1. Varanasi

Varanasi may not be on the list of places to visit in India before you turn 30, but the beautiful ghats, the aartis, and prayers, a boat ride along the calm banks could change this picture forever. The historical encounters and vibrant surroundings makes Kashi one of the best places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach:

• By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport of Varanasi is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai.
• By rail: Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction are the two major railheads of the city.
• By road: State-run and private buses regularly ply between Varanasi and the nearby cities.

Places to visit: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Durga Temple
Average Temperature: 30-degree celsius
Restaurants: Canton Royale Restaurant, Varanasi cafe & restaurant

2. Mumbai

The city that lets you live a carefree life and the one that never sleeps. Mumbai is about its people, the spirit of enjoying the nightclubs and of course Bollywood. Live like a Mumbaikar, bite into the vada pav and sip a chai on your way to the locals. This is among the best places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach:

• By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport lies 30 km north of the city. Santa Cruz Domestic Airport lies 26 km north of the city.
• By rail: Trains from Central, East, and West India arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (erstwhile VT). Trains from the North arrive at Bombay Central Station.
• By road: Most of the inter-Maharashtra buses arrive at Mumbai Central Bus Station. But the ones from Pune and Nasik arrive at the ASIAD bus stand near Dadar railway station.

Places to visit: Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Elephanta Caves & island, Siddhivinayak Temple, Essel World, Kanheri Caves, Rajabai Clock Tower, Kamala Nehru Park, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Nehru Planetarium, Worli Fort, and Marine Drive
Average Temperature: 25-degree celsius
Restaurants: The table, Khyber restaurant, Yauatcha restaurant

3. Kolkata

The only time when the entire city gathers together to celebrate the much-lauded and divine festival of Durga Puja is the time when one gets to experience the culture of Bengal in its true form. Enjoy the festival with sweets, Bengali delicacies, themed pandal hoppings, and grand aartis.

Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach:

• By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is situated at Dumdum, 15 km from the main city.
• By rail: Howrah and Sealdah are the two main railway junctions in Kolkata that connect the city to several major cities in the country.

Places to visit: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Birla Planetarium, and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Average Temperature: 25-degree celsius
Restaurants: India restaurant, Arsalan restaurant

4. Delhi

Enjoy your gateway to the city of Ghalib, Dilli. While you’re still young, explore the cultures of your magnificent country in the heart of its capital. From the architectural marvels from the time of the Mughal Dynasty, to the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the seat of the President of India, Delhi is filled with some of the most beautiful places in India. A stop at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for a live Qawwali session will leave you mesmerized.

Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:

• By air: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport is very well connected to cities across India and the world.
• By rail: Delhi has an extensive railway network with major railway stations like New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Sarai Rohila, and Old Sabzi Mandi
• By road: Delhi is well connected by bus to cities like Jaipur, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dehradun, and even Kathmandu. Commuters can get buses from Interstate Bus Terminals at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, & Sarai Kale Khan, and other spots like Majnu ka Tila & Bikaner House.

Places to visit: The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Akshardham, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Humayun’s Tomb.
Average Temperature: 25 to 34-degree celsius

5. Meghalaya

Much famed as the Scotland of the East, Meghalaya is one of the refreshing holiday destinations in India. Comprising reviving greens and mighty mountains, Meghalaya is a must to be explored once in a lifetime. Also, if you aren’t afraid of heights, insects, darkness and tight spaces, caving would prove to be a great adventure in Meghalaya for you! And if you are, what better time to beat your fears in the deepest and longest caves of entire South Asia? What if you return as the next Bruce Wayne, err?

Best time to visit: March to July
How to reach:

• By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati in Assam (118 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya) is the nearest international airport. Umroi Airport at Umroi, 30 km from Shillong, is the nearest domestic airport.
• By rail: Mendipathar railway station is located in Resubelpara Municipal Board Jurisdiction of Meghalaya at a distance of 225 km from Shillong. However, the Guwahati Junction in Assam is the nearest railhead with good connectivity to other cities in India.

Places to visit: Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Falls, Elephant Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Shillong View Point, Spread Eagle Falls, Wah Umngot River, Nohwet Living Root Bridge, Kynrem falls, Khasi Hills, Khoh Ramhah or Motrop (Giant conical rock), and Garo Hills
Average Temperature: 17.1-degree celsius

6. Sikkim

Life is not all about exploring the world. Feel the mystical essence of Buddhism around you, visit places in Sikkim and its host of monasteries. And if you happen to like them, maybe, volunteer with the monks and master the art of giving at one of the best places in India!

