Planning to visit India but don’t know the best places to visit in India for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa.
Don’t worry this article is at your rescue. India is a land of diversity where you can find everything – from beaches to mountains, to deserts, to beautiful lakes, India has breathtaking views and an attractive culture. Visiting India meant having diverse experiences. India has beautiful mountains covered with snow, beaches full of life, monuments, and forts that have stories of valor. It is a country full of life, culture, history, monuments, palaces, and spirituality. One cannot forget to mention Indian food while talking about the country. India is not only full of life and culture but it is full of taste also. Indian food is as diverse as the land, every state has its special food which makes the country full of flavor. Indian cuisines are flavorful and are famous for their spices. If you are a foodie who loves exploring new food then Indian cuisine can be mouth-watering for you.
The diversity and beauty of the country have always attracted NRI/Foreigners. At every Cardinal point in the country lies something different and special. In the South, there are beautiful beaches and the ever-expanding Indian Ocean, in the North, it has a snow-covered Himalayan range, in the East, it has tribes full of color and culture and in the West, the country has the world’s biggest desert Thar desert. Along with this, the country has hospitable people and culture that makes it a perfect holiday destination for NRI/Foreigners. Above all, India has some UNESCO world heritage sites that are worth visiting.
If you are planning an economical trip and want to explore India to its fullest then this article is surely going to suggest to you the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners. The article below will discuss all the famous places that a foreigner should visit.
NRIs in South Africa
The term “South Africa” comes from the country’s location at Africa’s southernmost point, formally known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The country was given the names Union of South Africa in English and Unie van Zuid-Afrika in Dutch upon its inception, reflecting its origins as the union of four formerly independent British colonies. The full formal name in English has been “Republic of South Africa” since 1961, and in Afrikaans, Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Each of the country’s 11 recognised languages has had an official name since 1994.
Capital – Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative), & Pretoria (executive)
Largest city – Johannesburg
Official languages- Afrikaans, English, , debele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Swazi, Tshivenda, Xhosa, Xitsonga, Zulu
Population – 60,142,978 (2021 Estimate)
Area – 1,221,037 Sq. km
For much of the 20th Centuary, South Africa remoteness—it is thousands of miles from major African cities like Lagos and Cairo and more than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) from most of North America, Europe, and eastern Asia, where its major trading partners are located—helped to reinforce the official apartheid system.
With around 60 million inhabitants, the country ranks as the world’s 23rd most populous. Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town are South Africa’s three capital cities, each housing the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government. The largest city is Johannesburg.
The South Atlantic and Indian Oceans border South Africa on the south, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on the north, and Mozambique, Eswatini, and the enclaved republic of Lesotho on the east and northeast. It is the most populous country south of the equator and the continent of the Old World’s southernmost country. With a diverse assortment of biomes, plants, and animals, South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot.
South Africa is a multicultural country with many different cultures, languages, and faiths. The constitution recognises 11 official languages, the fourth-highest number in the world, reflecting the country’s multicultural nature. According to the 2011 census, Zulu and Xhosa are the two most commonly spoken first languages (16.0%). The following two are European in origin: English (9.6%) symbolises the history of British colonisation and is widely used in public and business life.
Throughout the twentieth century, the black majority attempted to gain more rights from the country’s dominating white minority, which had a significant impact on the country’s recent history and politics. Apartheid was established in 1948 by the National Party, which formalised racial segregation. The repeal of discriminatory legislation began in the mid-1980s, after a lengthy and often violent campaign by the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid activists inside and outside the nation.
In the country’s liberal democracy, which includes a parliamentary republic and nine provinces, all ethnic and linguistic groups have had political representation since 1994. South Africa is frequently referred to as the “rainbow nation” to represent the country’s multicultural richness, particularly since apartheid ended.
South Africa is a global upper-middle power with major regional influence and membership in both the Commonwealth of Nations and the G20. It is a developing country, with a Human Development Index of 114. It is a recently industrialised country, according to the World Bank, with the second-largest economy in Africa and the 33rd-largest in the world. In Africa, South Africa has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. South Africa’s government accountability and quality of life have significantly improved after the end of apartheid. However, violence, poverty, and inequality persist, with about a quarter of the population unemployed and living on less than US$1.25 per day in 2008.
