India is one of those places people tend to feel strongly about. You either fall for it or you do not. I absolutely love it. It is an extraordinary country to photograph, where people, animals and architecture all seem naturally photogenic without trying too hard. For many photography lovers, traveling through India feels like a daily celebration of color, movement and life. Especially in North India, you find yourself constantly reaching for your camera, afraid to miss even a single moment.
Being there feels like stepping into a completely different world, almost as if you have traveled back several decades in time. More than once, it feels like you have wandered onto a movie set. Streets are filled with chaotic traffic flowing in every direction while cows stroll through it all, casually bringing everything to a standstill. Rickshaws, tuk tuks, ox carts, motorbikes and cars move side by side in one tangled stream. It is pure chaos, and at the same time endlessly fascinating.
Read this article in Dutch6 must-see sights in North India
You can imagine it takes a little time to get used to India. Many trips through North India begin in Delhi, where you might plan to ease into the country. Whether that actually works is another question. Delhi is hectic, crowded, hot and overwhelming. Everything feels intense from the moment you arrive. Still, I do not think you should skip the city when exploring North India. It can be a smart choice to save Delhi for the end of your trip, just before flying home. By then you are more used to the heat, the constant buzz and the practical realities of traveling in India. Things that felt overpowering at first suddenly seem more manageable. That is why I recommend starting your journey through North India in other beautiful places first. Which ones? These are six must see sights in North India.
Orchha, city of the Chhatris
Orchha is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a well known stop on many itineraries yet compared to other popular destinations it still feels surprisingly calm. The main sights in Orchha include the palace complex known as Orchha Fort, the Ram Raja Temple and the Orchha Chhatris lining the banks of the Betwa River.
Orchha is a relatively small town, founded in 1501, with a population of around ten thousand people in the early 2000s. When we arrive, the town welcomes us with lively celebrations. People are dancing and singing and before we realize it we are pulled straight into the festivities, happily joining in. Later, once we manage to step away from the dancing crowd, we wander through the colorful market in front of the Ram Raja Temple. Stalls are piled high with bright tika powders and the explosion of color is an absolute joy to see.
Varanasi, pilgrimage city of Hinduism
A city you simply cannot skip when traveling through North India is Varanasi, also known as Benares. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, it is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that reaches back at least 2,700 years. Varanasi is one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage destinations, alongside Bodhgaya, Puri and Ujjain, and it draws millions of visitors every year.
People come here to cremate loved ones, to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River, or to witness ancient rituals taking place along the ghats. A visit to Varanasi is an experience you will never forget. The impressions can feel overwhelming and there is so much happening at once, but that intensity is exactly what makes the city so powerful. It is confronting, moving and deeply fascinating, and absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.
Be sure to take a boat trip on the Ganges River, as it offers a unique view of the many different ghats lining the riverbank. From the water, the scale and variety of these riverfront steps really come into focus. Manikarnika Ghat, the largest cremation site in Varanasi, is often the most striking to see from a boat. It is an intense experience, and one that asks you to be mentally prepared. After cremations, the remains of the deceased are scattered in the river. In principle this should be only ashes, but wood is expensive and some families cannot afford enough for a complete cremation. As a result, not everything always burns fully. Certain parts of the human body are also more difficult to cremate, such as a man’s chest or a woman’s hips.
Not everyone is cremated. Pregnant women, unmarried women, sadhus, people who have died from snake bites and children under the age of ten traditionally receive a water burial. Their bodies are weighted and placed in the river. Families who cannot afford the roughly forty dollars required for a cremation may also choose this option. From time to time, something may resurface, and there is a real chance you will encounter this during your boat trip. It is confronting, and it is important to be aware of this before you go.
Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan
When reading about the sights in North India and browsing photos, you have probably come across Jaipur, often called the Pink City. Jaipur is one of the major highlights of the state of Rajasthan, thanks in part to its many rose colored buildings that give the city its distinctive look. One of Jaipur’s most famous landmarks is the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. The facade is filled with hundreds of small windows designed to let air circulate and keep the interior cool. From behind these screens, the Maharaja’s wives were able to watch daily life on the streets below without being seen themselves.
