Are you planning to travel to North India?
If you are in South Africa, and about to travel and explore the North region of India, then get ready for a culturally overwhelming experience.
Visiting India is surely an offbeat and gratifying endeavour. The diverse culture, bustling roads, and incredible energy leave the travellers a little overwhelmed and confused.
Coming to North India, there is a lot for your senses to deal with, be it the climate conditions, specific rules and regulations, and of course, the vastly diversified culture of India.
Since the cultural heritage and climate conditions in India are very different from South Africa, knowing about the best places to visit in North India will give you a soothing travelling experience.
North India is the part of India enriched with history, and culture, and packed with scenic beauty that allures the visitors. Be it the spiritual retreats, tranquil mountains, bustling towns, cuisines, vast landscapes, or historical sites; the magnificence of the destinations in North India allows the visitors to experience a whole different realm.
With that being said, one should plan their trip in advance and know what to expect when roaming in the crowded markets of India. To ease your bewilderment, we have come up with a list of the best places to travel in North India from South Africa along with the major attractions and things to do there.
9 Best Places to Visit in North India from South Africa
1. Delhi
Delhi is the topmost place and one of the Best Places to Visit in North India from South Africa. It is a place where you get to see monumental historical places. Also, the modishness and vivacity of the city add to the travel experience. This city is the capital of India, and the incredible cultural diversity of India is clearly reflected here. Delhi includes various sites of historical significance such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Humayun’s Tomb. The cultural richness of the city is seen in its different religious places such as Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, and Neel Chhatri Temple, to name a few. When it comes to culinary delights, the city is a paradise with its street food stalls and top-notch restaurants.
Here is the list of sites to visit when visiting the city:
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- India Gate
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Akshardham Temple
- Lotus Temple
- National Rail Museum
- Agrasen ki Baoli
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Connaught Place
Things to do when visiting Delhi:
- Explore the historical sites such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, etc.
- Visit religious places such as Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, etc.
- Visit the National Museum, Dilli Haat, Crafts Museum, and Dilli Haat to witness the cultural heritage.
- Visit DLF CyberHub and Connaught Place to experience the best of entertainment, shopping, and dining.
- Explore the crowded markets of Chandni Chowk, and Sarojini Nagar for an affordable shopping experience.
- Indulge in a delightful culinary experience by visiting Paranthe Wali Gali, and taste other North Indian foods such as Chole Bhature, Naan, chaat, kebabs, etc.
- To experience the amazing cultural performances, visit the Indian Habitat Centre and Siri Fort Auditorium.
- Visit Lodhi Garden to relax in the evening and explore the aesthetic monuments and serene ambience.
2. Agra
The Taj Mahal is the key site that comes to mind when we talk about exploring the best places to travel in India from South Africa. Agra is a city of great historical importance consisting of aesthetic architectural monuments. With its bustling markets, alluring gardens, and of course, the tastiest food, the city is a must-visit. Also, Agra Fort is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Its vibrant markets are famous for offering attractive handicrafts, leather products, enticing marblework textiles, etc. If you want to experience the rich Mughal cuisine and ravish the historical beauty of India, then Agra is a must-go when visiting North India.
Famous sites to visit in Agra:
- Taj Mahal
- Taj Museum
- Agra Fort
- Akbar’s Tomb
- Mughal Gardens
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Mehtab Bagh
- I’timād-ud-Daulah
Things to do in Agra:
- Visit the marvellous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and other historical sites as listed.
- Witness a picturesque view of the Taj Mahal at the garden complex of Mehtab Bagh.
- Shop at the local markets of Agra and purchase marble and leather goods from places such as Sadar Bazaar.
- Experience the Mughlai cuisine at the local restaurants of Agra.
- Take a stroll down the Yamuna River and witness the most ravishing beauty.
- Visit the Taj Museum and get the historical information related to the significance of monuments.
- Explore the different venues to enjoy the traditional dance and music performances.
3. Jaipur
With a rich history and classical culture, Jaipur is a vibrant and incredible city in India. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the majestic beauty of the city is evident in its royal places. The monuments, forts, and palaces in Jaipur speak greatly of the gigantic royalty of the city. Also, the scenic beauty is also visible in the forms of gardens and lakes in the city. Jaipur boasts of its heritage blend with modern facilities as the buses, taxis, camel rides, and all other rides can be experienced on the same roads. Jaipur is a part of the Golden Triangle circuit. The city gives a synopsis of the rich past of Rajasthan and is amongst the Best Places to Visit in North India. Also, the vivacious colours, crowded markets, and royal palaces in the city are sure to provide you with an immersive travel experience.
