When people ask what my favourite country is, I often alternate between Iceland and India. When it’s the former, I get nods in agreement (even if they’ve never visited); But when it’s the latter, I usually get a bit of a frown (also, even if they’ve never visited).

Instead of convincing people why India really isn’t as dangerous as a lot of us believe it to be, here are 10 of my favourite cities that has kept us coming back for more.

1) Hampi: India’s best bouldering spot

Virupaksha Temple in Hampi - India (India Trip Planning)

Located in the state of Karnataka, Hampi is a sleepy ancient village with giant boulders balancing precariously off each other; I’d never seen anything like Hampi. The closest thing I could associate it to was a Flinstone park extension pack. We met travellers who planned to visit for a day or two but ended up extending way past their plans and it’s really no surprise when you see Hampi for yourself.

adranandri hill - best sunset spot in Hampi - India

Accommodation: Gopi guesthouse — super friendly staff. The rooftop has a perfect vantage point for Virupaksha — the most famous temple in Hampi.

Highlights of Hampi: Bouldering (one of the best bouldering spots in the entire India), explore ruins, Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple complex, ride a coracle boat across the river, catch the sunset from Matanga Hill.

How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Bangalore, take an overnight bus to Hosapete — 20 minutes away from Hampi by Auto rickshaw.

2) Agra: Home of the Taj Mahal

Looking at the Taj Mahal - First Timers Guide to India

While a day trip to Agra is sufficient is visit the Taj Mahal, there are good reasons to stay an extra night or two. First, the Taj Mahal is best seen at sunrise. The weather is cooler (especially important if you’re visiting between Apr – Jul) and the crowds are more manageable. I’ve been there on three separate occasions and if I had a chance to visit once more, I’d gladly give up sleep for this experience.

*Pro-tip: Check out Mehtab Bagh at sunset — a garden located across the Yamuna River and offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal from the back

Accommodation: Zostel (10min walk to the Taj Mahal East Gate), Crystal Sarovar Premier (5-star Hotel with a view of the Taj Mahal).

Highlights of Agra: The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fetephur Sikiri, Mehtab Bagh

How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Lucknow, take a train to Agra Fort station (~6hours). Train travel is pretty comfortable in India especially if you get a 2 or 3AC compartment.

If you’re in Delhi and short on time, there are guided day trips you can take to visit the this wonder.

Read Also: 1 Week India Itinerary For First Timers — this covers must-visit cities like Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow.

3) Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World

Yoga by the Ganges in Rishikesh - India

Located in the northern part of India, Rishikesh is filled with ashrams, temples and yoga schools. It’s also where I chose to spend three months completing my 500 hour YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) course. #bestdecisioninlife

Dipping in the Ganges in rishikesh - India

The river Ganga runs through the city and is probably one of the cleanest parts of the river. Bathing in the river is believed to wash away your sins — although for the YTT students, it was where we hoped to wash off the soreness from the intensive trainings. The city is also meat, alcohol and car free on one side of the ganges river.

Beatles Ashram in RIshikesh - India
Ruins of the old ashram the Beatles used to stay in

Accommodation: I personally stayed at the school but there are plenty of small cosy rooms in Ram Jhula or Luxman Jhula area for around ₹500/night (S$10).

Highlights of Rishikesh: Take up yoga classes (or a TTC), dip in the Ganges river, visit the Beatles’ Ashram ruin, shop at Tibetian outdoor shops, stock up on books.

How to get there: Fly in to Lucknow, take a 1.5 hour flight to Dehradun (1.5hours to Rishikesh by Taxi). Alternatively, fly to Delhi where there are many 8 hour buses to Rishikesh from Delhi ISBT.

Read Also: 500 hour YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) course

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4) Amritsar: Home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine

Amritsar-The golden temple at night

One of India’s top sights, the Golden Temple in Amritsar was unlike any other temple we’d seen. It wasn’t just the crazy amount of gold sitting on the shrine that had us impressed, we were blown away by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. In our first timer’s guide to India, I spoke about how it was common to be stared at in India but within these compounds, we were just another human being.

Sikh temples are known to be welcoming by nature regardless of country or religion and the Golden Temple embodied this trait best.

