Welcome to India, one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse travel destinations. From the bustling streets of Mumbai and Kolkata, to historic forts in Rajasthan. From vibrant bazaars in Delhi to quiet villages in Himachal Pradesh and Odisha. Steeped in history and culture, while confidently embracing the 21st century, India is a country that can be explored for years, and will surprise you at every corner.

I traveled through India on three different trips, and in this video I will share with you my personal top 10 places to visit in this magnificent country. The footage in this mini documentary was mostly shot in 2014, and can function as a travel guide.

For other travel videos in the same Top 10 format, click here:

Top 10 Places in Shanghai: https://youtu.be/E-t59SPeFaw
Top 10 Places in China: https://youtu.be/hbgo66q1s9o
Top 10 Places on Java, Indonesia: https://youtu.be/XCN481gxmoY
Top 10 Places in Central Asia: https://youtu.be/ZC8OkVxbxh4
Top 10 Villages in China: https://youtu.be/88qRfULn4Uw

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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media

Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We begin this journey in Amritsar, and more specifically in the mesmerizing Golden Temple. Located in the spiritual heartland of the Sikh community, this is one of India’s most famous icons. The nearby kitchen is also very interesting to visit, and don’t miss the Wagah border ceremony, where soldiers from both India and Pakistan perform an entertaining border closing show.

Rajasthan is a beautiful province that can be explored for weeks, with stunning hilltop forts and royal palaces, in places like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Jaipur. The bazaars and street markets, where many people do their (grocery) shopping, are also a joy to explore. After Rajasthan, we travel to Agra, to visit India’s tourism symbol, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.

Mumbai is one of India’s most dynamic and interesting cities. Often considered as the commercial capital of the country, the city bursts with energy and creativity. While there are many impressive buildings to admire (mosques, temples, colonial architecture), it’s the city’s atmosphere that really draws tourists and travelers to Mumbai.

Tamil Nadu is a distinctly different province from many others places in India, and is characterized by charming coastal villages, pilgrimage sites, and beautiful Hindu temples. The South Indian food is also delicious, and shouldn’t be missed. We travel onwards to Kolkata, thought of as a intellectual and cultural powerhouse. It’s a lively city, with stunning architecture, beautiful (flower) markets, and also modern shopping malls. Other places to visit are the British colonial Victoria Memorial, the horse racing tracks, and many parks where people play cricket all day long.

Dharamsala (or McLeod Ganj) is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, and almost feels like a Little Tibet. This is where the Dalai Lama lives, and many monks and pilgrims regularly visit. Hyderabad, in central India, is an IT hub like Bangalore, and provides a great insight in the country’s growing digital economy.

Delhi is the political capital, and really a destination in itself. It’s a major business and transport hub and attracts people from all over India to work, study, and live. We finish this journey in Odisha province, an often overlooked region that boasts some of India’s most beautiful temple complexes, a welcoming attitude, and a relaxed beach vibe.