Best Cities to Explore When Booking a Flight to India

From the towering mountains of the Himalayas to the lush tropical backwaters of Kerala, India is nothing if not diverse. If you're planning a trip to India, you're in for a treat. There you’ll find ancient rock-hewn cave temples, massive Mughal fortresses, and shimmering palaces alongside lively, modern cities where tradition and 21st-century innovation coexist harmoniously. With so many things to do in India, it can be overwhelming to plan the perfect trip. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll share with you the best cities to visit in India and provide you with tips on finding cheap flights to some of these top destinations.

New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital city of India is one of the most visited cities in India. People from across the world look for cheap flights to New Delhi to witness the world’s most exciting talents in fashion, art, food, and technology, as well as some of the world’s most famous sights from Qutub Minar and Jantar Mantar to India Gate.  

Places to Stay

• The Leela Palace- A luxurious hotel with a stunning rooftop infinity pool and views of the Delhi skyline

• Lodhi Hotel- A heritage hotel with a lush garden and a rooftop bar

• The Roseate- A modern hotel with a spa, a rooftop pool, and a vibrant nightlife scene

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Visit the Red Fort: This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Delhi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Explore Chandni Chowk: This is a bustling market area in Old Delhi that is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

• Visit the Akshardham Temple: This is a Hindu temple complex that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi. 

• Visit the National Museum: This is one of the largest museums in India and houses a vast collection of artifacts from across the country.

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

Have the Best Street Shopping Experience

• Janpath Market

• Sarojini Nagar

• Lajpat Nagar

• Chandni Chowk

Best Malls in Delhi

• Select Citywalk

• The Emporium

• DLF Promenade

• Metropolis Mall

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• Sly Granny Khan Market

Must Try:  Mushroom Caramelized Onion Panini, Almond Cake with Raspberry Compote, and Spinach & Ricotta Phyllo Roll

• Indian Accent

Must Try: Roast Chicken Smoked Papad Curry, Chilli Peanut Ice Cream Cornet, and Grilled Sea Bass With Sweet Potato & Goan Mango Curry

• One8 Commune

Must Try: Chicken Tikka Tacos and Lamb Rogan Josh Risotto

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Chole Bhature- Giani’s di Hatti in Chandni Chowk, Roshan’s at Karol Bagh, Sita Ram at Paharganj, Nand ke Chole Bhature in Sadar Bazaar, Baba Nagpal Corner in Lajpat Nagar and Chache di Hatti in Du.

• Golgappe- Local market in Chandni Chowk, Rajouri Garden, Lajpat Nagar Market, CR Park, UPS Bhawan

• Dahi Bhalle- Natraj in Chandni Chowk, Atul Chaat Bhandar in Rajouri Market, Shyam Ji Corner at Old Delhi Road and Dahi Bhalla Corner at Karol Bagh

• Daulat ki Chaat- Chandni Chowk

Mumbai

As the saying goes, “Mumbai is the city, Bombay is the emotion”. And, that’s the thing: this city wears its heart — an inimitable blend of soul, style, and swagger — on its sleeve. Between activist-led art galleries, historic former palaces, cutting-edge fashion designers, and some of the best-rated restaurants on the planet, there’s plenty to do and see: be it amid the car-honking thrum of the action or whiling away the day on the beach with your toes in the cerulean Arabian Sea. So, what are you waiting for? Book a direct flight to Mumbai and visit this city!

Places to Stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai- Luxury hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and views of the Arabian Sea

• The LaLiT Mumbai- Boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar, and a spa

• Grand Hyatt Mumbai- A modern hotel with a spa, a rooftop pool, and a vibrant nightlife scene

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Go on a tour of Mumbai Film City

• Sailing near the Gateway of India

• Visit Elephanta Island celebrates Lord Shiva

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Colaba Causeway

• Crawford Market

• Zaveri Bazaar

• Lalbaug Market

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• Masala Library

Must Try: Chicken Tikka Lazeez, Tandoori chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Curry, Dal Makhani

• Soho House

Must Try: Lamb Chops, Spaghetti Carbonara, Roasted Chicken

• Hakkasan

Must Try: Scallop and Black Truffle Dumplings, Lamb Shank, Black Cod

• Ziya

Must Try:  Chicken Tikka Masala, Biryani, Dosa

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Vada Pav- Anand Vada Pav Stall and Parleshwar Vada Pav Samrat in Vile Parle West

• Pav Bhaji- Cannon Pav Bhaji on Dadabhaji Naoroji Road near CST

• Bhel Puri- Sharmajee’s and Badshah’s at Girgaon Chaupati Beach at Marina Drive

• Batata Vada- Shrikrishna in Dadar Market

Hyderabad

Loaded with history, the timeworn, ancient streets of Hyderabad’s old town are an inviting glimpse into an India of the past. Take a step along its wonky, winding alleys and let the spectrum of colors, smells, and people wash over you. And the best part is, you can easily find cheap flights to Hyderabad to experience this vibrant city for yourself.

