North India Travel Guide

“If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”.

Any discussion about North India will not be complete without this saying. A proud home to the most majestic and enchanting mountain range “The Himalayas” in Jammu and Kashmir, which prove the above saying to be true to every single letter. From snowy mountains to sandy desert to green plains, this region’s basket contains fruits from a variety of trees. The list of awesomeness does not end here; North India has many feathers in its cap.

 

NORTH INDIA STATES MAP

 

Several major rivers flow through the region, including the Indus, the Ganges, and the Yamuna. North India comprises the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This region spans approximately 1.4 million square kilometers. While Hindi is the predominant language, the region boasts a rich diversity of dialects, including Kashmiri, Rajasthani, Haryanvi, and Punjabi.

Almost 543 million people reside in this region of the country. North India shares its boundaries with China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. The North Indian region is home to major rivers like The Ganges, Yamuna, Sutlej and many more. People of almost all religion live in this region of the country.

The “Taj Mahal” in Agra, graces North India with its royal yet serene presence. “Banaras” in North India, is the spiritual capital, where people come to die, is also the oldest inhabited city in the world. ‘The Lal Qila’ reminds Indians of our precious independence and to honor it, every year on 15th August, the prime minister of India hoists the national flag here.

North India has one more badge of honor; the “Golden Temple” which is the most popular pilgrimage of the Sikh community, lies here. It is the largest running kitchen in India, serving at least 50k meals per day (the number of which can rise up to 1 lakh on festivals), in the form of langar.

North Side States in India List with Capitals

Most administrative work is carried out in compliance with the criteria set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), since various government institutions refer to the North India States under different names. The MHA lists the names of the northern Indian states along with their capitals, which are shown below.

Let me introduce you to the beautiful Indian North States: One at a time

1. Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir regions soothes your eyes with breathtaking scenic views of mountains, packed with snow, valleys full of flowers and garden full of apples and peaches. If you are in J&K, do not forget to taste the famous ‘Noonchai’. You can also shop for Kesar, Walnut and Almonds which are cultivated in abundance here. The people here were the ‘Feram’ to protect themselves from cold.

Best Time to Visit: March to October
Local Cuisine: Noonchai (Kashmiri tea), Rogan Josh, Kebabs
Festivals & Culture: Discover the enchanting Shikara rides on Dal Lake. During Shivratri or Eid, join in the local celebrations.
Travel Tip: Visit Gulmarg in winter for snow activities, or head to Srinagar in summer for serene landscapes.

2. Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh lies in the lap of Himalayas, just beneath J&K. The largest glacier in Asia, ‘Shigri Glacier’ is here. The Manali-Leh highway is the highest motor able road in India. The famous thukpa is a favorite delicacy here.

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December
Local Cuisine: Thukpa, Siddu, Chana Madra
Festivals & Culture: Don’t miss the lively Kullu Dussehra festival and local Pahari dances.
Travel Tip: Trek to Kullu or visit the Spiti Valley for a peaceful retreat. Manali-Leh Highway is perfect for adventure seekers.

3. Punjab

Haven’t tried the lasii in Punjab. What are you serious.? If you really wanna get the taste of North India, lassi in Punjab is a must. Sitting in a paddy field, eating makka chapattis with sarso saag gives the most patriotic feeling of the country. Sikhism is the major religion practiced here.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Lassi, Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag
Festivals & Culture: Baisakhi and Lohri offer vibrant festivities.
Travel Tip: Experience the spiritual vibe at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and savor the authentic langar (community meal).

4. Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a major hub of adventure sports in India. The famous Chipko movement of India took place here only. Uttarakhand is famous for being the home to chaar dhaams- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is also the site for Kumbh mela, which is organized in a gap of 12 years.

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Local Cuisine: Aloo Paratha, Chole Bhature, Kumaoni Raita
Festivals & Culture: Visit during the Kumbh Mela or Baisakhi.
Travel Tip: Explore the spiritual Char Dham Yatra and the peaceful vibes of Rishikesh for yoga retreats.

5. Haryana

Almost all major multinational companies have their Indian headquarter in Gurugram, Haryana. Haryana also produces the most number of wrestlers in the country. Delhi the national capital lies in the northern region of India. Famous for great food and diverse culture, Delhi is home to many historical monuments. Also known as ‘concrete jungle’ ironically, Delhi is one of the greenest cities of the world.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Lassi, Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag
Festivals & Culture: The vibrant festivals of Baisakhi and Lohri are celebrated with grand fervor, showcasing local traditions.
Travel Tip: For a unique experience, try the rural tourism offerings in Haryana, including visits to traditional farms and witnessing rural lifestyle. Also, explore the historical sites such as the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary for nature lovers.

6. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India. Famous for wheat cultivation, vibrant temples of Mathura and Vrindavan, and Kachori jalebi of Varanasi, this state is situated on the banks of the river Ganges.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Kachori, Petha, Chaat
Festivals & Culture: Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is an unmissable experience, and Holi in Vrindavan is a riot of colors.
Travel Tip: Visit Varanasi for a spiritual awakening along the Ganges River.

7. Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture. It is home to a number of historical landmarks, government buildings, and cultural institutions.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Chole Bhature, Paratha, Kebabs
Festivals & Culture: Dive into Diwali celebrations and witness the grand Republic Day parade.
Travel Tip: Explore the rich history at the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, then shop at Chandni Chowk for a taste of local life.