Places to visit in Jaipur:
- Hawa Mahal
- Amber Fort
- Jantar Mantar
- Jaigarh Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- City Palace
- Jai Mahal
- Sheesh Mahal
- Central Park
- Panna Meena Ka Kund
Things to do in Jaipur:
- Visit Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and other historic monuments.
- Explore the Albert Hall Museum and skim through the eccentric collections of artefacts, sculptures, paintings, etc.
- Visit Nahargarh Fort and enjoy the vast views. This place has been featured in famous Bollywood movies.
- Explore the colourful and vibrant markets of Jaipur; visit Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Chandpole Bazaar.
- Visit the Elephant Sanctuary where you will see responsible and ethical animal care.
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride to have a panoramic view of the landscapes of Jaipur.
4. Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the most revered religious sites and best places to travel in India from South Africa. The great spiritual atmosphere, cultural richness, and worship practises, are something very unique and divine to experience. This part of North India is of great importance to the devotees and pilgrims who come to visit this place. Besides the spiritual and historical significance, the place also offers a delightful travel experience. The famous Ganges river in Haridwar is believed to wash away the sins of people and purify the soul. Also, Haridwar is the gateway to the famous Char Dham Yatra including the four holy places Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
Here is the list of the places to explore in Haridwar:
- Har ki Pauri Ghat
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Ganga Aarti
- Shanti Kunj Ashram
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Daksha Mahadev Temple
- Rajaji National Park
- Swami Vivekanand Park
- Maya Devi Temple
Things to do in Haridwar:
- Experience the popular Ganga Aarti at the Har ki Pauri Ghat.
- Visit Rajaji National Park are witness the different animals and birds in a peaceful evening.
- Become a part of the Yoga and Meditation retreats at nearby centres and associations.
- Visit the famous Saptrishi Ashram and explore the place where the seven sages visited.
- Visit Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary and witness the diverse flora and fauna of the place.
- Do some adventures such as trekking, camping, and white-water rafting.
5. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is another place of spiritual significance and one of the most fascinating and Best Places to Visit in North India. The tranquil places, adventurous activities, scenic serenity, and spiritual retreats, this place provide for a transforming travel experience. It is one of the most visited travel attractions in North India. Rishikesh is famous for the range of ashrams, yoga centres, and other spiritual retreats that it offers. So if you want to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, then this is where you need to go. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which is a picturesque place to relax and relish. Also, the adventurous activities offered here such as river rafting, trekking, camping, and bungee jumping, make this place a popular site for adventure.
Famous places to visit in Rishikesh:
- Triveni Ghat
- Vashishta Gufa
- Parmarth Niketan
- Geeta Bhawan
- Byasi
- Kaudiyala
- Muni ki Reti
- Bharat Mandir
- Rishikund
Things to do in Rishikesh:
- Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula and enjoy the spectacular views of the places.
- Explore the various Ashrams such as Parmarth Niketan, Swarg Ashram, and Sivananda Ashram.
- Experience white-water rafting and become a part of a thrilling adventure.
- Rishikesh is the beginning point for treks as the trekking experience expands to Himalayan sites and Kedarnath.
- Try bungee jumping at a good height of 80 meters and witness the panoramic views.
6. Varanasi
Varanasi is a culturally vivacious and a city of great religious importance. It is a fascinating and most attractive destination and one of the best places to travel in India from South Africa. The city symbolises the ancient history and religious importance of India. There are various temples of different Gods and Goddesses in Varanasi. Roaming around the ghats in Varanasi and watching the sunset whilst sitting on the banks of the Ganga is an experience you can only get in this holy part of North India.
Some places to visit in Varanasi:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Chunar Fort
- Manikarnika Ghat
- St. Maryês Church
- Assi Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Alamgir Mosque
- Ramnagar Fort
- Ganga Aarti
- Dhamek Stupa
- Chunar Fort
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Sarnath Museum
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman
- Vindham Waterfalls
Things to do in Varanasi:
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and has an eccentric architecture.
- Take a boat ride and witness the exquisite sunset on the Ganges and a unique view of ghats and temples.
- Explore the various ghats in Varanasi such Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat.
