8 Tourist Circuits Of India To Witness The Wonders Of This Diverse Nation!

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.

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

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. From mighty forts to grand palaces, these cities have all that you need to 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

Must Read: Let The “Royal Rajasthan On Wheels” Give You The Ride Of A Lifetime

3. The Himachal Circuit

Shimla→Kullu→Manali→Dalhousie→Dharamshala

This Himachal 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:

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

4. The Wildlife Circuit

Kanha National Park→Bandhavgarh

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 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

Suggested Read: 18 Places You Need To Visit For The Best Wildlife Experience In India

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 all about 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

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. 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. 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

Suggested Read: 25 Mesmerizing Hill Stations In South India That Are A Must Visit In 2022

7. The Buddhist Tourist Circuit

Lumbini→Bodhgaya→Sarnath→Kushinagar

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. 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

8. 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 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: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit In 2022



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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