View source for Tourism in India by state

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[[File:India-map-od.svg|thumb|[[States and union territories of India|States]] and Union territories of India with their capital cities.]]
'''[[Tourism in India]]''' is economically important and ever-growing{{cn|date=September 2024}}. The [[World Travel and Tourism Council|World Travel & Tourism Council]] calculated that tourism generated {{INRConvert|14.02|lc}} or 9.6% of the nation's GDP in 2016 and supported 40.343 million jobs, 9.3% of its total employment. The sector is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6.8% to {{INRConvert|28.49|lc}} by 2027 (10% of GDP).<ref>{{cite web|title=Travelling in Tourism Economic Impact 2017 India|url=https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2017/india2017.pdf|publisher=[[World Travel and Tourism Council]]|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> 
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==Andaman and Nicobar Island==
{{main|Tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands}}

Tourism is the major revenue generating industry in [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]. According to official estimates, the flow of tourists in the Andaman and Nicobar Island was tripled in 2016–17 to 430,000 from 130,000 in 2008–09. 
* Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an [[archipelago]] of 572 tropical islands, of which only 37 are inhabited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theindianpanorama.com/travel-news/andaman-nicobar-islands-28207.html |title=ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS - Incredible India &#124; Travel on The Indian Panorama |publisher=Theindianpanorama.com |access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?article_id=2481 |title=Andaman-Nicobar Islands - An Unending Delight |publisher=Daijiworld |date=23 July 2015 |access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref>
* Radhanagar beach at [[Havelock Island]] was bestowed with the title of ‘Asia’s Best Beach’ in 2004 by ''TIME'' magazine. It is also listed as world's 7th most spectacular beach in the world on ''[[Time magazine|Time]]''{{'}}s list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/andamans-havelock-island-the-picturesque-coral-reefs-are-a-haven-for-divers-to-explore-the-beauty-of-aquatic-life/articleshow/48127479.cms |title=Andaman's Havelock Island: The picturesque coral reefs are a haven for divers to explore the beauty of aquatic life |work=The Economic Times |date=2015-07-19 |access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="bp1">{{cite web|title=How Andaman & Nicobar can fully capitalize its Tourism Potential?|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/how-andaman-nicobar-can-fully-capitalize-its-tourist-potential/ |work=IANS |publisher=news.biharprabha.com |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref> 
* [[Barren Island (Andaman Islands)|Barren Island]] which is about 135&nbsp;km (84&nbsp;mi) north-east of the territory's capital, [[Port Blair]], is the only confirmed [[active volcano]] in [[South Asia]].<ref name="si">{{cite web|url=http://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=260010|publisher=volcano.si.edu|title=Global Volcanism Program &#124; Barren Island|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref> 
* Historic [[Cellular Jail]] in [[Port Blair]] was used by the [[British Empire|British]] to [[exile]] [[political prisoners]] during the [[Indian independence movement|struggle for India's independence]] to the remote [[archipelago]]. Presently, the jail complex serves as a national memorial monument.<ref name="ACJ.org">[http://www.andamancellularjail.org/History.htm##Link2 History of Andaman Cellular Jail: Recapture of Andaman Islands to keep Political Prisoners]. AndamanCellularJail.org. Retrieved 6 August 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829191440/http://www.andamancellularjail.org/History.htm#Link2 |date=29 August 2011 }}</ref>

<gallery mode="nolines" widths="150px" class="center">
File:Havelock Island by Vikramjit Kakati.jpg|[[Havelock Island]]
File:Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar.JPG|Historic [[Cellular Jail]] in [[Port Blair]]
File:Andaman ross is.jpg|One view of [[Ross Island (Andaman)]]
File:Narcondam island.jpg|[[Narcondam Island]], a [[volcanic island]]
</gallery>

==Andhra Pradesh==
{{Main|Tourism in Andhra Pradesh}}
[[File:Amaravati Stupa in AP W IMG 8075.jpg|thumb|200px|Amaravati Stupa, an important Buddhist site in South India, the antiquity of Amaravati dates back to 500&nbsp; BCE. The stupa was then adorned with limestone reliefs and free-standing Buddha figures]]
[[File:Tirumala Venkateswara temple entrance 09062015.JPG|thumb|200px|A View of [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirumala Venkateswara Temple]]]]
[[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|200px|Rushikonda beach, Visakhapatnam]]
[[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|200px|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjanakonda, Visakhapatnam district]]
[[File:Ettipothala Water Falls Scenery.jpg|thumb|200px|Ethipothala Water Falls]]
[[File:Belumcave1.jpg|thumb|[[Belum Caves]], Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh]]

A study in 2014 published by ''[[The Economic Times]]'' said that undivided [[Andhra Pradesh]] had emerged as the "most-preferred" tourist destination for domestic travellers with about 20 percent share in the total domestic tourist visits across India in 2012.

'''Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres:'''
* [[Tirumala]] [[Tirumala Venkateswara Temple|Tirupati]], the abode of Lord [[Venkateswara]], is the second richest and most visited religious centre (of any faith) in the world. This temple is also one among the [[Divya Desam|108 Dvya Desam]] dedicated to Lord [[Vishnu]]. Brahmotsavam (Brahma's Utsavam) is a nine day long festival held every year in the month of October and as many as 5,00,000 devotees will throng to the hill for seeking blessings of the lord.
*''[[Kanaka Durga Temple]]'' of goddess [[Durga]] is situated on the Indrakeeladri hill in the city of [[Vijayawada]] on the banks of [[Krishna River]]. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations of Tepotsavam and for holy dip in the [[Krishna River]] during the festival of [[Dusshera]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waytotemple.com/shakthipages/durgai.html |title=Kanaka Durga Temple |access-date=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407183104/http://waytotemple.com/shakthipages/durgai.html |archive-date=7 April 2014 }}</ref>
*''[[Mallikarjuna Swamy|Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam]]'' temple situated at [[Srisailam]] in the Nallamala Hills of [[Kurnool district]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/index.html |title=Srisailam Temple |publisher=Srisaila Devasthanam Administration |access-date=4 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427230909/http://srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/index.html |archive-date=27 April 2014 }}</ref> is the abode of lord [[Shiva]] and is one of the twelve [[Jyotirlinga]] shrines in India. [[Rama|Lord Rama]] himself installed the [[Lingam|Sahasralinga]], while the [[Pandavas]] lodged the ''Panchapandava'' lingas in the temple courtyard.
*The [[Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta|Kodandarama]] temple, [[Vontimitta]], Kadapa district is a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Sri Rama is of great significance in the history of Andhra Pradesh.
*The five ancient [[Hindu temples]] of [[Lord Shiva]], known as [[Pancharama Kshetras]], are located at{{spaced ndash}}[[Amararama]] ([[Amaravathi (village), Guntur district|Amaravathi]]), [[Draksharama]], [[Somarama]] ([[Bhimavaram]]), [[Ksheerarama]] ([[Palakollu]]) and [[Kumararama]] ([[Samalkota]]).
*[[Srikalahasteeswara Temple|Srikalahasteeswara]] temple located on the banks of the river [[Swarnamukhi]], [[Srikalahasti mandal|Srikalahasti]], Chittoor district is one among the panchabhoota lingas which represents [[Vayu|Vaayu]], henceforth the Linga is also called Vaayu linga. The rest four lingas are present in Tamil Nadu.
* There are nine temples dedicated to Lord [[Narasimha]]. Eight temples are located in [[Andhra Pradesh]], they are [[Simhachalam Temple|Simhachalam]], [[Antarvedi]], [[Vedadri]], [[Mangalagiri]], [[Penchalakona]], [[Ahobilam|Ahobilam, Yaganti]] and [[Kadiri]]. [[Ahobilam]] is one among the [[Divya Desam|108divyadesams]] dedicated to Lord Vishnu and [[Mangalagiri]] is one of the eight [[swayambhu]] kshetras of [[Vishnu|lord Vishnu.]] The other one is [[Yadagirigutta Temple|Yadagirigutta]], also known as [[Yadagirigutta Temple|Yadadri]] of [[Telangana]] state.
*As per the astadasha shakti peetha sloka, three shakti peethas are situated in Andhra Pradesh state. They are [[Draksharama]]m (originally known as Daksharamam), [[Pithapuram]] and [[Srisailam]].
*The lord [[Virabhadra|Veerabhadra]] swamy temple, right in the middle of [[Godavari River|Godavari]] river near to [[Pattiseema]] village is a famous temple referred in puranas.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} Legend says that, Lord Veerabhadra washed his blooded sword after destructing NiShiva yaga held at Draksharamam by king Daksha, father of Uma Devi.
*Lord [[Hanuman]] temple at [[Ponnur]], [[Guntur district|Guntur]] district is a famous temple.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} The height of Hanuman statue is more than 23 metres and also there is a temple for [[Garuda]] right opposite to Hanuman's temple in the same premises.
*[[Ainavilli]], located at a distance of 12&nbsp;km from [[Amalapuram]] and [[Vinayaka Temple, Kanipakam|Kanipakam]], Chittoor district are known for lord Vighneshwara temples.
*Trikutaparvatam, well known as [[Kotappakonda]], is a sacred pilgrim place near [[Narasaraopet]] of [[Guntur district|Guntur]] district. [[Maha Shivaratri]] is a festival done here. Approximately 7 - 8&nbsp;lakhs of devotees throng to the temple for Lord almighty's blessings.
*Other religious places include, [[Raghavendra Swami]] Mutt in [[Mantralayam]] of Kurnool district, Lord [[Venkateswara]] temple in [[Dwaraka Tirumala]] of [[West Godavari District]], [[Annavaram]] temple in [[East Godavari]] and [[Arasavalli]] Surya temple, [[Sri Kurmam|srikurmam]] and [[Mukhalingam|Srimukhalingam]] temples of [[Srikakulam District]] etc., are also religious places for divine worships in the state.
''For other important temples see [[List of Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh]].''

'''Buddhist centres''':
* [[Amaravathi village, Guntur district|Amaravathi]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Guntur]] District
* [[Nagarjuna Konda]]{{spaced ndash}}Guntur District
* [[Bhattiprolu]]{{spaced ndash}}Guntur District
* [[Ghantasala, India|Ghantasala]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Krishna district|Krishna]] District
* [[Bojjannakonda|Sankaram]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Visakhapatnam]] District
* [[Bavikonda]]{{spaced ndash}}Visakhapatnam District
* [[Thotlakonda]]{{spaced ndash}}Visakhapatnam District
* [[Ramatheertham]]{{spaced ndash}}Vizianagaram District
* [[Salihundam]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Srikakulam]] District
* [[Lingapalem]]{{spaced ndash}}[[West Godavari district|West Godavari]] District
Others are [[Pavurallakonda]], Chandavaram, Guntupalli, [[Adurru]], Kummarilova, Kotturu Dhanadibbalu, Karukonda, kapavaram and Nandalu

'''Attractions:'''
* [[Araku Valley]]{{spaced ndash}}Known as Andhra's Ooty near to Vizag City known for its coffee planation.
* [[Undavalli caves|Undavalli]] Caves - A four-storied monolithic cave those were carved out from a hill during 4th century A.D.
* [[Gandikota]] Fort - Built on the banks of river Penna comprises [[Madhavaraya Temple, Gandikota|Madhavaraya]] and Ranganatha temples. This area resembles the Grand Canyon of Arizona state, so also called as Grand Canyon of India.
* The [[Hanuman]] temple at [[Kanchikacherla]] village of [[Krishna district|Krishna]] district is a tourist destination. The height of the statue is 135 metres. This is located on the Vijayawada - Hyderabad highway.
* [[Thimmamma Marrimanu]]{{spaced ndash}}The world's largest banyan tree and "Marrimanu" was recorded as the biggest tree in the ''Guinness Book of World Records'' in 1989. Its branches spread over nearly 5 acres (2.1 ha). Located about 35&nbsp;km from Kadiri, and a 100&nbsp;km from Anantapur.
* [[Lepakshi]]{{spaced ndash}}It is the largest monolithic [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] (a bull, the mount of Shiva) in the world, (length 27 feet, height 15 feet), It is 15&nbsp;km (9.3&nbsp;mi) east of Hindupur, and 105&nbsp;km from Anantapur, and about 120&nbsp;km (75&nbsp;mi) north of Bangalore. The temple has a hanging pillar which shows the greatest piece of work by [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]] empire.
* [[Prakasam Barrage]]{{spaced ndash}}A bridge which was constructed by the British Government in the remembrance of Tanguturi Prakasam, is the best tourist spot to visit in Vijayawada
* [[Kolleru Lake]]{{spaced ndash}}A lake situated between Krishna and West Godavari District.
* ''[[Pulicat Lake]]'' is located at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake covers an area of 500&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. It is a brackish water lagoon, the second-largest in India, and is situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal. The lake encompasses the [[Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary]] which attracts many migratory birds, it also is a feeding & nesting ground for aquatic and terrestrial birds such as flamingos and pelicans.
* [[Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary]] is a reserved Bird sanctuary at [[Uppalapadu]], [[Guntur district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] . It witnesses approximately 8,000 types of birds from the around the world. The birds from different countries migrate to this place mainly during the months of October to January.
* [[Ethipothala Falls]] is located in [[Macherla mandal]], [[Guntur district]] on the river Chandravanka, also known as Ethipothala river, one of the tributaries of river [[Krishna River|Krishna]]. The waterfall is situated at a distance of 11&nbsp;km from [[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam|Nagarjuna Sagar]].
* The ''[[Borra Caves]]'' in the [[Ananthagiri Hills|Anatagiri Hills]] of the [[Eastern Ghats]], near [[Visakhapatnam]] at an altitude of about 800 to 1300 metres are known for million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. They were discovered by British geologist William King George in 1807. The caves got the name from a formation inside the caves that looks like the human brain, which in [[Telugu language]] is known as ''burra''.
* The ''[[Belum Caves]]'' in Kurnool District have a length of 3,229 metres (10,594&nbsp;ft), making them the second largest natural caves on the Indian subcontinent. The Belum Caves derive their name from ''Bilum'', the [[Sanskrit]] word for caves. The caves have long passages, spacious chambers, freshwater galleries, and siphons. The caves deepest point is 120 feet (37&nbsp;m) from the entrance and is known as ''Patalganaga''.
* The [[Indira Gandhi Zoological Park]] is a zoo situated in the reserved forests of [[Visakhapatnam district|Visakhapatnam]].
* [[Sri Venkateswara National Park]] situated at the reserved forests of Tirumala hills, [[Chittoor district]]. This area comprises many waterfalls such as [[Talakona]], Gundalakona and Gunjana.
* [[Horsley Hills|Horsely hills]] is a group of mountains of ecological importance situated in [[Madanapalle]] of [[Chittoor district]].
* [[Suryalanka Beach|Suryalanka beach]] is a resort developed by [[Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation|APTDC]] situated at a distance of 8&nbsp;km from [[Bapatla]], [[Guntur district]].
* [[Rajahmundry]] often referred to as cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, is the hub for Engineering and Architectural monuments such as Godavari Bridge (World's second-largest Road cum Railway Bridge), Iskon Temple, Tantikonda, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, Pushkar Ghat, Gowthami Ghat. A festival called Pushkaram is celebrated along the Godavari River for every 12 years and Rajahmundry attracts 4–5&nbsp;crore people during the tenure of the festival.
* The golden beaches at [[Visakhapatnam]] and the city is home to many tourist attractions such as the INS Karasura Submarine museum, Yarada Beach, VUDA Park. The weather in Andhra Pradesh is mostly tropical and the best time to visit is in November through to January. The monsoon season commences in June and ends in September, so travel would not be advisable during this period.

