Best Cities To Live in India

Known For : Cubbon Park Lalbagh Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is India's third-largest city, being the most liveable city in India. The dream city for most Indians, Bangalore will never cease to mesmerise you with its sheer perfection. Also known as the IT hub of India, Bangalore is home to leading startups. Ever wished to live in a city that's best for work-life balance, entertainment, shopping, travel, art & culture, food, and of course, pleasant weather? Name it, Bangalore has it all! Pfft. If there's anything that's gonna bug you it's the traffic.

Best Time: Throughout the year

104 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram

With an extensive student population, Pune is popularly known as the college town of India. It has a range of excellent restaurants, happening nightlife and an overall young atmosphere. If you love Marathi culture, food and language then Pune is the place for you. Apart from this, the city has a favourable climate, with summers that stay below 35°C (not too hot when compared to Mumbai and Delhi) and the rains are perfect. You'll never have water scarcity issues in Pune, unlike some other major cities. The nightlife here is pretty decent, but the city can burn a hole in your pocket if you don't spend wisely. Of course, Pune could be expensive as much as Bangalore, but the pollution and traffic here are comparatively lesser.

Best Time: July to March

83 Pune Attractions

Known For : Sabarmati Riverfront Dada Hari Wav Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad

Also known as Amdavad, this is an industrial and commercial city but a beautiful, popular destination for tourists who want to get the taste of Gujarat. Recognized as one of the fastest growing cities, Ahmedabad was featured as the best city to live in the Times of India. It has the fastest network with the best transportation facilities and an ever-increasing commercial industry which makes it THE place to build your empire. With increasing economic growth, Ahmedabad has the country's second oldest stock exchange, arguably the most renowned entrepreneurial Indian Institution (IIM) and sweet savouries of Gujaratis that can never be replicated from any other city.

Best Time: October to March

64 Ahmedabad Attractions

Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

The fourth-largest city in India, Chennai is convoluted with temples, churches and beaches. The roads are always bustling with activity, and the nightlife is as every youth dreams of. The land of Dravidians and Indian classical dance form was recognised as the 9th best cosmopolitan city in the world by Lonely Planet. Although Chennai is a humid city and most people wouldn't prefer to sweat themselves through the day, it is one of the safest places to live with less congested streets when compared to other major cities. One-third's of the automobile industries in India are in Chennai making it the 'Detroit of India'.

Best Time: October to March

91 Chennai Attractions

Known For : Dutch Garden Dumas Beach Hajira Village

Ranking as the 9th largest metropolitan in India, Surat is the second most populated city in the state of Gujarat. Known as 'the city of flyovers', it is a commercial centre of textiles and diamonds. The crime ratio in Surat is apparently less making it one among the safest places to live in India. Surat is also a fast-growing city and a business hub. There are comparatively fewer issues with water and electricity when compared to other places in Gujarat.

Best Time: October to March

44 Surat Attractions

Known For : Bawkhaleshwar Temple Nerul Balaji Temple Pandavkada Falls

The northeast of the city of Mumbai, past the Thane district, is famously known as Navi Mumbai. Built in 1971, the district of Navi Mumbai was a satellite township. Although the initial purpose for building Navi Mumbai was not fulfilled, the place is soon becoming an upcoming district for affordable living as the prices are 10% cheaper than those in the city.

Best Time: November to March

14 Navi Mumbai Attractions

Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam

Often termed as 'Manchester of South India', the city is photographically situated on the banks of River Noyyal and has an array of natural attractions. If you love the outdoors, Coimbatore will keep you engaged all the time. If you love to travel on weekends, then Coimbatore has many options for you without much planning to do. It is well connected to these destinations - Coonoor, Ooty, Valparai, Palakkad, Wayanad and many more.

Best Time: September to March

27 Coimbatore Attractions

Known For : Laxmi Vilas Palace Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Home to some of the most exemplary displays of architecture, Vadodara is a fitting memorial to Maratha leader Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III. Known as the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara has been developing keeping its culture and ethnicity intact. The city is considered as one of the best for education in Gujarat. The city has excellent transportation and is very well interconnected to other cities. Apart from this, there are many eating joints and shopping complexes in the city that keeps you engaged. Commodities are at your doorstep with delivery services around the city which makes life simpler to live.

