Best States for Tourism in India: Discover the Top Destinations

Every time someone tosses the question at me—Which state is best for tourism in India?—it feels like you've just asked a parent to pick a favorite child. Impossible, right? The truth is, India is more like a sprawling quilt of cultures, colors, climates, and cuisines. Each state holds a wild mix of things to do and see. Still, some states have that extra something that keeps travelers coming back for more, while others surprise you quietly when you least expect it.

Why Choosing the 'Best' State for Tourism in India Is So Tricky

India is massive: think 3.287 million square kilometers, with over a billion people speaking 22 official languages and hundreds more dialects. Imagine hopping an overnight train and waking up in a place where everything feels different—the food, the festivals, even the way people talk. That’s what happens in India. Travelers fall for different states for wildly different reasons.

For nature junkies, some swear by Himachal Pradesh’s Himalayan hiking trails. Culture seekers might argue it’s Rajasthan with its painted palaces and ancient forts. Foodies? Don’t get me started on the street noodles of West Bengal or Goa’s spicy seafood thalis. Those looking for a spiritual tune-up may choose Uttarakhand, with its yoga ashrams and river ceremonies in Rishikesh and Haridwar. The truth? The best state for you depends on what makes you want to pack a suitcase. It really is that personal.

Let’s break down what makes picking the best so complicated by looking at a few things:

• Diversity: Each state has its unique vibe. For instance, Kerala is famous for its backwaters and ayurveda, while Sikkim offers Buddhist monasteries and fantastic mountain views.
• Accessibility: Some states are easier to get to and get around, with airports, trains, and solid roads, like Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra.
• Safety and Hospitality: Certain states like Kerala and Himachal score high among solo travelers, especially women.
• Weather: Southern states enjoy mild winters but sticky summers, while Himalayan states attract crowds in March to June for cooler climes.

When you ask Indians themselves, you’ll find passionate answers and heated debates, but here are some consistent favorites from travelers around the world according to surveys and travel polls:

Rajasthan: The Iconic Classic for Culture Lovers

If you picture India as a riot of color, crowded bazaars, camel parades, and gigantic forts towering above sandy deserts, Rajasthan fits the bill. You'll find it in every traveler’s top five—and with good reason. Jaipur’s pink walls, Jodhpur’s blue lanes, Udaipur’s lakes and white palaces—each city hums with drama. Rajasthan hosts over 48 million tourists a year, easily making it best state for tourism in India in terms of sheer numbers and breadth of experiences. Do you want to sleep in a palace? Rajasthan’s got you covered, from budget to blow-out splurges.

More than the monuments, Rajasthan knows how to put on a show. It’s famous for its colorful festivals: the Pushkar Camel Fair, Gangaur celebrations, and the jaw-dropping Desert Festival in Jaisalmer. If you’re a foodie, you won’t leave hungry. Think spicy dal baati churma, ghee-loaded kachoris, or thick lassi in a clay cup under the desert sun. It’s also a shopping haven: pick up textiles, pottery, leather goods, and even jewel-toned turbans.

Don’t skip the wildlife. Ranthambore National Park is a tiger haven, best spotted at sunrise when the forest is misty and silent. Birds steal the scene in Keoladeo National Park, especially in winter when migratory species land in huge flocks. Tip: Carry extra camera batteries—Rajasthan runs on photo ops.

Pro tip: The weather gets brutally hot from April to June, with temperatures soaring well above 40°C (104°F). Aim for late October to February for pleasant days and cool nights. Local guides recommend hiring an auto or private driver, especially if you want to check out tiny villages for pottery classes or folk dance evenings. And worry less about language—tourism has made English and Hindi widely spoken by shopkeepers and hotel staff. Last but not least—bring light scarves, sunglasses, and loads of sunscreen. That desert sun is relentless but so worth it.

Kerala: Backwaters, Beaches, and That Laid-Back Charm

There’s a reason travel magazines keep calling Kerala “God’s Own Country.” This is the greenest, dreamiest slice of India. Think palm trees swaying along the Arabian Sea, mist rolling through tea-covered hills, and houseboats gently gliding through palm-fringed backwaters. This is a place where things slow down—perfect for travelers who want beauty without the chaos. Kerala is consistently among India’s top five tourism states. It welcomes about 18 million domestic travelers and nearly a million international visitors each year.

The main draw? Those world-famous backwaters. The town of Alleppey doubles as a floating village, with houseboats that range from basic to luxury floating palaces. Spend a night out on the water and you’ll hear nothing but birds, boat bells, and the quiet slap of water on wood. But don’t lock yourself in a boat the whole time—Kochi’s colonial neighborhoods and Kathakali dance shows are a must-see, and Munnar’s tea gardens turn the air herbal every morning.

Kerala is the home of ayurveda, India’s ancient health system. People come for detox programs, massages with herbal oils, and yoga by the waves. The spicy seafood is legendary: try a prawn curry with coconut rice, or the local favorite, appam (rice pancakes) with stew. If you’re here during harvest, don’t miss Onam, Kerala’s biggest festival—just be prepared for flower parades, snake-boat races, and banquets on banana leaves.

Some travel tips: Kerala’s beaches (Varkala, Kovalam) offer clean swimming, surfing, and cliff-top sunset cafes, and the hill stations (Wayanad, Munnar) are blissfully cool from March to June. Kerala takes safety and environmental rules seriously—plastic is banned in many areas and homestays have popped up everywhere, letting you chat with local families over breakfast. If you’re short on time, a South India tour mixing Kerala with Tamil Nadu’s temples is a killer combo. And yes, the famously friendly hospitality? It’s real. Just ask my cat Mittens—Kerala’s fish curries always get her purring.