Constitutional Framework of South Africa
The South Africa Act of 1909, enacted by the British Parliament, merged the Cape of Good Hope and Natal, two former British territories, with the Transvaal and Orange Free State, two former Boer (Dutch) republics. The new South African Union was built on a parliamentary system, with the British queen serving as the head of state. The Republic of South Africa Constitution Act of 1961 made the nation an independent republic from a British Commonwealth dominion.
South Africa’s political evolution has been affected by its colonial past and the white minority’s adoption of apartheid policies. A new nonracial interim constitution was ratified in 1993 and took effect in 1994, following massive protest and social instability. In 1997, the interim text necessitated a new, permanent constitution, which Parliament prepared in 1996.
Cultural life Of South Africa
South Africa is a study in contrasts, blending Western technology with indigenous technology, Western customs with African and Asian cultures. It also teaches about how cultures can sometimes blend, sometimes clash; for example, the villas of South Africa’s white elite and the tar-paper shacks of Black day labourers, office buildings with the most sophisticated electronic wiring and one-room houses without electricity are all within a short distance of one another. In terms of education and economic opportunities, there is still a significant divide between the white minority and the black majority. Nonetheless, South Africa is steadily removing some of these historical inequalities and their repercussions.
Delhi – The heart of India (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Formerly known as Indraprastha the capital of India is also the heart of the country because of the beautiful monuments and rich culture. It is said that the city is full of life and never disappoints its visitors as it has so much to offer. Historically the city is known for being an important administrative center during the time of the Mughals and British and that’s why the city has a great culture.
Delhi has some beautiful United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites some of them are Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort (Lal Quila), and Qutub Minar. The city has one hundred and fifty-plus monuments, some of them made during the British period, Mughals period, and even before that. If you are in Delhi then you should surely pay a visit to India gate. India Gate is a memorial made by the British Government in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives in World War One.
Talking about the cuisines in Delhi, it is a city full of different flavors. From street food to the five-star hotels all the dishes are full of flavors and spices. The most famous street food of Delhi is Daulat ki chaat in Chandni chowk, if you have spice tolerance then you must try street food like chole bhature, paranthe, and other Indian cuisines. If you are visiting Jama Masjid then you should try Roohafza- The drink of love, it is immensely popular there. The beauty and culture of Delhi always amaze NRI/Foreigners.
Jaipur – The pink city (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
If you are looking for a royal stay then Jaipur is the perfect destination. Jaipur has some architectural wonders as it has India’s most ornate royal palaces that captivate the attention of visitors. The city is profoundly called pink city because of the romantic dust pink hue. The city was painted pink to honor and welcome Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. The city has a glorious past and cultural heritage that’s why it is among the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners. The city is the capital of Rajasthan and is perfect for royal vacation because of the beautiful palaces. Jaipur is a picture-perfect city, some of the photogenic places that are worth visiting in Jaipur are Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, and Amber Fort.
Other exciting things that you can do in Jaipur are hot air ballooning and you can also visit Amrapali antique jewellery museum, elephant camps, monkey temple, etc. Above all the city has beautiful folk music that can be a treat to your ears making your evening very soothing. Jaipur cuisines include Rajasthani food and you can find it in any local restaurant.
Jaisalmer–The golden city (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Famous for the Thar desert and Jaisalmer Fort the city is among the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners. Jaisalmer is surely NRI/Foreigners’ favorite vacation spot because of the camel safari, luxury desert camps, born fire, and belly dance. The camel safari, belly dance, desert camps, and born fire altogether feel like an Arabic night vacation. The city is called Golden city because of the magnificent yellow sandstone used in the architecture of forts.
The city has plenty of Havelis, temples, and forts that attract the attention of visitors. Besides this, the Jaisalmer cuisine is famous for being colorful and flavorful. You can also opt for adventure activities like adrenaline-pumping, desert quad bike rides, parasailing, and an overnight jeep safari in Jaisalmer. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter because the city is too hot and you won’t be able to explore the city to its fullest in summer.
Taj Mahal – The seventh wonder of the world (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Agra has the foreigner’s favorite destination – The Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the seventh wonder of the world and is also called the symbol of love as it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the south of the bank of the river Yamuna. It is a United Nations Educational and Scientific Organizations (UNESCO) world heritage site. This magnificent Mughal era building is a masterpiece famous for its architectural importance and white marble.
The popularity of the monument can be depicted by the fact that annually it attracts more than eight million visitors. Along with the Taj Mahal, you can also visit some other famous spots in Agra, which are Agra Fort, Kinari Bazaar, and Itmad-Dd-Daulah.
