Dubai has reigned as the premier destination for Americans traveling to India. From the luxury accommodations to the eastern charms, the city continues to attract visitors as it employs tourism to enhance its landscape. According to the Dubai Media Office, 14.4 million international travelers visited the city in 2022.
While Dubai is a unique and beautiful city, it’s not the only thing India has to offer. There are a lot of underrated destinations within the country guaranteed to fuel your cultural and travel curiosities. Here are five hidden cities in India to visit besides Dubai.
Srinagar
Srinagar is an ancient city in India with structures dating back centuries. The city has bountiful gardens. There’s an explosion of beauty in gardens around the city.
For those visiting between mid-March and May, be sure to check out the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. The tulip display is compared to the ones in Amsterdam. Once you’ve had your share of nature’s delight, head into town for some Srinagar street food.
For the travel historians, the Shankaracharya Temple sits above the Dal Lake. Previously known as the Throne of Solomon, this temple dates back to the 5th century. One of many ancient relics in Srinagar, this city has a historic charm surrounded by smaller towns and villages.
Auli of Uttarakhand
Auli of Uttarakhand is India’s top skiing destination. People are taking to the slopes and catching high speeds down some of the country’s most beautiful peaks. During the winter months, Auli of Uttarakhand hosts a variety of skiing events and classes.
Snow-capped mountains aren’t the only thing the town has to offer. Panoramic views of India can be seen from atop Nanda Devi. Tourists can check out the Valley of Flowers National Park and the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, a holy pilgrimage site. Auli of Uttarakhand is like a picture out of a fairy tale book and an excellent destination when traveling to India.
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital of India. Many travelers overlook the capital; however, the heart of India dwells here in a city settled over 2000 years ago.
Many travelers suggest exploring the city by bus tour. These tours will allow you to see history monuments, like Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort and the India Gate. Surround yourself with nature, butterflies and Mughal monuments at the Sunder Nursery. Art lovers will love the dose of Indian culture and creativity at the National Museum. There’s plenty of exquisite cuisine to try around the city from fine dining to street fare.
Mumbai
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai has a lot to offer travelers visiting India. More than 12 million people call the city home, and it’s the country’s entertainment center. Bollywood is on full display in Mumbai and the creme de la creme of India work and play here.
Due to its fluctuating weather, many say the best time to visit the city is between October and February. Similar to the rest of India, Mumbai has plenty of centuries-old temples, national parks and monuments to explore. There are movie studios, the Rajabai Tower, EsselWorld Amusement Park, and more for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Rajasthan
The Indian state of Rajasthan is a majestic place with a ton of cities and towns to explore. It has amazing palaces and castles built centuries ago. Visitors can see the Jal Mahal in Jaipur, check out the City of Lakes Udaipur or enjoy beautiful sunsets in the religious city of Pushkar.
