8 Tourist Circuits of India
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. 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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The Golden Triangle (Delhi→Jaipur→Agra)
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
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.
The highlights of the circuit:
Delhi: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and Chandani Chowk.
Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort.
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The Desert Circuit (Jodhpur→Bikaner→Jaisalmer)
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-7 days
It is the most popular and scenic tourist circuits in Rajasthan. This journey gives tourists an opportunity to explore the three marvellous cities of Rajasthan
The highlights of the circuit:
Jodhpur: Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, and Balsamand Lake.
Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Bikaji Ki Tekri, Prachina Museum, and Bhandasar Jain Temple.
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
This circuit gives you enough 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:
Shimla: Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Himalayan Nature Park, and Chadwick Falls.
Kullu & Manali: Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Great Himalayan National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, and Jogini Falls.
Dalhousie: Khajjiar Lake, Bhuri Singh Museum, Dainkund Peak, St. Francis’ Church, and Chamera Lake.
Dharmshala: Dal Lake, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Kareri Lake, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsunag Waterfall, and Triund.
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The Wildlife Circuit (Kanha National Park→Bandhavgarh)
Days needed to cover the circuit: 4-5 days
This wildlife circuit is one of the most thrilling tourist circuits of India right now. This 5-night-6-day trip covers Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Park in MP and 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 Bandhavgarh, where one can spot Bengal Tiger, White Boar, Leopards, Chinkara etc.
The highlights of the circuit:
Kanha National Park: Mukki Gate, Kanha Museum, Chilpi Range.
Bandhavgarh: Baghel Museum, Village Tala, Mahaman Pond, Chimber’s Point, Three Cave Point, and Badi Gufa.
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The Nilgiri Circuit (Bangalore→Mysore→Ooty)
Days needed to cover the circuit:5-7 days
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 all about the incredible nightlife of Bangalore, the royal vibes of Mysore, and the divine beauty of Ooty.
The highlights of the circuit:
Bangalore: Lal Bagh, Bannerghatta National Park, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore, Devanahalli Fort.
Mysore: Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, Folk Lore Museum Mysore, Melody World Wax Museum, Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena’s Cathedral.
Ooty: Doddabetta, Government Rose Garden, Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, and St. Stephen’s Church.
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The Backwaters Circuit (Kochi→Alleppey→Kumarakom)
Days needed to cover the circuit: 5-6 days
The backwaters circuit is a chain of brackish lagoons, canals, and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea. This network of 1500 km of natural and manmade canals, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extend from one corner of Kerala to the other.
The highlights of the circuit:
Kochi: Fort Kochi, Bolghatty & Vypeen Islands, Cherai & Vypeen beach, Marine Drive, and the backwaters.
Alleppey: Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island, Kuttanad Backwaters, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, and Vembanad Lake.
Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom Backwaters, Kottayam, Vegamon, and Pathiramanal Island.
Days needed to cover the circuit:15-20 days
The Buddhist travel circuit in India 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.
The highlights of the circuit:
Lumbini: Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Monastic Site, Royal Thai Monastery, Dae Sung Shakya, Myanmar Golden Monastery, and Kundan Stupa.
Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple, The Great Buddha Statue, Metta Buddharam Temple, and Root Institute for Wisdom Culture.
Sarnath: Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tibetan Temple, Sarnath Temple, Japanese Temple, and Wat Thai Sarnath Temple.
Kushinagar: Matha Kuar Shrine, Parinirvana Stupa, and Chinese Temple.
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The Chota Char Dham Circuit (Badrinath→Kedarnath→Gangotri→Yamunotri)
An important Hindu pilgrimage circuit, it comprises of four most holy sites of Uttarakhand. All these places have their own individual history that makes them sacred.
The highlights of the circuit:
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Badrinath: Badrinath Temple, Bheem Pul, and Vyas Gufa.
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Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple.
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Gangotri: Gangotri Temple and Surya Kund.
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Yamunotri: Yamunotri Temple, Sita Ram Lakshman Hanuman mandir, Birla Ashram, Narayan Temple, and Aravind Ashram.