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==Arunachal Pradesh==
{{main|Tourism in North East India}}
[[File:Tawang Monastery (Tibetan Buddhist).jpg|right|thumb|[[Tawang Monastery]] in Arunachal Pradesh]]
Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is supposed to be the Prabhu Mountains of the Puranas. It was here that sage Parashuram washed away his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini. The widely scattered archaeological remains at different places in Arunachal bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage.

There are places of worship and pilgrimage such as the Parasuramkund and the 400‑year‑old [[Tawang Monastery]], or the sites of archaeological excavations like [[Malinithan]] and [[Itanagar]], the natural environment of lakes such as Ganga lake or Sela lake or the numerous variations of the snow-clad silver mountain peaks and green meadows where thousands of species of flora and fauna prosper. In addition, the state provides abundant scope for angling, boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. Besides, there are a number of wild life sanctuaries and national parks with rare animals, birds and plants.

The climate varies from hot and humid to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes progressively cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes. Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than six hundred species of [[orchids]], occurring in varying elevations and climatic conditions throughout the state.

==Assam==
{{Main|Tourism in Assam|Tourism in North East India}}
[[File:Kaziranga Rhinoceros unicornis.jpg|right|thumb|An [[Indian rhinoceros]] grazing at the [[Kaziranga National Park]] a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].]]
[[Assam]] is the central state in the [[North-East India|North-East Region]] of India and serves as the gateway to the rest of the [[Seven Sister States]]. Assam has a number of wildlife preserves&nbsp;– the [[Kaziranga National Park]], which is home to the [[Indian rhinoceros|great Indian one-horned rhinoceros]], the [[Manas National Park]], [[Dibru-Saikhowa National Park]], [[Nameri National Park]] and [[Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary]] (These first two parks are [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]); the largest river island [[Majuli]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Majuli|first1=River Island|title=Largest river island|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-river-island-|website=Guinness World Records|access-date=6 September 2016}}</ref> known for its Vaishnavite [[Sattra]]s; historic [[Sivasagar]], known for the ancient monuments of [[Ahom Kingdom]]; the city of eternal romance, [[Tezpur]] and the scenic tea-estates dating back to time of [[British Raj]]. The weather is mostly sub-tropical. Assam experiences the Indian [[monsoon]] and has one of the highest forest densities in India. The winter months (Mid October to first half of April) are the best time to visit. The heritage of [[Madan Kamdev]] is same as [[Khajuraho]] which is located just 30&nbsp;km away from Guwahati. Along with the [[Madan Kamdev]] tourist can visit a very ancient temple Gopeswar Mandir situated in a village [[Deuduar]] near to Guwahati. [[Basudev Than]] is a more than 300-year-old Satra in Assam.

Assam has a rich cultural heritage going back to the Ahom Kingdom, which governed the region for many centuries before the British occupation. Other notable features include the [[Brahmaputra River]], the mystery of the bird suicides in [[Jatinga]], numerous temples including [[Kamakhya Temple]] of [[tantra|Tantric]] sect. 'Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur also known as Damdama Sahib at Dhubri'{{spaced ndash}}This Gurudwara is situated in the heart of the Dhubri Town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river in far north-east India. Guru Teg Bahadur the holy Sikh Guru visited this place in 1505 and met [[Srimanta Sankardeva]] (the founder of the Mahapuruxiya Dharma) as the Guru travelled from Dhaka to Assam, ruins of palaces, etc. [[Guwahati]], the capital city of Assam, boasts many bazaars, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The government is taking many initiatives to promote tourism in Assam.

==Bihar==
{{Main|Tourism in Bihar|Tourism in Patna}}
[[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[Mahabodhi Temple]] is a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].]]
[[File:Nalanda University ruins.JPG|thumb|Ruins of ancient [[Nalanda]] a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]] since 2016. ]]

[[Bihar]] is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world with history of 3000 years. The rich culture and heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable [[ancient]] [[monument]]s that are dotted all over this state in [[East India|eastern India]]. This is the place of [[Mahavira]], the 24th and last [[Tirthankara]], [[Aryabhata]], [[Ashoka|Great Ashoka]], [[Chanakya]], [[Gautama Buddha]], [[Mahavira]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]], [[Chandragupta Maurya]], [[Vātsyāyana]], [[Sher Shah Suri]], [[Maa Tara Chandi Temple]], and many other great historical figures.

On an average, 20&nbsp;million domestic tourists and 1&nbsp;million foreign tourists visit Bihar annually.<ref>{{cite news|title=Present Bihar as 'brand' to attract tourists: Nitish|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/present-bihar-as-brand-to-attract-tourists-nitish-115070101167_1.html|access-date=25 July 2015|newspaper=Business Standard|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>

'''Attractions''':
* [[Patna]]{{spaced ndash}}The capital of Bihar, known for its rich history and royal architecture
* [[Gaya, India|Gaya]]{{spaced ndash}}Known for [[Bodh Gaya]] the place at which [[Gautama Buddha]] attained enlightenment. It is also Hindu Pilgrimage VishnuPad Temple where tourist worship Foot of Lord Vishnu. Manglagauri Temple located in here which is one of MahaShaktipeetha.
* [[Muzaffarpur]]{{spaced ndash}}Known for its education Garibnath Mandir, Sikandarpur mann, Devi Mandir, Banglamukhi Mandir, Jai Mata Di Mandir, Jubba Sahani park {{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
* [[Darbhanga]]{{spaced ndash}}It is among the oldest cities of Bihar. Famous for the Maharaja forts and Kali Mandir.
* [[Nalanda]]{{spaced ndash}}Location of one of the world's oldest university
* [[Kesariya]]{{spaced ndash}}Location of the world's largest Buddhist Stupa
* [[Sasaram]]{{spaced ndash}}Tomb of [[Sher Shah Suri]], the great emperor of [[medieval India]]
* [[Sonepur Cattle Fair]]{{spaced ndash}}The Sonepur cattle fair or Sonepur Mela, it is the biggest cattle fair of Asia and stretches on from fifteen days to one month
* [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib]]{{spaced ndash}}A Sikh pilgrimage known as the birthplace of Sikh's Tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
* [[Munger]]{{spaced ndash}}Home to the only Yoga University in the world, [[Bihar School of Yoga]]. Religious places such as [[Shakti Peethas]].
* [[Deoghar]]{{spaced ndash}}A Hindu pilgrimage known for the Satsang Ashram of Sri Sri [[Thakur Anukul Chandra]] situated at Satsang Nagar
* [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]]{{spaced ndash}}Lord [[Mahavir]] was born on the outskirts of this ancient city, and lived in Vaishali until he was 22
* [[Champapuri]] - It is one of the most sacred places of [[Jainism]]. Lord [[Vasupujya]], the 12th Jain [[Tirthankara]] was born in [[Champapuri]] and it is the place where all the five {{transliteration|hi|kalyanaks}} of Lord Vasupujya took place. Location of 31 feet monolithic statue, the tallest statue of Lord Vasupujya. Sitamarhi: It is a native place of Devi Sita Mata.
* [[Rajgir]] - It is sacred to [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. The place has temples belonging to Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. The ancient site also has [[Son Bhandar Caves]].
* [[Pawapuri]] - [[Mahavira]], the last of the twenty-four [[Tirthankara]] attained Nirvana or moksha (liberation). He was cremated at Pawapuri. There was a great rush to collect his ashes, with the result that so much soil was removed from the place of his cremation that a pond was created.<ref name="Nomadline.com">{{cite web|title=Tourist Places to visit in Pawapuri, Bihar Tourism|url=http://www.nomadline.com/tourist-places-to-visit-in-pawapuri/|website=Nomadline.com|publisher=NomadLine|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref>

==Chandigarh==
[[File:Chand2.jpg|thumb|[[Rock Garden of Chandigarh|Rock Garden]] made of scrap material in [[Chandigarh]]]]
[[Chandigarh]] is a city located on the foothills of Himalayas and is the capital of two states{{spaced ndash}}[[Punjab]] and [[Haryana]]. [[Chandigarh]] is also called "City Beautiful" with various tourist attractions such as [[Rock Garden of Chandigarh|Nek Chand Rock Garden]], [[Zakir Hussain Rose Garden]], [[Sukhna lake]], and [[Open Hand Monument]]. This place was recorded as the [[Cleanest cities in India|Cleanest city of India]] by [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs|Ministry of Urban Development]], [[Government of India]]. A majestic view of the [[Shivalik Hills]] including [[Kasauli]] is visible from here. Chandigarh is a well planned city and is also one of the earliest planned cities.
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==Chhattisgarh==
{{main|Tourism in Chhattisgarh}}
[[File:The_Chitrakote_Falls.jpg|150px|thumb|[[Chitrakoot Falls|Chitrakot Waterfalls]] is the broadest waterfall in India and also referred as 'Niagara Falls of India' are located in [[Chhattisgarh]]]]
[[Chhattisgarh]] is a new state but with an ancient civilisation, which can be felt by visiting the historical remains in the state. The state is blessed by nature with magnificent water falls, mountains, forests and wildlife. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of its area under forests and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. There are many tourist attractions worth seeing. It is India's tenth-largest state and situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The state has many ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists, compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded.

Main attractions of Chhattisgarh are [[Chitrakoot Falls|Chitrakot Waterfalls]], Kutumsar Caves, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra, [[Bhoramdeo temple]], [[Arang temples]], [[Sirpur Group of Monuments|Sirpur]], [[Rajim]], [[Ratanpur]] and [[Malhar]]. Kakotal is also famous for its waterfall.
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==Delhi==
[[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Qutb Minar]] in [[Delhi]]]]
{{Main|Tourism in Delhi}}
Delhi is the capital union territory of India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern, the new gen Delhi is almost very popular among the other states. It is a metropolitan city comprising more than 10% of India's population. There are many sources available in Delhi which made kings in ancient times to capitalise this state, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and religions. [[Old Delhi]] has been the capital of numerous [[History of India|empires that ruled India]], making it rich in history. [[New Delhi]], on the other hand, is a modern city designed by [[Edwin Lutyens]] and [[Herbert Baker]]. The various rulers left behind their trademark architectural styles. Delhi currently has many renowned historic monuments and landmarks such as the [[Tughlaqabad|Tughlaqabad fort]], [[Qutub Minar]], [[Purana Quila]], [[Lodhi Gardens]], [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]], [[Humayun's tomb]], [[Red Fort]], and [[Safdarjung's Tomb]]. Modern monuments include [[Jantar Mantar (Delhi)|Jantar Mantar]], [[India Gate]], [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]], [[Laxminarayan Temple]], [[Lotus Temple]], [[Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir|Lal Mandir]] and [[Akshardham (Delhi)|Akshardham Temple]].

New Delhi is famous for its British colonial architecture, wide roads, and tree-lined boulevards. Delhi is home to numerous political landmarks, national museums, Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, green parks, and trendy malls.
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Red Fort in Delhi 03-2016 img1.jpg|[[Red Fort]]
File:India Gate in New Delhi 03-2016.jpg|[[India Gate]]
File:Akshardham Delhi.jpg|[[Akshardham (Delhi)|Akshardham Temple]]
File:Rashtrapati Bhavan (Dehli).jpg|[[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]
File:Lotus Temple in New Delhi 03-2016.jpg|[[Lotus Temple]]
</gallery>

==Goa==
[[File:Vagator pano 26012016.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Vagator beach as seen from Fort Chapora]]
{{Main|Tourism in Goa}}
[[File:1 Beach, Goa India, March 2013.jpg|thumb|Foreign and Indian tourists at a Goa beach.]]

[[Goa]] is one of the most famous [[tourist destination]]s in India. A former colony of Portugal, Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, amazing nightlife, Yogas, spas and massage, [[flea market]]s and shopping, water sports activities like [[cruising (maritime)|cruising]], Portuguese churches, [[Hindu]] temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The [[Basilica of Bom Jesus]], Basilica of Se Cathedral, [[Mangueshi Temple]], [[Dudhsagar Falls]], [[Shantadurga]], [[Anjuna Beach]], Aguada Fort, and [[Chapora Fort]] are famous attractions in Goa. Recently a Wax Museum (Wax World) has also opened in Old Goa housing a number of wax personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage.

The [[Carnival#Asia|Goa Carnival]] is a world-famous event, with colourful masks and floats, drums and reverberating music, and dance performances.

==Gujarat==
{{Main|Tourism in Gujarat}}
[[File:Palitana.jpg|thumb|The [[Palitana temples|Palitana temple complex]] consists of more than 863 temples located on the [[Shatrunjaya]] hills, exquisitely carved in marble.]]
[[Gujarat]], the seventh largest state in India, located in the western part of India with a coastline of 1600&nbsp;km (longest in India). It is the tenth most popular state in the country for tourists with annual footfall of 18.9&nbsp;million tourists.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indias-top-10-tourist-destinations/20110719.htm India's top 10 tourist destinations&nbsp;– Rediff.com Business]. Rediff.com (19 July 2011). Retrieved 19 November 2011.</ref> Gujarat's natural environment varies from the [[Great Rann of Kutch]] to the hills of [[Saputara]]. Gujarat is the sole home of the pure [[Asiatic lion]]s and is considered to be one of the most important [[protected area]]s in Asia. Ancient [[Dholavira]], [[archaeological site]] in [[Kutch District]] and [[Lothal]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_exca_imp_gujarat.asp|title=Excavations – Important – Gujarat|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|access-date=25 October 2011 }}</ref> [[archaeological site]] in [[Ahmedabad district]] contains ruins of ancient [[Indus Valley civilization]] city, ruins of [[Dholavira]] is one of the largest [[Harappan civilization|Harappan]] archaeological sites.<ref name=frontline>{{cite news|last=Subramanian |first=T S |title=The rise and fall of a Harappan City |url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2712/stories/20100618271206200.htm |access-date=4 July 2012 |newspaper=Frontline |date=5–18 June 2010|id=Vol 27 Issue 12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428163825/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2712/stories/20100618271206200.htm |archive-date=28 April 2013 }}</ref>

During the Sultanate reign, Hindu craftsmanship mix with [[Islamic architecture]], giving rise to the [[Indo-Saracenic]] style. Many structures in the state are built in this fashion. It is also the birthplace of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and [[Sardar Vallabhai Patel]], the great iconic figures during India's Independence movement. Gujarat offers business tourism, archaeological and heritage tourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, wildlife tourism, and medical tourism. [[Amitabh Bachchan]] is currently the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. [[Ahmedabad]] is considered an ideal hub to cover all the destinations across Gujarat. In the year 2018 the famous ''[[Statue of Unity]]'' which is 597&nbsp;ft. tall statue in honour of [[Vallabhbhai Patel]] (1875–1950) is also located in Gujarat.
{{Clear}}
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Rani Ki Vav - Front View.JPG|[[Rani ki vav]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
File:Jama masjid in Champaner.JPG|[[Jama Mosque, Champaner|Jama Mosque]], part of [[World Heritage Site]] [[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]]
File:Dholavira1.JPG|[[Dholavira]], [[archaeological site]] contains ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley civilization]] city
File:Jain temples on Girnar mountain aerial view.jpg|The cluster of [[Girnar Jain temples|Jain temples on Girnar]] mountain near [[Junagadh]]
File:Dwarkadheesh temple.jpg|[[Dwarkadheesh temple, Gujrat|Dwarkadhish Temple]] in [[Dwarka]]
File:Somnath-current.jpg|[[Somnath Temple]] in [[Gujarat]]
File:Baroda Lvp.JPG|[[Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara|Laxmi Vilas Palace]] in [[Vadodara]]
File:Gir lion male.jpg|[[Asiatic lion]]s are found only in [[Gir Forest National Park]]
</gallery>

==Haryana==
{{main|Tourism in Haryana}}
The pilgrim places of Haryana are thronged by devotees all over the year, who visit the important religious places to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness.

