1. Manali
Manali Valley
Manali is a town located in the
valley by the Beas River. It is enveloped by the Pir Panjal mountain
range to its east. Most people come here to relax in the villages
nearby, where you can experience a bit of hippie culture. Adventure
enthusiasts are also drawn to the natural terrain that makes for good
trekking, climbing and mountain biking. Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley
Pandoh Dam are also big draws for tourists.
- Best time to visit Manali: May to October
2. Khajjiar
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is located in near the
Himalayan Mountain Range in Himachal Pradesh. Khajjiar is blessed with
beautiful green meadows and forests that overlook the grand Himalayan
peaks. The place is the perfect holiday destination for couples and
families as it is scenic and beautiful – often referred to as a “Mini
Switzerland”.
- Best time to visit Khajjiar: March to October
3. Dalhousie
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is the gateway that
connects the Chamba District to Himachal Pradesh. There are several
ancient Hindu temples, as well as arts and handicrafts that have been
preserved and practiced in Dalhousie. This hill station was named after
the British governor who fell in love with its natural landscape.
Dalhousie is so quaint and stunning, it will feel like a town from a
fairy tale. The Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, Khajjiar and Dainkund Peak
are nearby places that you can visit.
- Best time to visit Dalhousie: March to May
4. Ladakh
Ladakh
Ladakh is a piece of heaven on earth.
It is the home to many Buddhist monks and there are many monasteries
here. Ladakh is surrounded by the picture perfect Himalayan mountain
range, a backdrop that leaves visitors awestruck. There are plenty of
treks and adventure activities here. People also love riding and driving
to Ladakh because of the challenging and scenic routes. Pangong Lake,
Magnetic Hill, Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri are some tourist attractions
to enjoy.
- Best time to visit: May to September
5. Gulmarg
Gulmarg village
Gulmarg is the foremost town when it
comes to skiing in India. It lies in the Baramulla district of Jammu and
Kashmir and stands at 2,650 meters above sea level. Snow-clad pine
trees give Gulmarg its signature postcard look. It has one of the
highest located gondola rides in the world, connecting the main town to
the nearby Apharwat Peak. There’s also a golf club that was built by the
British here; it is the highest green golf club in the world.
- Best time to visit: December to February
6. Varanasi
Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
Varanasi is known to be as old as the
Indus Valley civilization. The city is considered holy because of its
proximity to the Ganga River. The Ganga aarti, which is a ritual
conducted to please the gods, is conducted in the evenings by the banks
of the river and is a delight to watch. People flock to Varanasi to
connect with their spiritual side. During the winters there are events
and festivals where tourists can experience the city in its true
splendor.
- Best time to visit: September to March
7. Agra
Agra fort, Agra
An ancient city, with mentions in
records as far as back the Mahabharata, Agra is better known today as
the location of the Taj Mahal. The city houses three UNESCO World
Heritage Sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. In Agra,
you can see the cultural influence from the Mughal era. There are many
mausoleums and tombs of famous Mughal leaders. Don’t forget to eat
petha, a famous sweet made in Agra.
- Best time to visit: November to March
8. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer
Popularly known as the Golden City,
Jaisalmer is surrounded by the Thar Desert that gives it its golden
tinge. There are many colorful villages close to Jaisalmer that you can
visit to get a taste of hardcore Rajasthani culture. Go on a camel
safari in the desert and, at night, enjoy delicious Rajasthani food as
you watch the locals perform.
- Best time to Visit: November to March
9. Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace
Udaipur is known for its many lakes,
the most famous being Lake Pichola, with its crystal blue water that
reflects every ounce of light that falls on it. The city is lined with
palaces, temples, ghats and hillsides. In the evenings, you can take a
peaceful boat ride on one of the lakes or just have a nice walk around.
- Best time to Visit: September to December
10. Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar is a waterfall that is
located 60 kilometres from Panaji in Goa. Massive amounts of water
gushing down the multiple tiers of the hill give the waterfall a milky
white look and feel, hence the name. Local legend states that the
waterfalls are a result of a princess pouring down milk to form a veil.
Whichever story you believe, there is no denying the fact that that
falls are absolutely gorgeous.
- Best time to Visit: November to February
11. Goa
Grande Island
In India, and for many foreign
tourists, it just doesn’t get better than Goa. You have the cheap
alcohol, great food, delightful beaches and great company.