- Receive Ayurvedic treatments given at various centres in Varanasi.
- Join meditation classes and spiritual retreats to have a spiritually transforming experience.
- Experience adventurous white water rafting in the Ganges River.
- Do trekking and camping and explore the hills. A famous trek is the Neer Garh Waterfall Trek.
- Visit the cafes and restaurants to enjoy healthy organic food in a serene atmosphere.
7. Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a religious site and the birthplace of Lord Rama, thus, holds great importance and is one of the Best Places to Visit in North India from South Africa. The spiritual significance of this place is unparalleled and a lot of devotes come visit this place throughout the year. It is located in Uttar Pradesh, and its previous name is Saketa. It is one of the most important places to travel in North India. Ayodhya is a focal point of pilgrimage, and devotion, and is a revered place because Lord Rama was born here.
Places to visit in Ayodhya:
- Ramjanma Bhoomi
- Hanumangarhi
- Kanak Bhawan
- Nageshwarnath Temple
- Ram Katha Park
- Mani Parvat
- Treta Ke Thakur
8. Mathura Vrindavan
Mathura Vrindavan are two different places in North India that are closely connected and are the best places to travel in India from South Africa. Both places hold great spiritual and religious importance as they are associated with the life of Lord Krishna, a primary God of Hinduism. Mathura and Vrindavan are popular pilgrimage sites in India. The city is called the Janambhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish Temple, Kesav Dao Temple, and Vishram Ghat are some of the famous attractions here.
The list of places to visit in Mathura:
- Radha Damodar Temple
- Radha Gokulananda Temple
- Radha Gopinath Temple
- Radha Shyamsundar Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Krishna Janmasthana Temple
- Govardhan Hill
- Kusum Sarovar
- Govind Deo Temple
9. Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a district in Haryana of North India and one of the ancient and Best Places to Visit in North India. The city is mainly famous for its connection with the Indian epic – the Mahabharata. The name of the city itself represents a great historic event called the Kurukshetra War, which is of utmost importance in the Hindu mythology. The city was believed to be controlled by various dynasties including the famous Mauryan dynasty. It is a holy site of India packed with eccentric stories. So, to explore the history of India and witness a glimpse of the great historical stories, Kurukshetra is the place to visit.
Here are some places to visit in Kurukshetra
- Ancient Mound Amin
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Bhishma Kund, Narkatari
- Bhor Saidan – Crocodile Farm
- Brahma Sarovar
- Dharohar Museum
- Krishna Museum
- Sannihit Sarovar
- Jyotisar
- Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
Conclusion
Travelling and exploring North India is a great itinerary choice. And now that you know about the best places to visit in North India from South Africa, you know exactly where to head when you visit the different parts of North India.
North India is massive and diverse, and the fascinating yet overwhelming travelling experience you get here is worth your time. Be it the ‘aarti’ at Har ki Paudi, white-water rafting in Rishikesh, or picturesque views in Agra, there will be plentiful places and experiences to make your journey fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit North India?
October to March are the best months to visit North India. October is the initiation of the winter season in North India, and that is when the weather is at its warmest and makes it easier to travel places.
How to plan a 10 days North India trip from South Africa?
Planning a trip to North India from South Africa by yourself can be a complicated task. With so many cities and places to explore and the leisure days, you have to plan in advance. You can plan it on your own or can take the assistance of a travel company that will plan the trip along with the estimated cost for you. This will help save you time and will ensure a satisfying travel experience.
How much does a trip to North India cost?
The cost of the trip to the best places to visit in North India depends on the cities you pick to explore. At Honeymoon Bug, we have a lot of tour packages if you want the best deal to travel to North India from South Africa. We have the most affordable packages travelling the North Indian region of India.
Is it cheaper to travel with a tour package?
If you plan the trip yourself and get all the services such as hotel room, and transportation, on your own, then it is going to be costlier. India Tour packages from South Africa are cheap and the best option if they have all the places you want to visit covered. They also ease the burden of planning the trip and worrying about finding the accommodation and transportation facilities. So, if you get the service from the right travel agency, tour packages are the best deal.
What are the best places to visit in North India in October?
October is a warm and pleasant time to explore the beauty and diversity of North India. Agra, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Jaipur, and Delhi are some of the best places to visit during this month.
Related Post –
- 10 Best Hill Stations in North India
- 15 Famous Temples in North India
- 8 Best Places to Visit in North India in February