Best time to visit: March to June and September to December
How to reach:

• By air: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal (124 km from Gangtok) is the nearest airport. A 20 minutes’ helicopter ride from Bagdogra will take you further on to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
• By rail: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri (148 km from Gangtok) is the nearest railhead.
• By road: The cities of Sikkim are well-connected to Darjeeling (West Bengal) by good quality roads.

Places to visit: Nathu La, Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Tsomgo Lake, Phodong Monastery, & Teesta River in Gangtok, Yumthang Valley, Buddha Park of Ravangla, Kanchenjunga Falls, Lingdum Monastery, and Singshore Bridge
Average Temperature: 18-degree celsius

7. Agra

Tourists across the world visit India just to witness the spectacular symbol of love. The majestic monument has to be on your bucket list for it’s the cultural epitome of India. The majestic heritage sites of Agra makes it one of the best places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach:

• By air: Kheria airport, 13 km away from Agra, is a seasonal commercial airport and is connected only by Air India flights from New Delhi.
• By rail: Agra Cantt Station (the main station), Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City, and Idgah Railway Station are well-connected by a network of trains to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
• By road: Agra has two major interstate bus terminals called Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT that connect it to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow, & Kanpur.

Places to visit: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Guru ka Tal, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Chini Ka Rauza, Moti Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Dilli Gate, Great gate (Darwaza i rauza), Amar Singh Gate, Kaanch Mahal, and Sikandra
Average Temperature: 24 to 34-degree celsius

8. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a great sight for those who want to experience something surreal and out of the blue. Much famed for being the land of many waterfalls, the living root bridges are something that will leave you awestruck for sure. If you love spending days amid impeccable surroundings, Cherrapunji is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: November to May
How to reach:

• By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (163 km away) is the nearest air connect.
• By rail: Guwahati is the nearest railhead to Cherrapunji.

Places to visit: Nohkalikai Falls, Daiñthlen Falls, Thangkharang Park, Kynrem Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, and more.
Average Temperature: 17 to 24-degree celsius

9. Mathura

Allow your spirit to soak in the raas-leela of Vrindavan. The place that celebrates Krishna’s living philosophy. The festival is ecstatic, to say the least and celebration of colours here would the best you’d experience ever in your life.

Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach:

• By air: Kheria airport in Agra, located at a distance of 49 km from Mathura, is the nearest air connect.
• By rail: Mathura has its own railway station.
• By road: Mathura is well-connected to Agra (49 km away), Delhi (182 km away), Vrindavan (14 km away), and other cities of North India.

Places to visit: Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Prem Mandir Vrindavan, Government Museum, Krishna Balaram Mandir, Vishram Ghat, Kans Quila, and Jama Mosque.
Average Temperature: 34.7 degree celsius

10. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is to India what New York is to USA. Owing much of its popularity to the royal culture of Nizams, fast-paced lifestyle, buzzing cafes, and growing population, Hyderabad is one of the best places to visit where travellers can look forward to having a great time.

Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach:

• By air: Hyderabad has its own Rajiv Gandhi International Airport which is located at a distance of 22 kms from the city centre.
• By rail: The city of Nizams also has a well-connected railway network which connected Hyderabad to all the major cities in the country.
• By road: Many state-run and private buses run from nearby cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Hyderabad on daily basis.

Places to visit: Charminar, Golconda, Ramoji Film City, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Makkah Masjid, and Purani Haveli.
Average Temperature: 22 to 31 degree celsius

11. Amritsar

Before you turn 30, it is a must-visit this spiritual and historical getaway that promises the nourishment of the soul. Spend some time revisiting the significant history of Amritsar while making sure that you do not miss out on visiting the famous Golden Temple as well. The experience is simply worth it.

Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach:

• By air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is well-connected to other cities.
• By rail: Amritsar Junction Railway Station has an extensive network of trains.

Places to visit: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Akal Takht, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Partition Museum, and Central Sikh Museum.
Average Temperature: 23.3-degree celsius

12. Pondicherry

Much famed to be the French Riviera of the East, Pondicherry or Puducherry happens to be one of the famous tourist places in India for those who are looking forward to a laid-back beach vacation. Witness the beautiful culture of this quaint little French town and savouring the delicious seafood is a must when in Pondy.

Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:

• By air: Chennai airport is the nearest airport to Pondicherry which is located at a distance of 125 km when travelled via the East Coast Road (ECR).
• By rail: Villupuram Railway Junction is the closest railhead to Pondicherry located at a distance of just 37 km.
• By road: Pondicherry is the most accessible via the ECR road from the neighbouring cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Madurai, Trichy, and Egmore.