The state of Haryana has a long historical and cultural tradition which is manifested in the numerous religious places which fills the tourist with an intense sense of satisfaction. Some of the notable "Pilgrim Destinations" of Haryana are:
[[File:Avatars of Vishnu.jpg|thumb|left|Lord Krishna and Arjuna]]

[[Kurukshetra]]- The historical place of "Kurukshetra" is the cradle of Hindu civilisation. The battle field of the holy land of "Kurukhshetra" is a witness to the discourse between the mighty and valiant ruler "[[Arjuna]]" and his divine charioteer "[[Lord Krishna]]".

[[Jyotisar]]- The ancient place of "Jyotisar" is the nurturing ground of the values and principles that guide the oldest religion of the world, the "[[Hindu]]" religion. The significance of the place lies in the fact that the holy religious text of the "[[Hindus]]", the "[[Bhagwad Gita]]" was compiled in this sacred place

[[Thanesar]]- The sacred place of "Thanesar" has two important religious temples of the "[[Sthanesvar Mahadev Temple]]" and the "Ma Bhadra Kali Temple" that draws several devotees throughout the year

[[Pehowa]]- The holy land of "Pehowa" is an important religious place among the Hindus, who pray to the deceased member of their family and offer "[[Pind Daan]]" to release them from the cycle of birth and rebirth

[[Khatushyam]] The holy place from the time of Mahabharata.

[[Panchkula]]- Panchkula has numerous places of religious and historical importance, including "Morni hills" and "Tikkar Taal".

[[Dhosi Hill]]{{spaced ndash}}A hill near [[Narnaul]], having Vedic period Rishi, Chaywan's Ashram. Famous for preparation of [[Chyawanprash]], and other herbal preparations.

[[Phalgu Tirth|Pharal]]- Phalgu Tirth is an Indian pilgrimage site, where pilgrimages are undertaken by the Hindus during the Shraadhs. It is located in Pharal village in the Pundri sub-tehsil of Kaithal district in Haryana state. Pharal village is located between Pundri and Dhand in Kaithal district 24 kilometres (15&nbsp;mi) away from district headquarter Kaithal and is 34 kilometres (21&nbsp;mi) to Kurukshetra city

==Himachal Pradesh==
{{main|Tourism in Himachal Pradesh}}

[[Himachal Pradesh]] is famous for its [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] landscapes and popular [[hill station|hill-stations]]. Tourism is the state contributes a major part in its economy and growth. Outdoor activities such as [[rock climbing]], [[mountain biking]], [[paragliding]], [[ice-skating]], and [[heli-skiing]] are popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/page/Activities.aspx |title=Activities |publisher=Himachal Tourism |access-date=19 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325064048/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/page/Activities.aspx |archive-date=25 March 2010 }}</ref>

[[Shimla]], the state capital, is very popular hill station among tourists. One can reach Shimla by road, train and by air. The [[Kalka-Shimla Railway]] is a narrow gage [[Mountain railways of India|mountain railway]] which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. Other popular hill stations include [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]], [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]] and [[Kasauli]].

[[Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamshala]], home of the [[Dalai Lama]], is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples. Many trekking expeditions also begin here. It is located in the [[Kangra valley]] at the foot of the [[Dhauladhar]] mountains.
[[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]] is famous for [[skiing]], [[snowboarding]] and other adventure sports such as white water rafting. [[Bir, Himachal Pradesh|Bir]] is known for paragliding. The [[Spiti valley]] is well known for its unique landscapes and culture.
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Himalayan Queen.jpg|[[Kalka–Shimla Railway]] is a [[Mountain railways of India|mountain railway]] in Himachal Pradesh.
File:Ridge, Shimla.JPG|[[The Ridge, Shimla]]
File:Skiing manali.jpg|Skiing in [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]
File:Cloud Volcano.jpg|[[Rohtang Pass]] in Himachal Pradesh
</gallery>

==Jammu and Kashmir==
{{Main|Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{Main|Tourism in Ladakh}}
[[File:Pahalgam Valley.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] is known for its scenic landscape]]
[[Jammu|KASHMIR]] is noted for its scenic landscape, ancient temples and mosques, Hindu and Muslim shrines, castles, gardens and forts. The Hindu holy shrines of Amarnath in [[Kashmir Valley]] attracts about .4&nbsp;million Hindu devotees every year. [[Vaishno Devi]] also attract millions of Hindu devotees every year. Jammu's historic monuments feature a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles.

Tourism forms an integral part of the Kashmiri economy. Often dubbed "''Paradise on Earth''", Kashmir's mountainous landscape has attracted tourists for centuries. Notable places are [[Dal Lake]], [[Srinagar]] Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yeusmarg, Mughal Gardens, etc. Kashmir's [[natural landscape]] has made it one of the popular destinations for adventure tourism in South Asia.

<gallery widths="180px" heights="200px" mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath.jpg|[[Amarnath Temple]] near [[Pahalgam]] is open only during summer months
File:Gulmarg kashmir winter2004.jpg|[[Gulmarg Gondola]]- The second highest cable car in the world
File:Vaishno Devi Bhavan.jpg|[[Vaishno Devi Temple]] near [[Jammu]], attracts millions of pilgrims annually 
File:Dal Lake Hazratbal Srinagar.jpg| Beautiful [[Dal Lake]] in middle of [[Srinagar]]
</gallery>

==Jharkhand==
{{multiple image 
| image1 = Jonha Waterfalls, Ranchi, Jharkhand.jpg
| caption1 =  [[Jonha Falls]] near [[Ranchi]]
| image2 = Hundru falls.JPG
| caption2 = [[Hundru Falls]] near [[Ranchi]]
| image3 = Sikharji jalmandir.jpg
| caption3 = ''Jal Mandir'' at [[Shikharji]]
}}

{{Main|Tourism in Jharkhand}}
[[Jharkhand]] is the eastern state of India formed in 2000. It is known for its forest cover and mine reserves. One of the biggest tourist attraction in Jharkhand is Vaidyanath jyotirlinga situated in Deoghar district.
[[File:Baba Dham.jpg|thumb|[[Baidyanath Temple]] at [[Deoghar]]]]
[[Shikharji]] located on [[Parasnath]] hill, the highest mountain in the state of Jharkhand, is the most important [[Tirtha (Jainism)|Jain Tirtha]] (pilgrimage site), believed to be the place where twenty of the twenty-four Jain [[tirthankara]]s along with many other monks attained [[Moksha (Jainism)|Moksha]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/destinationDetails/82 | title=Shikharji | work=[[Ministry of Tourism]] | location=Jharkhand }}</ref><ref>{{cite book| author=Hachette India|title=Indiapedia: The All-India Factfinder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LS9nAQAAQBAJ|date=25 October 2013|publisher=Hachette India|isbn=978-93-5009-766-3}}</ref>

[[Ranchi]], the capital of [[Jharkhand]] is famous for its multiple waterfalls in its outskirts of the city.

[[Baidyanath Temple]] at [[Deoghar]], is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of [[Shiva]], during month of [[Shraavana]], [[Shraavana#Shravani Mela|Shravani Mela]] is an important festival here.<ref name="Deoghar">{{cite web|url=http://www.babadham.org/maintemple/maintemple.php|title=Baba Baidyanath Temple Complex|access-date=2010-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627041433/http://www.babadham.org/maintemple/maintemple.php|archive-date=2015-06-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Densely covered in forest, the state has many wildlife sanctuaries including Topchanchi wildlife sanctuary<ref>{{cite web|title=Palamu wildlife sanctuary|url=http://www.sanctuariesindia.com/palamau-wildlife-sanctuary/}}</ref> and Palamu wildlife sanctuary.<ref>{{cite web|title=Topchanchi wildlife sanctuary|url=http://www.sanctuariesindia.com/topchanchi-wildlife-sanctuaries/}}</ref>

==Karnataka==
{{Main|Tourism in Karnataka}}
[[Karnataka]] has been ranked as fourth most popular destination for tourism among states of India.<ref name="financialexpress1">{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-pradesh-top-tourist-destination-tourism-ministry/819071/0 |title=Andhra Pradesh top tourist destination: Tourism Ministry |work=The Financial Express |date=18 July 2011 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230710/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-pradesh-top-tourist-destination-tourism-ministry/819071/0 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> It has the highest number of national protected monuments in India, at 507.

[[File:1000-Pillar-Temple-Moodbidri-Left-Side-View.JPG|thumb|[[Saavira Kambada Basadi|1000 Pillar Temple]], [[Moodabidri]] ]]
[[Kannada]] dynasties like [[Kadambas]], [[Western Ganga dynasty|Western Gangas]], [[Chalukyas]], [[Rashtrakutas]], [[Hoysalas]], [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagaras]] and the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] ruled from what is today Karnataka.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://karunadu.gov.in/informationdepartment/Pages/Aboutkarnataka.aspx
 |title       = History
 |access-date  = 16 February 2009
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090204013323/http://karunadu.gov.in/informationdepartment/Pages/Aboutkarnataka.aspx
 |archive-date = 4 February 2009
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetteer.kar.nic.in/get_chap.asp |title=Handbook of surya nagar hisar, History |access-date=16 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207050740/http://gazetteer.kar.nic.in/get_chap.asp |archive-date=7 December 2008 }}</ref> They built great monuments to Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. These monuments are preserved at [[Badami]], [[Aihole]], [[Pattadakal]], [[Mahakuta]], [[Hampi]], [[Lakshmeshwar]], [[Sudi, India|Sudi]], [[Hooli]], [[Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)]], [[Dambal]], [[Lakkundi]], [[Gadag]], [[Hangal]], [[Halasi]], [[Galaganatha]], [[Chaudayyadanapura]], [[Banavasi]], [[Belur, Karnataka|Belur]], [[Halebidu]], [[Sringeri]], [[Shravanabelagola]], [[Sannati]], [[Nanjangud]], [[Mysore]], [[Nandi Hills, Karnataka|Nandi Hills]], [[Kolar]], [[Mudabidri]], [[Gokarna, Uttara Kannada|Gokarna]], Bagali, Kuruvatti and many more. Notable [[Islamic]] monuments are present at [[Bijapur, Karnataka|Bijapur]], [[Bidar]], [[Gulbarga]], [[Raichur]] and other part of the state. [[Gol Gumbaz]] at [[Bijapur, Karnataka|Bijapur]], has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine [[Hagia Sophia]]. [[Karnataka]] has two [[World Heritage Site]]s, at [[Hampi]] and [[Pattadakal]]. [[Bellary]] one of the historical place, we can see the forts which were built by [[Tipu Sultan]] for protection.

Karnataka state has several palaces such as [[Bangalore Palace]], [[Mysore Palace]] (also known as [[Ambavilas Palace]]), [[Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace]], [[Nalknad Palace]], [[Rajendra Vilas]], [[Jaganmohan Palace]], [[Jayalakshmi Vilas]] Mansion, [[Lalitha Mahal]], [[Rajendra Vilas]], Cheluvamba Mansion, Shivappa Nayaka Palace and [[Daria Daulat Bagh]].
Karnataka is famous for [[Jog falls]] of [[Shimoga]] District, the second-highest waterfalls in Asia. Karnataka has many beaches at [[Malpe]], [[Kapu, Karnataka|Kaup]], [[Marvanthe]], [[Karwar]], [[Gokarna, Uttara Kannada|Gokarna]], [[Murdeshwara]], [[Surathkal]]. Karnataka is a rock climbers paradise. [[Yana, India|Yana]] in Uttara Kannada, [[Fort]] in Chitradurga, [[Ramnagara]] near [[Bengaluru]] district, [[Shivagange]] in [[Tumkur]] district and tekal in [[Kolar]] district are a rock climbers heaven.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karnatakatourism.org/ |title=Karnataka Tourism, Official Website, Department of Tourism |publisher=Karnatakatourism.org |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> [[Utsav Rock Garden]] in Shiggaon, Uttar Kannada.