Udaipur – The white city (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Udaipur is the best-suited place for adventure enthusiasts. In Udaipur, you can opt for boat tours, sight-seeing, trekking, and art and cooking sessions. The best places that one can visit in Udaipur are Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace, City Palace, Bagore ki haveli, Eklingji Temple, and Saheliyon ki bari. The most loved activity of NRI/Foreigners in Udaipur is a romantic boat cruise at Lake Pichola, Souvenir shopping, and ropeway riding. You can also visit the Rat Temple of Karni Mata and the vintage car museum if you love cars. And above all, you can book heritage hotels for your stay in Udaipur if your budget allows. You will surely cherish the time spent in Udaipur.
Jodhpur – City full of heritage sites (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Well known for Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is also called the blue city because of its distinctive blue houses. Jodhpur has a lot of things to offer and once you come here the city will leave you amazed with the breathtaking sunset views. You can do a lot of activities in Jodhpur such as visiting desert rock park, flying fox, and shopping of souvenirs in the old market. One of the things of Jodhpur that is famous among NRI/Foreigners is Jodhpur cuisines. Jodhpur cuisines consist of a lot of sweet dishes and are more famous than other cuisines in Rajasthan.
Ladakh – The cold desert (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
The most loved vacation spot for NRI/Foreigners who love bike riding is Ladakh. Ladakh consists of numerous passes that have different types of monasteries, glaciers, valleys, villages, and many more. Ladakh is called the cold desert because it has high snow capped mountains and flats with very little rainfall.
The city is also called little Tibet because of its spiritual and cultural significance. The Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and several palaces at Pangong lake add to the magnificent beauty of Ladakh. The locals welcome the NRI/Foreigners with enormous love and allow them to stay in the dorms ofmonasteries.NRI/Foreigners can also take part in the rituals performed in monasteries.
Best places to visit in Ladakh are Pangong Lake, Kargil, Nubra valley, Diskit village, Khardung La, Dras and Khardung La. Besides all these things Ladakh has amazing camping sites and trekking routes that make it more adventurous and interesting.
Sikkim (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Sikkim is an iconic place to visit. It is the least populous state of India that shares borders with Bhutan, China, and Nepal. Sikkim is surrounded by beautiful mountains covered with snow. It has a distinct culture with a mystical mix of Buddhist and Tibetan cultures. Beautiful mountains and the Teesta River add to the serenity and beauty of Sikkim. Prominent places that one should visit in Sikkim are Gangtok, Rumtek, and Tsomgo Lake. For getting a breathtaking view of the Himalayas you should surely visit Peeling Town.
Besides sightseeing, there are many adventure and spiritual activities that one can do in Sikkim. One of the most loved activities by NRI/Foreigners in Sikkim is riding the beautifully colored and decorated Yak. Besides yak riding adventurous NRI/Foreigners also prefer adventurous activities like rapid river rafting, silk-route mountain pass riding, cable car ride, trekking, and camping. Sikkim cuisines are the best ones as they contain the flavors of Nort-East India.
Darjeeling (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Situated in West Bengal, Darjeeling is a famous foreigner attraction center for its lush tea plantations and monasteries. Darjeeling has a very intrinsic culture that consists of Buddhist monasteries. The famous sites to visit in Darjeeling are the Darjeeling Himalayan railway, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Buddhist monasteries, the tiger hill and there are several trekking destinations in Darjeeling.Another major tourist point in Darjeeling is Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is famous for tea. If you are visiting Darjeeling then Darjeeling tea is something that you must try.
Rajasthan – The Royal state (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Rajasthan is the biggest state in India in terms of land. It is famous among NRI/Foreigners for its royal hospitality and glorious architectural buildings that include forts and palaces. The ancient rulers in Rajasthan built the forts and palaces to showcase their power and wealth. If you love living a luxurious life or want to feel the essence of royalty then Rajasthan is a must-visit place for you. The people of Rajasthan are very friendly. Along with the royal forts and palaces, Rajasthan has a beautiful culture that attracts NRI/Foreigners. Rajasthani attires fascinate a lot of NRI/Foreigners besides this you should try Rajasthani cuisines as they are full of spices, flavor, and filtered butter.