Best Time: October to March

29 Vadodara Attractions

Known For : Rajwada Lal Bagh Palace Khajrana Temple

The charm of this city lies in its rich cultural heritage which has been preserved over centuries. It is the city that presents a blend of historical past and a future modernisation. Being a commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is a hub of industries and organisations. The city was the cleanest city in the year 2017 and was considered as a smart city by the Smart City Mission. If you want to settle in a place that gives you both modern and traditional living, then Indore is the one. Indore has agricultural farming within the city limits. Also, the cost of living here is comparatively low as the essential commodities are cheaper than most places.

Best Time: July to March

40 Indore Attractions

Greater Mumbai is one of the largest zones in Mumbai. Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai – formerly known as Bombay - Mumbai is a beautifully blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. One of the main centres in the country of art, culture, music, dance and theatre, Mumbai is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city.

Known For : Lingaraj Temple Nandankanan Zoological Park Rajarani Temple

Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India, once known for its architecture and grand temples, is presently a thriving centre for commerce and business. Although the settlements date back to the reign of King Ashoka, Bhubaneshwar is an aesthetic beauty. The city even has an airport making it no lesser than other major cities in India. Even after its devastation by a cyclone in 1999, the city is still a centre of Buddhist art and architecture. Anyone who is a lover of art and culture would want to spend their life in Bhubaneshwar.

Best Time: October to March

37 Bhubaneswar Attractions

Known For : Ramoji Film City Charminar Golconda Fort

A densely populated metropolitan city with people bustling in and out of cafes, offices, temples and even nowhere, Hyderabad is fast turning into the New York city of South India. In the year 2015, the Times of India stated that Hyderabad is one of the best cities to live in India. Ever heard of a place where its population and companies are evenly distributed to provide hassle-free life with less congestion and traffic? That's Hyderabad for you. Apart from all this, the city is also emerging as an IT hub with a top-class airport and international schools.

Best Time: September to March

102 Hyderabad Attractions

Known For : Dimna Lake Jubilee Park Tata Steel Zoological Park

The most significant city in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur is an appealing destination with its aesthetically planned infrastructure and landscape. If you aren't expecting much from a small town, then Jamshedpur is an excellent place to settle. With much cleaner and organised localities, the city is less crowded as compared to other places in Jharkhand. The famous Tata Steel Plant is in Jamshedpur. The areas are much peaceful with paved roads and avenues. Drive through the small valleys in the outskirts of the city will be your leisure break. The electricity, infrastructure and water facilities are reasonably good. Public transport also cover most areas making it easily accessible.

Best Time: November to February

21 Jamshedpur Attractions

Known For : Gateway of India Juhu Beach

Labelled with multiple titles such as 'Financial capital of India', 'The Maximum City', 'Land of Bollywood', 'The dream City' and much more, Mumbai is Maharashtra's capital which has multiple faces, making it all things to all people. Although it is a populous city in India with slums and heavy traffic, the stunning sunsets, spirited people and upbeat lifestyle more than makeup for it. There are many pretty parks if you seek solitude in your busy life. Essential commodities are at your doorstep, with easily accessible places, malls and complexes. Street shopping is another major thing in Mumbai, regardless of heat in the summer. From nightlife party vibes to serene Marine Drive, Mumbai is clearly the best city to live in India.

Best Time: October to February

120 Mumbai Attractions

Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math

Labelled as the 'City of Joy', the 'Cultural capital of India', Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is a city with character and remnants of British Raj visible in its Victorian-style architecture, trams and the nomenclature of the place. If you wish to settle down in India, let Kolkata be a priority if you want to live a modest lifestyle. Everything is cheap here from garments, food to transportation. If you're an art lover, then Kolkata is the place for you. With its magnificent buildings and monuments, the city has a rich culture and heritage. Planning to refresh your work-life? Head to Kolkata the city with the best public and private industrial units.

