Best Places to Visit in India – Best of Exotic Asia

India's iconic attraction that has endured the test of time the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located in Agra this monument was constructed by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a token of love to the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to the Emperor's 14th child and with her last breath urged her husband to build a monument in her memory that outshines all others. And so in 1632 construction of what is today one of the world's greatest icons of undying love was started.

The holy city of Varanasi is almost always part of India tours from Sri Lanka. Here thousands of devotees and curious tourists explore the many Hindu temples and take turns bathing in the holy Ganges River. If you opt to take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges you could see how hundreds of devotees bath in the river to cleanse themselves under the rays of the rising sun. Ghats are the cement platforms from which devotees enter the river and on some of these, you can see cremations taking place while around others people will swim, bathe and perform religious ceremonies. Varanasi has over 2,000 temples and like the pilgrimage tours offered by Jetwing Holidays, there are many that tour these shrines.

This is an exotic little city that sits on the top of a flat hill. A walled sandstone city Jaisalmer is deep within the Thar Desert. On the contrary to its location the fort city itself is a verdant oasis; a town cocooned within ancient sandstone walls still adhering to a traditional lifestyle. One of Rajasthan's famous attractions the place is made up of twisting alleys and huge intimidating doorways from which you enter. Explore the narrow streets, browse the little shops and discover the mysticism of the many Jain temples. January to February is when the Jain Desert Festival takes place with camel rides, folk music, dancing and traditional merriment.

Consisting of gorgeous lagoons and shimmering lakes the green environs of Kochi are quite irresistible. Better known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea the place once known as Cochin is a fine amalgamation of Kerala cultures. For indeed Kochi is home to streets lined with mosques, a stunning 16th century Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches and charming Portuguese cottages over 500 years old. India's oldest European Church St Francis is located here while Chinese fishing nets are spread along the Mattancherry district close to the 16th century Portuguese castle of the same name.

The Himalayas form the backdrop of this stunning city located at an altitude of 2,200 metres. Beautiful tea estates surround this hill station which is favoured for its cool climate as India's favourite summer resort. Buddhist monasteries are the main attraction while remnants of the Raj are fascinating to discover. Explore colourful markets and plan treks across the beautiful landscape.