6 Must-Visit Gems of India

Most folks who travel to India are unable to spend more than 2-3 weeks on the trip. Fortunately for me, I was able to spend 6 months in India, studying at a University in Hyderabad during the weekdays and traveling from coast to coast during the weekends. So if you're planning on going to India and only have 2-3 weeks of vacation time, see my recommendations below for areas of India that you really can't miss.

1) Jaipur

Jaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan in Western India. Jaipur is famous for grand and glorious Rajput palaces which were built in the 18th Century. Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" because the old buildings in part of the city are all pink. In Jaipur you should definitely see the Hawa Mahal which is a palace built in the late 1700s. You can climb the stairs inside of the Hawa Mahal and peer outside into the street like ladies of the palace would do without being seen. Also make sure to spend a day looking through the Amber and Jaigarh Forts in Jaipur.

2) Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a must-see for all animal lovers. The park, a World Heritage Site, is about 150 square miles and contains 75% of the world's great One Horned Rhinoceroses. It is also a tiger reserve and contains many wild elephants, buffalo, boars, and deer. When you visit you can opt to take an elephant ride through the park itself where you will see lots of different animals up close, or you can choose to take a ride in a jeep over the outskirts of the park. I opted to do both and I got to see tons of different animals up close.

3) Madurai

Madurai is a large temple city in Tamil Nadu, southern India. Madurai has one of the most magnificent and lively temples in India. Built in the 1600s, the temple at Madurai is a must-see for all tourists in India. There you will see incredibly active and lively worshippers doing puja, singing songs, and giving gifts to the gods. Not only is the scene inside amazing, the outside architecture is awe-inspiring.

4) Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a site dating from the 7th century in the state of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. An amazing historic site, it consists of cave temples and incredible sculptures that depict Hindu mythology. You will be amazed at the carvings and temples at Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamalapuram.

5) Taj Mahal, Agra

Anyone reading this guide would have a fit if I did not include the great Taj Mahal in Agra, Northern India. While no words can describe this beautiful mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s. The Taj Mahal is definitely a must-see for architects and romantics alike.

6) The Golden Temple at Amritsar

By far, my favorite tourist attraction in my 6 months in India was the Golden Temple, a Sikh place of worship in Amritsar, Punjab (Northern India). The Golden Temple was built in the 1500s. Gold plates cover the temple which is situated in the middle of a small lake. While the outside of the temple is magnificently beautiful, the inside is also grand. If you go inside, you can sit for a while and enjoy the singing of the worshippers. On the temple premises is also a vast kitchen and dining hall where everyone, of any religion, can receive a free meal. Fresh chapattis from a massive chapatti machine are served with delicious dal.