Amritsar - Eating at the Golden Temple

One of the most memorable experiences in Amritsar wasn’t so much about how tasty the food was, but how humbling it was sitting in the communal dining hall of the Golden temple together with the locals. People of all religions and countries were equally welcomed for a free hot meal served by volunteers and the food was delicious! Not to mention the amount of organisation and efficiency required to serve over 50,000 people everyday.

Wagah Border Ceremony in Amritsar

Another fun and eye opening experience was the Wagah Border ceremony — held every single day of the year at the border between India and Pakistan. I shall let you read more about that in The Wagah Border Experience.

Accommodation: Inndia Boutique Hostel or Jugaadus Eco Hostel (Clean hostels with tours run by the hostel) Also look out for the TTI mural drawn by one of our writers Miao!

Highlights of Amritsar: Visit the Golden Temple, have a humbling meal at the temple (free), witness the Wagah Border Ceremony, experience life at a Punjabi Farm.

How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Amritsar direct via Scoot.

Read Also: Amritsar Survival Guide

5) Lucknow: The Gateway to the Heritage Arc

View from the Bara Imambara - First Timers Guide to India

Lucknow I’d say is a far more pleasant gateway to the Northern part of India than Delhi. Located between Agra and Varanasi (both I’d highly recommend visiting), the city is still relatively untouched by tourists despite its many majestic monuments.

The most famous sight of all is the Bara Imambara, which looks impressive even from the inside. But the true highlight is the labyrinth on the top which many local guides claim to have gotten lost themselves; which I feel is a slight exaggeration but still an interesting site to explore.

Tunday Kebab - 1 week india itinerary

If you’re exploring the Old City of Chowk, grab yourself some “melt in your mouth” Kebab from the 100 year old stall Tunday Kebab.

Highlights of Lucknow: The Residency ruins, the Labyrinth of Bara Imambara, the old city of Chowk, Tunday Kebab

How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Chennai Via Scoot

6) Chennai: A First Taste Of India

Kapaleeswarar Temple -Chennai Guide

Said to be one of India’s safest cities, Chennai has a calm and slow front but has many hidden gems especially when it comes to food! One of our best decisions here was signing up for a food tour with Story Trails. We met Lakshmi who was one of the most passionate tour guides I’ve met — if she taught me the most boring subject in school, I’d probably ace it. It was that captivating. The way she described each street, it’s food and the origins.

Plate of Pav Bhaji Novelty Tea House - Chennai Guide

It was also through her that I met the love of my life my favourite food in India, the Pav Bhaji — fried but buttery soft buns that soak up a thick vegetable curry topped with a generous serving of onions. (Give me a moment while I salivate over this memory)

Though, not all raw onions in India are safe for foreigners stomachs so unless you’re absolutely sure of the way it was washed, it’s best to avoid.

Accommodation: Red Lolipop Hostel

Highlights of Chennai: FOOD. For other things to do, check out the Chennai Survival Guide

How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Chennai Via Scoot.

7) Munnar: Home to the world’s highest tea plantation

Munnar Kerala - beautiful cities in India

Located in the Kerala region — also known as God’s Own Country — Munnar is located in the highlands with elevations ranging from 1,450m to 2,695m. Apart from being a great summer escape to cooler grounds, the incredible views of lush green rolling hills and endless tea plantations has a way of chasing all worries away.

Munnar is also home to Kolukkumalai — the world’s tallest organic tea plantation. You can take on a five hour hike to the tea factory or book a jeep for a 45-minute ride of your life. We left at dawn to catch the sunrise and yes, it’s worth losing sleep for.

Munnar Kolukkumalai - beautiful cities in India

If you’re ever in Kerala, make camping in Munnar the top of your to-do list. Imagine waking up to the freshest air and the sun rising over endless greens. This turned out to be one of the highlights during our 8D Kerala trip. We had our camping experience organised by Spice Trails Ecolodge who owns various accommodation options from basic tents to cosier ones with proper beds and an attached bathroom and even cute cottage houses.

Munnar Anaerangal Camp - beautiful cities in India

Accommodation: Anaerangal Camp run by Spice Trails Ecolodge. Each tent accommodates 3 and en suite bathroom — ₹2,500/pax for a 3 pax tent, includes meals and activities.

Email [email protected] for reservations.

Highlights of Munnar: Glamping in midst of tea plantations, trekking on the ridge line of Kolukkumalai and sipping tea from the world’s tallest tea plantation.

