Discover the top 10 destinations in India for foreign travelers — from the Taj Mahal and Jaipur to Kerala’s backwaters and Ladakh’s Pangong Lake.
India Welcomes Record 11.2 Million Foreign Tourists in 2025
India’s tourism boom continues, with 11.2 million foreign visitors arriving in the first nine months of 2025 — a 12.4% year-on-year rise, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
As global travelers look beyond clichés, the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers blend iconic heritage, spirituality, and eco-friendly exploration.
“India is no longer just the Taj Mahal—it’s a sensory overload of history, spirituality, and nature,”
says Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog.
These Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers were curated from TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, UNESCO data, and Google’s 2024–25 travel trends.
From the Himalayas to the oceans, from sacred rivers to bustling cities, India has so much to offer that a lifetime isn’t long enough to tour it.
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) September 27, 2025
A civilisation that has welcomed seekers, storytellers, and dreamers for millennia continues to inspire the world with its timeless… pic.twitter.com/ZDa0mPajvC
Must Read: India e-Arrival Card 2025 for Foreigners: Step-by-Step Process, Rules, and Key Benefits
Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers (2025 Edition)
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal remains the crown jewel among the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers. With over 7.5 million annual visitors, sunrise tickets now sell out 72 hours in advance on IRCTC.
2. Jaipur – Amber Fort & Hawa Mahal
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur dazzles with royal heritage and is a key part of the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers list. Hot-air balloon rides over Amber Fort are fully booked till March 2026.
3. Varanasi Ghats
The spiritual capital of India offers foreign tourists an unmatched sunrise experience on the Ganges. Varanasi has seen a 28% jump in foreign bookings, cementing its place in the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers.
4. Kerala Backwaters, Alleppey
A favorite among global travelers, the Kerala Backwaters represent India’s eco-tourism success. With 1,200 solar-powered houseboats, Alleppey stands out in the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers for its sustainable beauty.
We are delighted to announce a unique collaboration between Incredible India and Netflix aimed at promoting India as a global cinematic and tourism destination using Netflix titles. To celebrate this partnership, watch a video teaser announcing our collaboration & highlighting… pic.twitter.com/qAafRd0lna
— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) September 27, 2025
5. Goa – Palolem & Anjuna Beaches
Goa’s mix of beaches and heritage makes it one of the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers. The Latin Quarter of Fontainhas was recently rated #1 outside Europe by TripAdvisor.
6. Leh-Ladakh – Pangong Lake
The breathtaking Pangong Lake has become a must-see on the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers list. Foreign permits have doubled since the viral 3 Idiots scene, with 1.8 billion TikTok views.
7. Ranthambore National Park
Wildlife lovers rank Ranthambore high among the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers thanks to its 94% tiger-sighting success rate this season, per the Rajasthan Forest Department.
8. Udaipur – Lake Palace
Romance meets royalty in Udaipur, home to the Taj Lake Palace, crowned #1 “One-of-a-Kind Hotel Globally” by TripAdvisor 2025. Its lakes and palaces make it a timeless inclusion in the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers.
9. Ajanta-Ellora Caves
For history enthusiasts, Ajanta and Ellora represent living heritage. With 3D temple tours and audio guides in 12 languages, this site is a technological marvel among the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers.
10. Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace, illuminated with 100,000 bulbs, is a royal finale to the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers. Its weekend light shows now run twice weekly due to record visitor demand.
Expert-Recommended 14-Day India Itinerary
Day 1–2: Delhi (India Gate, Qutub Minar)
Day 3: Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort)
Day 4–5: Jaipur (Amber Fort, city bazaars)
Day 6–7: Fly to Kochi → Alleppey houseboat
Day 8: Varkala Beach
Day 9–10: Fly to Leh (Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley)
Day 11–12: Varanasi (Ganga Aarti, Ghats)
Day 13–14: Return to Delhi
This route efficiently covers most of the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers in just two weeks.
Government Initiatives Enhancing Travel Experience
- e-Visa on Arrival extended to 180 countries with flexible 30-, 90-, and 365-day stays.
- Free SIM cards with 1.5 GB data at 12 major airports.
- UPI for Tourists enables cashless payments via Google Pay without an Indian account.
These measures make exploring the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers easier and more secure than ever.
Must Read: India eVisa 2025 for Foreigners: Full Guide to Eligibility, Visa Types, and Application Process
Safety & Sustainability Highlights
Under the ‘Travel Safe India’ initiative, licensed QR-coded guides and women-only safaris are now mandatory in key tourist zones. Kerala’s houseboats are fully solar and biofuel powered, adding green credentials to the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers.
Booking Tip: Incredible India 2.0 App
The Incredible India 2.0 app, launched on October 1, 2025, integrates e-visa, train, and monument tickets—saving up to 22% on bundled bookings.
It’s the go-to tool for anyone planning to explore the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers.
India Beyond the Brochure
From the marble symmetry of the Taj Mahal to the misty serenity of Kerala’s backwaters, the Top 10 Destinations in India for Foreign Travelers offer not just pictures but powerful experiences.
As one Australian traveler posted on X:
“India didn’t just show me sights—it rewired my soul.”
For travel guides, updates, and itineraries, visit incredibleindia.org or download the official app.