Goa: Party Capital, Beach Haven, and a Culinary Gem

Some people think Goa is just about wild beach parties. Well, the parties are great, sure—but Goa is more than just a weekend rave. Imagine over 100 km of sun-drenched coastline dotted with golden sands and turquoise water. Mix that with crumbling Portuguese churches, hip flea markets, cozy shacks with Goan sausage rolls, and a totally relaxed style. It’s the smallest state in India but holds its own with about 8 million visitors a year, drawing young backpackers, families, and even grandparents out for sunshine and seafood.

Start in North Goa for the action—Arambol, Baga, Anjuna are big names for nightlife, yoga, fire shows, and music festivals. Prefer quieter sands? Head south to Palolem or Agonda, where mornings are for dolphins and evenings for bonfire chats. But Goa isn’t just the beach. Take a scooter into the countryside and you’ll find spice plantations, centuries-old forts, spice-scented markets, and Saturday night craft bazaars. The monsoon (June to September) transforms Goa, turning inland villages lush and crowd-free—perfect for nature lovers, even if daily rain soaks your flip-flops.

Spotting dolphins at dawn or joining a cookery workshop to learn real vindaloo are highlights. Don’t miss the street art in Panaji or the hybrid Indo-European cuisine: pork sorpotel, bebinca (a cake even Mittens would fight for), and tangy fish curries loaded with kokum and coconut. Goa’s laid-back attitude makes it perfect for solo travelers, first-timers, or anyone burnt out on big city drama. Just beware—Goa’s cheap prices, late nights, and sunset views are addictive. You’ll likely return, again and again.

An FYI for pet lovers: Goans adore animals, and it’s common to see dogs (like my Bailey) snoozing beside yoga mats or joining surfers along the waves. Most boutique resorts and guesthouses are pet-friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring your furry companions along. Need a travel hack? Download the GoaMiles app for local cabs—great for avoiding price haggles.

Honorable Mentions: Where Else Should Be on Your Radar?

Look, India is too big to be pinned down to just one “must-do” state. Once you fall for one, you find 10 others that surprise you. Here are some lesser-sung states and what they offer:

• Uttarakhand: The land of yoga, yoga, and even more yoga. Rishikesh and Haridwar buzz with spiritual energy and the best river rafting north of the equator. The Valley of Flowers goes Technicolor in July, while Nainital and Mussoorie are classic hill getaways.
• Himachal Pradesh: Shimla and Manali are classic “summer vacation” towns, chock full of alpine trails, apple orchards, cafe culture, and mountain resorts with wood fireplaces. Bonus: paragliding in Bir Billing or snowboarding in Solang Valley doubles the adventure.
• Tamil Nadu: The state blends Tamil culture, legendary vegetarian kitchens, and some of the oldest temples you’ll ever see. Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple is jaw-dropping in size and detail. Pondicherry (now Puducherry) has French vibes, seaside cafes, and golden beaches.
• West Bengal: If you like old-world history and colonial architecture, Kolkata’s museums, bookshops, and teahouses are delightful. Darjeeling, meanwhile, sits high with endless tea gardens and mist-wrapped mountain views.
• Karnataka: Don’t sleep on Karnataka. Hampi’s ruins look lunar, Mysuru is regal during Dasara, and Coorg’s coffee estates make mornings incredible. Bengaluru is India’s tech nerve center with a lively music and craft beer scene.

Travel costs, language, road conditions, and the kind of cuisine you like all play a part in which state you’ll love most. If you spend time speaking with travelers in hostels or tea shops, you’ll get pep talks for places you’d never planned to visit—and those spontaneous suggestions often turn into the best detours.

Tips for Picking Your Best Indian State—And Making the Most of Your Trip

Narrowing it down is tough, but honestly? Choosing a single best state for tourism in India depends on what you want. Are you an early riser craving mountain air, a late-night party animal, a history fiend, a wildlife photographer, or a street food connoisseur? Try this:

• If history calls, go Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu.
• For beaches, mix Goa with a south Kerala run.
• Want snow and adventure? Uttarakhand or Himachal.
• Love food, books, or music? West Bengal’s capital Kolkata is your jam.
• Looking for jungle safaris and caves? Maharashtra wins here.

A few practical tips:

• Book early for trains and decent stays, especially during festival seasons—Indian holidays are legendary for crowds.
• Travel light, but pack layers if you’re entering the Himalayas—even summer nights can be cold.
• Use local guides. Official guides are certified and not too expensive, and their stories make old stones come alive.
• Stay hydrated. The heat can be brutal, especially in Rajasthan and the south.
• Double-check festivals and public holidays. Some sights close down, while others come alive in insane ways.
• Always have some small rupee notes for tips or street snacks.

And if you’re traveling with pets like my lazy dog Bailey or food-obsessed Mittens, call ahead—more places are cool with animals than you’ll expect. Major Indian cities now have pet-friendly cafes and hotels, and there’s growing awareness of animal-friendly travel everywhere.

The real answer? The best Indian state for tourism is the one that fits your style, your budget, and your taste. Try one. Try three. You’ll leave with stories, flavors, photos, and moments that stick with you for years.