Last Updated: June 19, 2019 Abhishek Gurung
India is a place that definitely reignite your senses and fill you with knowledge about varied cultures and lifestyle of people. But this vast country has so many flavours and colours to exhibit that a short holiday would not be enough. Therefore, it is wise to keep aside a plan of around 21 days holidays to capture the best of Adventure, Heritage, Architecture, Nature, People, Culture and so much more. So here we are going to discuss 10 places to visit for a 21 days holiday in India that will make your travel plan in the country the best one.
1. New Delhi, Delhi:
Jama Masjid, Photo: https://goo.gl/YIxAiy
Mounted by many forts and historical places, Delhi is a must visit destination. If you are looking for a three week getaway in Northern India filled with heritage sites, history and museums, look no further because this divine sanction is set amidst the many ruins with modern marvels around. Bordered by a thin line, the new city is set adjoining the old charm. You if seek narrow alleys and ruin architecture then a trip to old Delhi is a definite. Till this day, old Delhi still spellbinds many travellers, in fact even the locals. Its Mughlai cuisines and mega old structures will take you in for a spin. Then again, if the old world gets too tiresome you can always jump to the new world in split second (not exactly but you get the point).
Sights to keep you occupied in Delhi:
Jama Masjid, The Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Chhatarpur Temple, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, National Museum, Nizamuddin Dargah etc.
Nearby places to visit from Delhi:
To the traveller, Delhi has one plus point. Being the central state, Delhi is well connected to nearby places you can visit. You can traverse via national highways to some places nearby Delhi like Agra, places in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar and some hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Nainital and further up.
2. Mumbai, Maharashtra:
Gateway of India, Photo: https://goo.gl/LBj7dw
This west coast city is neatly fitted with glitz and glamour, a city full of dreamers and starlets. For if it’s not them you want to come and visit then Mumbai has other major attractions lined up for you to tour as well. From its seafront mega hotels to a long walk of fame along the famous marine drive. Mumbai is the capital of Bollywood and the city witnesses a lot of shots around every corner of the town. Also, unlike the beaches in other Indian states, the beaches of Mumbai are rather crowded with Indian tourists all day but there are options, however, to spend a quiet time strolling along the beach like Gorai Beach of Mumbai.
Sights to keep you occupied in Mumbai:
Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Haji Ali Dargah, Elephanta Caves and Elephanta Island, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, Esselworld, Girgaum Chowpatty, Kanheri Caves, Global Vipassana Pagoda, Rajabai Clock Tower etc.
Nearby places to visit from Mumbai:
If Mumbai becomes too mainstream for you, take a short weekend trip to places near Mumbai like Bhandardara, Nashik, Lonavala, Matheran, Lavasa and more.
3. Bengaluru, Karnataka:
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Photo: https://goo.gl/faJHfN
The capital of southern Karnataka, Bengaluru is the centre of India’s high-tech industry. Apart from that, Bengaluru is also known for being the place for parks and nightlife. Utterly blessed with a benevolent climate and thriving atmosphere, this south city will certainly give you a delightful stay. From its striking Victorian-era architecture to crazy night-life to blossoming nature Bengaluru is a must visit destination in India.
Sights to keep you occupied in Bengaluru:
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, St. Mary’s Basilica, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace, Nandi Temple, ISKCON Temple, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bangalore Fort, Bangalore Aquarium, Lumbini Gardens etc
Nearby places to visit from Bengaluru:
To spend a wonderful time on the outskirts of the city, you can visit places like Wonder La, Big Banyan Tree/Dodda Alada Mara, Ulsoor, Bannerghatta National Park, Muthyala Maduvu, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Shivaganga Hill, Kolar, Channarayana Durga and if you want to go further up then a visit to Hampi is a definite must.
4. Chennai, Tamil Nadu:
Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Photo: https://goo.gl/rltUqO
This southy state capital will pleasantly surprise you with its varied complex of business houses, heritage sites, temples, and churches. Tamil Nadu’s capital is spotted with a new layer of cosmopolitan glamour with many lux hotels, contemporary restaurants, quirky cafes, and swanky bars and clubs. If you are in Chennai, you can celebrate three weeks of fun and frolic extravaganza, swinging in their retro bars and fancy pubs and tour around the many sites it offers. Besides, this city has marked to have the longest natural urban beach in India – Marina Beach.
Sights to keep you occupied in Chennai:
Marina Beach, Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Fort St George, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Arulmigu Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Edward Elliot’s Beach, Government Museum, Vivekananda House, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, B.M. Birla Planetarium, Thousand Lights Mosque etc
Nearby places to visit from Chennai:
Places to visit within few kilometres from Chennai are Pulicat, Mahabalipuram, Tirupati, Pondicherry, Nellore, Tharangambadi, Yercaud and more.
5. Kochi, Kerala:
Chinese Fishing Nets, Photo: https://goo.gl/lxD8yX
This coastal state of Kerala is blessed with indelible history, Portuguese architecture, remains of the British Raj and the tropical Malabar Coast that houses an unusual mixture of medieval Portugal, Holland, and an English village. Kochi, where the famous Chinese fishing nets that are popularly used is a must see place. Kerala is famous for its Kathakali and kalarippayattu and Kochi is the perfect place to witness the Keralan art. Apart from that, this delightful place has many home stays and charming locals, shopping places and it is also linked by a chain of ferries and bridges if you want to visit its nearby landmarks around.
Sights to keep you occupied in Kochi:
Chottanikara Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Folklore Museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill Palace of Tripunithara, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Fort Kochi etc.
