India is one of the most diverse and culturally rich countries in the world. It can be split into four regions: North, East, West, and South.

Northern India is made up of seven states: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. Here are some ideas on what to do in Northern India:

1. Taj Mahal: Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks in India and is one of the new seven wonders of the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Built in 1632, its purpose was to bury the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s wife. There is also the Black Taj Mahal, which is said to be built across the Yuma River, opposite the Taj Mahal. 
2. Delhi: Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant city that’s home to many historical landmarks, such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutub Minar. It is currently the second most populated city in the world and has one of the largest spice markets in India. 
3. Himalayas: The Himalayas offer some of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world. It has a huge variety of trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. The best time to go trekking in the Himalayas is between April and October. Many Himalayan peaks are sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism,; and because of this, many summits are off-limits to climbers. 
4. Rishikesh: My mom recently traveled to Rishikesh and she had a fantastic time. It is a spiritual town located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. It is home to many ashrams, yoga retreats, and spiritual centers.
5. The Golden Temple in Amritsar: The Golden Temple is a stunning Sikh temple located in Amritsar, Punjab. It’s a peaceful and serene place and is known for its beautiful architecture and the communal kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors. Sikh culture is very service driven, so oftentimes, you will see every type of person, ranging from old to young, serving food. 
6. Rajasthan: Rajasthan is a state in Northern India known for its beautiful forts and palaces, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. You can visit cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to explore the rich history and culture of the region.

Next East India is made up of four states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal

1. Temples: East India is known for its beautiful temples, including the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.  Temples are welcoming toward everybody and are an amazing way to experience common Indian customs. 
2. National parks: East India is home to India’s most beautiful national parks, including Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and Kaziranga National Park in Assam. National parks aren’t a huge part of Indian culture but they are gorgeous nonetheless.
3. Beaches: East India is home to some beautiful beaches, including the popular Puri Beach in Odisha and the quiet and secluded Gopalpur Beach in Ganjam district.

      4. Local cuisine: East India is famous for its delicious and spicy food, including the famous Bengali cuisine and the seafood of  Odisha. “I recently traveled to Kolkata (capital of India’s West Bengal state) and though I’m not a huge fan of seafood, the seafood there was some of the best I’ve ever had” shares Anjani Bodar (11).