Top 10 Most Visited States in India

Top 10 Most Visited States in India:

By Aradhya Misra

Traveling has become the latest fad; thanks to the ever growing impact of digital media and the equally escalating awareness of globetrotters. Both domestic and foreign tourists are contributing to the tourism figures in India. Stats maintain that tourism has seen a remarkable jump (12% domestic and 5% foreign) as compared to the previous year, which is a remarkable feat to achieve.

Top 10 front runner states have catered well to India’s charm in the world. They boast of beauty that’s been entwined amid the mountains, rivers, and impregnable forests. It’s time that we explored the top 10 most visited states in India and more so, the reason that makes them so desired among the folks.

Read about their attractions, take your pick and scan through the best holiday tour packages to your favorite destination.

1.      Tamil Nadu: Honeymooners paradise in the South

A beautiful dawn in Kodaikanal

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Why Tamil Nadu?

Because Tamil Nadu holds the distinction of being home to Dravidians- India’s original race. The southernmost state of the peninsular country contains a wide range of flora and fauna from Deccan plateau and the Eastern Ghats. It is also home to thousands of temples that depict the meticulous medieval art. No wonder Tamil Nadu receives the highest number of tourists among all the 29 states.

Don’t miss these places: Kanchipuram- the city of temples, Besant Nagar Beach, Rameshwaram, Pondicherry, Ooty  and Hogenakkal Falls

Things to do: Drive across the 32-km loop road, savor the delicacies of Hotel SaravanaBhavan, a day out at Queensland Amusement Park, a tour of Arjuna’s Penance in Mahabalipuram and a walk through the colorful settlement of Pondicherry.

2.      Uttar Pradesh: Religious capital of India

A sadhu praying offering early morning prayers on the ghats of Benaras

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Why Uttar Pradesh?

Because Uttar Pradesh is the state that has flourished by the banks of the Ganges since time undefined. Having Benares as its prime attraction, which is one of the world’s oldest cities that dates back to around 1000 B.C, Uttar Pradesh is the second in the list with 204.9 million footfall in the year 2015-16. TajMahal and other eminent Mughal architectures make it a must visit.

Don’t miss these places: Taj Mahal at Agra, Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort at Agra, Vishwanath Templeat Varanasi, Lord Krishna’s birth place at  Mathura, Buddha stupas at Sarnath, Triveni Sangam at Allahabad and Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi.

Things to do: Gorge on Lucknowi Chicken Biryani & Boti Kebab, Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi and plan a trip to the best of Mughal architectures at Agra and Lucknow with which Uttar Pradesh is dotted.

3.      Andhra Pradesh: The state that’s the real home of Nawabs

Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad

Why Andhra Pradesh?

Because Andhra Pradesh is nestled beautifully amid the Eastern Ghats, the Bay of Bengal, and Chhotanagpur Plateau. Popularly known as the Koh-i-noor of India, Andhra Pradesh has lots of cave temples and dense tropical forests to explore the vividness of nature’s sojourn. Tirupati Venkateshwara temple at Tirupathi, one of the most coveted temples for Hindus, remains a major source of tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh.

Don’t miss these places: Chittoor, Nellore, Ongole, Kadapa, Birla Planetarium- Secunderabad, Borra Caves- Vizag, and Charminar- Hyderabad.

Things to do: Behold the Dhyan Buddha statue in Amravati, Bhairava Kona Caves, visit one of the largest fresh water lake in India at Kolleru Lake, Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre and Barah Shaheed Dargah.

4.      Karnataka: Holiday seekers paradise in the South

Sharavathi River running through the hills in Karnataka

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Why Karnataka?

Because it’s home to the tech capital of India and serves as the perfect weekend getaway for the techies of Bangalore. Leave alone the temples, forts, ancient ruins and numerous alluring sites, the climate of Karnataka makes it one of the most favorable states to spend quality time with your loved ones. Relive the rich art and architecture of India during medieval era as you plan a sightseeing session.

Don’t miss these places: Hampi, Mysore Palace at Mysore, Malleshwaram, Cubbon Park at Bangalore, Coorg, Nagahole National Park and Shiva statue in Murudeshwar

Things to do: Climb 600 steps barefoot to Shravanabelagola, get the exact feel of Goa in Gokarna, Try river rafting and other adventurous activities at Udupi, Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur.

Make the most of cozy weather and quaint hill-stations in the vicinity of Karnataka. Book your honeymoon package to Karnataka and other such pleasant destinations across the country.

5. Maharashtra: Home to the city of Bollywood dreams

CST in Mumbai glittering with night lights

Why Maharashtra?

Because for most of the Indians, Maharashtra is synonymous to Mumbai- the Bollywood city of India. Bustling with the crowd and sprawling lanes, Maharashtra has plenty of awesomeness to offer to its visitors.

From the British-made stone arch at Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea; from the Hindu shrines and ashrams in Pune to the Buddhist cave shrines and nature's perfect escapade of Lonavala; from the fascinating Ellora Caves to the honeymooner’s favorite Khandala - Maharashtra has  all. This is a must-visit State when you are planning a trip to India.