[[File:Shola Grasslands and forests in the Kudremukh National Park, Western Ghats, Karnataka.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Shola Grasslands in [[Kudremukh]], Karnataka]]
'''[[Hill stations]]''' in Karnataka are generally unexplored and more pristine than better known ones in South India. Major hill stations in the state are [[Agumbe]] and [[Kodachadri]] in [[Shimoga District]]; [[Baba Budangiri]], [[Kemmangundi]], [[Kudremukh]] in Chikkamangaluru District; [[Biligiriranga Hills]] in [[Chamarajanagar District]] and [[Kodagu district]] (also known as Coorg).{{cn|date=May 2024}} Other hilly town and regions are [[Mullayanagiri]], [[Pushpagiri, Karnataka|Pushpagiri]] (or [[Kumara Parvatha]]), [[Nandi Hills, India|Nandi Hills]], [[Chikkaballapur district]], [[Kundadri]], [[Tadiandamol]], [[Talakaveri]], [[Male Mahadeshwara Hills]], [[Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta]], [[Ambaragudda]], [[Antara Gange]], [[Savandurga]], Kurinja, [[Yedakumeri]], Siddara Betta, Bananthimari Betta, [[Skandagiri]], [[Devarayanadurga]] and [[Madhugiri]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}

'''Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves''': Karnataka is the state which has the highest population of tigers and elephants in India. It is also the state which has the third highest leopard population in India therefore Karnataka's wildlife makes it the premier wildlife state of India. Karnataka has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve, BRT Tiger Reserve [[Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Dandeli]]; [[Ghataprabha]] Bird Sanctuary; [[Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary]]; Peacock sanctuary in [[Bankapura]]; [[Ranebennur]] [[blackbuck]] sanctuary, [[Haveri]] district; Deva Raya Wildlife Sanctuary, near [[Hampi]]; Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, near [[Hubli-Dharwad]], [[Uttara Kannada]]; [[Anshi National Park]], Uttara Kannada; [[Magadi Bird Sanctuary]], [[Shirahatti]]; [[Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary]];<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/envis/ETR/CES_ETR/etr15.pdf
|title=Karnataka State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (KBSAP)|access-date=28 November 2008}}</ref> Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary;<ref>[http://www.mysorenature.org/adichunchanagiri-wildlife-sanctuary Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007080055/http://www.mysorenature.org/adichunchanagiri-wildlife-sanctuary |date=7 October 2014 }}</ref> Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary ;<ref>[http://www.mysorenature.org/hunsur-sector Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019020226/http://www.mysorenature.org/hunsur-sector |date=19 October 2012 }}</ref> [[Biligiriranga Hills|Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary|Melukote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary]] ;<ref>[http://www.mysorenature.org/melkote/melkote-temple-wildlife-sanctuary] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193411/http://www.mysorenature.org/melkote/melkote-temple-wildlife-sanctuary|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> in [[Mandya district]]; [[Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary]]; Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary; [[Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Sharavathi#Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary|Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Shimoga district#Flora and fauna|Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary]]; [[Gudavi Bird Sanctuary]]; [[Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary]]; [[Kaggaladu]] Heronry; Kokkare Bellur; [[Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary]] and [[Bonal Bird Sanctuary]]

<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:View of the Virupaksha temple complex from Hemakuta hill.JPG|[[Vijayanagara]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
File:Jain Narayana temple at Pattadakal.JPG|Jain Narayana temple inside [[Pattadakal|Pattadakal complex]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site
File:Hampi virupaksha temple.jpg|[[Hampi]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site
File:Bahubali Shravana Belagola.jpg|[[Gommateshwara statue]], [[Shravanabelagola]]
File:GolGumbaz2.jpg|[[Gol Gumbaz]] in [[Bijapur]]
File:Jain temple at Lakkundi.jpg|[[Jain Temple, Lakkundi|Brahma Jinalaya]], [[Lakkundi]]
File:Mysore palace illuminated.jpg|[[Mysore Palace]]
File:Bangalore palace.jpg|[[Bangalore Palace]]
</gallery>

==Kerala==
[[File:House Boat DSW.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kerala]], nicknamed as "God's own country", is famous for its houseboats.]]
{{Main|Tourism in Kerala}}
[[Kerala]] is a state on the tropical [[Malabar Coast]] of south-western India. Nicknamed as one of the "''10 paradises of the world''" by [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Tourism: Paradises in the world|url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904094648/http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/05/11/stories/2004051100040100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2004|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2004-05-11|access-date=20 February 2012}}</ref> Kerala is famous especially for its [[Ecotourism|Eco-tourism]] initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry significantly contributes to the state's economy. Kerala is known for its tropical backwaters. Backwaters in Alappuzha, Kochi and Kuttanadu are the most visited backwaters.  The pristine beaches in [[Trivandrum]] such as [[Kovalam]] and [[Varkala|Varkala were most popular. In recent years many other beaches in Kerala such as Fort Kochi, Cherai attract the local and Foreign  Tourists.]]  Munnar is the most visited hill station in Kerala.
[[File:Munnar hillstation kerala.jpg|thumb|Munnar hillstation kerala]]
[[File:Kadalundi Bridge - A border of Malappuram and Kozhikode.jpg|thumb|[[Kadalundi River]] near [[Malappuram]]]]
From the green scapes of [[Idukki]] to the buzzing cities like [[Trivandrum]] and [[Kochi]], Kerala has its vivid collection of tourist spots. Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at [[Kovalam]], [[Kappad|Varkala, Cherai,Kappad]] and [[Muzhappilangad Beach|Muzhappilangad]]. The Fort Kochi Beach is one of the most visited beach by foreigners even though it is not much used for swimming.  The hill stations of [[Munnar]], [[Thekkady]], [[Ramakkalmedu]] Nelliampathi, [[Ponmudi]] and [[Wayanad|Wayanad are very popular.]] The forts like the ''[[Bekal Fort]]'' in [[Kanhangad]] and ''[[St. Angelo's Fort]]'' in [[Kannur]] and the National Parks/ Wildlife sanctuaries at [[Periyar National Park|Periyar]] and [[Eravikulam National Park|Eravikulam]] are alco attract a lot of local and foreign Tourists. . The "backwaters" region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on [[Alleppey]], Kumarakom, and Punnamada also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as East Fort, Kuthira Malika, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also famous. Cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, [[Kozhikode]]  and [[Kollam]] are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performance.

Kerala's has got very rich history. The oldest Synagogue outside the middle east is in Kerala, The oldest christian churches in Indian subcontinent is in Kerala. The oldest mosque in Indian subcontinent is in Kerala 

The [[Grand Kerala Shopping Festival]] (GKSF) claimed to be Asia's largest shopping festival and began in 2007.<ref name="GKSF begins">{{cite news|title=Shopping festival begins|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/shopping-festival-begins/article1959420.ece|work=The Hindu|date=2 December 2007|access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> Since then it has been conducted in December and January. During this period stores and shops registered under the GKSF offer a wide range of discounts, vat refunds etc. Along with the guaranteed shopping experience, shoppers are provided with gift coupons for a fixed value of purchase entering them into weekly and mega lucky draws. As compared to shopping festivals being held in other countries, this Festival converts the entire state of Kerala into a giant shopping mall, and includes both large and small businesses.

The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

==Madhya Pradesh==
{{Main|Tourism in Madhya Pradesh}}
[[File:Bhedaghat.jpg|thumb|right|The massive Bhedaghat Falls]]

[[Madhya Pradesh]] is called the "Heart of India" because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Jainism]]. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state.

The temples of [[Khajuraho]] are world-famous for their aphrodisiac sculptures, and are a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. [[Gwalior]] is famous for its fort, Jai Vilas Palace, the Tomb of Rani Lakshmibai, Md. Ghaus and Tansen.

Famous national parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgadh, Madhav National Park, Shivpuri, Pench are located in Madhya Pradesh. Kuno Palpur national park is getting African cheetahs and is expected to become only reserve having four species of big cats (lion, tiger, leopard and cheetah). Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in [[wiktionary:sylvan|sylvan]] surroundings.
Madhya pradesh is very much known for Narmada river, is the oldest known holiest and worshiped as a river goddess in Hindu religion. Narmada originates from Amarkantak, a wild reserve and pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
Another great tourist destination is Bhedaghat Falls in Jabalpur. The river Narmada takes the form of massive falls here. The place is surrounded by marble of various colours. The sight is a visual treat in itself. The prime attraction includes boating in the river with amusing commentary by the rower.

Attractions include

♦Wildlife{{spaced ndash}}[[Kanha National Park]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanhatigerreserve.com/|title=www.kanhatigerreserve.com|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> [[Bandhavgarh National Park]][http://www.bandhavgarhnationalpark.in/ (website)], [[Pench Tiger Reserve]]

♦Heritage{{spaced ndash}}[[Khajuraho]] Temple [[Khajuraho Group of Monuments|Group]], [[Orchha]], [[Bhimbetka rock shelters|Bhimbetka Rock Shelters Caves]]

♦Worship{{spaced ndash}}[[Ujjain]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ujjain.nic.in/|title=Welcome to official website of District Administration Ujjain (M.P.) India|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="mp">{{cite web|url=http://dic.mp.nic.in/ujjain/mahakal/default.aspx|publisher=dic.mp.nic.in|title=Shree Mahakaleshwer|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref> [[Omkareshwar]], [[Maheshwar]], [[Maihar]], [[Sanchi]]

♦Water Bodies / Lakes/ Dams{{spaced ndash}} [[Bhojtal|Bhojtal "Upper Lake- Bhopal"]], [[Gandhi Sagar Dam]], [[Indirasagar Dam]], Pipliyapala,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pipliyapalaregionalpark|title=Pipliyapala Regional Park Indore|work=Facebook|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> [[Tawa Reservoir]], [[Bhedaghat]][https://in.lastminute.com/blog/amazing-places-to-visit-in-august-in-india/]
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Sanchi Stupa from Eastern gate, Madhya Pradesh.jpg|[[Sanchi|Sanchi Stupa]]
File:OrchhaPalace.jpg|[[Orchha]] Palace
File:Gwalior Fort Morning View.jpg|[[Gwalior Fort]] in [[Gwalior]] city
File:Kandariya mahadev.jpg|[[Khajuraho Group of Monuments]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
File:Bhimbetka rock paintng1.jpg|[[Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site
File:Amarkantak4.jpg|Ancient temples of [[Amarkantak]]
File:White Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat.jpg|[[Marble Rocks|Marble Cliffs]] near the city of [[Jabalpur]]
File:Tigress in Bandhavgarh NP.jpg|[[Bandhavgarh National Park]] have highest known density of the tiger population
</gallery>

==Maharashtra==
[[File:Marine Lines Mumbai 2021.jpg|thumb|[[Mumbai]] is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, famous for its architecture, shopping, gastronomy, and [[Bollywood]]. Maharashtra accounts for the second highest foreign tourist arrivals in India.<ref name="financialexpress1"/>]]
{{Main|Tourism in Maharashtra}}
{{See also|Tourist Attractions in Mumbai|Tourism in Marathwada|Tourist attractions in Aurangabad, Maharashtra}}

Maharashtra is one of the most visited states in India by foreign tourists,<ref name="financialexpress1"/> with over 4.3&nbsp;million foreign tourist arrivals in 2014. Maharashtra boasts of a large number of popular and revered religious venues that are heavily frequented by locals as well as out-of-state visitors. [[Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar]] is the tourism capital of [[Tourism in Maharashtra|Maharashtra]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mishra|first=Ashish K.|title=The Value Hunters of Aurangabad|url=https://www.forbes.com/2011/03/15/forbes-india-sachin-nagori-maharashtra-aurangabad-tourism.html|work=[[Forbes]] India|access-date=30 May 2012|date=15 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nativeplanet.com/aurangabad/|title=Aurangabad Tourism, Travel Guide & Tourist Places in Aurangabad - Native Planet|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Indischer Maler des 6. Jahrhunderts 001.jpg|thumb|The 6th-century paintings at the [[Ajanta Caves]] in [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra]]]]
[[Ajanta Caves]], [[Ellora Caves]], [[Elephanta Caves]] and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] are the four [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Sites]] in Maharashtra and are credited for the development of [[Tourism in Maharashtra|Tourism in the state]].<ref name=MahaTour>{{cite web|title=UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=WorldHeritage.html|website=maharashtratourism.gov.in|access-date=25 July 2015}}</ref>

Mumbai, its capital, is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, and a great place to experience modern India. Mumbai is famous for [[Bollywood]], the world's largest film industry. In addition, Mumbai is famous for its clubs, shopping, and upscale gastronomy. The city is known for its architecture, from the ancient [[Elephanta Caves]], to the Islamic [[Haji Ali]] Mosque, to the colonial architecture of [[Bombay High Court]] and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]].
Maharashtra also has numerous adventure tourism destinations, including [[paragliding]], [[rock climbing]], [[canoeing]], [[kayaking]], [[snorkelling]], and [[scuba diving]]. Maharashtra also has several national parks and reserves, including Tadoba with accommodation and safari experiences besides little known by wildlife destinations like Koyna, Nagzira, Melghat (disturbed with massive mining truck movement), Dajipur, Radhanagari and of course the only national park within metropolis city limits in the world&nbsp;– Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The [[Bibi Ka Maqbara]] at [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]], the [[Mahalakshmi Temple (Kolhapur)|Mahalakshmi temple]] at [[Kolhapur]], the cities of [[Nashik]], [[Trimbak]] famous for religious importance, the city of [[Pune]] which was the seat of the Prime Minister of the [[Maratha Empire]] and the joyous Hindu [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] celebrations together contribute for the Tourism sector of Maharashtra. Mangi Tungi in Nashik is a very important pilgrimage of the Jain community. The 108&nbsp;ft tall Statue of Ahimsa at Mangi Tungi, the tallest Jain Statue in the world is attracting Jain devotees from around the world. This statue holds the Guinness world record for the tallest Jain idol.<ref name=ndtv>{{citation |url = http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/108-ft-tall-jain-teerthankar-idol-enters-guinness-records-1284799 |title =108-Ft Tall Jain Teerthankar Idol Enters 'Guinness Records' |date =7 March 2016 |work = [[NDTV]]}}</ref> Famous temples of [[Ganesha|Lord Ganesha]], [[Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai|Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mumbai]] and [[Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple]], [[Pune]] are located in Maharashtra.

<gallery mode="nolines">
File:Ellora cave16 001.jpg|[[Kailasa Temple, Ellora|Kailasha temple]](r. 756-773 CE), sculpted in a whole basalt rock cliff from the top down.
File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at night, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (2003).jpg|[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]]
File:Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai.jpg|[[Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai]]
File:Elephanta Caves Trimurti.jpg|Trimurti statue in [[Elephanta Caves]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
File:SHANIWAR WADA.jpg| [[Shaniwar Wada]] in [[Pune]] was capital seat of [[Maratha Empire]]
File:Sahyadri Parvatmala.jpg|[[Sahyadri]]:One of the most Biodiverse regions in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=UN designates Western Ghats as world heritage site |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/un-designates-western-ghats-as-world-heritage-site/article20465758.ece1#:~:text=India's%201%2C600%2Dkm%2Dlong%20Western,hottest%20hotspots%E2%80%9D%20of%20biological%20diversity. |website=The Hindu}}</ref>
File:Tiger chasing a wild Pig.jpg|[[Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve|Tadoba]]
File:Khandoba temple Pune.jpg|[[jejuri|Khandoba Jejuri]] temple
File:Kalavantinicha Durga.jpg|[[Kalavantin Durg]], one of many 'hill forts' used by the [[Maratha Empire|maratha empire]].
File:Female Great Hornbill by Shantanu Kuveskar.jpg|A [[great hornbill]] in [[Raigad district|Raigad]]
</gallery>Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India's forested Western Ghats range, south of Mumbai. It features several elevated viewing points, such as Arthur's Seat. West of here is centuries-old Pratapgad Fort, perched atop a mountain spur. East, Lingmala Waterfall tumbles off a sheer cliff. Colorful boats

==Manipur==
{{main|Tourism in Northeast India}}
[[File:Loktak Lake1.jpg|thumb|Loktak lake]]
[[Manipur]] as the name suggest is a land of jewels. Its rich culture excels in every aspects as in martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture. The charm of the place is the greenery with the moderate climate making it a tourists' heaven. The seasonal [[Shirui lily]] at Ukhrul district, [[sangai]] (brow antlered deer) and the [[floating island]]s at [[Loktak Lake]] are few of the rare things found in Manipur. [[Polo]], which can be called a royal game, also originated from Manipur. Some of the main tourist attractions are:
* [[Imphal]] (capital)
* [[Churachandpur]]
* [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]]
* War cemeteries
* [[Loktak Lake]]
* [[Moreh, India|Moreh]]

==Meghalaya==
{{main|Tourism in North East India}}
[[File:Nohkalikai fall.JPG|thumb|[[Nohkalikai Falls]]]]
[[Meghalaya]], translates to the 'home of clouds', where 'megh' means 'clouds' and 'alaya' means 'home'. [[Meghalaya]] has some of the thickest surviving forests in the country. Therefore, constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in the country today. The Meghalayan subtropical forests support a vast variety of flora and fauna. Meghalaya has two national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries.