Places to visit: The Seaside Promenade, Paradise Beach, Auroville Ashram, Chunnambar Boat House, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
Average Temperature: 28.3-degree celsius

13. Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. This climate here is cool due to its location on the Aravali Range. In fact, the highest peak of the Aravallis fall within Mount Abu. The hill station rests on a plateau surrounded by lush green forest and offers great views of the plains below. There are many specific viewpoints including Honeymoon Point and Sunset Point, to enjoy these picturesque sights. Nakki Lake is a popular spot to enjoy boating in Mount Abu.

Best time to visit: July – February
How to reach:

• By air: The nearest airport is in Udaipur (185 km) and but the Ahmedabad airport (221 km) has higher connectivity.
• By rail: The nearest railway station is Abu Road, which is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad
• By road:The nearest NH to Mount Abu is NH14 and is well connected with major cities of India.

Places to visit: Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temple, Toad Rock, Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh Village, Guru Shikhar
Average Temperature: 20.9-degree celsius

14. Nainital

Located at an elevation of 2,000m, Nainital is a resort town in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. The place gets its name from a lake called ‘Naini Lake’ around which the whole town is established. The lake is popular for boating scenes and has an ancient Devi Hindu Temple on its northern shore. Nainital has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Surrounded by many snow-capped hills and having a number of lakes in its boundary, there are a plethora of beautiful sights that you can enjoy here.

Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach:

• By air: Pantnagar Airport (72 km) is the nearest airport to Nainital.
• By rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodham Railway Station (34 km), connecting Nainital to Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, Kolkata and Agra. You can hire a taxi from the station.
• By road:Nainital is well connected to several big and small cities through road and overnight bus services are available

Places to visit: Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Sariyatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Khurpatal Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, The Mall Road
Average Temperature: 13.0 degree Celsius.

15. Srinagar

If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Kashmir to your list of beautiful places in India to visit. If there is heaven on earth, this it is! Experience its charismatic charm before the natural hits and turmoil spoil it all. And when would be a better time to explore flood-hit, terror-stricken heaven on earth if not now?! Explore the restaurants in Srinagar if you are a real foodie. While being one of the best tourism places in India, Kashmir lets you enjoy a tranquil vacation.

Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach:

• By air: Srinagar has its own airport.
• By rail: The Srinagar Railway Station is under construction. Till then, passengers can take a train to Udhampur Railway Station(229 km from Srinagar)
• By road: Unless you are travelling from the city of Jammu & Kashmir, the road is not a preferred way to reach Srinagar.

Places to visit: Dal Lake (boating in shikaras & night stays in houseboats), Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill, Pari mahal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Restaurants In Srinagar: Mughal Darbar, Cafe De Linz
Famous Lakes: Nagin lake, Dal lake

16. Leh-Ladakh

Leh – Ladakh is on every travel enthusiast’s list of famous tourist places to visit in India before they turn 30. Ride on the crazy winding roads, get stuck in the middle of nowhere, sleep with the locals, go trekking in Ladakh, and learn to be independent in the desert mountains as you undertake this adventurous journey in one of the best places in India.

Best time to visit: April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October
How to reach:

• By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the airport connecting the region to other places by air.
• By rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh) is the nearest railhead. From here, one can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh.
• By road: The most popular means of reaching Ladakh remains to be the road. Travelers can go on a bike/jeep ride to the destination. Bike trips from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali are the most popular.

Places to visit: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, and Hemis National Park
Rental bikes: You can rent a bike in Ladakh and it costs upto INR 2000 per day
Average temperature: 15 degree celsius (Min.) and 28 degree celsius (Max.)
Nearest Fuel stations: Nagbal, Ganderbal, Kargil and Khalsi are four fuel stations on the route of Srinagar Leh.
Accommodation: Stok Palace Heritage hotel and Shakti Himalaya are some of the accommodations you can stay at in Ladakh

17. Kerala

To all the nature lovers out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must in your twenties for its enchanting wilderness. Luscious green trees, pristine water, crazy wildlife experience – visit Kerala for more such wonderful delights.

Best time to visit: November to January and June to August
How to reach:

• By air: Kerala has three main airports – Calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport. These airports connect Kerala with different cities across the world, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Muscat, and Dubai.
• By rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, Ernakulam Junction railway station, and Kollam Junction railway station are three major railheads of Kerala. These stations connect the state with cities and towns across India.

Places to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha
Average Temperature: 28-degree celsius
Restaurants: The Riceboat, Paragon restaurant