The Essential Places of Northern India

North India – When we start talking about North India, we first think of the historic Golden Triangle formed by Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and then we imagine crossing the deserts of Rajasthan then going to the destinations Heavenly paradises of the Himalayan paradise.

Top places to visit in North India.

Delhi

You are likely to land here if you are visiting North India. And if so, you will probably be told that Delhi’s growing crime rate is real, but there is more to Delhi than that! It is a modern city with a very rich historical heritage: its architecture is varied and especially its monuments, tombs, temples, and ruins of old Delhi are very interesting. Shopping in the district of Sarojini Nagar and Janpath, varied food in all the streets of the city, the medieval village of Hauz Khas, hippie district of Paharganj … These are things that everyone appreciates in Delhi, however, travelers who love luxury or good diners will also find their happiness with all the upscale shopping centers and luxury stores in town. The city is very large and each area is like a different world.

Agra

Agra, in Uttar Pradesh in north India. Yes, we all know that the unmistakably beautiful Taj Mahal (especially with the light changes at dawn and dusk) is a big part of Agra’s reputation, but there are many other places to see here. The Agra Fort, the Baby Taj (a small unfinished version of the Taj Mahal in black), the tomb of Akbar and the fortress city of Fatehpur (Fatehpur Sikri) are all famous monuments, each with its unique historical significance and its genius architecture. This is what you would expect from a city that was the capital of India under the Mughals. The city of Agra itself can be an experience. Many bazaars are gathered and most of the monuments border the Yamuna river along the east side of the city. Taj Ganj is the area around the Taj Mahal where you will find inexpensive accommodation and many small artisans who make replicas of the Taj Mahal in Marble Inlay as well as other fine works of art. Sadar Bazaar is another area where you will find more chic accommodation, handcrafted emporiums, and many restaurants.

Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the largest and busiest cities in the state of Rajasthan in northern India. Browse the bazaars of the old town (which are arranged in a courtyard around the city palace) for handicrafts and souvenirs, ethnic clothes, textiles and accessories of great beauty, culinary dishes typical of the region (the “kachori” of “Kanji” deserves to be tested: it is the traditional “dal bati” that can only be found in Jaipur). Fort Amber is, of course, a must-see monument with a very enriching sound and light show. The brightness of the Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) by day, the temple of Galtaji (or the temple of the monkey), the fort of Nahargarh, and the lesser-known royal cenotaphs are the main attractions of the periphery While Hawa Mahal – the Palace des Vents-is a visual delight of the city.

Ranthambore

It is one of the best Indian destinations for tiger watching. Of all the Indian national parks, you will have the best chance of seeing a tiger up close in Ranthambore located in the state of Rajasthan in north India. The tigers, here, feel masters of the place, less disturbed by visitors and their cameras sometimes noisy. You might even get the impression that some of them pose for you from time to time. It’s not as simple as that, any wildlife photographer will tell you. But the proximity of this reserve to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (the nearest railway station is that of Sawai Madhopur to go to the park) make it a popular destination for nature lovers. You will see not only tigers but Nilgaut antelopes, jackals, jungle cats (chaus), leopards, and many birds if you are an observer. New areas called “buffer zones” have been created where you can actually get out of your jeep and take a walk, but don’t expect to see a tiger in these spaces unless you are really lucky!

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan in north India. Jaisalmer is a little more difficult to access (an overnight rail trip from Jaipur or a car ride through Jodhpur) but it is definitely worth it. Enjoy the sounds and light of a typical desert city of Rajasthan, take a camel ride at sunset, go to the desert among the sand dunes of the “Golden City”. People in the village proudly wearing their turbans stroll through the bazaar and there is absolutely no other place to admire the Jaisalmer sandstone constructions.

Udaipur

Udaipur is the city in this rich and romantic setting that you have seen in old Indian paintings and period films. Lake Pichola is bordered by a range of palaces with beautiful balconies; Havelis (small houses of the royal era) painted in pure white, ghats at the water’s edge, and very refined restaurants from where you can have a breathtaking view of the lake and green hills. The Lake Palace Hotel floats fully in the middle of the lake, as does the Jag Mandir. The city’s palace is located east of Lake Pichola, and the winding streets of the old city are worth exploring, not to mention, of course, Lake Fateh Sagar to the north. Also, take the time to explore the surrounding villages.