Meghalaya, also offers many adventure tourism opportunities in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking and hiking, water sports etc. The state offers several trekking routes some of which also afford an opportunity to encounter some rare animals such as the slow loris, assorted deer and bear. The [[Umiam Lake]] has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise-boats, water-scooters and speedboats.

[[Cherrapunjee]] is one of the most popular tourist spots in North East of India. It lies to the south of the capital [[Shillong]]. The town is very well known and needs little publicity. A rather scenic, 50 kilometre long road, connects Cherrapunjee with Shillong.

The popular waterfalls in the state are the Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, [[Langshiang Falls]] and Sweet Falls. The hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram are believed to have curative and medicinal properties.
It is a very good place to visit.

[[Balphakram National Park|Balpakram National Park]] also known as 'Land of Spirits' by the Garos is located in South Garo Hills district, [[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]]. It has an amazing landscape and it is often compared to [[Grand Canyon]] of USA.

[[Siju Cave]] is also famous destination in south Garo Hills region. It is 25&nbsp;km long surveyed by P. Chopra et al. way back in 20th century.

[[Nokrek National Park]] is one of the famous places in Garo Hills region. It is home to mother citrus fruit known locally as 'Me•mang Narang' scientifically named [[Citrus indica]].

==Mizoram==
{{main|Tourism in Mizoram}}
Mizoram has a dramatic landscape and pleasant climate. The state is rich in bird diversity, which has the potential to make it a major [[birdwatching]] destination.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2008) '' A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, India. 122pp. [Supported by Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref> Mizoram is a stronghold for [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (''Syrmaticus humiae'').<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2002). ''Survey of Mrs Hume's pheasant in North East India''. Technical Report No. 5. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, India. 30pp. [Final report to the Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref> There is also a rare record of the [[wild water buffalo]] from the state.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010). ''The vanishing herds: wild water buffalo''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, India. 184pp. [Supported by CEPF & Taiwan Forestry Bureau]</ref> There have been several records of sightings of the [[Sumatran rhinoceros]] from Mizoram, and [[Lushai hills]].<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (1997) The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north-eastern India. ''Oryx'' 31(2):151–152</ref> A small population of wild elephants can be seen in Ngengpui and [[Dampa Tiger Reserve|Dampa Sanctuaries]].<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2001) The wild elephant ''Elephas maximus'' in Mizoram. ''J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc''. 98(3): 439–441</ref> Other interesting sites are Mizo Poets' Square also known as [[Mizo Hlakungpui Mual]] in Mizo and the Great [[Megaliths]] locally known as 'Kawtchhuah Ropui'.

{{wide image|Aizawl Panoramic View.jpg|750px|A panorama of Aizawl taken from Zemabawk.}}

==Odisha==
{{Main|Tourism in Odisha}}
[[File:Konark Sun Temple Front view.jpg|thumb|[[Konark Sun Temple]] built by the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty]] is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].]]
[[File:Udayagiri caves from Khandagiri hill.jpg|thumbnail|[[Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves]], built during 2nd century BCE]]
[[File:Temple-Jagannath.jpg|thumbnail|Shrikhetra Puri [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]], abode of Lord of Universe]]

[[Odisha]] has been a preferred destination from ancient days for people who have an interest in spirituality, religion, culture, art and the natural environment. Ancient and medieval architecture, pristine sea beaches, the classical dance Odissi and ethnic dance forms like [[Chhau dance|Chhau]], [[Ghumura Dance|Ghumura]] and Sambalpuri and a variety of festivals. Odisha also has a very rich variety of food. Odisha has kept the religion of [[Buddhism]] alive. Research suggests about evidences of [[Gautama Buddha]]'s birth in Odisha. Rock-edicts that have challenged time stand huge and over-powering by the banks of the [[Daya River]]. The torch of Buddhism is still ablaze in the sublime triangle at [[Udayagiri, Odisha|Udayagiri]], [[Lalitgiri]] as well as [[Ratnagiri, Odisha|Ratnagiri]], on the banks of river Birupa. Precious fragments of a glorious past come alive in the shape of stupas, rock-cut caves, rock-edicts, excavated monasteries, [[vihara]]s, chaityas and sacred relics in caskets and the Rock-edicts of [[Ashoka]].

Odisha is famous for the world-famous [[Jagannath Temple (Puri)]], [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] [[Konark Sun Temple]] and [[The Leaning Temple of Huma]]. Out of total 4 Chausathi Yogini temples all over India, 2 are in Odisha, in [[Chausathi Jogini Temple|Hirapur]] and Ranipur Jharial. Famous Oriya Sanskrit Poet [[Jayadeva]], who wrote famous [[Gita Govinda]], a poem of divine love between Lord [[Krishna]] and [[Radha]] with other Gopis, dedicated to [[Jagannath|Lord Jagannatha]], was born here in [[Kenduli Sasan]] village near Khurda.

[[Rajarani Temple]] (name derived from the sandstone in which it is made), is an architectural marvel like Khajuraho located in [[Bhubaneswar|Bhubaneswar (The Temple City of India)]], containing more than 500 ancient temples. [[Lingaraja Temple|Lord Lingaraja Temple]] (a 12th-century AD temple), Kedaragauri Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Brahmeswara Temple are some of the many magnificent Temples in the capital. Bhubaneswar has [[Odisha State Museum|State Museum]], Regional Museum of Natural History (having one of the two eggs of an extinct species in the world), Botanical Garden, Jain centres like [[Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves]], Pathani Samanta Planetarium, [[Dhauli]] White Pagoda where Chandashoka became Dharmashoka.

Odisha is the home for various tribal communities who have contributed uniquely to the multicultural and multilingual character of the state. Their handicrafts, different dance forms, jungle products and their unique life style blended with their healing practices have got worldwide attention. The well-known [[Ratha-Yatra]] of Lord Jagannath in Puri and [[Sitalsasthi Carnival]] of Lord Shiva in Sambalpur are among the leading sights.

The Indian Revolutionary saying "Give me Blood, I will give you Freedom", [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose]] was born in [[Cuttack]], whose House (Janakinath Bhavan) is now a museum, well equipped to provide details of his life-history.
The medieval capital, Cuttack has a treasure to share with you, the [[Barabati fort]] (witnessing Gangas, Marathas and British), the silver filigree works, [[Katak Chandi Temple]], Barabati Stadium, Qadam-I-Rasul and Dhabaleswar temple (having longest rope-bridge in India succeeded by Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh).
Eastern Ghats' highest peak, [[Mahendragiri, Orissa|Mahendragiri]], where [[Lord Parshuram]] is still in meditation, according to [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]] is in [[Gajapati district]].

'''Sites/cities/places of interest''':

1. [[Bhubaneswar]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Lingaraj Temple]], [[Rajarani Temple]], [[Dhauli]]giri, [[Khandagiri|Khandagiri and Udaygiri]], [[Nandankanan Zoological Park]].

2. [[Cuttack]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Barabati Fort]], [[Katak Chandi Temple]], [[Lalitgiri]]-[[Ratnagiri, Odisha|Ratnagiri]]-[[Udayagiri, Odisha|Udaygiri]], [[Dhabaleswar|Dhabaleswar Temple]].

3. [[Puri]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Jagannath Temple]], [[Chilika Lake]], [[Konark Sun Temple|Konark Temple]] and beach.

4. [[Sambalpur]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Samaleswari Temple]], [[Hirakud Dam]].

5. [[Berhampur]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Gopalpur-on-Sea]], [[Taptapani]], [[Taratarini Temple|Taratarini]], [[Sonpur Beach|Sonpur]]

6. [[Bhitarkanika Mangroves|Bhitarkanika Sanctuary]]

7. [[Mayurbhanj]]- Shimlipal [https://in.lastminute.com/blog/amazing-places-to-visit-in-august-in-india/] Biosphere Reserve

8. [[Dhenkanal, India|Dhenkanal]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Kapilash Temple|Kapilas]], [[Saptasajya]]

9. [[Balasore]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Chandipur, Orissa|Chandipur]]-on-sea, [[Chandabali]], [[Chandaneswar]], [[Panchalingeshwar]], [[Akhandalamani Temple|Aradi]] (Lord Akhandalamani).

10.[[Balangir]]-Harishankar temple, 64 yogini temple

10.[[Kalahandi]]- Maa Manikeswari Temple, [[Bhawanipatna]], Phurlijharan Waterfall

==Puducherry==
{{Main|Tourism in Puducherry}}
[[File:Auroville puducherry.jpg|thumb|The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in [[Auroville]], Puducherry]]
The [[Union Territory]] of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] comprises four coastal regions viz. Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry is the capital of this Union Territory and one of the most popular tourist destinations in [[South India]]. Puducherry has been described by [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] as "a glowing highlight of subcontinental sojourn". The city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues, which, combined with the systematic town planning and the well-planned French-style avenues, still preserve much of the colonial ambiance.

==Punjab==
{{Panorama
|image   =File:GodenTemple_Panorama.jpg
|height  = 300
|alt     = Golden Temple, Amritsar
|caption =Panorama of [[Harminder Sahib|Harminder Sahib Gurudwara]] or Golden Temple 
}}
[[File:MotiBaghPalace.jpg|left|thumb|[[Moti Bagh Palace]] in [[Patiala]]]]
{{Main|Tourism in Punjab}}
The state of Punjab is renowned for its cuisine, culture and history. Punjab has a vast public transportation and communication network. Some of the main cities in Punjab are [[Amritsar]], [[Jalandhar]], [[Patiala]], [[Pathankot]] and [[Ludhiana]]. Nabha is famous as a manufacturing hub of [[combine harvester]]s and other manufacturing units, while Patiala is known for the historical forts. [[Punjab]] also has a rich [[Sikh]] religious history. Tourism in Punjab is principally suited for the tourists interested in culture, ancient civilisation, spirituality and epic history. Some of the villages in Punjab have traditional Indian homes, farms and temples.
Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the [[Harmandir Sahib]] as one of the world's best spiritual sites with over 100,000 pilgrims and tourists visiting on a daily basis.

Another main tourist destination is religious and historic city of Sri [[Anandpur Sahib]] where many tourists come to see the [[Virasat-e-Khalsa]] (Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex) and also take part in [[Hola Mohalla]] festival. [[Kila Raipur Sports Festival]] is also popular tourist attraction in [[Kila Raipur]] near [[Ludhiana]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pictures displayed at media centre attract visitors to 'Kila Raipur' games|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/ludhiana/pictures-displayed-at-media-centre-attract-visitors-to-kila-raipur-games/article1-1179480.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160729150055/http://www.hindustantimes.com/ludhiana/pictures-displayed-at-media-centre-attract-visitors-to-kila-raipur-games/article1-1179480.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 29, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kila Raipur sports festival begins today|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/kila-raipur-sports-festival-begins-today/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kila Raipur sports festival concludes|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/community/kila-raipur-sports-festival-concludes/36826.html}}</ref> Shahpur kandi fort, Ranjit sagar lake and Muktsar Temple also popular attractions in [[Pathankot]].

==Rajasthan==
[[File:Jaipur 03-2016 19 City Palace complex.jpg|thumb|''Chandramahal'' in [[City Palace, Jaipur]], Rajasthan, built by Kachwaha Rajputs.]]
[[File:Delwada.jpg|thumb|[[Dilwara Temples]] ]]

{{main|Tourism in Rajasthan}}
[[Rajasthan]], literally meaning "''Land of the Kings''", is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in [[Western India]]. The vast sand dunes of the [[Thar Desert]] attract millions of tourists from around the globe every year.

'''Attractions''':
* [[Jaipur]]{{spaced ndash}}The capital of Rajasthan, famous for its rich history and royal architecture * [https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-jaipur/ Pink City]
*[[Chittorgarh]] – Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh, Kalika Mata Mandir, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace and temple of renowned devotee of Lord Krishna, Meera (Meera Temple).
* [[Jodhpur]]{{spaced ndash}}Fortress-city at the edge of the [[Thar Desert]], famous for its blue homes and architecture and [https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-jodhpur/ Blue City]
* [[Udaipur]]{{spaced ndash}}Known as the "[[Venice]]" of India *[https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-udaipur/ Lake City]
* [[Jaisalmer]]{{spaced ndash}}Famous for its golden fortress (one of the largest living fort), its magnificent palaces (Havelis), lake, fossil park, desert sand dune safaris-camps, desert national parks, [[Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples|Jain temples]]. The city is known as [https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-jaisalmer/ Golden City]. 
* [[Ajmer]]{{spaced ndash}}Holy city, popular for shrine of Sufi Saikhllnt [[Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti]]
* [[Barmer, Rajasthan|Barmer]]&nbsp;– Barmer and surrounding areas offer perfect picture of typical Rajasthani villages
* [[Bikaner]]{{spaced ndash}}Famous for world-famous KARNI Mata Temple (The Rat temple) and medieval history as a trade route outpost 
* [[Mount Abu]]{{spaced ndash}}Is a [https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-mount-abu/ popular hill station], the highest peak in the [[Aravalli Range]] of Rajasthan, [[Guru Shikhar]] is located here. Mount Abu is famous for [[Dilwara Temples]].
* [[Ranakpur]]{{spaced ndash}}Large Jain Temple complex, with around 1444 pillars and exquisite marble carvings
* [[Pushkar]]{{spaced ndash}}It has the first and one of the very Brahma temples in the world
* [[Keoladeo National Park]]{{spaced ndash}}A [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]
* [[Nathdwara]]{{spaced ndash}}This town near Udaipur hosts the famous temple of [[Shrinathji]]
* [[Sawai Madhopur]]{{spaced ndash}}Famous for [[Ranthambore National Park]] and historic [[Ranthambore Fort]]
* [[Shekhawati]]{{spaced ndash}}For traditional Havelis
* [[Dhosi Hill]]{{spaced ndash}}Vedic period Hill, Chyvan Rishi Ashram
*<ref name="Nomadline">{{cite web|title=Best Places to visit in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India|url=http://www.nomadline.com/tourist-places-to-visit-in-chittorgarh/|website=Nomadline.com|access-date=16 April 2016}} [[Chittorgarh]]</ref>
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Hawa Mahal 2011.jpg|[[Hawa Mahal]] in [[Jaipur]]
File:Mehrangarh Fort.jpg|[https://starttravel.online/best-place-visit-in-jodhpur/ Mehrangarh Fort] in [[Jodhpur]]
File:JagMandir.jpg|[[Jag Mandir|Jag Mandir Palace]] in [[Udaipur]]
File:Jaisalmer Fort.jpg|[[Jaisalmer Fort]] a UNESCO World Heritage Site in [[Jaisalmer]]
File:Ranthambhore Fort.jpg|[[Ranthambore Fort]] a UNESCO World Heritage Site in [[Ranthambore National Park]] famous for tigers
File:Walls of Kumbhalgarh.jpg|[[Kumbhalgarh]] a UNESCO World Heritage Site in [[Rajsamand District]]
File:Laxmi niwas palace.JPG|[[Laxmi Niwas Palace]] in [[Bikaner]]
File:Thar Khuri.jpg|[[Thar Desert]] near [[Jaisalmer]]
</gallery>

==Sikkim==
{{main|Tourism in North East India}}
[[File:Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hills.JPG|thumb|[[Kangchenjunga]] is the third highest mountain in the world.]]
[[File:Dongmar lake.jpg|thumb|[[Gurudongmar Lake]], [[Sikkim]]]]
Originally known as "Su-Kheem" ( from the [[Limbu language|Limbu]] language)which means "peaceful home". [[Sikkim]] was an independent kingdom until the year 1975 when it came under the Indian republic. 