How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Kochi via Scoot, take a 3 hour a/c bus from Kochi to Suryanelli. The camp will arrange for a jeep to drive you up to your accommodation.

Read also: Top 10 Things to do in Kerala

8) Jaipur: The most Instagrammable ancient city

Hawa Mahal taken with wide angle lens - Jaipur Survival Guide

Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle route which most first timer’s to India often take. The first thing you’ll notice is the uniform terracotta pink walls that line city — historically known as a colour of hospitality. Despite the chaos of eager touts and auto-rickshaws, walking into any one of the majestic ancient buildings will transport you to an entirely different world. If you’re not confident of exploring Jaipur on your own, there are guided walking tours you can join.

Jaipur - Amber Fort

Accommodation: Zostel (a chain hostel, same as the one in Agra but much cleaner and better staffed). They also organise day trips to scenic places 1hr out of Jaipur. Bhangarh Fort (India’s most haunted place) and Chand Baoli are interesting stops worth checking out! More about those in the Jaipur Survival Guide.

Highlights of Jaipur: The colourful Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal (often seen in postcards of India, the Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort and the Galta Ji (also known as the monkey temple).

How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Jaipur via Scoot

9) Dharamshala: Home of the Dalai Lama

Gorgeous view while trekking on Triund - Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj)-8

Dharamshala was just the respite we needed during one of our two week long trip in India. Home to the 14th Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees, stepping into Dharamshala felt like being in an entirely different country. The air is a lot cooler and has many outdoor activities and treks for the adventurous.

Setting up camp on Triund Hill in Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj)

Yoga and meditation centres are abundant here but many people go for the 2D1N trek up the Triund Hill. It’s a steep but relatively easy trek and camping on the misty hills was one of our favourite memories.

Highlights of Dharamshala: Hike and camp on Triund Hill, visit the residency of the Dalai Lama

How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Amritsar and take a 7 hour bus. You should ask to stop at McLeod Ganj where most of the life is at!

10) Varanasi: The best place to end

Varanasi - First Timers Guide to India

I never truly understood how chaos could be charming until we stepped foot in Varanasi. One of the World’s oldest cities dating back to the 11th century B.C., we hear that many Hindu Indians make it a point to visit at least once in their lives. “Not every person has the chance to visit”, an Indian friend once shared.

Most of the life in this city happens at the holy Ganges River, believed to wash away a lifetime of sins when bathed in it. With such significance, it’s only fitting that the end of life rituals are seen here too. Death is seen in a different light in Varanasi and for many Hindu Indians, spending their last few breaths in Varanasi is believed to allow liberation from reincarnation.

For travellers, there’s a lot to see and experience too. A boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, take your pick at yoga, bollywood or meditation courses or walk down to the Manikarnika Ghat to witness the cremation ceremonies.

Accommodation: Hostelavie

Highlights in Varanasi: Boat ride down the different ghats, Ganga Aarti (Fire Ceremony) Cafe Hopping, Yoga classes, cremation ceremonies at the Manikarnika Ghat.

How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Lucknow via Scoot and take an 8 hour sleeper bus to Varanasi.

Embark on your Adventures in India

Scoot flies to 8 different cities in India. While they may not fly direct to some of the cities mentioned above, overnight trains and buses are pretty comfortable too. Rides longer than six hours means you’ll save on a night of accommodation before embarking on new adventures in your new city. Don’t forget to book sleeper A/C options for a comfortable ride! For more tips and answers to your most curious questions on travelling in India, check out our first timer’s guide to India!


This post is brought to you by Scoot

Cherie Sim
Most accurately described as a restless adventurer, always seeking new highs be it on a rock wall, falling out of a propeller plane or bombing down a snow slope. Occasionally writes for thetravelintern.com. Also co-founder of The Travel Intern.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for listing ut all such beautiful cities here as i am looking for suggestions. I am going start my tour on 10th of this month to my initial destination Kerala from there where i have to go and what are the other places that i have to visit, i am not pretty sure about them. Thanks for making it easy, i will check and plan my tour according to the places.

  2. I just got back from India in Nov 18 and I totally agree with you that India is one of the best places to travel.

    Put aside the dirt, polluted air and crowd.
    Thanks for your post. Looking forward to my best India travel.

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  4. Thanks for sharing such a detailed information about beautiful cities in India. It will very helpful for those who want to come India, and can’t decide which cities they go.

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