India’s diversity and the depth of its culture can be seen in its religions, landscapes, art, food, and tourist places. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Bengal, each state of this great nation has something unique and mysterious that attract people from the east, west, north, and south corner of the world. While it is true that one can’t cover the entire nation in a few days or months, these popular tourist circuits of India give tourists an incredible opportunity to lose themselves in the vastness of this country.
1. The Golden Triangle
Delhi→Jaipur→Agra
Creating an almost-equilateral triangle, the route between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is known as ‘The Golden Triangle’. Starting from Delhi, crossing Uttar Pradesh, and finally entering Rajasthan, this one is the most well-trodden tourist circuits of India. These iconic cities will offers the diverse culture, Mughal architecture, bustling nightlife, and not to mention the world’s famous UNESCO heritage site, Taj Mahal in Agra during the excursion which makes it one of major tourist circuits of India.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Delhi: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and Chandani Chowk
ii. Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri
iii. Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
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Must Read: Let The “Royal Rajasthan On Wheels” Give You The Ride Of A Lifetime
2. The Desert Circuit
Jodhpur→Bikaner→Jaisalmer
The desert circuit of India is among the most popular and scenic tourist circuits in Rajasthan. This journey gives tourists an opportunity to explore the three marvelous cities of Rajasthan. It is an amazing tourism circuit in India where you can unveil the historic forts and grand palaces of the cities that will make your voyage exciting.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Jodhpur: Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, and Balsamand Lake
ii. Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Bikaji Ki Tekri, Prachina Museum, and Bhandasar Jain Temple
iii. Jaisalmer: The Great Indian Desert, Jaisalmer Fort, Patwaon-Ki-Haveli, Gadisar Lake, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
3. The Himachal Circuit
Shimla→Kullu→Manali→Dalhousie→Dharamshala
This Himanchal circuit is a pleasant tourism circuit in India that gives you an opportunities to witness the beauty of the mighty snow-clad Himalayas, the vibrant and scenic villages, and a fine mixture of cultures and different ethnic groups that are capable of living in harmony with others.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Shimla: Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Himalayan Nature Park, and Chadwick Falls
ii. Kullu & Manali: Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Great Himalayan National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, and Jogini Falls
iii. Dalhousie: Khajjiar Lake, Bhuri Singh Museum, Dainkund Peak, St. Francis’ Church, and Chamera Lake
iv. Dharmshala: Dal Lake, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Kareri Lake, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsunag Waterfall, and Triund
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
Suggested Read: 18 Places You Need To Visit For The Best Wildlife Experience In India
4. The Wildlife Circuit
Kanha National Park→Bandhavgarh
This wildlife circuit is one of the most thrilling tourist circuits in India right now. This 5-night-6-day trip covers Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park in MP and also includes Dhuadhar Falls and Jabalpur, which is an ancient city on the shores of Narmada river. The highlight of this entire circuit is a thrilling safari through the dense forests of Kanha National Park and Bandhavrgarh, where one can spot Bengal Tiger, White Boar, Leopards, Chinkara etc.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Kanha National Park: Mukki Gate, Kanha Museum, Chilpi Range
ii. Bandhavgarh: Baghel Museum, Village Tala, Mahaman Pond, Chimber’s Point, Three Cave Point, and Badi Gufa.
Days needed to cover the circuit: 3-4 days
5. The Nilgiri Circuit
Bangalore→Mysore→Ooty
Among the most spectacular mountain trails of India, this Nilgiri circuit is a must-do for those who wants to absorb all the greenness, all the charm, and the magic of these wonderful cities and towns. This circuit is one of the exotic tourist circuit in India where you can witness the incredible nightlife of Bangalore, the royal vibes of Mysore, and the divine beauty of Ooty.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Bangalore: Lal Bagh, Bannerghatta National Park, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore, Devanahalli Fort
ii. Mysore: Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, Folk Lore Museum Mysore, Melody World Wax Museum, Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena’s Cathedral
iii. Ooty: Doddabetta, Government Rose Garden, Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, and St. Stephen’s Church
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
Suggested Read: 25 Mesmerizing Hill Stations In South India That Are A Must Visit
6. The Backwaters Circuit
Kochi→Alleppey→Kumarakom
The backwaters circuit is a chain of brackish lagoons, canals, and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea. It is one of the unique tourism circuits in India covers an area of 1500 km and offers natural and man-made canals, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extend from one corner of Kerala to the other. This absolutely serene and picturesque journey through the tall pines and mangroves, on a luxurious houseboat is a journey to remember.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Kochi: Fort Kochi, Bolghatty & Vypeen Islands, Cherai & Vypeen beach, Marine Drive, and the backwaters
ii. Alleppey: Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island, Kuttanad Backwaters, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, and Vembanad Lake.