Best Time: October to March

79 Kolkata Attractions

Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Red Fort

From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple personalities making it 'The good, the bad and the ugly'. Although it's a busy city in India, it is among the best cities to live in India with its historical edifices and mouth-watering traditional Indian street food. Heard of Humayun's Tomb and Chillah Nizamuddin Aulia? Well, they are Delhi's asset! If you're worried about groceries, you have the Khari Baoli Bazaar is the most extensive wholesale spice market in Asia. Also, for the record, Delhi has the second most efficient and accessible metro service in the world. Now beat that!

Best Time: October to March

120 New Delhi Attractions

Known For : Amer Fort Jantar Mantar Jaipur Hawa Mahal

Jaipur, the 'Pink City' is one of the most royal, majestic and colourful cities of India with a solid historical background and vibrant culture. If you're moving there from a metropolitan city, Jaipur will give you peace and serenity. Although Jaipur doesn't provide you with job opportunities or a happening nightlife, it's a place where you can be yourself away from social life. If you ever wish to get settled in life after retirement head to Jaipur; the earthy red sandstones and edifices will be there to welcome you.

Best Time: November to March

67 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica Kerala Folklore Museum

Situated on beach-side, Kochi is a bustling commercial port with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years and is till today the financial capital of Kerala. The ambience of serenity in a cosmopolitan city is what Kochi is all about. In the land of highest literacy rate, Kochi city is known for its best education, rapidly growing IT industries and the potential for future growth. The city also promotes art and culture with plenty of places to lay your eyes on graffiti. Backwaters and the marine drive is the scenic beauty of Kochi. Although it's famous for its connectivity with seaport and airport, Kochi is now renowned for its metro services. It's a city that's equivalent to Dubai housing the second largest mall in India.

Best Time: July to April

57 Kochi Attractions

Known For : Sukhna Lake Rock Garden of Chandigarh Elante Mall

Designed by the ace architect Le Corbusier consisting of 47 self-contained sectors, India's first planned city is known for its unique blend of urbane architecture and natural bliss. Also called as the greenest city in India, Chandigarh is home to beautiful gardens and park in every sector. In a recent survey by LG, Chandigarh topped the list of happiest cities in India. The roads are well maintained making commuting much safer and more accessible. It is at proximity to hill stations like Kasauli and Shimla making your weekends much merrier! It is one of the best cities to live in India for those who enjoy a more organized environment.

Best Time: August to March

51 Chandigarh Attractions

Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple

This hill town in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges in the Garhwal region with two perennial rivers flowing through it, famous for its historic civilisation and offers a delightful terrain to trekkers. Situated in the heart of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is the city that anyone could dream of. It is renowned for the educational institutions like Indian military academy, IGNFA, ITBP Academy and so on. It receives the highest rainfall in India making it a less scarce city to live in. It also has a good number of natural resources and a pleasant climate throughout the year. With top-quality education, a lot of job opportunities and less hustle, Dehradun is one of the best cities to live in India.

Best Time: Throughout the year

37 Dehradun Attractions

Known For : Padmanabhaswamy Temple Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Attukal Temple

The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram with a tradition that officially dates back to 1000 BC, and located on seven low-hills near the southern tip of India is famous for its pristine beaches, temples and greenery. The fact that Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala and not Kochi raises many questions. Trivandrum is comparatively less crowded than Kochi, although they both are at the coast, Trivandrum is much safer or less prone to tsunamis than Cochin. On the better side, the Trivandrum international airport is very close to the city while Cochin International airport would take you an hour to reach from city limits. Apart from this, the world famous Ayurveda is rooted from Trivandrum, it is also the tourist hub of Kerala. This makes Trivandrum one of the best cities to live in India.

Best Time: October to February

38 Trivandrum Attractions

Known For : Bara Imambara Chota Imambara British Residency

Referred to as the city of Nawabs, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is famous for its monuments, food, clothing in all of which you can see the traces of Mughal reign. It is highly regarded as the city to relax. Lucknow is where the people and places are equally lovely to you. Streets are not too crowded although there are plenty of markets wherever you go. Apart from its railways and roadways for easy transport, Lucknow is also home to its very own Metro Rail. It saves a lot of time and effort of people around the city, unlike other cities that have the metro but are still rushy. Lucknow is the place you would want to be if you don't like noise or traffic.

