Must-see locations in Northern India
Northern India attracts with its wealth of captivating landscapes, vibrant culture and historical treasures. From the serene Himalayan foothills to the majestic forts of Rajasthan and bustling metropolises, the region boasts a plethora of must-see destinations.
Blue city of Jodhpur
On the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur, dubbed “the Blue City” after the colour wash of its old townhouses, huddles below the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. This is the most spectacular citadel in Rajasthan, which dominates the cityscape from atop its huge sandstone plinth.
Jodhpur was once the most important town of Marwar, the largest princely state in Rajputana, and now has a population of around 1.3 million. Most people stay just long enough to visit the fort, though there’s plenty to justify a longer visit.
Getting lost in the blue maze of the old city you’ll stumble across Muslim tie-dyers, puppet-makers and traditional spice markets, while Jodhpur’s famed cubic roofscape, best viewed at sunset, is a photographer’s dream.
The pink city of Jaipur
A flamboyant showcase of Rajasthani architecture, Jaipur has long been established on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India’s “Golden Triangle”, along with Agra and Delhi.
At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, the old walled quarter, whose bazaars rank among the most vibrant in Asia, renowned for their textiles, jewellery and Rajasthani handicrafts.
Jaisalmer - the Golden City
In the remote westernmost corner of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is the quintessential desert town, its golden, sand-coloured ramparts rising out of the arid Thar like a scene from the Arabian Nights.
Rampant commercialism may have dampened the romantic vision somewhat, but even with all the touts and tour buses, the town deservedly remains one of India’s most popular destinations.
In addition, there are numerous sights out of town, as well as the desert itself. Camel safaris are an extremely popular activity here, and most take the chance to spend at least one night out in the sands.
Amritsar - the land of faith
The Sikhs’ holy city of Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and one of the most popular tourist destinations in this whole chunk of India. Sikh pilgrims, domestic tourists and international visitors arrive en masse for one gleaming reason – the fabled Golden Temple.
Its domes soar above Amritsar’s teeming streets and are certainly one of the most captivating sights in the whole country. The temple aside, Amritsar is a little noisy and congested, but its old city in particular is as lively as any in India.
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