9 Places You Must See On Your Trip To India

Travelling to India is not for everyone, but if you're thinking of going there, you shouldn't miss these nine beautiful places.

Planning a trip to India takes time - India is such a fascinating and special country that you should experience it fully and deeply. But if you are looking for inspiration for things to see and do, in this article we recommend some of the essential places that are must-sees during your visit and that you absolutely must add to your bucket list.

Although there are countless amazing things to see and experience in India, we have chosen the 9 places that you absolutely mustn't miss!

AMER FORT

Amer, a town about six kilometres from Jaipur, is also known as the Golden City. The Amer Fort is a 4 storey fortress, characterised by its Hindu architectural style. It overlooks the Maota Lake, and offers sweeping panoramic views.

Where to stay near the Amer Fort:

If you are going to visit the Amer Fort you will want to stay in Jaipur, giving you the opportunity to visit this lovely city.

The Backpacker Panda Jaipur is a new and inexpensive hostel which is part of the Backpacker Panda chain. The price per night starts at just 4.50 Euros per person and it is located in the downtown area.

Alternatively, the Moustche Hostel opened in February 2015, and is located near the Jaipur railway station. This comfortable hostel is surrounded by restaurants and bars where you can enjoy spending the evening. The price per person per night starts at just 6 Euros.

TAJ MAHAL

One of the most beautiful sights in the world that you absolutely must not miss is the Taj Mahal, in Agra City. This temple was a gift of love, and is a mausoleum that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. This majestic and significant building is sure to leave you breathless.

Where to stay near the Taj Mahal:

Agra also has a hostel from the Backpacker Panda chain, the Backpacker Panda Agra, which is colourful and cheap, with walls that are decorated with richly coloured murals. This hostel enjoys a convenient location just a short distance from the Taj Mahal.

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE

In Amritsar you will find the Golden Temple, the holiest temple in the Sikh religion. In the West, we use the name "Golden Temple", however its real name is Harmandir Sahib, which means "Temple of God."

Where to stay near the Golden Temple:

The best place to stay near the Golden Temple is actually a hotel and not a hostel, but it is still cheap. The Hotel Pearl Inn & Suites offers many services and its staff are very friendly. The price per night starts at 11 Euros per person.

RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

In New Delhi, you mustn't miss the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Its construction was of paramount importance at the beginning of the twentieth century, so much so that the responsibility for its design was given to the English architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens.

Where to Stay in New Delhi:

Modern and colourful, with a location in the city centre, the Zostel Delhi is a great choice if you are staying in New Delhi. Prices start at around 6 Euros per person.

Alternatively, the Boribista Hostel is also located in the city centre, and has prices under 10 Euros per night.

HAWA MAHAL

The Hawa Mahal is the "Palace of the Winds", built to allow women of the royal family to attend the festival without being seen. This building is located next to the City Palace.

THE MEHRANGARH FORT

On a hill near the city of Jodhpur, you will find the Mehrangarh Fort, a fortress that was built in 1458, and which was once the home of kings.

Where to sleep near the Mehrangarh Fort:

If you want to visit the fort, you'll want to base yourself in Jodhpur, and the Amar Niwas Guest House, a family-run hostel, is very traditional with a rooftop terrace. The price per night starts at less than 5 Euros per person.

THE ELEPHANTA CAVES

Near the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephanta Island, you will find these caves with beautiful carvings inside them.

At the time when these carvings were made, the island was home to followers of the Hindu faith, and it had a different name - the name "Elephanta" was given to the island by the Portuguese because of the large statue that could be seen at its landing point. Today the statue is located at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, which is located in the Jijamata Udyaan zoological gardens in Byculla.

Where to stay near The Elephanta Caves:

You can find another hostel in the Panda Backpacker chain in Mumbai - the Backpacker Panda - Appetite is modern and new, and is one of the cheapest places to stay in Mumbai.

Prices start at 11 Euros per night per person.

CITY PALACE

This complex of buildings was built over a 400 year period, with new additions being added with every rule from 1553 onwards in different architectural styles.

All of the buildings are connected by zigzagging internal corridors which were designed to prevent enemy attacks.

Where to stay in Udaipur:

Near the lake, you will find the Backpacker Panda Lake Pichola Udaipur hostel which is comfortable and quiet, featuring a common area that is well stocked with books and games.

The price per night, per person, is around 5 Euros.

THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS NATIONAL PARK

The Valley of Flowers National Park is now part of a UNESCO site, and is home to more than 300 species of flowers. This park is famous for the bright colours that show off its meadows to their best advantage during the flowering period.