Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, India is an Asian country with an incredible array of natural beauty to explore. From the snow-covered mountains in the north to the rainforested evergreen forests in the south, this country covers it all. The country is home to one-sixth of all species on Earth and has varied landscapes, flora, and fauna that make it a top destination for tourists. Here are ten must-sees while you're visiting India.

1.) Taj Mahal – Agra. The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a monument for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth. The mausoleum is located on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. The building is made from white marble and decorated with precious stones and gems. It is recognized by its dome and minarets that reflect Islamic architecture, and it took about 20 years to build. 

2.) Goa has some of the most beautiful beaches, including Baga Beach and Calangute Beach. Visitors flock to these areas to enjoy a range of water activities from swimming to jet skiing, as well as shopping and dining. Portuguese colonists ruled the state of Goa on India's west coast for four centuries until 1961, when it became an Indian state. This unique cultural heritage evident in its temples and colonial architecture makes Goa one of the most vibrant tourist spots in all of India. Discover ancient temples like the Shanta Durga Temple, home to a silver elephant statue worshiped since the 800s CE.

3.) ​Rajasthan is one of the most ancient states of India and has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. The state is known for its historical monuments, art, culture, and more. Its popular destinations include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Fatehpur Sikri. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the grand palaces and forts that have been built by kings and queens of the state centuries ago. It offers a very different experience for tourists who come here because the state has preserved its rich history so well. The state has managed to keep itself away from modernity so far, making it stand out among other destinations in India.

4.) Kerala is famous for its backwaters and lush landscapes. You can take a houseboat tour through Kerala's network of canals and explore different villages and wildlife sanctuaries.

5.) Varanasi is one of Hinduism's holiest cities. It is a city built on three sides of a river. Hindus from all over come here to die because it is believed that dying in Varanasi can get you closer to God. The cremation ghats along the Ganges River are a very popular tourist attraction and religious sites like the Sarnath Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka almost 2000 years ago.

6.) Delhi. The capital city has much more than just a massive population and traffic jams going for it. It has many unique attractions that make it stand out from other cities in India. The Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and is a beautiful place where people gather to mourn and remember his life, as well as learn more about his teachings. The Qutub Minar is a 72-meter monument that Qutub-ud-din Aibak built in 1199 and is one of the most iconic buildings in Delhi.

7.) Galle is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka and offers gorgeous sights of both natural beauty and historical significance. The famous fortress at Galle Fort is undoubtedly worth visiting and the nearby beaches. For those who want to see animals in their natural habitat, there are many opportunities to see elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and birds throughout Galle.

8.) Mumbai is a megacity that has been growing rapidly over recent years thanks to industries like finance, entertainment, tourism, and IT services. It is known for being an international city with an ever-evolving culture. Visit Haji Ali Dargah to witness one of India's most famous mosques; Gateway of India to see one of Mumbai's most famous landmarks.

9.) Amritsar. This northern city is home to the Golden Temple, a Sikh religious site attracting tourists and pilgrims. The city is also home to India's best shopping, including traditional saris and other cloth products. Amritsar is also known for its food, including the famous Tandoori Chicken and butter chicken.

10.) Chennai - India's sixth-largest city is also one of its fastest-growing. Chennai is in an unparalleled position to offer visitors a balance between tradition and modernity as it develops and grows. The Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach, Elliot's Beach, and Fort St. George are many things to see here.

India is a land of diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds—and each of these is reflected in the many incredible places that make up this beautiful country. Whether you're a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the culture or just looking for a fun new place to visit while you're on vacation, there's no better place than India to satisfy your wanderlust. 

Adventure Life offers India vacation packages for anybody interested in visiting the country, from family cruises to solo tours.