The capital of Sikkim is [[Gangtok]], located approximately 105 kilometres from [[New Jalpaiguri]], the nearest railway station to Sikkim. Although, [[Pakyong Airport]] is a domestic airport in East Sikkim, it is largely inoperative due to the sub-standard runway length and other logistic issues, the other nearest airport to Sikkim is [[Bagdogra Airport]] in West Bengal. Sightseeing places include Baba Mandir,
[[Nathu La|Nathula Pass]], [[Rumtek Monastery]], Handicraft Shops, [[Lake Tsomgo|Tsangpo Lake]], Chardham, Buddha Park, Ridgepark, Flower Shows (International Flowers Shows) Samduptse, Tashi View point Tashiding, [[Pelling]], [[Yuksom]], [[Rabdentse]], Tibetology, Ropeway and Mt. [[Kangchenjunga]]. 

Sikkim is considered as the land of orchids, mystic cultures and colourful traditions. Sikkim is well known among trekkers and adventure lovers. The treks to Dzongri, Dzongku, Goechala and Gurudongmar Lake towards the northern part of the state are very popular and attracts tourists not only from India but also abroad. Numerous local tour operators registered and recognised by the Department of Tourism, [[Government of Sikkim]] run various trekking programs in the state providing fooding, lodging, travel and a surreal trip experience.

==Tamil Nadu==
{{Main|Tourism in Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Mamallapuram_(167).jpg|thumb|[[Shore Temple]], [[Mahabalipuram]], [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] ]]

[[Tamil Nadu]] was the most visited tourist destination by both Indian and International tourists in 2014 with over 320&nbsp;million domestic visits and 4.6&nbsp;million foreign visits. It has places of historical, cultural and architectural significance. Tourism in Tamil Nadu is promoted by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation by the state government with a logo ''enchanting Tamil Nadu''. TTDC promotes tourism in the state by arranging various functions and events. The capital city of Tamil Nadu -[[Chennai]]- is the only place in India to be listed in "52 places to go around the world" by ''The New York Times''. [[Marina beach]] in Chennai is the second longest beach in the world and Chennai is home to numerous historic temples and parks. Chennai is also nicknamed as the ''Gateway of South India''.

;Temples:
The state has three [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] which include the [[Great Living Chola Temples]] and [[Mahabalipuram]]. Archaeological sites with civilisation dating back to 3800 years<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1354201,prtpage-1.cms |title=Skeletons dating back 3,800 years throw light on evolution |work=The Times of India |date=1 January 2006 |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> have been discovered in Tamil Nadu. [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] [[Shore Temple|Mahabalipuram sea shore temples]] were built by rulers of [[Pallava dynasty]] and depicts remarkable art and architecture. The [[Brihadeeswarar Temple]] in [[Thanjavur]] was built in 1010&nbsp;A.D.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-Nadu-Andhra-Pradesh-build-temple-ties-to-boost-tourism/articleshow/6284409.cms |title=Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh build temple ties to boost tourism |work=The Times of India |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> Other major temples include [[Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple]], [[Ramanathaswamy Temple]], [[Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam)|Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple]] and [[Arunachaleswara Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/trichytourism/srirangam.htm |title=Tiruchy Tourism&nbsp;– A land of tradition |publisher=Tn.gov.in |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> All these temples showcase [[Dravidian architecture]] which prevailed during the ancient period.
The six abodes of Lord [[Murugan]] are situated in Tamil Nadu.

;Sanctuaries and national parks:
[[File:Marina_Beach_in_Chennai_as_seen_from_Light_house.jpg|thumb|[[Marina Beach]] in Chennai as seen from light house]]

The [[Western Ghats]] is one of the eight hottest [[biodiversity hotspot]]s in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/ghats/ |title=Biodiversity Hotspot – Western Ghats & Sri Lanka, Conservation International |access-date=15 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504042605/http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/ghats |archive-date=4 May 2006 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/multiple=1&unique_number=1921 |title=Western Ghats |publisher=UNESCO|access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Clara |last=Lewis |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/39-sites-in-Western-Ghats-get-world-heritage-status/articleshow/14622091.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707023508/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-03/mumbai/32523277_1_radhanagari-wildlife-world-heritage-centre-western-ghats |url-status=live |archive-date=7 July 2012 |title=39 sites in Western Ghats get world heritage status |date=3 July 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref> The [[Mangrove|mangrove forests]] of [[Pichavaram]] are the second largest in the world<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cuddalore.nic.in/pitc.htm |title=pitchavaram |publisher=Cuddalore.nic.in |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> and the [[Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve]] covers an area of 10,500&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> of ocean, islands and the adjoining coastline including [[coral reef]]s, [[salt marsh]]es, [[mangrove]]s and is home to [[endangered]] aquatic species including [[dolphin]]s, [[dugong]]s, [[whale]]s and [[Holothuroidea|sea cucumber]]s.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XwVX-85oI0EC&pg=PA10|page=10|title=Environment impact assessment|author1=Sacratees, J. |author2=Karthigarani, R. |publisher=APH Publishing|year=2008|isbn=978-81-313-0407-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Conservation and Sustainable-use of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve's Coastal Biodiversity|place=New York|year=1994|url=http://www.gefweb.org/wprogram/May99/Bio/India_1.doc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616221152/http://www.gefweb.org/wprogram/May99/Bio/India_1.doc|archive-date=2007-06-16}}</ref> The wetlands attract numerous migratory birds from Europe and America. The state government has established 13 bird sanctuaries to protect the birds from poaching and hunting. The state also has various bird sanctuaries including 13 established bird sanctuaries<ref name="tn">{{cite web|url=http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/|publisher=forests.tn.nic.in|title=Tamil Nadu Forest Department|access-date=28 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020195613/http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/|archive-date=20 October 2013}}</ref> The state is home to one of the largest populations of endangered [[Indian elephant]] and [[Bengal tiger]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Sukumar, R|year=1993|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95MoRwdQlcYC|title=The Asian Elephant: Ecology and Management|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=0-521-43758-X}}</ref> The region is home to one-third of the tiger population and more than half of the elephant population of India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150120/nation-current-affairs/article/tiger-population-rises-2226-2014-1706-2010 |title=India's tiger population rises|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=15 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://envfor.nic.in/pe/PE%20Note.pdf |title=Elephant Census 2005 |year=2007 |publisher=Ministry of Environment and Forests |access-date=23 February 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312060920/http://envfor.nic.in/pe/PE%20Note.pdf |archive-date=12 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> There are four [[Project Tiger]] [[Tiger reserves of India|reserves]] and four [[Project Elephant]] reserves in the state which include [[Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary|Anamalai]], [[Mudumalai National Park|Mudumalai]], [[Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary|Sathyamangalam]] and [[Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve|Kalakkad-Mundanthurai]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Panwar, H. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YdC-wfyZwZEC&pg=PA110 |title=Project Tiger: The reserves, the tigers, and their future|publisher=Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, N.J.|pages=110–117|year=1987|isbn = 9780815511335}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mysore/Project_elephant_status_for_Bhadra_sanctuary/articleshow/4066438.cms|title=Project Elephant Status|date=2 Feb 2009|newspaper=Times of India|access-date=24 February 2009}}</ref> Other threatened and endangered species found in the region include [[grizzled giant squirrel]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/WildBiodiversity/ws_sgsws.html|title=Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary|year=2007|work=Wild Biodiversity|publisher=TamilNadu Forest Department|access-date=24 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409230945/http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/WildBiodiversity/ws_sgsws.html|archive-date=9 April 2009}}</ref> [[grey slender loris]],<ref>{{cite book|author=Singh, M.|author2=Lindburg, D.G.|author3=Udhayan, A.|author4=Kumar, M.A.|author5=Kumara, H.N.|name-list-style=amp |year=1999|title=Status survey of slender loris Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus|publisher=Oryx|pages=31–37}}</ref> [[sloth bear]],<ref>{{Cite book|title = Daroji-an ecological destination|last = Kottur|first = Samad|publisher = Drongo|year = 2012|isbn = 978-93-5087-269-7}}</ref> [[Nilgiri tahr]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/nilgiri-tahr-population-over-3000-wwfindia/article7717561.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|title=Nilgiri tahr population over 3,000: WWF-India|date=3 October 2015}}</ref> [[Nilgiri langur]],<ref>{{Cite web | last1 = Malviya | first1 = M. | last2 = Srivastav | first2 = A. | last3 = Nigam | first3 = P. | last4 = Tyagi | first4 = P. C. | title = Indian National Studbook of Nilgiri Langur (''Trachypithecus johnii'') | url = http://www.cza.nic.in/Nilgiri%20Langur%20studbook.pdf | year = 2011 | publisher = [[Wildlife Institute of India]], Dehradun and [[Central Zoo Authority]], New Delhi}}</ref> [[lion-tailed macaque]],<ref>{{Cite iucn | author = Kumar, A. | author2 = Singh, M. | author3 = Molur, S. | name-list-style = amp | title = ''Macaca silenus'' | volume = 2008 | page = e.T12559A3358033 | date = 2008 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T12559A3358033.en | access-date = 13 January 2018}}</ref> and [[Indian leopard]].<ref>{{cite iucn |author=Stein, A.B. |author2=Athreya, V. |author3=Gerngross, P. |author4=Balme, G. |author5=Henschel, P. |author6=Karanth, U. |author7=Miquelle, D. |author8=Rostro-Garcia, S. |author9=Kamler, J.F. |author10=Laguardia, A. |author11=Khorozyan, I. |author12=Ghoddousi, A. |date=2020 |title=''Panthera pardus'' |volume=2020 |page=e.T15954A163991139 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T15954A163991139.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> [[Kanyakumari]] is the southernmost tip of mainland India provides scenic view of sunset and sunshine over the Indian Ocean. [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu#Waterfalls|Waterfalls]] like [[Hogenakkal Falls]] and [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu#Wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu|wildlife sanctuaries]] are located across the state.

;Hill stations:
[[File:The_big_temple.jpg|thumb|[[Brihadeeswarar Temple]] [[Thanjavur]], [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]]]
[[Ooty]], [[Kodaikanal]] and [[Yercaud]] are well-known hill stations. The [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]] is a mountain railway built in 1908,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|title=Mountain Railways of India|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref> and operated by a fleet of [[steam locomotive]]s.<ref name="BBC-Indian-Hill-railways">{{cite video|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qzzlm|title=Indian Hill Railways: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway|date=21 February 2010|access-date=1 March 2010|medium=TV|publisher=BBC}}</ref> In July 2005, [[UNESCO]] added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the [[World Heritage Site]] ''Mountain Railways of India''.<ref name="BBC-Indian-Hill-railways" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/135|title=UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mostar, Macao and Biblical vestiges in Israel are among the 17 cultural sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref>

;Medical tourism:
The state is a popular destination for medical tourism and the cities of [[Chennai]] and [[Coimbatore]] house some of Asia's premier hospitals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expresshealthcare.in/201007/healthcareintamilnadu01.shtml |title=Tamil Nadu- A Healthcare Paradise&nbsp;– Express Healthcare |publisher=Expresshealthcare.in |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2010/prod_050710b.html |title=All News&nbsp;– The Network: Cisco's Technology News Site |publisher=Newsroom.cisco.com |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609194230/http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2010/prod_050710b.html |archive-date=9 June 2011 }}</ref>

<gallery mode="nolines">
File:Airavatesvara Temple Chariot.jpg|Stone chariot ''mandapam'' at [[Airavatesvara Temple]] in [[Darasuram]]
File:India - Madurai temple - 0781.jpg|[[Meenakshi Amman Temple]]
File:Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, in Srirangam, near Tiruchirappali (24) (37254366620).jpg|[[Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam]], largest Hindu temple in India
File:Kailasanathar temple Kanchipuram (16).jpg|[[Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple]], [[Kanchipuram]]
File:Kazhugumalai Jain beds (10).jpg|[[Kalugumalai Jain Beds]]
File:NMR train at Ketti 05-02-26 75.jpeg|[[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]], [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]
File:Fort Dansborg.JPG|[[Fort Dansborg]] at [[Tharangambadi]] built by the [[Danes|Danish]]
File:Tea Monarch Aramby Ooty Nilgiris Mar21 A7C 00293.jpg|Tea plantation in the heights of [[Ooty]].
File:Terraced farming- Kodaikanal.jpg|Terraced farming in [[Kodaikanal]]
File:Thirumalai nayak mahal.jpg|[[Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal|Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace]]
File:Vellore Fort Tamil Nadu-3.jpg|[[Vellore Fort]]
File:Thiruvalluvar Statue At Kanyakumari (197523127).jpeg|[[Thiruvalluvar Statue]] at [[Kanyakumari]]
</gallery>

==Telangana==
{{Main|Tourism in Telangana}}
{{See also|List of tourist attractions in Hyderabad}}
[[File:Charminar Hyderabad 1.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Charminar]], [[Hyderabad]], India]]
[[File:Golconda22.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Golkonda]], [[Hyderabad]], India]]
[[File:Birla Mandir in Hyderabad, 2015.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Birla Mandir, Hyderabad|Birla Mandir]], [[Hyderabad]], India]]

[[Telangana]], a state with rich historic and cultural heritage is one of the most frequented tourist places in [[South India]]. Also known as ''The City of Pearls'', [[Hyderabad]] is today one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture.

