India is one of the most populous countries in the world. Its cities are also some of the largest even when comparing them to other populous metropolitan areas. If you plan on visiting India, the following cities offer the most attractions as they are also the biggest.
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1. Mumbai
The captivating city of Mumbai has a population of over 12 million people. Attractions here seem endless and the city never sleeps even if you visit by night. One of the popular locations for both locals and tourists is Marine Drive. This short curved road is situated right on the edge of the Arabian Sea and it’s one of the main nighttime attractions of Mumbai.
If you’re impressed by the Arabian Sea, you can also visit the area for impressive buildings for further discovery. The Gateway of India is close. Built-in 1924, it showcases the rich architectural background of Mumbai. If it used to have a rich historical significance it also attracts thousands of tourists looking for that quintessential Indian experience. When you’re tire of walking the streets of the city, you can head over to the Colaba Causeway for a busy but interesting shopping experience.
2. Delhi
With a population of 11 million, Delhi is one of India’s tourist hotspots. The Red Fort and the Jama Masjid are among its most interesting attractions. But most tourists head to the Chandni Chowk for the Urdu Bazar and other bazaars, shopping, and street food sampling.
Rickshaws are popular here even though tourists have to be careful as cars and thousands of people walk here every day. If you like the area, you can even stay at the popular Karim Hotel here.
3. Bangalore
Bangalore is known for the beautiful Bangalore Castle and its excellent weather. The city has a population of over 8 million people, making it a local and an international hub for culture and tourism. While the city has a strong influence in the aeronautics space in India, it’s also one of the top destinations in the country for nature lovers.
Cubbon Park, established by Lord Cubbon, is one of the largest green spaces in the country and a top oasis for relaxation. Lal Bagh is the city’s botanical garden in pristine conditions where you can see secular trees and hundreds of artistic floral creations.
4. Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a large population of 6.8 million. It has an interesting history and attractions that almost make it hard to match. For example, the municipality is also known as ‘The City of Pearls’ due to its pearls and diamonds industry.
But it has also seen a major cultural renaissance as many artists fled New Delhi in its time of conflict to Hyderabad. If you love reading, the city is also the home of multiple literature clubs and associations which promote Indian writers during various festivals.
5. Ahmedabad
The city has a population of 5.7 million and it’s a top destination for shopping. If you love clothes, you might find your bargain outfit shopping at its multiple independent stores. Sabarmati Ashram is a popular destination here as it was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi.
India was always a top destination for Western travelers which often came with their vehicles. Most of their vintage vehicles can now be seen at the World Vintage Care Museum in the city. Some of them even belonged to Maharajas of that period.
6. Chennai
Chennai has a population of 4.6 million. It features several natural and man-made attractions that make it worth visiting. It features the Marina Beach. As the second-longest urban beach in the world, it represents a tourist hotspot worth visiting and relaxing.
If you love animals, you can also head to the nearby Arignar Anna Zoological Park. Covering an impressive area of 600 hectares, it’s the home of multiple rare animals. In total, there are over 3.000 animals you can see here making it a top destination when traveling with children.
7. Kolkata
The large city of Kolkata has a population of 4.4 million. Classic and modern architecture make this city a world-renowned location that is worth visiting. If you like modern engineering, you can see the Howrah Bridge here. The large busy bridge crosses the West Bengal and it connects Kolkata to Howrah.
The Victoria Memorial is also a top attraction due to its well-preserved architecture. The museum has been built in the memory of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. If you can visit the museum by night, the illumination surrounding its walls make it look even more impressive.
8. Surat
Image: Wikimedia / Hemant meena
Surat has a population of 4.4 million. Dumas Beach is one of the most popular areas of the city. Surat residents travel here by bus to relax and to enjoy the time spent outdoors. The Dutch Garden is an attraction within city limits that showcases the city’s Dutch heritage. The Sardar Patel Museum is also worth visiting since it’s only a couple of miles out of the city center.
9. Pune
Pune has a population of over 3.1 million people and its India’s 9th most populous city. It attracts a growing number of tourists and its historical buildings and Osho influence make it a diverse city, despite not having the same popularity as Delhi as other large cities in the country.
You can visit the Shaniwar Wada which was once in the property of the state. The Aga Khan Palace is the most impressive building in Pune with its mesmerizing architecture. Covering a surface of 19 acres, this palace is now the home of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and it also attracts thousands of visitors per week.
10. Jaipur
The popular city of Jaipur has a population of 3 million people. It features interesting Indo-Islamic architecture you can visit when you’re in the city. Amer Fort and City Palace are popular attractions where you can take memorable photos.
But Hawa Mahal is considered the most iconic Jaipur attraction. With hundreds of small windows, this large building is an attraction that can also be enjoyed from the inside.
