Famous Tourist Spots of India | General Awareness & Knowledge - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

India, with its vibrant cultural heritage and varied landscapes, is a prime destination for travelers from around the globe. The tourism industry not only significantly contributes to India's economy but also offers employment to a substantial segment of its population. This guide will take you on a journey through some of the most celebrated tourist spots in India, organized by state.

Discover Tamil Nadu

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai: A renowned ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and vibrant festivals.
• Ooty: Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is famous for its lush greenery, pleasant climate, and charming botanical gardens.
• Mahabalipuram: This coastal town is celebrated for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures, including the Shore Temple.
• Chidambaram: Home to the grand Nataraja Temple, an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva.
• Kanyakumari: The southern tip of India, where you can witness the confluence of three seas and visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
• Yercaud: A tranquil hill station known for its coffee plantations and scenic viewpoints.
• Mudumalai National Park: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to see elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.
• Pondicherry: A former French colony with charming colonial architecture, serene beaches, and vibrant cultural life.
• Thanjavur: Famous for its Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kodaikanal: A picturesque hill station known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and pleasant weather.

Unveil Uttar Pradesh

• Taj Mahal, Agra: An iconic symbol of love, this stunning white marble mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Varanasi: One of the oldest cities in the world, renowned for its ghats along the Ganges River and spiritual significance.
• Mathura: The birthplace of Lord Krishna, featuring important temples and a vibrant local culture.
• Lucknow: Known for its rich Mughal architecture, including the Bara Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza.
• Ayodhya: A city of great religious importance, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama.
• Chitrakoot: Known for its sacred shrines and natural beauty, linked to the epic Ramayana.
• Dudhwa National Park: A protected area known for its diverse wildlife, including the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.
• Jhansi: Historically significant for its fort and its role in the 1857 Rebellion.
• Allahabad: Renowned for the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, and for the Kumbh Mela festival.
• Kanpur: A bustling city with a mix of historical landmarks and modern attractions.

Explore Karnataka

• Bangalore: The tech hub of India, known for its vibrant nightlife, gardens, and numerous parks.
• Mysore: Famous for its royal heritage, including the Mysore Palace and the Dussehra festival.
• Coorg: A coffee-growing region with lush hills, coffee plantations, and scenic landscapes.
• Hampi: An ancient city with impressive ruins and temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Mangalore: A coastal city with beautiful beaches, temples, and a thriving port.
• Chikmagalur: Known for its coffee estates and serene hill stations.
• Bandipur National Park: A wildlife sanctuary with rich biodiversity and the chance to spot tigers and elephants.
• Badami: Famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and cave temples.
• Belur and Halebidu: Noted for their exquisite Hoysala architecture and intricately carved temples.
• Gokarna: A serene coastal town known for its temples and less crowded beaches.

Admire Andhra Pradesh

• Tirupati: An important pilgrimage site home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the richest temples in the world.
• Araku Valley: A picturesque hill station known for its coffee plantations and stunning landscapes.
• Vijayawada: Known for its historic temples, including the Kanaka Durga Temple, and the Prakasam Barrage.
• Borra Caves: Ancient limestone caves featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
• Vizag (Visakhapatnam): A port city with beautiful beaches, including Ramakrishna Beach and Rishikonda Beach.
• Srikalahasti: A town renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant festivals.
• Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: A protected area offering wildlife safaris and beautiful natural surroundings.
• Amaravati: Known for its ancient Buddhist ruins and historical significance.

Marvel at Maharashtra

• Mumbai: India’s bustling financial capital, known for its landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.
• Ajanta and Ellora Caves: Remarkable rock-cut caves famous for their intricate sculptures and paintings.
• Alibaug: A coastal town with pleasant beaches and historic forts.
• Pune: A city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and educational institutions.
• Nashik: Known for its wine industry and the Kumbh Mela festival held every 12 years.
• Tadoba National Park: A prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking tigers and other wildlife.
• Mahabaleshwar: A hill station with beautiful viewpoints, strawberries, and pleasant weather.
• Raigad Fort: A historic fort associated with the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj.
• Lonavala: A hill station famous for its scenic beauty, including waterfalls and lush greenery.

Delight in Delhi

• Red Fort: A historical fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Mughal architecture.
• India Gate: A war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
• Akshardham Temple: A grand temple complex showcasing Indian culture and spirituality.
• Chandni Chowk: A bustling market area known for its traditional shops and street food.
• Lotus Temple: An architectural marvel with a lotus-shaped design, promoting harmony and peace.
• Qutub Minar: A towering minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Qutub Complex.
• Lodhi Gardens: A serene park with historical tombs and lush greenery.
• Humayun's Tomb: A stunning Mughal tomb and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Connaught Place: A major commercial and business district with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Witness West Bengal

• Kolkata: The cultural capital of India, known for its colonial architecture, arts, and vibrant festivals.
• Sundarbans: A unique mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal tiger.
• Darjeeling: Famous for its tea gardens, beautiful views of the Himalayas, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
• Murshidabad: A historic city with rich architectural heritage, including the Hazarduari Palace.
• Bishnupur: Known for its terracotta temples and traditional crafts.
• Jaldapara National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Digha: A popular seaside resort town with pleasant beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Kalimpong: A hill station known for its serene environment and beautiful monasteries.

Revel in Rajasthan

• Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City," with attractions like the Amber Fort and City Palace.
• Udaipur: Famous for its lakes and palaces, including the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
• Jaisalmer: The "Golden City," renowned for its yellow sandstone architecture and the Jaisalmer Fort.
• Jodhpur: Known as the "Blue City," with landmarks like the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
• Ranthambore National Park: A renowned wildlife reserve known for its tigers and natural beauty.
• Pushkar: A sacred town with a significant Brahma Temple and an annual camel fair.
• Chittorgarh: Known for its massive fort and historical significance.
• Bikaner: Famous for its rich cultural heritage and the Junagarh Fort.

Know Kerala

• Munnar: A hill station renowned for its tea plantations, lush green landscapes, and cool climate.
• Kochi: A historic port city with colonial architecture, including the Chinese Fishing Nets and Fort Kochi.
• Alleppey: Known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises through scenic waterways.
• Periyar National Park: A wildlife sanctuary famous for its elephants and beautiful lake.
• Kovalam: A popular beach destination with picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wayanad: A hill district with wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and a tranquil environment.
• Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital with historical landmarks like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Varkala: A coastal town known for its cliffs, beaches, and vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

North-East India: The Unexplored Paradise

• Arunachal Pradesh: Known for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. Key places include Itanagar, Tawang, Bomdila, and Ziro.
• Assam: Famous for its tea gardens and wildlife reserves. Must-see spots include Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, and Manas National Park.
• Tripura: Known for its rich history and culture. Visit Agartala, Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and Unakoti.
• Sikkim: Renowned for its scenic beauty and monasteries. Explore Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake.
• Mizoram: Famous for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture. Visit Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, and Lunglei.
• Nagaland: Known for its cultural heritage and festivals. Key destinations include Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Mon.
• Manipur: Noted for its scenic landscapes and cultural richness. Explore Imphal, Loktak Lake, Moreh, and Ukhrul.
• Meghalaya: Famous for its stunning waterfalls and caves. Visit Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, and Jowai.