Hyderabad ranked second best place in the world that one should see in 2015 which is published in the annual guide of 'Traveler' magazine of [[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hyderabad-ranked-2nd-best-place-in-world-to-see-in-2015-Magazine/articleshow/45315848.cms|title=Hyderabad ranked 2nd best place in world to see in 2015: Magazine|work=The Times of India|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref>

* [[Birla Mandir, Hyderabad]] is a white marble Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara on the Naubath Pahad in Hyderabad.
* The [[Ramappa Temple]] and [[Thousand Pillar Temple]] in [[Warangal]] are famous for their temple carvings of the [[Kakatiya]] dynasty.
* [[Sammakka Saralamma Jatara]] is held every second year in [[Medaram]].
* [[Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basar]] ([[Nirmal district]]) is a [[Saraswati]] temple.
* [[Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple]]{{spaced ndash}}One of the famous and most visited Lord Shiva temple located in [[Vemulwada, Karimnagar District|Vemulawada]] ([[Rajanna Sircilla district]])
* [[Vemulwada, Karimnagar District|Vemulavada]] temple is built by Chalukya Kings between AD 750 and 975.
* [[Yadagirigutta Temple|Yadagirigutta]], the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.

'''Famous Buddhist centres''':
* [[Nelakondapalli]]{{spaced ndash}}Khammam District
* [[Dhulikatta]]{{spaced ndash}}Karimnagar District
* [[Phanigiri]]{{spaced ndash}}Suryapet District

'''Pilgrim centres and temples''':
* [[Bhadrachalam Temple]]{{spaced ndash}}In [[Bhadradri Kothagudem district]]
* [[Ramappa Temple]]{{spaced ndash}}Near to Warangal City
* [[Yadagirigutta Temple|Yadagirigutta]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district]]
* [[Thousand Pillar Temple]]{{spaced ndash}}[[Hanamakonda]] city in Warangal District
* [[Kuchadri sri venkateshwara swamy temple]] in [[Kuchanpally]], Medak District<ref>{{cite web|author=Kuchadri temple|title=Kuchadri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Medak|url=http://www.yatrastotemples.com/kuchadri-venkateswara-swamy-temple-medak/|website=yatrastotemples.com|ref=987528652874184184|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160718163457/http://www.yatrastotemples.com/kuchadri-venkateswara-swamy-temple-medak/|archive-date=2016-07-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Monuments of Medak|url=http://tsdam.com/monuments-in-medak.html|website=tsdam.com|publisher=Department of Archaeology and Museums Telangana}}</ref>

'''Attractions''':
* [[Charminar]]{{spaced ndash}}Centre of the Hyderabad Old City
* [[Golkonda]] Fort{{spaced ndash}}Largest and 400 years oldest fort
* [[Chowmahalla Palace]]{{spaced ndash}}It was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
* [[Ramoji Film City]]{{spaced ndash}}Largest Film City in the world situated in Hyderabad City
* [[Warangal Fort]]{{spaced ndash}}Oldest fort built by Kakatiya before 13th century reflects the culture of Telugu people
* [[Thousand Pillar Temple]] - Built by King Rudra Deva in 1163&nbsp;AD. The Thousand Pillar Temple is a specimen of the Kakatiyan style of architecture of the 12th century.
* [[Surendrapuri]]&nbsp;– A unique Mythological Awareness Centre near Yadagirigutta, 60&nbsp;km from Hyderabad
* [[Salar Jung Museum]]{{spaced ndash}}It is one of the three National Museums of [[India]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Footprint India|first=Roma|last=Bradnock|year=2007|isbn=978-1-906098-05-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/footprintindia0000dare/page/1033 1033]|publisher=Footprint |url=https://archive.org/details/footprintindia0000dare/page/1033}}</ref> situated in Hyderabad City.
[[Golkonda]] (Telugu: గోల్కొండ, Urdu: گولکوندا), a ruined city of south-central India and capital of the medieval kingdom of Golkonda (c. 1364&nbsp;– 1512), is situated 11&nbsp;km west of Hyderabad.
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Warangal1000pillarTemple.jpg|[[Thousand Pillar Temple]], [[Hanamakonda]] city in Warangal District, [[India]]
File:Ramappa temple main.JPG|[[Ramappa Temple]], [[Warangal]], [[India]] is a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]]
File:Warangal fort.jpg|[[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]] at [[Warangal Fort]] in [[Warangal]]
File:Chowmahalla Palace 01.jpg|[[Chowmahalla Palace]] in [[Hyderabad]]
</gallery>

==Tripura==
{{main|Tourism in Tripura}}
[[File:Ujjayanta Palace as seen from the Rajbari Lakes.jpg|thumb|Ujjayanta Palace]]
[[File:Unakoti (Scorpian ad).JPG|thumb|Unakoti, a rock sculpture in Tripura]]
* '''[[Ujjayanta Palace]]'''{{spaced ndash}}The gleaming white Ujjayanta Palace located in the capital city of [[Agartala]] evokes the age of Tripura Maharajas. It is a unique experience to witness living history and royal splendour within the boundaries of the Palace. Constructed by the king of Tripura Maharaja Radha Kishor Manikya during the late 19th century and finished off in 1901. The Indo-Saracenic building is set up in large Mughal-style garden with two man-made lakes on its both sides. The palace is of two-storied mansion and has three domes, each 86 feet high, stunning tile floor, curved wooden ceiling and wonderful crafted door. Floodlights and light and sound fountain has been set up in the palace.
* '''[[Unakoti]]'''{{spaced ndash}}means one less than a crore. Located about 186&nbsp;km from '''Agartala''', Unokoti is an important site of archaeological wonder. It is a Shaiva pilgrimage attraction and dates back to the 7th to 9th centuries AD. The site consists of several huge vertical rock-cut carvings on a hillside. The site shows strong evidence of [[Buddhist]] occupation but also has a central [[Shiva]] head and imposing [[Ganesh]]a figures having a height of 30 feet. The rocky walls also have a carved images of Hindu pantheon like [[Durga]] and [[Vishnu]]. The unakoti rock-cut carving have the distinction of being the largest bas-relief sculpture in India.
* '''Bhubaneshwari Temple'''{{spaced ndash}}Another temple of eminence of Tripura is this temple. located 55&nbsp;km from [[Agartala]] on the eastern fringe of [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]] town by the bank of bank of river [[Gomti River|Gomati]]. The temple is now under the control of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. It was built by [[Govinda Manikya|Maharaja Govinda Manikya]] (1660–1676). The temple is immortalised in [[Rabindranath Tagore]]'s famous play known as [[Bisarjan]] and [[Rajarshi]]. Maharaja Govinda also features an important character in Tagore's play. While approaching Bhubaneshwari Temple one can find the ruins of the palace of the Maharaja. Down below the temple the river Gomati flows.
* '''Gunabati Group of Temples'''{{spaced ndash}}From its name it reveals that it was built in the name of Maharani Gunabati (wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya), in 1668&nbsp;AD. The two other tempel also bears contemporary look but there actual history is still unveiled. Architecture of these temples resembles other contemporary temples of Tripura except the top most parts are without Stupa. Core-Chambers are marked by a presence of pitcher circular core chamber and its vestibule which was large with Stupa like crown is crafted like a lotus<ref>Tripura Tourism</ref>
* '''Chabimura'''{{spaced ndash}}A famous panel of rock carving on the steep mountain walls on the banks of [[Gomti River|Gomati]]. There are huge images carved of [[Shiva]], [[Vishnu]], [[Kartikeya|Kartika]], Mahisasurmardini Durga and other Gods and goddesses. These images date back to the 15th or 16th century. Chabimura is 30&nbsp;km away from [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]]. It is situated in Amarpur subdivision. Devatamura means God's peak and it a full range between Udaipur and Amarpur Subdivision. It is famous for its many idols of gods and goddess. These images are carved on the rocky faces of Devtamura which is steep at 90 degrees. The hill ranges are covered with thick jungles and one cab reach this adobe of gods only after trekking through these jungles.
* '''Boxanagar'''{{spaced ndash}}Recently after denudation of a nature forest area, ruins of a brick built building emerged in the northwestern part of [[Sonamura]] Sub-Division on the edge of the border with Bangalasesh. The local people initially attribute the remains to the ancient temple of [[Manasa]]- the goddess of snake. Attention was drawn to the Archaeological Survey of India and they took over the site. A statue of [[The Buddha]] was discovered and it was confirmed that once upon a time it was a Buddhist Temple i.e. a [[Monastery]]. More than excavation of the site will unearth the hidden story.<ref>Tourism of Tripura/Boxanagar</ref>
* '''[[Pilak, Tripura]]'''{{spaced ndash}} a famous place of attraction for its archaeological remains from the 8th and 9th centuries. Pilak is situated at a distance of 144&nbsp;km from ''Agartala''. The place is a treasure house of [[Buddhist]] and Sculpture in the [[Indian subcontinent|Hindu Sculptures]]. There runs a hilly rivulet near the place which is known as Pilak stream. Few temples with plaques of terracotta and stone images can be found here. Huge sculptures made of stones of [[Avalokiteśvara]] in the 9th century<ref>Tripura a Place of Satiety</ref> and [[Narasimha]] image of the 12th century were found here. Both of there are now preserved in the [[Ujjayanta Palace|Museum of Agartala]]. Even now one can find many sculptures of Goddess in Pilak as Lord [[Durga]], Lord [[Ganesha]], Lord [[Suriya]], etc.<ref>Gods and Goddess in Pilak</ref> There is image of a God holding a lotus which is of ten feet high. There are terracotta images of Kinnars. Two bronze statue of Buddhas were discovered in Rishyamukh near ''Pilak''. All these lead to establish that the place was once under the rule of Buddhist kings followed by Hindu rulein subsequent years. Pilak, the treasure-trove of archaeological riches has close association with Mynamoti and [[Somapura Mahavihara|Paharpur]] in Bangladesh. It is believed that the area has more hidden treasures and as such recently further excavation drive has been taken up by [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. Tourist may find it delighted to explore the history of this lovely destination.

==Uttarakhand==
{{main|Tourism in Uttarakhand}}
[[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|center|The ''[[Valley of Flowers]]'' and [[Nanda Devi]] [[National Park]]s are [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]s.]]
[[Uttarakhand]], the 27th state of the Republic of India, is called "the abode of the Gods" or referred as the "Heaven on Earth". It contains glaciers, snow-clad mountains, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, and many shrines and places of pilgrimage. ''[[Chota Char Dham]]''s, the minor pilgrimage of the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: [[Badrinath]], [[Kedarnath]], [[Gangotri]] and [[Yamunotri]] are nestled in the Himalayas, of which [[Badrinath]] is part of [[Char Dham]], major pilgrimage of four highly sacred Hindu temples.<ref name="indiapilgrimtours">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiapilgrimtours.com/articles/destination-profiles-of-the-holy-char-dhams-uttarakhand|publisher=indiapilgrimtours.com|title=Destination Profiles of the Holy Char Dhams, Uttarakhand - India Pilgrim Tours |access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Gwynne|first=Paul |title=World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction|year=2009|publisher=Blackwell Publication |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-4051-6702-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tdsRKc_knZoC&q=char+dham&pg=PT271}}</ref> [[Haridwar]] which means ''Gateway to God'' is the only place on the plains.

It holds the watershed for Gangetic river system spanning 300&nbsp;km from [[Satluj]] in the west to Kali river in the east. [[Nanda Devi]] (25,640&nbsp;ft) is the second highest peak in India after [[Kanchenjunga]] (28,160&nbsp;ft). [[Dunagiri (mountain)|Dunagiri]], [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Neelkanth]], [[Chaukhamba]], Panchachuli, Trisul are other peaks above 23,000&nbsp;ft. It is considered the abode of ''Devtas, Yakashyas'', ''Kinners'', Fairies and Sages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uttaranchaltourism.in/ |title=Uttaranchal Tourism, Uttarakhand India Tourism, Uttaranchal Travel, Tourism in Uttaranchal, Adventure Trekking Tour Uttaranchal India, Trekking Wildlife Hill Station Tour Packages Uttaranchal India |publisher=Uttaranchaltourism.in |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> It has some old hill-stations developed during British era like [[Mussoorie]], [[Almora]], [[Dwarahat]], [[Ranikhet]] and [[Nainital]].

{| style="width:100%; margin:0;"
|- valign="top"
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'''Glaciers'''<br />
<small> [[Pindari Glacier]], [[Milam Glacier]], [[Gangotri Glacier]], [[Bandarpunch|Bunder Punch Glacier]], [[Khatling Glacier]], Doonagiri Glacier, Dokrani Glacier, Kaphini Glacier, [[Ralam Glacier]]</small>
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'''Wildlife Reserves'''<br />
<small>[[Corbett National Park]], [[Rajaji National Park]], [[Asan Conservation Reserve]], [[Nanda Devi National Park]], Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, [[Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary]] ([[Askot]]), [[Valley of Flowers]]</small>
|style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; width: 25%; " |
'''Adventure Sports'''<br />
<small>Skiing at Mundali, [[Auli, India|Auli]], Dayara Bagyal and [[Munsiyari]]. Paragliding at [[Yelagiri]]. Trekking at [[Mussoorie]], [[Uttarkashi]], [[Joshimath]], [[Munsiyari]], [[Chaukori]], [[Pauri]], [[Almora]], [[Nainital]]</small>
|style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; width: 25%; " |
|}
<gallery mode="nolines" class="center">
File:Badrinath Temple - OCT 2014.jpg|The most sacred Hindu temple, [[Badrinath Temple]].
File:Kedarnath Temple.jpg|[[Kedarnath Temple]] in [[Kedarnath]] town.
File:Gangotri.JPG|[[Gangotri]]
File:Yamuna at Yamunotri.JPG|[[Yamunotri]].
File:Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar.jpg|[[Ganges|Ganga]] river at [[Haridwar]].
File:Nainital.jpg|[[Nainital]] is a popular [[Hill station]] in [[India]].
File:Nanda devi.jpg|[[Nanda Devi|Nanda Devi peak]] in [[Nanda Devi National Park]] a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]]
File:Bengal-Tiger Corbett Uttarakhand Dec-2013.jpg|[[Jim Corbett National Park]] the oldest national park in India, famous for [[Bengal tiger|tigers]]
</gallery>

==Uttar Pradesh==
{{Main|Tourism in Uttar Pradesh|l1=Tourism in Uttar Pradesh}}
[[File:Taj Mahal (Edited).jpeg|thumb|[[Taj Mahal]] ]]

Situated in the northern part of India, border with the capital of India New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destination in India. Uttar Pradesh is important with its wealth of historical monuments and religious fervour. It is the home of [[Taj Mahal]], and Hinduism's holiest city, [[Varanasi]]. The most populous state of the Indian Union also has a rich cultural heritage. [[Kathak]] one of the eight forms of [[Indian classical dance]], originated from Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is known as ''The Heartland of India''. [[Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh]] like [[Awadhi cuisine]], [[Mughlai cuisine]], [[Kumauni cuisine]] are very famous in entire India and abroad.