Another place you should not miss is Amber Fort, sometimes referred to as Fort Amer. Built in 1592, the complex is vast, with elegant gardens and no fewer than five large courtyards to explore. In 2013, Amber Fort was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, a reflection of its historical and architectural importance.
Avoid contributing to animal suffering and do not ride an elephant up to the entrance of Amber Fort. You may hear stories from touts about new rules that supposedly make elephant rides acceptable. While it is true that elephants are now limited to carrying two people uphill a maximum of five times a day, that does not make the practice humane. As long as visitors continue to participate, nothing will change. It is worth thinking twice and choosing a more responsible way to visit.
Agra, Taj Mahal
My absolute number one place to visit during my trip through India was the Taj Mahal. As a child, I already dreamed of seeing this monument one day. When we played the board game Hotel, I always did everything I could to claim the Taj Mahal card. Seeing it in real life did not disappoint. Standing there for the first time, it truly feels extraordinary. The white marble mausoleum in Agra, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, was commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife, who died during childbirth in 1631. Construction took nearly twenty years to complete.
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfect symmetry, the intricate Quranic calligraphy decorating its walls and the countless refined details you notice the longer you look. It rightfully earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List and in 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Even with all its fame, the monument still manages to feel deeply personal when you finally see it for yourself.
During your visit, be sure to explore the surrounding buildings as well. These structures are rich in detail and offer beautiful, slightly different perspectives of the Taj Mahal itself. For me, the Taj Mahal is an essential stop and an unquestionable highlight on any list of must see sights in North India.
The erotic temples of Khajuraho
Khajuraho is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is best known for its temples adorned with erotic sculptures inspired by the Kamasutra. These remarkable temples were built around the year 1000 during the reign of the Chandella dynasty. At the time, Khajuraho was an important cultural and religious center, and the temples reflected a worldview in which spirituality and physicality were closely intertwined.
When the heart of the kingdom shifted elsewhere around 1200, the temples were gradually abandoned. Over time, the original complex of around eighty temples fell into ruin and was eventually swallowed by the surrounding jungle. It was not until the nineteenth century that they were rediscovered by British surveyors. Today, roughly twenty temples remain in good condition, offering a fascinating glimpse into a period of Indian history where art, religion and everyday life were expressed with striking openness.
Searching for tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Rajasthan, roughly between Delhi and Jaipur. Covering an area of about 866 square kilometers, the region was once used as a hunting ground before being designated a wildlife reserve in 1955. For many years, Sariska was known for its tiger population. Around 2004, however, sightings stopped altogether and it became clear that the tigers had disappeared.
In recent years, tigers have been reintroduced to the reserve and appear to be breeding successfully. A count in October 2018 recorded eighteen tigers living in the area, including five cubs. While this does not guarantee a sighting, it does show that Sariska is once again functioning as a protected habitat for these animals.
If you are traveling through North India and want to add a wildlife experience to your trip, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a rewarding place to visit. The chances of actually spotting a tiger are relatively small, but luck does play a role and some visitors do get lucky. Beyond tigers, the reserve is home to leopards, we were fortunate enough to see one, as well as hyenas, jackals, several species of deer, antelopes, wild boars and monkeys. Bird lovers will also find plenty to enjoy here, with sightings of eagles, kingfishers, peacocks, partridges, quails and owls.
Applying for an electronic visa for India
When traveling to India, you need a visa. Since 2015, it has been possible to apply online for what is known as an e visa. This has made the process much easier for travelers who want to arrange everything in advance. With an e visa, you are allowed to stay in India for up to sixty days. This rule applies to both adults and children, even if children are listed in a parent’s passport.
When applying for an e visa, it is important to check your passport validity carefully. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival date in India. Taking care of this ahead of time will help ensure a smooth entry and save you unnecessary stress at the start of your trip.