iii. Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom Backwaters, Kottayam, Vegamon, and Pathiramanal Island
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-6 days
7. The Buddhist Tourist Circuit
Lumbini→Bodhgaya→Sarnath→Kushinagar
The Buddhist travel circuit in India is another spiritual tourist circuit in India and is mainly for those who want to take a religious tour and experience Buddha’s life closely. From Lumbini, where Buddha was born, to Bodhgaya, where he attained nirvana, to Sarnath, where Buddha preached, and to Khushinagar where he attained salvation, it takes you through different phases of the lord’s life. Home to monasteries and temples of Buddha, these places are important for Buddhists.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Lumbini: Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Monastic Site, Royal Thai Monastery, Dae Sung Shakya, Myanmar Golden Monastery, and Kundan Stupa
ii. Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple, The Great Buddha Statue, Metta Buddharam Temple, and Root Institute for Wisdom Culture
iii. Sarnath: Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tibetan Temple, Sarnath Temple, Japanese Temple, and Wat Thai Sarnath Temple
iv. Kushinagar: Matha Kuar Shrine, Parinirvana Stupa, and Chinese Temple
Days needed to cover the circuit: 15-20 days
Suggested Read: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit
8. The Chota Char Dham Circuit
Badrinath→Kedarnath→Gangotri→Yamunotri
A religious circuits in India and an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit, it comprises of four most holy sites of Uttarakhand. All these places have there own individual history that makes them sacred. Whether you are religious or not, the mysticism and tranquility of each site will render you speechless. The journey through the treacherous yet scenic trails is sure to offer views that are incredible. This is one of the most popular tourist circuits of India.
The highlights of the circuit:
i. Badrinath: Badrinath Temple, Bheem Pul, and Vyas Gufa
ii. Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple
iii. Gangotri: Gangotri Temple and Surya Kund
iv. Yamunotri: Yamunotri Temple, Sita Ram Lakshman Hanuman mandir, Birla Ashram, Narayan Temple, and Aravind Ashram
Days needed to cover the circuit: 10-12 days
Further Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
From a heritage journey and religious tour to adventure voyage and mountain trails, these tourist circuits of India let you understand this unique nation in a short period of time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Circuits Of India
How many circuits are there in Swadesh Darshan scheme?
There are 15 tourist circuits of India in total under the Swadesh Darshan scheme such as Wildlife, Ramayana, Spiritual, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Coastal, Krishna, Rural, Buddhist, Himalayan, North-eastern, Sufi, Tirthankar, and Tribal. These circuits encompass many cities and budget places in India that you must visit to experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.
What is Ramayana circuit?
Ramayana Circuit is one of the 15 tourist circuits of India that has been identified for development by the government of India under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. The Ramayana circuit encompasses spiritual tourist destinations like Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, and Shringverpur where you can bask in the era of the Ram Rajya.
Which is the no. 1 tourist place in India?
In 2019, Delhi yet again took the coveted spot of the no. 1 tourist place in India. It is thronged by people from far and wide throughout the year. Delhi offers a potpourri of cultural, historical, and gastronomical experiences that are hard to come by anywhere else.
Why is India a famous tourist place?
India is a famous tourist place because it has something for everybody. From wildlife safaris and spiritual pilgrimages to historical places and honeymoon spots, India is a multicultural land and a land of many languages.
Which is India’s most beautiful place?
Some of India’s most beautiful places are, in no particular order, Stok Range in Ladakh, Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, and Hogenakkal Falls in Tamil Nadu.
Is India expensive to visit?
No, in fact, India is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in the world. You can backpack across India for as cheap as INR 100 a day.
Is India safe for tourists?
Although the level of crime is moderate in India, the issue of women’s safety in India keeps coming up in the news. If you’re a solo female traveler, make sure you take the necessary precautions and stay alert at all times.
Which is the most peaceful place in India?
Dehradun and Coorg are the most peaceful places in India by popular vote.
What are the 13 tourist circuits in India?
The 13 Himalayan tourist circuits in India are Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Eco Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Heritage Circuit, North-East Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Tirthankara Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Rural Circuit, Sufi Circuit, and Desert Circuit
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A journalism graduate with a love for reading, writing, and travel, Kiran has trekked through various offbeat paths in the Himalayas. She writes travel stories and indulges in landscape photography every now and then, which, considering where you’re reading this, makes perfect sense.