Mount Abu – The Shimla of Rajasthan (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Referred as, The Shimla of Rajasthan Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. Mount Abu is famous among NRI/Foreigners because it’s the only place in Rajasthan that provides relief from the scorching sun. The place is naturally rich in wildlife and has a very special place in the culture of Hindus and Jains. Mount Abu has several Jain and Hindu temples that make it culturally and spiritually important for the people of both the community.
Besides the cultural significance and beautiful views, Mount Abu is famous among NRI/Foreigners for being a fun and thrill spot. If you are an adventurous person then you must try camping, trekking, mountain climbing, and other adventure activities on Mount Abu. Famous places that one should visit in Mount Abu are Adhar Devi Temple, Trevor’s Tank, sunset point, Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, and Dilwara temple.
Rishikesh (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Being the spiritual hub of India, Rishikesh attracts a lot of NRI/Foreigners for spiritual and healing experiences. Rishikesh has plenty of yoga, meditation, and luxury rejuvenation centers. Along with peace and yoga, the city has alluring views as it is surrounded by beautiful hills, valleys, and lakes. Rishikesh has something for everyone. If you are a spiritual person then the temples, ashramas, and culture of the city will surely attract you and if you are an adventure-loving person then Rishikesh will leave you amazed for sure.
Many NRI/Foreigners love to do adventure activities like bungee jumping, row boating, river rafting, etc. Lakshman Jhula is one of the most loved places in Rishikesh. Besides Lakshman Jhula some other tourist attractions are Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, NeerGarh waterfall, Parmarth Niketan ashram, and Shivpuri. VisitingRishikesh will give you both peace and freshness.
Manali – Valley of Gods (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Situated in Himachal Pradesh between Pir Panjal and Dauladhar range of the Himalayas, Manali is the attraction center for foreign as well as local tourists. Manali is an ideal tourist destination for thrill-seekers and snow lovers. It offers adventurous activities like paragliding, bike riding, skiing, rafting, hiking, and trekking. So, if you are an adventure lover then Manali will leave you thrilled and speechless with the exotic views and adventurous activities.
Besides thrill and natural beauty, the city is of great spiritual and cultural significance. It has beautiful temples, Montessori, Holy sites, and Gurudwaras that attract people looking for peace. If you are on a quest for cultural and spiritual experience then Manali is ideal for you. Manali is a place where you can find peace and thrill at the same place. Manali is often referred to as the valley of Gods because of the popular belief that the city is created by sage Manu. Even the literal meaning of Manali is ‘the adobe of Manu’ and it is derived from the word Manu-Alaya.
Kerala–Land of trees (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Kerela is the most popular and most visited tourist destination in India. Both the international and native citizens of India prefer visiting Kerela. The city is loved by both international and local travelers. Ayurveda resorts, nature spas, and beaches in Kerela attracts a lot of NRI/Foreigners. Kerela has beautiful temples and religious sites for spiritual and cultural people; tea and spice plantations for the admirers of nature, and museum and art galleries for art lovers.The peace, aquatic life, and serenity of the backwaters of Kerala are extremely popular among NRI/Foreigners.
Mountains, long coastline, dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and backwaters add to the beauty of Kerala. One must try a houseboat trip along Kerala backwaters as it gives an exotic view of the lush green landscape. Many tourists visit Kerala for healing experiences through Ayurveda massages. The most popular beaches in Kerala are Varkala and Kovalam and if you are an admirer of nature then you must visit the Wayanad region in Kerala.
Shimla (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Shimla is popular among NRI/Foreigners for its temples, valley, beautiful viewpoints, and street shopping. The snow-covered mountains of Shimla look magnificent and are best for making a snowman and other snow-related activities. The best time to visit Shimla is during snowfall but if you are not a snow lover then you should visit Shimla in summer.
If you are an adventure-loving person then Shimla has a lot to serve. Adventure activities preferred by NRI/Foreigners in Shimla are skiing, horse riding, camping, ice skating, hiking, snow trekking, and rope-way ride. The best places to visit in Shimla are Annadale’s cactus museum, water catchment sanctuary, summer hill, and toy train ride. With its breathtaking views and adventure activities, Shimla is surely one of the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners.
Varanasi (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
One cannot forget to visit Varanasi if he/she is searching for peace and spirituality. The city is located on the banks of sacred rives Ganga and is known to be a holy city. Earlier known to be Banaras, Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in India. The city is of great spiritual and cultural significance. Every year many NRI/Foreigners visit Varanasi in search of peace and spiritual enlightenment. The city is full of temples and the evening prayers at the Ganga bank make the ghats look splendid. Besides visiting temples and attending evening prayer you can also take boat rides during sunrise, and do street shopping in Banaras.
