India has the second-highest population on earth, and it's rapidly catching up to China. It's also one of the more exotic locations on earth and has a diverse population and culture that draws millions of visitors a year.

Delhi

Any trip to India should include a visit to Delhi. This massive city with nearly 17 million residents is the political capital of India. Those looking to interact with Indian culture will benefit from a visit to Delhi. Indo-Islamic architecture is prevalent, and the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb are primary examples. The India Gate memorializes the British Indian Army that fought in World War I, and this is a prominent site for visitors to Delhi. Additionally, the Indian capital provides some of the best options for shopping in all of India.

Agra

Agra is nearly 130 miles from Delhi, and if you're already visiting Delhi, this city of more than 1.5 million should be on your list. Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort are popular in their own right, but the Taj Mahal is the main tourist attraction in Agra. The latter is an everlasting testament to the love of Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb of Akbar, a leading Mughal ruler, is also located in Agra. Whether you're visiting Delhi or Agra on your Indian vacation, you'll also want to sample the Indian cuisine that's popular throughout the world.

Shimla

Shimla, sometimes spelled Simla, is another interesting city in India that's worth a visit. Shimla is located on the edge of the mighty Himalaya Mountains, and it provides stunning scenery. It's position at a relatively high elevation makes it a very comfortable summer destination. In fact, its climate led the British to name the city the summer capital of India. Many Hindu temples such as the Jakhoo Temple, and the Christ Church are prominent sites for visitors to Shimla, and the city sits at one end of the historic narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway. Visitors to Shimla appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans who sell their wares within the city. You might even love the products on display so much that you'll need to have relatives send money to India through a money transfer app like Western Union so that you can continue your holiday around the country.

Goa

The state of Goa was formerly under the control of the Portuguese, and it sits on the southwestern coast of India. Most tourists who visit Goa like to stick near the coast to relax on its stunning beaches, but there are many cultural sites open to tourists. The Bom Jesus Basilica is the final resting place of St. Francis Xavier and is just one of the many famous churches that owe their existence to the Portuguese era in Goa. The region is also home to important museums, and one of the most significant is the National Institute of Oceanography.

A trip to India is on many bucket lists, and there are many great cities that are worth a visit. If you can only visit these four areas, your trip should provide some great memories for years to come.