Nobody can deny the allure of India’s cultural and architectural heritage. Winding your way through the streets of India will bring you excitement, adventure and everything in between! ? Some days, you’ll be surrounded by bright colours and friendly smiles. Other days, the aromatic spices from delicious Indian cuisine will pique your senses.

Credit: Giphy It’s easy to forget that there’s more to India than just the Taj Mahal. Here’s the good news, Scoot’s newly-launched flights will take you from Singapore to the following ten cities to India, 3-5 times weekly (depending on the destination you’re going to)! So, book a flight to appreciate India in a brand new light. ? [inlinewidget id=59631]

1. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Credit: @sownthargiri on Instagram If you’re heading to Tamil Nadu, you must make a trip to Coimbatore. Fondly known as Kovai, this city is thriving with many things to do. Start at a relaxing pace by going to the Marudhamalai Temple. Bathed in pastel perfection, this hilltop temple also has the best views of the valleys. Coimbatore Tamil Nadu

Credit: @karthishanky on Instagram Another way to feel close to Mother Nature is by visiting the Siruvani Waterfalls. Go for a swim and if you’re lucky, you might spot elephants roaming around too! ? But not to worry, they have forest guards patrolling the area.

2. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Credit: @akt_har_hussain on Instagram If Visakhapatnam is known for one thing, it would be their sweeping beach landscapes. Spend your evenings with locals at Ramakrishna Beach. You can also pump up the adrenaline by going water-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing at Rushikonda Beach. ?‍♂️ Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh

Credit: @onechandra on Instagram For the best view of Visakhapatnam, take the cable car to the hilltop of Kailasagiri. Then, feel free to snap a panorama of the city and beach down below.

3. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Credit: Matt Stabile on Flickr Ask what’s the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and the locals would say Lucknow! When you’re in town, make your way to Bara Imambara that houses the massive Asfi Mosque. With your camera in tow, walk around and get up close with the intricate Mughal design. ? Lucknow Uttar Pradesh

Credit: @deepakmishra7015 on Instagram In Lucknow, the Awadhi dishes are a must-try. A native cuisine to this city, leave it to Dastarkhwan to make a good first impression. So, fill up your table with chicken masala, mutton korma and galawati kebab! ? Address: 3/106, Vivek Khand 3, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010 India Operating hours: Daily, 1:30pm-10:30pm Halal status: Muslim-friendly (Note: Based on online reviews, the menu is Muslim-friendly. However, we do advice our readers to dine at their own discretion)

4. Hyderabad, Telangana

Credit: @thepeckishpea on Instagram We fancy a trip to Hyderabad as much as you do ? Located in the Telangana state, this capital city is more than just a tech hub. Check out the famous Laad Bazaar that is situated within walking distance from the Bhagyalakshmi Temple and Charminar (the grand arches and minarets are worth checking out!). Then, shop for bangles, shawls and essential oils to your heart’s content! Hyderabad Telangana

Credit: @priyam.singh90 on Instagram For a splash of fun in Hyderabad, take a taxi ride to the Ramoji Film City. With Bollywood film sets, theme parks and amusement rides sprawled across the location, this is the largest film studio in the world! Think about all the snapshots you’ll be taking ?

5. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Credit: Kerala Tourism on Flickr Known as the capital of Kerala, the unassuming Trivandrum can charm you in many ways. Locals would tell you to visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple – and yes, you should! But your Instagram will yearn for a snapshot at the Napier Museum. Look at it, the museum is a fine representation of Kerala’s unique Indo-Saracenic architecture!? Thiruvananthapuram Kerala

Credit: @bludhunt on Instagram When hunger calls, pull up a chair at Shahi Durbar Restaurant and try their Muslim-friendly Indian and Pakistani food like Kerala chicken, paneer butter masala and fish chettinad! Hearing how tasty it is, we want to book a ticket to Thiruvananthapuram right now! Address: Thampanoor Junction, Aristo, Thampanoor Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695014 India Operating hours: Daily, 8am-10:30pm Halal status: Muslim-friendly (Note: Based on online reviews, the menu is Muslim-friendly. However, we do advice our readers to dine at their own discretion) [inlinewidget id=59631]