Don’t miss these places:  Panchgani, Shirdi, Siddhivinayak Temple at Mumbai, Jalgaon, Satara, Bapu Kuti at Sevagramin Nagpur, Aga Khan Palace at Pune and Panchvati

Things to do: Savor the marvel of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Kayaking experience at Chowpati, take a tour of slums in Dharavi the biggest slums in India, spend monsoon amid the lush green environs of Mahabaleshwar and spend time with your beloved one at Marine Drive in Mumbai.

6. Telangana: Upcoming attraction for tourists

Bhadrakali Temple at Warangal

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Why Telangana?

Because it is the cultural heritage and historical significance of Telangana that puts it among the most explored states in India despite the fact that it’s only 2 years old (since it was founded in 2014). If the rich heritages from medieval age and ages before are anything less, the rich biodiversity and geographical features make it a must-explore place for the travel enthusiasts.

Don’t miss these places: Osman Sagar Lake at Hyderabad, Botanical Garden at Madhapur, Ramoji Film City at Hyderabad, Nagarjunasagar Dam- the largest project initiated by India during Green Revolution, the ancient city of Gulbarga and Mahabubnagar.

Things to do: Boating in Hussain Sagar Lake, a tour to Thousand Pillar Temple at Warangal, trekking, bird watching and sightseeing in Guntur, take a tour to Kuntala Waterfall- the highest waterfall of Telangana, explore the rich flora and fauna of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary and rock paintings of Medak-straight from the Neolithic era.

7. Madhya Pradesh: Witness the medieval charm of India

Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Why Madhya Pradesh?

Because it’s a city with preserved remnants that give a glimpse of the glorious past. Be it the great Sanchi Stupa depicting Buddhist art and architecture or the Khajuraho group of temples that portrays quintessential love making, compassion and worship; all at one place, Madhya Pradesh has it all.

Moreover, this State has plenty of natural escapades than you could even think of. High time you plan a trip to the crowned state of the Central India.

Don’t miss these places: Sanchi Stupa, Bandhavgarh National Park, Khajuraho group of temples, Pachmarhi, Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain, Satpura National Park, Ujjain- the temple town and Man Singh Palace.

Things to do: Watch sunset over beautiful Betwa River, explore the marble rocks of Bhedaghat, plan a day out at Dhuandhar Falls at Bhedaghat, relish the cave paintings of Bhimbetka Caves, buy Maheshwari sarees and other handloom items and explore the neat and clean ghats.

8. West Bengal: The seat of colonial regalia

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Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata

Why West Bengal?

Because West Bengal is the only State with splendid geographical features that stretches from the great Himalayas to the vast Bay of Bengal. Add the rich cultural diversity and ancient marvels and you have West Bengal- the proud bearer of Kolkata, where the best of India can be relished even today.

Don’t miss these places: Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Howrah Bridge at Howrah, Belur Math shrine, Victoria Memorial Hall at Kolkata, Barrackpore, British Raj buildings in Kolkata and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Things to do: Paragliding, river rafting, take a toy train ride, explore tea estates, catch the enchanting view of Kanchenjunga Mountain and explore the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve.

9. Gujarat: Home to the king of jungle

Asiatic lion couple in one of the national parks in Gujarat

Why Gujarat?

Because the most important seaport of medieval era belongs to Gujarat. The state is historically as well as culturally diverse and houses some of the most sought after ancient marvels. To top it all, lions of Gir add a kingly demeanor to state’s name. Gujarat has everything that makes it one of the most visited states of India.

Don’t miss these places: Sabarmati Ashram, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, the great Rann of Kutch, Junagarh, Rani ka Vav at Patan, Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple and Dwarka.

Things to do: Eat delectable food at Sindhi Bazaar and Osho Restaurant, explore the ancient city of Lothal, visit Kankaria Lake- the most popular picnic spot in the town, Stepwell- the marvel built by the Solankis and take Ahmedabad Heritage Walk- a walk through the serpentine and crammed alleys of Ahmedabad.

10. Rajasthan: State that displays rich culture of India

Mahrangarh Fort in Rajasthan

Why Rajasthan?

Because the State of Forts is also a perfect confluence of tradition, culture, rich heritage and astounding hospitality. Rajasthan breathes royalty which is eminent in its air. From desert to oasis and from the rich biodiversity of Ranthambore National Park to the imposing walled cities, Rajasthan is a traveler’s delight.

Don’t miss these places: Visit Ajmer Sharif Mosque at Ajmer, Lake Palace city of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Brahma’s lonely temple at Pushkar, Mount Abu and Havelis and Desert safaris at Jaisalmer.

Things to do: Watch a movie at Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur, test your nerves; visit most haunted palace at Bhangarh, attend Pushkar Camel Fair, shop at Sadar Bazaar in Jaipur, hot air ballooning at Pushkar and Jaipur, try Chave Lassi- the most popular in Rajasthan (don’t get fooled by the fake ones, original one reads shop no- 312), take zip lining and flying fox at Mehrangarh Fort

Savor some exciting moments with your family; book a family package for yourself from a wide range of customizable tour packages.

The endearing aura and diverse culture of India projects it as a major prospect for globetrotters which is only going to increase with the passage of time. Go ahead and experience its vividness!