;Places of interest in include:

{{wide image|Varanasi panorama.jpg|900px|A view of the [[Ghats in Varanasi]] from the Ganges}}
* [[Varanasi]]-The origin of Hinduism and world's one of the oldest cities. Also known as City of temples it is Most popular holy place of lord [[Shiva]] devotees. Some of the finest Textiles are produced here.

[[File:Panoramic vie of Fahpur Sikri Palace.jpg|thumb|[[Fatehpur Sikri]]]]
* [[Agra]]&nbsp;– Home to three [[World Heritage Site]]s i.e. [[Taj Mahal]], [[Agra Fort]] & [[Fatehpur Sikri]]. Agra boast of several others historical monuments and gardens. [[Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah]], [[Tomb of Akbar the Great]] to name a few.

[[File:Kumbh Mela 2001.jpg|thumb|[[Kumbh Mela]] at [[Prayagraj]]]]
* [[Prayagraj]] or [[Allahabad|Prayag]] -[[Kumbh Mela]]-The place where Indian national river [[Ganges]] and [[Yamuna]] and [[Saraswati]] rivers meet. A mass Hindu pilgrimage in which [[Hindu]]s gather at the Ganges river. [[Akbar]] forts. One of the most popular religious centres of ancient and modern India for Hinduism. Uttar Pradesh's administrative and education capital.
* [[Bithoor]]-This is the historical capital of Uttar Pradesh from where the Hindu god Brahma created the universe. It is situated about 10&nbsp;km from [[Kanpur]].
[[File:Kushinara1.jpg|thumb|right| [[Gautama Buddha]] attained [[Mahaparinirvana]] at [[Kushinagar]]]]

* [[Kanpur]]&nbsp;– Uttar Pradesh's important Industrial town and largest city of the state. It is the most cosmopolitan city of the state. Has several historical places like-[[Bithoor]] and [[Allen Forest Zoo]]. It is the second largest metropolitan city of North India with various Historical and British Architectural buildings. The Kanpur Memoria Church or All Souls Memorial Church of Gothic architecture was built by Walter Granville on memory of those who died in [[Siege of Cawnpore]].
* [[Lucknow]]-The capital of Uttar Pradesh. Most planned city of Uttar Pradesh. It has Several historical places [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]], British and modern architecture. The cuisine and chikan dresses of Lucknow is famous worldwide.
* [[Mathura]]-The birthplace of Lord [[Krishna]] of [[Hinduism]] and [[Neminath]] of [[Jainism]] and Holy City
* [[Ayodhya]]-The birthplace of Lord [[Rama]] of [[Hinduism]]
* [[Jhansi]]-Historical place. City was centre of Rani [[Lakshmibai]]'s battlefield against British
* [[Sarnath]]-Gautama Buddha first taught the [[Dharma]], the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit. The birthplace of [[Shreyansanath]], the eleventh Jain Tirthankar of the [[Jainism]].
* [[Kushinagar]]- It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where [[Gautama Buddha]] is believed to have attained [[Parinirvana]] after his death
* [[Chunar]]-It is the centre of clay art. Chunar has a 6th-century fort constructed by [[Chandragupta Vikramaditya]]. The fort itself had through rulers like [[Humayun]], [[Sher Shah Suri]] and was gateway of Mauryan empire. It has waterfalls and natural spots.
* [[Fatehpur Sikri]]-Historical place for Mughal Empire's palaces and forts
* [[Meerut]]-The historical place of the [[Sepoy Mutiny of 1857]] or the [[First War of Indian Independence]]. Indian Historical place from [[Mahabharata]] period of ancient India to Modern India's one of the fastest growing city of Uttar Pradesh.
*[[Hastinapur]] : This is a popular religious site since it is believed to be capital of the Kauravas and birthplace of 3 tirthankar Shantinatha, Kunthunath and Aranatha.<ref name="mdameerut">{{cite web|url=http://mdameerut.in/major-attraction/|publisher=mdameerut.in|title=Major Attractions &#124; Meerut Development Authority|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="uptourism">{{cite web|url=http://www.uptourism.gov.in/post/hidden-treasures|publisher=uptourism.gov.in|title=Welcome to UP Tourism-Official Website of Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, India &#124; Hidden Treasures|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Gupt kalin mandir bhitargaon (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Bhitargaon#Bhitargaon Temple|Bhitargaon Temple]], [[Bhitargaon]], [[Kanpur Nagar district|Kanpur]], the largest Indian brick temple to survive from the time of the Gupta Empire<ref>{{cite book |last1=Harle |first1=James C. |title=The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent |date=January 1994 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-06217-5 |page=116 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LwcBVvdqyBkC&pg=PA116 |language=en}}</ref>]]
*[[Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh|Deogarh]] : This places is famous for Deogarh fort and its Gupta era Hindu and Jain temples dating back to 8th-9th century.<ref name="uptourism2">{{cite web|url=http://www.uptourism.gov.in/pages/top/explore/top-explore-jhansi---deogarh|publisher=uptourism.gov.in|title=Deogarh - The Village Of Vishnu Temple's|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref> like [[Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh|Dashavatara Temple]] and [[Jain temples at Deogarh|Shantinath temple]].
* [[Mirzapur Division]]-The hub of world's finest carpet Industries, and very popular tourist destination for its natural beauties and one of the fastest growing region of Uttar Pradesh. It consists of vindhyachal shaktipeeth.
* [[Ghaziabad, India|Ghaziabad]]: Historical places from ancient India to modern India and India's fastest growing Industrial city. See [[Buddh International Circuit]]
* [[Noida]] and [[Greater Noida]]: IT, [[electronics]] and education hub of [[Northern India]]. India's biggest city with a planned and high-tech residential area.
* [[Gorakhpur]]: The city was home to [[Buddhist]], [[Hindu]], [[Muslim]], [[Jain]] and [[Sikh]] saints. The birthplace of [[Paramhansa Yogananda]], great Hindu emperor [[Chandragupta Maurya]].
* [[Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh|Jaunpur]]:Historical city was founded by the [[Sultan of Delhi]] [[Feroz Shah Tughlaq]] and named in memory of his father, [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] as [[Jaunpur Sultanate]]. [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]], [[Lodi dynasty|Lodis]] and Islamic ruler's Forts and ancient history of India.
* [[Dudhwa National Park]]&nbsp;– Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Birds Sanctuary, Frog Temple at Oyal, Surat Bhawan Palace, elephant rides
* [[Rehar]]:Several major tourist attractions can be mentioned in the town's surroundings, like [[Jim Corbett National Park]] about 24&nbsp;km, [[Nainital]] about 69&nbsp;km.
* [[Vrindavan]]:A Town in [[Mathura district]] About 10&nbsp;km from [[Mathura]] Famous for [[Prem Mandir Vrindavan]], [[Banke Bihari Temple]] And world tallest temple going to be constructed [[Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir]] Uttar pradesh is a biggest political state in India. India is also known as the name of a gold bird.
* [[Ahichchhatra]]: is place where [[Parshvanatha]] attained [[Kevala Jnana]]. A number of [[Ahichchhatra Jain temples|Jain temples]] are built in area to commemorate Parshvanatha attaining [[Panch Kalyanaka|Kēvalajñāna kalyāṇaka]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Law | first=Bimala Churn | title=Panchalas and their capital Ahichchhatra | volume=67 | series=Memories of the Archaeological Survey of India | publisher=[[Archaeological Survey of India]] | url=https://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/22065.pdf | year=1942 | access-date=27 April 2022 | pages=15–22 }}</ref>

==West Bengal==
{{Main|Tourism in West Bengal|Tourist attractions in West Bengal}}
{{See also|Places of interest in Kolkata}}
[[File:DHR 780 on Batasia Loop 05-02-21 08.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] ]]
[[File:Jor Bangla Temple Arnab Dutta 2011.JPG|thumb|[[List of temples in Bishnupur|Jor-Bangla Temple]], [[Bishnupur, Bankura|Bishnupur]] ]]

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), is the capital of [[West Bengal]] has been nicknamed the ''City of Palaces'', ''City of Joy'', etc. This comes from the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. Unlike many north Indian cities, whose construction stresses minimalism, the layout of much of the|right| architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British as it was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911 and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French.
The buildings were designed and inspired by the tastes of the English gentleman around and the aspiring Bengali Babu (literally, a ''nouveau riche'' Bengali who aspired to cultivation of English etiquette, manners and custom, as such practices were favourable to monetary gains from the British). Today, many of these structures are in various stages of decay. Some of the major buildings of this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared as heritage structures.
Long known as the "Cultural Capital of India" for its vibrant culture which has led India from the forefront from the 18th century onwards in all fronts ranging from culture to arts, literature to sciences, sports to politics, theatre to films. Home to the famous [[Bengal Renaissance]] which boasts of a host of luminaries like [[Raja Rammohan Roy]], [[Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar]], [[Ramakrishna]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose]], [[Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay]], [[Jagadish Chandra Bose|Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose]], [[Rabindranath Tagore]], [[Swami Vivekananda]], [[Khudiram Bose|Khudiram]], [[Chittaranjan Das]], [[Sri Aurobindo]], [[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay]], [[Bagha Jatin]], [[Bidhan Chandra Roy]], and countless others. West Bengal is also known for the famous [[The Sunderbans]].

From historical point of view, the story of West Bengal begins from Gour and [[Pandua, Malda|Pandua]] situated close to the present district town of [[English Bazar|Malda]]. The twin medieval cities had been sacked at least once by changing powers in the 15th century. However, ruins from the period still remain, and several architectural specimens still retain the glory and shin of those times.
The [[Hindu]] architecture of [[Bishnupur, Bankura|Bishnupurin]] terracotta and laterite sandstone are renowned world over. Towards the [[British Raj|British colonial period]] came the architecture of [[Murshidabad]] and [[Coochbehar]].
[[Darjeeling]] is a famous Himalayan city in the state of West Bengal. [[Darjeeling tea]] is world-famous because of its attractive smell. Other than Darjeeling there are notable hill stations like [[Kalimpong]], [[Lava]], [[Lolegaon]], [[Rishyap]], etc. There are some wonderful trek routes also, like [[Sandakfu]], [[Falut]], etc. Beside hill stations West Bengal has some beaches like [[Digha]], [[Digha#Shankarpur|Shankarpur]], [[Digha#Mandarmani|Mandarmoni]], [[Bakkhali]] etc.
West Bengal is home to six national parks<ref name=natparks>{{cite web
| url = http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/page_states_ut.htm
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20041220055244/http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/page_states_ut.htm
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 20 December 2004
| title = West Bengal
| access-date = 26 October 2006
| work = Directory of Wildlife Protected Areas in India
| publisher = Wildlife Institute of India
}}</ref>&nbsp;— [[Sundarbans National Park]], [[Buxa Tiger Reserve]], [[Gorumara National Park]], [[Neora Valley National Park]], [[Jaldapara National Park]], and [[Singalila National Park]]. Extant wildlife include [[Indian rhinoceros]]es, [[Indian elephant]]s, deer, [[bison]], [[leopard]]s, [[gaur]], and crocodiles, as well as many bird species. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter. The high-altitude forests of Singalila National Park shelter [[barking deer]], [[red panda]], [[chinkara]], [[takin]], [[serow]], [[pangolin]], [[minivet]] and [[kalij pheasant]]s. Additionally, the Sundarbans are noted for a reserve project conserving the endangered [[royal Bengal tiger]], although the forest hosts many other endangered species, such as the [[Gangetic dolphin]], river [[terrapin]] and [[estuarine crocodile]].
{{clear}}
{| style="width:100%; margin:0;"
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'''Notable sites of West Bengal'''<br />
<small>[[Cooch Behar]]{{·}} [[Darjeeling]]{{·}} [[Jalpaiguri]]{{·}} [[Kalimpong]]{{·}} [[Kurseong]]{{·}} [[Dooars]]{{·}} [[Digha]]{{·}} [[Bishnupur, Bankura|Bishnupur]]{{·}} [[English Bazar|Malda]]{{·}} [[Mayapur]]{{·}} [[Mukutmanipur]]{{·}} [[Ajodhya Hills]]{{·}} [[Murshidabad]]{{·}} [[Siliguri]].</small>
| style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: center; width: 25%; " |
'''Places of Worship'''<br />
<small>[[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]]{{·}} [[Kalighat Temple]]{{·}} [[Birla Mandir, Kolkata|Birla Mandir]]{{·}} [[Belur Math]]{{·}} [[Tipu Sultan Mosque]]{{·}} [[Nakhoda Masjid]]{{·}} [[St. Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata|St. Paul's Cathedral]]{{·}} [[St. John's Church, Kolkata|St. John's Church]]{{·}} Parsi Fire Temples{{·}} Japanese Buddhist Temple{{·}} [[Calcutta Jain Temple]]{{·}} [[Tarakeswar]]{{·}} [[Tarapith]]{{·}} [[Furfura Sharif]]</small>
|}
{{clear}}
{| style="width:100%; margin:0;"
|- valign="top"
|style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; width: 25%; " |
'''Main attractions of Kolkata'''<br />
<small>[[Victoria Memorial (India)|Victoria Memorial]]{{·}} [[Howrah Bridge]]{{·}} [[Kumartuli]]{{·}} [[Indian Botanical Garden]]{{·}} [[Dalhousie Square|B.B.D. Bagh]]{{·}} [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]]{{·}} [[Belur Math]]{{·}} [[Eden Gardens]]{{·}} [[St. Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata|St. Paul's Cathedral]]{{·}} [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Maidan]]{{·}} [[College Street (Kolkata)|College Street]]{{·}} [[Jorasanko Thakur Bari]]{{·}} [[Netaji Bhawan]]{{·}} [[Marble Palace (Kolkata)|Marble Palace]]{{·}} [[Missionaries of Charity]]{{·}}[[National Library of India]]{{·}} [[Kalighat Temple]]{{·}} [[Park Street, Kolkata|Park Street]]{{·}} [[South Park Street Cemetery]]{{·}} [[Birla Planetarium, Kolkata|Birla Planetarium]]{{·}} [[Science City Kolkata|Science City]]{{·}} [[Shobhabazar Rajbari]]{{·}} [[Alipore Zoo]]{{·}} [[Vidyasagar Setu]]</small>
|}

<gallery mode="nolines">
File:Victoria Memorial situated in Kolkata.jpg|[[Victoria Memorial (India)|Victoria Memorial]] in [[Kolkata]]
File:Durga Puja DS.jpg|The famous Durga idol from the Durga Puja
File:Panthera tigris tigris.jpg|The [[royal Bengal tiger]] at [[Sunderbans National Park]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]
File:Dakshineshwar.jpg|[[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] located in [[Kolkata]]
File:Howrah bridge at night.jpg|[[Howrah Bridge]] has been icon of [[Kolkata]] since its construction in 1942
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{Wikivoyage inline|India}}
* [http://tourism.gov.in/ Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India]
* [https://incredibleindia.org/ Official India Tourism website]

{{Tourism in India|state=expanded}}
{{Tourism in Asia}}

[[Category:Tourism in India by state or union territory]]