Best Time: October to March

47 Lucknow Attractions

Known For : Borra Caves Submarine Museum Kailasagiri

Known for its pristine beaches, natural beauty and scenic landscape along with a rich cultural and historical heritage, Visakhapatnam, better known as Vizag is a port city and a gem of South India. The city highly focuses on education and hygiene. The greenery of Vishakapatnam is soothing to anybody's eyes. With the help of municipal corporation, the city is kept clean. The weather is apparently humid being a coastal zone, but if you're used to it then Hola! The cost of living as well as the population is comparatively less making it a family-friendly city to live.

Best Time: September to March

27 Visakhapatnam Attractions

Known For : Dhamma Chakra Stupa Ramtek Fort Temple Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden

Commonly associated with its delectable juicy varieties of oranges, Nagpur is also the winter capital of Maharashtra and is known for its rich cultural heritage. A very comfy and laid back place with less traffic and pollution. The roads are long and wide for easy commuting hence the less traffic; you wouldn't need more than an hour to reach any point in Nagpur. If you're a foodie, Nagpur has many options for you to binge on. According to the locals, Nagpur has fuzzy weather that keeps changing throughout the day; it might be hot and humid in the afternoon while windy in the night. Nagpur is also pretty active religiously with n number of temples, mosques, Buddhist monasteries and so on.

Best Time: October to March

37 Nagpur Attractions

Known For : Umananda Temple Kamakhya Temple Guwahati Zoo

Apart from having its tourist spots, Guwahati also serves as an essential base for many enjoyable holidays. An awe-inspiring city in the heart of Assam, Guwahati is the gateway to the seven sisters state. Talking about the features of the city; the public transport is very accessible. Guwahati is very connected to its neighbouring towns also well connected internally. Although roads get busy during peak hours, there are bus routes almost everywhere.

Best Time: October to April

34 Guwahati Attractions

Known For : Golden Temple Wagah Border Jallianwala Bagh

Home to the famous Golden Temple, the historical city of Amritsar, is a renowned pilgrim centre. Considered as one of the holy places in India, Amritsar will never cease to give away its positive vibes. The commuting in and around the city is easy with its vast roads and less traffic. Although it's a pilgrim centre and a tourist destination, the actual residents of Amritsar are much lesser. As you know, Punjabis have the wealthiest food in India, Amritsar is the hub for foodies. You will find street food as well as locals shops around the city that sell the local Punjabi delicacies.

Best Time: October to March

34 Amritsar Attractions

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India and was ruled by Pandya kings over most of its history. The city is constructed in the form of a lotus and is known as lotus city too. Temples everywhere! That's Madurai in two words. Madurai is also famous for its culture and diversity. As a developing city, it has busy roads and traffic. As the saying goes, if you can sell in Madurai, you can sell anywhere in India. It's a testing ground for business as well as job opportunities. Apart from this, if you're a foodie, your taste buds will thank Madurai for its Anna Sambar to its Idly Vadai. It has malls, markets, places to dine and monuments to awe.

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Panambur Beach St Aloysius Chapel

The port city of Mangalore is well known for its tall swaying coconut palms, temples and pristine beaches. The town that's called Mangalore, Mangalapuram, Kudla, Kodiyala, Mykal and Mangalooru is the only place that has so many names in different languages. Its famous "Gadbad Icecream" is the favourite among locals as well as visitors. Though quite humid at all times, there are just two seasons for Mangalore - Summer and rain.

Best Time: Throughout the year

28 Mangalore Attractions

Known For : Worlds of Wonder Water Park The Great India Place DLF Mall of India

A part of the National Capital Region, Noida, with the inauguration of Budhh international circuit for the formula one racing, Sunburn arena where international artists perform, and upcoming projects of one of the tallest buildings in North India, Noida is busy running towards faster growth. A developing and growing city in the north, Noida has a well defined commercial and residential areas. It is also a budding IT hub with its infrastructure and less pollution when compared to Gurgaon. The transport system is also feasible with excellent roads and pavements. It has a more green cover with a less cost of living which makes it more preferable than Gurgaon and Delhi its nearby sister cities.