- Best time to visit: October to March
12. Kutch
Salt flats a Kutch
Kutch, also known as the Rann of
Kutch, is a wetland in Gujarat. The wetland is generally submerged
during the monsoon. However, as summer sets in the water begin to recede
and what’s left is flat surfaces laden with salt. The salt flatlands
give a surreal white hue to the landscape of Kutch. There are many
exotic bird species that you can spot here, too.
- Best time to visit: July to March
13. Gir National Forest
Gir National Forest
Gir National is the one and only
sanctuary in India dedicated to the Asiatic Lion. The favorable climate
and natural setting make it the perfect habitat for these stately
beasts. You can spot lions during a guided safari that is conducted at
the park. The park is also enveloped by 400 species of vegetation.
- Best time to visit: December to March
14. Lonavala
Lonavala
Lonavala is a hill station nestled in
the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra. It offers great views of the Deccan
Plateau and the Konkan coast. Lonavala is known for its pleasant climate
and lush greenery. The hill station has many forts and caves that make
for good trekking spots. It is also a great getaway during the monsoons,
frequented by the citizens of Mumbai and Pune.
- Best time to visit: October to May
15. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station
located in the heart of the western ghats in Maharashtra. It houses one
of the last known evergreen forests in India. Mahabaleshwar is an
important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is surrounded by gigantic peaks
and green valleys that make it an ideal place to relax. The famous
Trimbakeshwar Temple, which holds one of the lingams of Lord Shiva is
also located here.
- Best time to visit: June to September
Beautiful places in India: Southern Region
16. Coorg
Coorg
Coorg lies in the western ghats that
line up with Karnataka’s southernmost border. Coorgs’ fertile land has
made it a hub for many plant-based estates. You can find an abundance of
coffee and pepper estates in Coorg that also conducts guided tours if
you wish to engage in one. You can also get to witness the charm and the
high spirits of the Corgi people that will leave you coming back for
more.
- Best time to visit Coorg: October to March
17. Hampi
Hampi ruins
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in Karnataka. The city was once at the pinnacle of its power in the
14th century, however, due to foreign forces constantly invading the
city, it was left in ruins. Despite this, the beauty of the city is not
lost. The city is surrounded by beautiful palm groves and massive
boulders where adventure activities are conducted.
- Best time to visit: November to May
18. Alleppey
Alleppey
Alleppey is in Kerala and is one of
the most visited destinations in the south. The city is filled with
inviting churches and temples, where you can admire the architecture and
soak in the spirituality. The city is connected to inland water
channels and is called the “Venice of the East”. You can rent a
houseboat and spend a day on the backwaters.
- Best time to visit: November to February
19. Ooty
Ooty
Ooty is an extremely popular hill
station in Tamil Nadu. Despite seeing a major rise in the number of
tourists visiting the hill station every year, it has managed to remain
free of commercialisation. Ooty’s fertile land has made it a prime
agricultural spot as well. The Botanical Garden, Avalanche Lake, and the
Pykara Waterfall are some of the popular tourist attractions here.
- Best time to visit: March to June
Beautiful places in India: Eastern region
20. Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a town located in the
Himalayan region of West Bengal. It is located at a staggering altitude
of 6000 feet above sea level and is blessed with a pleasant climate. The
climate along with the land makes it an ideal place to cultivate tea
and you will see plenty of tea estates. You can watch the riveting
sunset while sipping on a hot cup of tea here.
- Best time to visit: November to February
21. Dimapur
Kachari Ruins in Dimapur
Dimapur is the most commercially
important city of Nagaland. It is the only city in all of Nagaland
connected by rail and is a vital trading center. Dimapur was the last
known home of the Kachari Dynasty, whose relics can still be spotted
through the city. It is surrounded by Medziphema, Aoimti and Aoyimukum
villages that exude the true Naga culture.
- Best time to visit: January to April
22. Khajuraho
Khajuraho temple
Khajuraho is known for its ancient
temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are known for
the nagara influence in the architecture and carvings. It is said that
85 temples were built by the 12th century, sprawling over 20 square
kilometers. However, only 25 temples have survived. Most of the temples
were built by the Chandela dynasty.
- Best time to visit: November to February
23. Konark
Konark Sun Temple
Konark is the home to the famous Sun
Temple in Odisha. Konark is the perfect balance of history, culture, and
beauty. The famous Sun Festival, which is a five-day long dance
festival, is conducted at the Sun Temple and is a spectacle to witness.
Konark hosts a handicraft exhibition where local Oriya artists gather
and display their work.
- Best time to visit: September to March
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