North India by State / Union Territory

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Each state or union territory is matched to a corresponding map. Locate the area you would like more information about.

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Click on the icons located within each map for information on cities, hotels, restaurants, places to see or things to do.

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Click on the link below each map to enlarge the scale. Get directions between local points or view all locations at once in large view.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh it is a prestigious city. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed.

Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the ‘City Beautiful’. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature’s preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly called “ The City Beautiful ”.
 
 
 

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Delhi

The capital and 2nd largest city of India. Many travelers whom I run into along my road trips tell me they detest Delhi. It’s dirty, it’s crowed, it’s noisy. “Exactly”, I tell them. Delhi is all of that, plus being a cultural hub of the upcoming urban youth crowd while equally blending in it’s past. Museums around every corner, art galleries, theatres, fine dining, and the architecture…oh, the wonderful architecture. Think British Raj era while looking ahead to new designs such as Lotus Temple and Akshardham. Some of the best shopping can be found in Delhi from knick-knacks in Chandni Chowk to watches, jewelry and fine apparel in Connaught Place. Cheap flights to India make Delhi’s new Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International Airport the preferred entry port for the northern tourist region. Continue on to another destination city by rail, bus, car or connecting flight. Delhi offers so many options. To hear someone say they hate this city tells me they aren’t really here to see India.

Updated: 28 December 2011

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Rajasthan

By far the most popular tourist destination of the North, this state welcomes visitors with terrific camel safari experiences near Bikaner & Jaisalmer. At the same time sightseers are awed by the palaces and forts left behind by the famous Maharajas of India’s famed past. 5 Star hotels dot the landscape of Rajasthan, but budget travelers can just as easily find affordable accommodations. Tiger reserves, lakes, foot hills, desert, camels, elephants and more are all part of the allure of Rajasthan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Haryana

Unfortunately I haven’t spent much time in this state other than on the highway moving between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Guide books don’t offer much in the way of tourist sight recommendations. On the highway you’ll find both sides littered with rest stop dhabas (restaurants) tempting travelers like myself to drop by for a meal and a shop. Ask locals what there is to see in this state and the usual answer is given: nothing. I plan to check into this more over the next coming years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Punjab

The granary of India. More than half of the country’s wheat, rice and millet are grown in Punjab. Flourishing dairy and wool-based industries also contribute to the state’s economy. Punjab is well known as a central area for Sikh religion and followers. Many tourists as well as locals flock to Amritsar to pay their respect to the Golden Temple. Although different in architecture, history and size, this magnificent destination rates right up there with Taj Mahal.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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Himachal Pradesh

With two of the most popular cities in the North for young foreign tourists, Himachal Pradesh is often overlooked aside from being a place for quick and easy drugs. Farming in apples, rice, corn along with bees and honey make up a large income for Indians and Tibetans sharing the land. The eastern border is a popular destination for Buddhist followers seeking the vast number of monasteries. Little coverage is devoted in the guide books regarding the heritage properties within the state. Not on the scale as Rajasthan, the mostly crumbling palaces are an exciting stop for history buffs. And of course, the Himalayas are an excellent source for trekking.

 
*Himachal Pradesh information icons are split between page 1 and 2 in large map view.
 
 

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Uttarakhand

Recently changed from Uttaranchal, this northern state also shares beautiful views of the Himalayas. British hill stations have been converted into tourist cities. Uttarakhand is best known for the holy cities of Rishikesh/Haridwar built along the banks of River Ganges. Also, the Char Dham Yatra is completed within four northern cities. Tiger reserves, Buddhist and Tibetan influences, Yoga and foreigners in search of some enlightenment all converge here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Uttar Pradesh

Stretching from the Northern region eastward, this state is the holy land of Ganges and Yumana Rivers. It houses the iconic Taj Mahal and well reviewed Varanasi. To visit the holy city of Varanasi where one can view death square in the face is satisfying. History writes that many of India’s origins began here through the Vedic writings. Agriculture plays a strong role as Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of oilseeds in the country. It is also known as “India’s sugercane bowl”.