Best Time: September to December, February to March

17 Noida Attractions

Known For : Cyber Hub Manesar Vintage Car Museum, Gurgaon

Also known as Millennium City, Gurgaon is a fast developing industrial city close to New Delhi. When it comes to TechParks and infrastructure, Gurgaon is the place, but if you look at the pollution and living cost, it's comparatively higher than cities like Noida and Delhi. Even using public transport, Gurgaon could be a bit lagging if you're coming from another town. But don't worry, the electricity and water supply will never give you hath. Gurgaon is very well connected to the airport and railways. And guess what? Gurgaon has its nightlife and weekend parties.

Best Time: October to March

39 Gurgaon Attractions

Known For : Upper Lake Van Vihar, Bhopal Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

Amidst two beautiful lakes, Bhopal is a sprawling city with the right blend of culture, heritage and modern life. With its combination of serenity and development, Bhopal could be a place to begin to settle with. There are major projects that are ongoing to make it a smart city. Facilities like housing and health are expanding. It is also a study hub as you can find coaching centres for medical, IIT, SSC etc., in and around the city. The weather is usually pleasant with less noise with good connectivity through roadways, airways and railways.

Best Time: July to March

30 Bhopal Attractions

Known For : Grishneshwar Temple Bibi ka Maqbara The Ajanta caves

Aurangabad is an industrial town which also serves as a tourist hub with numerous points of interest such as Bibi Ka Maqbara (or Mini Taj Mahal), Ajanta-Ellora caves, some of the most famous ones. If you are looking for a city providing you with your necessities then, head to Aurangabad. The city doesn't have anything exceptional than the rest. Less expensive with great historical places to visit. That's all about Aurangabad!

Best Time: October to March

37 Aurangabad Attractions

Known For : Baba Farid's Tomb Camp Dhauj Lake Sri Shirdi Sai baba temple, Faridabad

Faridabad is Haryana's largest city and its major industrial hub as well. Faridabad town is the central part of district Faridabad which has two divisions which are Faridabad and Ballabgarh. It is a small city that's close to other major commercial hubs. With the best connectivity to all significant NCR towns, Faridabad has its metro rail. The cost of living is also comparatively lesser with excellent healthcare facilities. The only disadvantages are its pollution level and crime rates which are higher than average.

Best Time: September to December, February to March

17 Faridabad Attractions

Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik

Nasik is a religious Hindu city, an abode of Maharashtra's most revered saint Shirdi Sai Baba and also makes for a perfect wine tour destination. The pros of living in this city are its serene and calm climate, lesser pollution which means less traffic, of course, fast developing industries and organisations. There are many holy places like temples and mosques here. The most famous festival- Kumbh Mela is held in Nasik. Although there are very few shopping malls, the cost of living much lesser when compared to other cities. However it is a small city, hence keep your expectations low.

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik Attractions

Known For : Prayag Kumbh Mela 2025 Triveni Sangam Khusro Bagh

Located at the meeting point of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, Allahabad is a large metro city which plays host to the famous Kumbh mela every 12 hours and has numerous attractions for tourists. With being a mid-sized city, the roads are much more extensive and well-maintained. It has a perfect education system with people from other states coming for the JEE coaching. It houses one of the oldest institution - Allahabad University with the prime minister notable alumni. With the number of facilities provided, the cost of living is comparatively lesser when compared to other major cities.

Best Time: October to March

23 Prayagraj Attractions

Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari

Known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its forts, temples, sweets and snacks. Jodhpur is considered as the peaceful city of Rajasthan. There are fewer crime rates and noise in the city. When it comes to education, Jodhpur has many institutions like AIIMS, IIT, NIFT and so on. Being the cultural capital of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a tourist attraction and the place of fairs and festivals; The Rajasthan International Folk festival, marver festival and the Sufi international festival are celebrated with great pomp.

Best Time: November to February

43 Jodhpur Attractions