Places to Stay

• Taj Falaknuma Palace- A regal palace with a stunning view of the city, fit for a Maharaja

• Park Hyatt Hyderabad- A luxurious hotel with a vibrant atmosphere and a rooftop pool

• Taj Krishna- A historic hotel with a beautiful garden and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Visit the Hussain Sagar Lake

• Go on a hike to the Golconda Fort

• Visit Ramoji Film City

• Go white-water rafting on the Krishna River

• Go trekking in the Nallamala Hills

• Visit the Birla Mandir

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Laad Bazaar

• Chowrasta

• Gachibowli

• Mall of Hyderabad

• Mehdipatnam

• Sultan Bazaar

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• Exotica

Must Try: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Haleem, Qubani ka Meetha

• Seasonal Tastes: The Westin

Must Try: Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala

• Amara: Trident Hyderabad

Must Try: Truffle Masala Dosa, Lamb Biryani, Chocolate Lava Cake

• Adaa:Taj Falaknuma Palace

Must Try: Dum Pukht, Shahi Tukda, Rasmalai

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Sardarji’s Chaat: Samosa, moong dal kachori and papdi, aloo tikki, curd, chole or chutney, kadai paneer, and Chhole bhature

• Gokul Chaat: Pav bhaji samosa, bhel puri and kachori. Local delicacies such as masala puri (crushed paani puri with ragada), hot mirchi bajji, papdi ragada, and missal.

• Ohri’s Chowpatti: Papdi chaat, raj kachori, sev puri, bhel puri, and special aloo toast

• Lamakaan: Lassi, sandwich, mirchi bajji, egg pakoda, and samosa

Bangalore

Bangalore is a modern city that offers relaxation and fun. It's a booming cosmopolitan center of industry, nightlife, and open spaces. It's a cultural bastion of shopping, food, and drinking. Don't forget to visit Krishnarajendra Market for a taste of all things Indian. With so many things to do book your tickets to Bangalore, India soon! 

Places to Stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE- A luxurious hotel with a verdant garden, alfresco dining, and an expansive outdoor pool

• Shangri-La Bengaluru- A sophisticated hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, a spa, and Michelin-starred restaurants

• The Oberoi Bengaluru- A classic hotel with a beautiful lobby, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a world-renowned spa

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Quad biking- Try at B2 Extreme Sports

• Paintball- Try at Amaze Escape

• Parasailing- Try at Namma Lake, Lalbagh Botanical Garden

• Soap Football- -Try at The Paintball Arena

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Commercial Street

• Chickpet

• Jayanagar 4th Block

• Brigade Road

• Dubai Plaza

• National Market

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• Oia

Must Try- Moussaka, Souvlaki, Feta Cheese Saganaki

• Roxie

Must Try- Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Malai Kofta

• The Bier Library

Must Try- The Beer Battered Fish & Chips, The Smoky Mac & Cheese, The Grilled Cheese Burger

• Biergarten

Must Try- The Pork Belly Schnitzel, The Currywurst, The Pretzel

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Thindi Beedi, VV Puram

Must Try:  Paddus, Curd Kodubale, Akki Roti and Avarekai (hyacinth beans)

• Shri Sagar, CTR, Malleshwaram

Must Try:  Benne Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee

• Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, Basavanagudi

Must Try: Idly-Vada, Badam Milk

• Hari Super Sandwich, Jayanagar

Must Try: Chocolate Sandwich, Burgers

Chennai

Dive into the vibrant heart of India: Chennai! Beyond the legendary cricket, this steamy capital of Tamil Nadu is a cultural feast, bursting with mouthwatering vegetarian eats and mind-blowing art. Soak up the sun on Marina Beach, one of the world's longest city stretches, or island hop in the paradisical Andamans – all a quick flight away. Ready to spice up your life? Find cheap flights to Chennai and experience India's cultural mothership firsthand!

