the best cities for first-time visitors:

1. Delhi – The capital is the perfect introduction to India. You can explore Mughal monuments like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, shop at Chandni Chowk, and enjoy street food like chaat and parathas.

2. Agra – Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is a must for history and architecture lovers. The Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3. Jaipur – Known as the Pink City, Jaipur offers palaces, forts, colorful bazaars, and Rajasthani cuisine. Together with Delhi and Agra, it completes the famous Golden Triangle circuit.

4. Varanasi – For a spiritual experience, Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges is unforgettable. Sunrise boat rides and evening Ganga aarti are magical.

5. Mumbai – A bustling coastal city, Mumbai combines colonial heritage, Bollywood glamour, and amazing street food. Don’t miss Marine Drive and the Gateway of India.

6. Kochi (Cochin) – In Kerala, Kochi blends Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian influences. It’s also a gateway to Kerala’s backwaters and hill stations like Munnar.

7. Bengaluru (Bangalore) – India’s tech hub, but also known as the Garden City. Great nightlife, food scene, and easy access to Mysore and Coorg.

8. Udaipur – Often called the City of Lakes, Udaipur is romantic and picturesque with its palaces and boat rides. A favorite for couples.

9. Amritsar – The Golden Temple is one of India’s most peaceful and beautiful sights. The Wagah Border ceremony is also unique.

10. Kolkata – Rich in colonial architecture, art, literature, and Bengali cuisine. It gives you a deep cultural perspective of India.

✈ Suggested Itinerary for 2–3 Weeks

Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) – 6–7 days

Varanasi – 2 days

Kerala (Cochin, Munnar, Alleppey) – 5–6 days

Mumbai or Udaipur – 2–3 days

Amritsar or Kolkata – 2–3 days

This mix gives you history, spirituality, food, city life, and natural beauty.

👉 Pro Tip: If you prefer fewer stops, stick to the Golden Triangle + Varanasi + Kerala. That’s a great first-time India route.