There is no shortage of enticing destinations for today's world traveler. Modern air travel now offers the opportunity to land in almost any region, no matter how remote. There are different reasons to travel depending on the continent and your particular tastes, so you'll have to make the call based on your own needs. Some people pick a location based on the culture, the art and the nightlife. Others look for natural beauty, and the extreme sports these off the beaten path spots offer. For some folks it's the people, and the opportunity to experience a language and culture you've never seen before. Yet others use travel as a time to expand their artistic endeavors, painting, sculpting and writing with a unique set of inspirations. Regardless of the reason that drives you, India is one country that absolutely must be included on your bucket list. Here are five of the must-see destinations in this gorgeous, ancient land.

The first stop for most people in India is the capital city of Delhi. If you start your journey here, be prepared for a serious culture shock. Delhi is one of the busiest, most chaotic places on earth. The streets rarely have signs, lights or lanes, and you wander through cramped areas with more people, animals, sights and smells than you've ever come across in one place. But if you can ride that initial intensity out, you'll find the most spectacular
mosques and historical sites you've ever seen. Add that on top of the gorgeous gardens, the historic district and the amazing food and music, and you'll swiftly deem this one of your all-time favorite destinations.


Next, you'll have to head to Agra. No trip to India is complete without making your way to this destination, one end of the country's Golden Triangle of tourist sites. And it will be instantly obvious why, once you set foot in front of the Taj Mahal. This isn't only a gorgeous monument to India's past, it's also one of the eight wonders of the world. More tourists stop at the Taj Mahal than anywhere else in India, making this a must-see stop regardless of the relative commonness of Agra itself.


Once you're ready to head off the beaten path, check out Jaisalmer. This is far out in the Thar Desert, a world removed from the hustle and bustle of Delhi. But here you'll find the Golden City, an amazing fortress carved out of sandstones in an almost forgotten time. Outside of the city walls you'll find a thoroughly modern urban sprawl, but once you pass through the sandstone you'll find a tranquil snapshot of history. There's also some incredible local craftspeople, so this will be a great option for picking up gifts for friends and family back home.


Next it's time to check out Goa. This area has taken a hit in recent years, thanks to the intense development that's taking over much of India. But if you head far south, you'll still be able to find untouched beaches and communities of fisherman that haven't changed all that much over the past several generations. And if you do want a taste of modernity, check out the town of Palolem, a modern party spot you'll certainly enjoy for a night or two.


Finally, you should stop over in the region of Khajuraho. Check out some of the Golden Triangle tour packages from Holiday Birds to find discounts to help bring you here. This is probably second to the Taj Mahal for foreign visitors, but the amazing history on display will make it quite obvious why that's the case. There are gorgeous Jain and Hindu temples, with world-renowned erotic sculptures. There is also a group of monuments here that have been claimed for world heritage, therefore protected from the damage of time and weather.