1. The Taj Mahal, Agra

Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of India's most iconic monuments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this white marble mausoleum, adorned with inlaid precious stones and topped by a majestic dome, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Its reflection changes throughout the day, from pink at dawn, to bright white during the day, to gold in the moonlight, adding to the magic of this place. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by magnificent gardens with waterways running through them, symbolising the Islamic paradise. The perfect harmony between architecture, landscape and symbolism makes the Taj Mahal a true monument to love, and a must-see destination for any traveller to India.

2. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Perched on a hill in the city of Jaipur, Amber Fort is a magnificent example of Rajput architecture, blending both Hindu and Mughal elements. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, the fort offers a spectacular view of the Maota Lake below. Its majestic entrance, the Suraj Pol, gives access to a series of splendid courtyards, palaces and gardens. The Sheesh Mahal Palace, clad in glittering mirrors, is one of the highlights of the visit. At night, the fort is illuminated and offers a magical spectacle, especially during the sound and light show that tells the story of the Rajput dynasty. In addition to its historical and architectural significance, Amber Fort is a poignant testament to Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, and is therefore a must-see on a trip to India.

3. The Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Benares, is a sacred city in India and a centre of Hindu spirituality. The Ghats of Varanasi, the stone steps leading down to the sacred Ganges River, are the vibrant heart of the city. Every day, thousands of pilgrims come here to perform their rituals, including the purifying bath in the Ganges. More than 80 ghats stretch along the river, each with its own significance and history. The Manikarnika Ghat, for example, is one of the main cremation ghats and is considered an auspicious place to attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The Dasashwamedh Ghat, the busiest and most colourful, is famous for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony, a prayer dedicated to the goddess Ganges, which creates a fascinating spectacle of light and colour. To visit the Ghats of Varanasi is to plunge into the heart of eternal India, that of tradition and spirituality.

4. The Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab. This impressive temple, whose roof is covered with gold leaf, is built in the middle of a large sacred pool, which creates a beautiful golden reflection in the water. Designed on a plan symbolising openness and acceptance, the Golden Temple has four entrances, one in each direction, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. Inside, the central shrine houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, whose hymns are constantly sung. The temple complex also includes the world's largest free canteen, known as a 'langar', where thousands of people are fed every day, regardless of religion or social status. To visit the Golden Temple is to experience an atmosphere of peace, devotion and humanity that reflects the essence of Sikhism.

5. The Backwaters of Kerala

Nestled in southern India, Kerala is famous for its unique network of canals, lakes and rivers known as the Backwaters. This watery labyrinth, lined with coconut palms, lush green paddy fields and small picturesque villages, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rural life of Kerala. One of the most popular ways to experience the Backwaters is to take a cruise on a 'kettuvallam', a traditional wooden jack-up barge, converted into comfortable floating accommodation. These cruises allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, observe the daily activities of the locals along the shoreline, and enjoy the local cuisine prepared on board. The backwaters of Kerala, with their soothing natural beauty and slow pace of life, offer a unique travel experience away from the hustle and bustle of India's big cities.

6. The Temples of Khajuraho

The Khajuraho Temples, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, constitute a remarkable group of religious monuments from the medieval period. Built between 950 and 1050 by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty, these temples bear witness to the extraordinary skill of the sculptors of the time. The site has about 20 temples out of the original 85, which have survived time and invasion to form a dazzling architectural spectacle. Khajuraho's fame is largely due to the abundance of erotic carvings that adorn the outer walls of the temples, although these carvings represent only a small part of the overall decoration. These UNESCO World Heritage temples are also masterpieces of Indian art and architecture, with their shrines adorned with detailed carvings depicting daily life, Hindu and Jain deities, and a variety of mythological and spiritual themes.

7. The Wind Palace, Jaipur

The Wind Palace, or Hawa Mahal, is one of the most iconic monuments in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-storey palace is a stunning example of Rajput architecture. Its pink sandstone façade, decorated with 953 small windows, or 'jharokhas', is designed to resemble the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. These windows, in addition to providing natural ventilation, allowed the royal ladies to watch the daily life of the city without being seen, in accordance with the 'purdah' customs of the time. Inside the palace is a small museum with miniatures and historical memorabilia. The view from the top of the Hawa Mahal, overlooking the bustling city and the city palace, is simply spectacular. The Wind Palace, with its unique architecture and fascinating history, is a must-see when visiting Jaipur.

8. The Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Nestled in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a true gem of nature. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park covers an area of nearly 90 square kilometres and is home to exceptional biodiversity. The valley is particularly famous for the spectacular flowering that takes place every year between June and September, when thousands of alpine flowers transform the landscape into a multicoloured carpet. Among the species present are edelweiss, orchids, peonies and many others. The park is also home to several animal species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and Himalayan blue sheep. The Valley of Flowers is accessible by a scenic hiking trail from Govindghat, and offers an unforgettable natural spectacle for all nature and hiking enthusiasts.