Places to Stay

• Taj Falaknuma Palace- A regal palace with a stunning view of the city, fit for a Maharaja

• Park Hyatt Hyderabad- A luxurious hotel with a vibrant atmosphere and a rooftop pool

• Taj Krishna- A historic hotel with a beautiful garden and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Visit the Hussain Sagar Lake

• Go on a hike to the Golconda Fort

• Visit Ramoji Film City

• Go white-water rafting on the Krishna River

• Go trekking in the Nallamala Hills

• Visit the Birla Mandir

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Laad Bazaar

• Chowrasta

• Gachibowli

• Mall of Hyderabad

• Mehdipatnam

• Sultan Bazaar

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• Exotica

Must Try: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Haleem, Qubani ka Meetha

• Seasonal Tastes: The Westin

Must Try: Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala

• Amara: Trident Hyderabad

Must Try: Truffle Masala Dosa, Lamb Biryani, Chocolate Lava Cake

• Adaa:Taj Falaknuma Palace

Must Try: Dum Pukht, Shahi Tukda, Rasmalai

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Sardarji’s Chaat: Samosa, moong dal kachori and papdi, aloo tikki, curd, chole or chutney, kadai paneer, and Chhole bhature

• Gokul Chaat: Pav bhaji samosa, bhel puri and kachori. Local delicacies such as masala puri (crushed paani puri with ragada), hot mirchi bajji, papdi ragada, and missal.

• Ohri’s Chowpatti: Papdi chaat, raj kachori, sev puri, bhel puri, and special aloo toast

• Lamakaan: Lassi, sandwich, mirchi bajji, egg pakoda, and samosa

Ahmedabad

Spice up your life with a trip to Ahmedabad, India's vibrant textile capital! Wander through the charming pols, and narrow lanes lined with colorful houses, and soak in the rich history of this ancient city. Book your cheap flights to Ahmedabad and have the best mouth-watering street food and visit the historical places. 

Places to Stay

• ITC Narmada- A Luxury Collection Hotel offers stunning views of the Sabarmati River

• Taj Skyline- A luxurious hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and panoramic views of the city

• Mangaldas Ni Haveli I-  A restored 300-year-old haveli, offering a unique glimpse into Ahmedabad's history.

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Visit the Sabarmati Ashram

• Explore the Calico Museum of Textiles

• Visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Rani No Hajiro, Ahmedabad Cloth Market

• Bandhej

• Lal Darwaza Market

• Sindhi Market

• Mangalya Bandhani Sarees

• Dhalgarwad Market

• Deepkala Silk Heritage

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• The House of MG - Agashiye:

Must Try: Dal Baati Churma, Kadhi, Patra Ni Machchi, Methi Thepla, Gujarati Thali

• Fiddleton’s Travel Diaries

Must Try: Exotic Farmer’s Delight Pizza, Thai Rejuvenation Bowl, Desi Burger, Delhi wala Tikka, Tiramisu

• Neem County- Under The Neem Trees

Must Try: Supreme Stone Fire Pizza, Tandoori Naan, Beach Forest Mocktail, Patiala Paneer Sahi Lababdar

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Vadapav and Dabeli: Ratanpole Corner and Astodia Juice Corner

• Keema samosa: New Famous Samosa House, Mirzapur Road and Manubhai Dal Pakwan, Sorabji Compound

• Gurati Breakfats: Ganthiya Road, Das Khaman, Khetla Appa Tea Stall

Breakfast includes: Khaman, Dhokla, Patra, Khandvi, Fafda, Jalebi, Sev khamani, Locha, Ganthiya

Kochi

Kolkata, a city steeped in history, art, and culture, is a must-visit for any traveler. With its rich heritage and vibrant present, Kolkata is a city that has something to offer everyone. And here's great news for budget-conscious travelers: you can now easily find cheap flights to Kolkata from USA on Travelopod. 

Places to Stay

• LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata- A historic hotel with a stunning lobby, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and a spa

• Oberoi Grand- A luxurious hotel with a stunning lobby and a rooftop bar with views of the Hooghly River

• Ambuja Neotia Vista- A modern hotel with a rooftop pool, a vibrant nightlife scene, and several restaurants and bars

Things to Do: From Culture to Adventure

• Visit the Victoria Memorial

• Take a walk along the Hooghly River

• Visit the Marble Palace

• Visit the Mother Teresa House

The Souk of India: The Best Places to Shop

• Durga Puja Market

• Park Street

• Chowringhee

• BBD Bagh

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants

• 6 Ballygunge Place

Must Try: Kacha Aam Diye Ilish Macher Roll, Begun Ilish Jugalbandi, and Pur Bhora Morich Ilish

• Aminia

Must Try: Mutton Reshmi Butter Masala and Chicken Cheese Kebab

• Peter Cat

Must Try: Chelo Kebab platter

A Taste of India's Street Food Scene

• Phuchka- Dilipda’s phuchkas in Vivekananda Market, Krisnakant Sharma’s stall in Vardan Market, Kiosk near Triangular Park, Ram Gupta’s Stall at Victoria Memorial

• Ghugni Chaat- Dacres Lane and New Market

• Keemar Doi Bora- Burra Bazar