8. Rajasthan

Lastly, Rajasthan, the state of golden dessert, is famous for its daal-baati-choorma. Desert safari are quite popular here. A very interesting fact about Rajasthan is that the cities here are color coded Jaipur pink city, Udaipur white city, Jodhpur blue city, Jaisalmer golden city. it Rajasthan is also home to many historical temples like Mehndipur Balaji Hanumaan mandir, Khatu Shyam mandir, Salasar Hanuman mandir and Rani sati dadi mandir in Jhunjhunu and Dargah of Ajmer Shariff. Feeling all spiritual haa Namkeen ke sath kuch meetha ho jaye!

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Dal Baati Churma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Kachori
Festivals & Culture: Experience Pushkar Camel Fair and Diwali celebrations.
Travel Tip: Explore the royal Amber Fort and indulge in a desert safari in Jaisalmer.

9. Ladakh

Ladakh, known as the “Land of High Passes,” is a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Picture yourself surrounded by majestic mountains, serene blue lakes, and breathtaking landscapes that feel almost unreal. Whether you’re exploring ancient monasteries, riding through scenic mountain passes, or simply soaking in the beauty of Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, every moment in Ladakh is unforgettable. From trekking and biking to experiencing the unique Ladakhi culture, this magical land has something special for everyone.

Best Time to Visit: May to September
Local Cuisine: Thukpa, Skyu, Butter Tea
Festivals & Culture: Experience the vibrant Hemis Festival and the traditional Buddhist culture.
Travel Tip: Take time to acclimatize to the high altitude before exploring, and don’t miss a road trip on the iconic Leh-Manali Highway.

10. Chandigarh

Known as “The City Beautiful,” Chandigarh is India’s first planned city, designed by architect Le Corbusier. With well-maintained gardens, modern infrastructure, and vibrant nightlife, this city is a perfect blend of nature and urban charm. The famous Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Rose Garden are must-visit attractions.
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Best Time to Visit: October to March
Local Cuisine: Chole Bhature, Rajma Chawal, Lassi
Festivals & Culture: Chandigarh celebrates Baisakhi and Teej with great enthusiasm.
Travel Tip: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at Sukhna Lake and explore the artistic Rock Garden, a masterpiece of recycled art.

The North Indian region is as equally famous for its spicy food as for the delicious sweets. From lassi to halwa to barfis to mirchi pakoda, to chole bhature, this region every kind of delicacies possible. The non veg cuisines are also very popular along with the vegetarian ones. The Thukpa soup, which is a mix of momos and noodles in a broth, is a specialty you will never forget. The kebabs of Lucknow, the petha of Agra, the paranthas of Delhi all these cuisines are a perfect blend of sweet and spice.

North India State Name List – Languages Spoken..

India still has a vast number of languages spoken there. In terms of culture, the northern Indian states are not that dissimilar from one another. Most states in North India have their own distinct regional languages. The northern region of India is home to many vernacular languages, some of which are listed here.

States	Language Spoken
Uttar Pradesh	Hindi, Urdu, English
Delhi	Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi
Ladakh	Ladakhi
Haryana	Hindi, Punjabi, English
Rajasthan	Hindi, Sindhi, Gujarati
Chandigarh	Punjabi, English
Himachal Pradesh	Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi
Jammu and Kashmir	Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, English, Hindi
Uttarakhand	Pahari, Punjabi, Hindi
Punjab	Punjabi, Hindi, English, Urdu

What are North Indian people known for?

North Indian people are known for their rich culture, tasty food, and big, joyful festivals. They celebrate events like Diwali, Holi, and Baisakhi with lots of energy. The region is home to famous places like the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple. North Indians also play a big role in farming, business, and tourism, making the region lively and important.

Some interesting facts about North India bet you don’t know them all

• • Indira Gandhi Airpot: The Indira Gandhi International Airport is South Asia’s largest aviation hub.
  • Population Density: The North Indian region is the region with most population density in India.
  • Siachen Glacier: The highest battlefield of the world lies in Siachen Glacier. The altitude of this place is 6,000 metres.
  • Indian Astronomical Observatory: It’s actually the second-highest observatory in the world.
  • Kalka-Shimla Railway: The Kalka-Shimla railway has been added to the mountain railways of India, World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
  • Brahma Temple: The only Brahma temple in the whole world is in Pushkar, Rajasthan. It also hosts the famous hot balloon festival.
  • Highest Post Office: World’s highest post office is located in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh. It is still functional at an altitude of 15,500 ft.
  • Drass: World’s second most cold place, which is still inhabited is in Drass, Kargil in Kashmir. It is also known as ‘Gateway to Ladakh’.
  • Kumbh Mela: The famous Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is the largest human gathering in the history of the world. The place was so full of people that Ilkonos satellite captured a detailed image of it while revolving in space.
  • Lathmaar Holi: The Lathmaar holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is famous worldwide. A weeklong celebration in which people throw colors at each other and enjoy popular sweets is among the most popular festival of India. On the night of Diwali, the North Indian region lights up with so many lamps and lights that it can be even noticed by space satellites.

North India, with its unmatched beauty and richness of heritage, is the union of states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and Chandigarh. “Heaven on earth,” it has Himalayas of great altitude, desert sandy dunes, and river-fed fertile plains like the Ganges and Yamuna. The Red Fort, the Golden Temple, and the Taj Mahal are sites which are testaments of religious and historical significance. Each state has something to share with the country—Himachal trekking routes, smelly lassi of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir valleys, and safaris in Rajasthan deserts. The region is rich in colourful festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Baisakhi with such enthusiasm, which bears witness to its deep, historic culture. North India is famous for its sweet and spicy cuisine, be it from thukpa to kebabs. With a total population of 543 million, it’s a paradise for nature, history, and culture, and it’s not even possible to escape from here.