6. Bengaluru, Karnataka

Credit: @pallabirouth on Instagram To truly appreciate Bengaluru and what it has to offer, explore the parks! Feel the warm sunshine when you visit the Lalbagh Botanic Garden. Besides being greeted by colourful blooms, check out the glasshouse, which was inspired by the London’s Crystal Palace. ? Bengaluru Karnataka

Credit: @itsprateek_ on Instagram To raise the ante, head over to the safari-style Bannerghatta Biological Park to get acquainted with the exotic wildlife! Don’t worry, their guides will keep you safe. Besides tigers, lions and giraffes, you can also spot the Indian antelopes called Blackbucks, which can be only found in India, Nepal and Pakistan.

7. Kochi, Kerala

Credit: @the_simple_sojourn on Instagram Thanks to the city’s proximity to the Arabian Sea, you’ll find Chinese fishing nets when you explore Kochi. But that’s not all! Go to Fort Kochi and seek out the impressive display of street art around town. Perfect for shutterbugs and art lovers, there’s always a lovely mural to surprise you at random street corners!? Kochi Kerala

Credit: @theincurablecook on Instagram Craving for carbs? You’re going to love what Kayees Rahmathulla Café has to offer. Perfect for a refuel, they’re famous for their chicken dum briyani, beef dishes and kayikka mutton biryani. Give it a try! ? Address: Gujarati Road, Near Gujarati Temple, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002 India Operating hours: Daily, 5am-9pm Halal status: Muslim-friendly (Note: Based on online sources, the menu is Muslim-friendly. However, we do advice our readers to dine at their own discretion)

8. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Credit: Darshan Simha on Flickr Chennai is famous for their growing tech industry, and Marina Beach is where locals go after a long work week. Let the cooling breeze brush your cheeks as you enjoy a leisure walk. There are many food stalls nearby too. Drop by for grilled seafood, ice cream and grilled corn! Not only that, you can walk to the end point of Marina Beach and visit the equally relaxing Edward Elliot’s beach.? Chennai Tamil Nadu

Credit: @kausimeyzhsagan on Instagram If you fancy another temple visit, make your way to the Kapaleseshawarar Temple. Besides appreciating the Dravidian-style architecture, there are local shops to visit around the temple ground too. As they say, haggle well to buy clothes, handbags and accessories at the best prices! HHWT Tip: Start with one third of the given price. Then, negotiate until you reach an amount that you’re willing to pay ?

9. Amritsar, Punjab

Credit: Wolfgang Maehr on Flickr Warm and radiant, Amritsar is a city that is dotted with majestic golden temples. It’s truly a sight to behold. Why admire the famous Harmandir Shaib from afar when you can see it up close? Book a ticket to Amritsar if you’ve yet to do so! Known as the sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs, check out the marble overlay and gold leaves that decorate this temple. It’s really pretty!? Since it's a religious site, travellers are only allowed to take pictures outside of the temple. Amritsar Punjab

Credit: @cshirlshirl on Instagram Next, shop till you drop at Katra Jaimal Singh Market. If you can only buy one thing, check out the Phulkari-designed clothes and shoes. For more choices, visit Lahori Gate Market for Pashmina shawls and cotton suits as well as Shastri Market for jewellery and accessories. ?

10. Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Credit: Richard Mortel on Flickr Tiruchirappalli wants you to do only one thing: revel in their cultural and architectural heritage! Start by making your way to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Don’t be distracted by the nearby Kaveri and Kollidam rivers because there are shawls and souvenirs to buy at the street markets around the temple ground! ? Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu

Credit: Arab Spice on Facebook If you’re looking for a quick bite, invite yourself to the Arab Spice Restaurant for South Indian and Arabian fares. You’re going to enjoy chettinadu fish curry, butter chicken masala and karaikudi mutton varuval for lunch. So, eat up! Address: Thanjavur Bus Stop, Tvs Tollgate, (Jamal Mohamed College), Trichy-20 Operating hours: Daily, 11am-11pm Halal status: Halal Facebook [inlinewidget id=59631] Visiting different cities is the best way to immerse yourself in the cultural experiences of India! With so many interesting sights and experiences, you still have time to visit them all! Book your flights to these 10 cities on Scoot to see what you’ve been missing ? This article is brought to you by Scoot.

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