Nearby places to visit from Kochi:
God’s own country has its own share of beauty, visit the nearby destinations around Kerala to relish the beauty of India in places like Cherai Beach, Kodungallur / Cranganore, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Mararikulam Beach, St Mary’s Forane Church, Kumarakom, Mahadeva Temple, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha / Alleppey, Kottayam, Athirapally Waterfalls etc.
6. Panaji, Goa:
Miramar Beach, Photo: https://goo.gl/ZRq9dJ
One of the smallest states in India, Goa is endowed with many beaches and historical sites. Panaji or Panjim being the state capital, it is always relaxed and carefree. The one-stop destination often targeted by travellers is blessed with many beach cafes, and nightlife to keep one entertained all day all night. Panaji is a place to take pleasure in slow walks along the narrow streets and observe the locals and markets under the sun glowing in the afternoon reflecting the yellow houses with tiled roofs, iron balconies, and colourful clothes hanging outside.
Sights to keep you occupied in Panaji:
Miramar Beach, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Miramar, Goa State Museum etc.
Nearby places to visit from Panaji:
Since Goa is a small state, all major attractions are just a few minutes away or few hours from Panaji. So few destinations to visit near Panaji are St. Cajetan Church, Agonda Beach, Aguada Fort, Anjuna Beach, St. Augustine Tower / Church of St. Augustin, Arvalem Waterfalls to name a few.
7. Gaya, Bihar:
Mahabodhi Temple, Photo: https://goo.gl/cm7vJF
This ancient historical city of Bihar flaunts with magnificent temples and caves. This religious centre for Hindu is amongst the famous places in Bihar and a sacred site believed to be a place where Buddha attained enlightenment. Gaya is a busy city dwelled on the bank of River Phalgu and it is lavished with many temples and historic sites dating back to different eras, from a successful rule of Maurya to Gupta dynasty.
Sights to keep you occupied in Gaya:
Bodh Gaya, Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Barabar Caves, Bodhi Tree, Chinese Temple And Monastery, Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, Muchalinda Lake, Thai Temple And Monastery, Royal Bhutan Monastery etc.
Nearby places to visit from Gaya:
The ancient city of Gaya an important site and most of the tourist visit Gaya only to mark their prints in Bodhgaya (a famous landmark in Gaya). With that, there are many other places to keep you hooked for your long three-week vacay. Visit places like Pawapuri, Chhota Nagpur Plateau, Aurangabad, Patna, Muzaffarpur etc.
8. Guwahati, Assam:
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is a cosmopolitan city and it is one of the fastest growing cities in India. Scattered with many temples and sites to explore, Guwahati is blessed with interesting stations in and around the place. From Kamakhya Temple in the hill ranges to the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati blossoms with the suburban slouch of ponds, staggering palm trees, and homey traditional houses. However, Guwahati is packed with shopping malls and hotels to make your stay as convenient as possible. Besides, if you are looking for an ultimate breakthrough to another world like destination, then Guwahati is the gateway to Northeast Indian states.
Sights to keep you occupied in Guwahati:
Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Dipor Bil, Assam State Museum, Ugratara Temple, Digholi Pukhuri, Dreamland Amusement Park etc.
Nearby places to visit from Guwahati:
Guwahati is the hotspot to target to different destination like Cherrapunjee, Tezpur, Kaziranga National Park, Haflong, Jorhat, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Shillong, Nalbari, Manas National Park, Kohima, and many more.
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal:
Tiger Hill, Photo: https://goo.gl/dymOlg
Darjeeling is a land enriched with beautiful mountain slopes, jade green tea estates, and beautiful monasteries. This hill station is absolute one of West Bengal’s pride and a premier attraction. Darjeeling detects an ample amount of visitors every season and the town is filled with vibrancy throughout. From the bustling Chow Rasta to the peaceful Japanese Temple, a certain charm this station occupies, that even the monsoon season looks pretty and romantic. Besides, who can pass on the joy ride of the steam engine Toy Train around the hills and the famous Batasia Loop.
Sights to keep you occupied in Darjeeling:
Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Chowrasta, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Peace Pagoda, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, Japanese Temple, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway and several more landmarks.
Nearby places to visit from Darjeeling:
There are few places to visit near Darjeeling; perhaps you can make a day out of it or perhaps a stayover destination. Such examples are Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri, and Ghoom. Perhaps you can explore further up to Sikkim and tour their several places like Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi etc.
10. Hyderabad, Telangana:
Golconda Fort
The southern Indian city of Telangana, Hyderabad is well dotted with stately old architecture along with modern skylines. Hyderabad is a major centre for the technology industry and at the moment the city is glittering with malls, clubs and bars and of course, you have to try out the local traditional biryani in restaurants joints when in Hyderabad.
Sights to keep you occupied in Hyderabad:
Golconda Fort, Charminar, Hussain Sagar, Salar Jung Museum, Birla Mandir, Mecca Masjid, Nehru Zoological Park, Chowmahalla Palace, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Lumbini Park, Chilkur Balaji Temple, Sudha Cars Museum, etc.
Nearby places to visit from Hyderabad:
Osman Sagar Lake, Chilukur Balaji Temple, Sanghi Temple, Sri Rama Chandra Temple, Keesara Gutta, Wargal Saraswati Temple, Bhongir Fort, Rachakonda Fort, Medak Fort and more.
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Published: 21 Mar, 2017
Abhishek Gurung is a writer whose passion for food and travel is an unending affair. He likes going on treks and camping in the woods, loves exploring forts and architecture, he is a cycle enthusiast who likes to contribute something to the environment, travel photography and videography is another interest as he sees life in a cinematic point of view. He likes the idea of living in offbeat destination where the mode of communication is to interact with each other. Coming from Nagaland, he has visited some beautiful valleys and remote villages and appreciates nature as it is and as it should be.