Mumbai – City of Glamour (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Mumbai is called the city of glamour because the celebrities of the Indian Film Industry reside there. The city is full of life and culture. Annually a lot of NRI/Foreigners are attracted to the Bandra fair of September attractions that include the Basilicalady of the mount. The iconic places that one must visit in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Elephanta Canvas, Haji Ali Dargah, and many more. NRI/Foreigners love street shopping in Mumbai and the street food of Mumbai is unbeatable.
Mumbai street food is quite spicy so if you are intolerant or less tolerant of spice then you should ask for the milder version of Mumbai-street food. The most famous festival celebrated in Mumbai that gets the attention of a lot of NRI/Foreigners is Ganesh Chaturthi. If you are planning to visit Mumbai then you must go on the Bollywood city tour, it is worth experiencing. With all the hustle-bustle, spicy street food, and iconic places, Mumbai is surely one of the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners.
Ooty (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Ooty is quite famous among NRI/Foreigners for its plantations, outdoor activities, boating, and toy train in the Nilgiri mountains. The best time to visit is the peak summer as it is the most colorful time and at that time you will get to enjoy rose exhibitions and dog shows in Ooty. One can enjoy adventure activities like trekking, camping, angling, mountain biking, hand gliding, and horse riding in Ooty. Besides this Ooty is also great for the honeymoon as it is full of peace and nature.
Chennai (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Chennai along with Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram is part of the golden triangle of Tamil Nadu. The city is full of culture and the best time to visit Chennai is a festive time like Pongal, the Mylapore festival, or Madras music season. During the festive time, you will be able to explore the culture of the city to the fullest. Apart from culture, the city is also famous for its beaches.
Marina Beach and Mahabalipuram are prominent among NRI/Foreigners. Besides beaches, you can also explore temples, shopping streets, museums, and malls in Chennai. You will find Tamil Nadu cuisines in Chennai and honestly, they are worth trying. Chennai is a peaceful city full of culture and festivals. With the beautiful beaches and temples, Chennai is surely among the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners.
Goa – sparkling sand (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Situated on the west coast of India Goa is famous for its beaches and places of worship. The best time to visit Goa is summer. The major tourist attraction spots in Goa are Bom Jesus Basilica, the heritage museum, fort Aguada, and a wax museum representing Indian culture. Besides this, the churches and convents in Goa are declared world heritage sites by United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization (UNESCO).
If you are an adventurous person then Goa will become your favorite holiday destination. In Goa, you can go scuba diving, bungee jumping, paragliding, cycling at Chorao Island, hot air balloon rides, parasailing, houseboat sunset trips, and many more.The beaches of Goa and all the adventurous activities surely make Goa fall in the category of best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are famous for their delicious seafood, water sports, and lavish resorts. Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer several adventure activities. The adventurous activities that you should try in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are scuba diving, elephant safari, water sports, sea walking, and many more. The trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands provides a unique experience of peace and adventure amid nature. The explicit beauty and beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands attract a lot of NRI/Foreigners every year.
Hampi – A world heritage site (Best Place to visit for NRI travelling from Cape Town, South Africa)
The ruins of Hampi are famous all around the globe. The ruins and temples of the Vijayanagar Empire are the attraction center for NRI/Foreigners in Hampi. Hampi is a photogenic place and one can also experience mountaineering and take the Golden Chariot Train ride there. The famous places to visit in Hampi are Hippie Island, Matanga hill, and Tungabhadra tank. Hampi is worth visiting during the Hampi festival time at that time you will get to enjoy rituals and cultural celebrations. Queen’s bath, Sri Virupaksha temple, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hampi bazaar, and Vijay Vittala temple are the places loved by NRI/Foreigners in Hampi.
Final verdict
These were the best places to visit in India for NRI/Foreigners. We believe that the article was helpful for you and if you are planning to travel to India, you should try the above listed amazing places. In case you want to explore more about India or have any queries then please drop your questions in the comment section. We will try to answer all your queries related to travel in India at the earliest. For more fun and interesting articles like this please subscribe to the website. Your suggestions are heartily invited in the comments for further improvement.