India is a country which is geographically rich and diverse, with lush valleys, snow peaks, mountains, lakes, green meadows, plateaus, large deserts and beautiful beaches and backwaters. It is a country with many natural wonders and magical places. Here is a list of the ten most beautiful places in India that travellers should consider visiting.
1. Leh-Ladakh
Located in the eastern region of the most picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh is a wonder at an altitude of about 2,300 to 5,000 metres above sea level. This area is notably beautiful with arid mountains and picture-perfect Buddhist gompas and monasteries. It is a favoured destination, especially among adventurers and mountain-lovers. The rough climatic conditions and inhospitable terrain only add to the charm of this place. The peaceful Shanti Stupa, surreal Pangong Lake, highest cold-desert called Nubra Valley, Khardung-La Mountain Pass and the awe-inspiring Magnetic Hill are just a few places in this land of dreams. With gushing streams, snow peaks, mountain passes and many stunning trekking trails, Leh is a place that is all too easy to fall in love with!
2.Himachal
Himachal Pradesh is a small state in Northern India with an overflow of natural beauty. This mountain state is best for trekking and skiing. It has scenic mountain towns, resorts and Tibetan and Buddhist monasteries. Limpid lakes, plunging river valleys, snow-covered mountain passes, eternal snow peaks – you have it all when you are in Himachal. There are many places to visit in this small state like Shimla and Manali, Kullu, Chamba and Khajjiar, Solang Valley, Palampur, and the Dharamsala and Dalhousie regions. The less-visited Lahaul and Spiti districts are famous among adventure seekers. Many activities like rafting, paragliding, skiing and zorbing are popular in Manali and Solang Valley. An excursion to Rohtang Snow Point from Manali is breathtaking. Small villages scattered on hill slopes and the warmth of the people, along with the blissful vibe of the mountains will make you feel enchanted throughout your trip to Himachal.
3.Kashmir
Kashmir Valley is known as ‘Heaven on Earth” and rightly so. It is the northernmost state of India and is famous worldwide for its majestic beauty. The valley of Kashmir has many important tourist hubs namely Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu. Jammu is famous for the pilgrimage tour to the temple of Vaishno Devi and is not only spiritually valuable but also famed for its natural splendour. Amarnath is another shrine which is a famous pilgrimage location among Indians, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kailash and other Himalayan snow peaks along the trek route. Gulmarg in Kashmir Valley is one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India and houses the world’s highest green golf course. Kashmir Valley is located between the Karakoram in the north and the Pir Panjal Range in the south and west, with Zanskar Range located in the east. A boat ride in the blue waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar and viewing the picture-perfect Pahalgam and Sonmarg are out-of-the-world experiences.
4.Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, locally known as Devbhumi, owing to the presence of a large number of Hindu shrines, is a small north Indian state in the Himalayan region. The four very famous and beautiful shrines in Uttarakhand are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Apart from shrines, the state is famous for its magnificent hill stations. The most visited hill stations in the state are Almora, Kausani, Mukteshwar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Ranikhet and Auli. Uttarakhand is also home to the Nanda Devi National Reserve, which offers views of the snowcapped peak of Nanda Devi, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, famed for its meadows of various alpine flowers. Both these national parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are a number of trekking trails in this small state of Uttarakhand. Auli, a small village, is an important skiing destination in Uttarakhand. It also offers a panoramic view of the lofty Himalayan peaks. Nainital is a small hill station famous for the Naini Lake. Dehradun, the capital city of the state, is also a beautiful town in itself. Mussoorie, 34kms away from Dehradun, is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is known as the “Queen of the Hills’ for its scenic beauty.
5.Northeastern India
Northeastern India includes the states of Sikkim, Meghalaya and Assam, along with the northern parts of West Bengal. These states are home to a number of beautiful hill stations and wonderful natural beauty. Darjeeling is the most frequented tourist destination in West Bengal and is commonly called the “Queen of Hill Stations” for its breathtaking sunrise views over the lofty Himalayan peaks of Kanchenjunga and Everest, among many others. Sikkim houses some of the most scenic places like Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung and Yumthang. All these offer an unmatched view of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. Meghalaya is a plateau hill with lush green meadows and deep, plunging waterfalls. Cherapunjee, located at close proximity to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is another stunning place with caves, forests and waterfalls. Driving through the misty layers of clouds is something you must experience in Cherapunjee. Assam has many tourist hubs and wildlife sanctuaries.
Kerala’s slogan of “God’s own country” is hard to deny, given the overflow of natural beauty in this South Indian state. The exotic hill stations, amazing backwaters and beautiful beaches make this state a tourist heaven. Ecotourism development and the general beauty of the place has made the state into one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. Kerala is exotic and enchanting in its beauty. The spice- and tea-covered slopes of Western Ghats make Munnar a splendid hill town. Alleppey is known for its languid network of backwaters. The famous beaches in the state are Kovalam and Varkala beaches. An overnight stay in a lazy houseboat in the brackish waters of Alleppey is a must when you are in Kerala. The state also offers many yoga and spa centres. Periyar Tiger Reserve is also worth mentioning. Visit Kerala for a soul-quenching, detoxifying and completely blissful holiday, away from the frenzy of the world.
7.Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, meaning “a thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is an archipelago of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks, with a total of about thirty-nine islands and islets, located off the southern coast of India. The beauty of this group of islands is that it is completely isolated. The pristine archipelago lagoons, the warm waters and the unspoilt beauty of the coral reefs are a haven for divers and nature-lovers alike. The main islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy and Amini. Watersports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, waterskiing and sport-fishing are available. Bangaram and Kadmat Islands are fast becoming places of attractions in these isolated group of islands..
8.Goa
Sparkling waters, white sand beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze – Goa is all this and much more. Goa, the smallest state in the western coast of India, is crowded with local and foreign tourists during the high season. Goa is famous for its awesome nightlife, with a number of discotheques and pubs operating all year round. The beaches are full of beach shacks with great music and mouth-watering seafood and exotic delicacies. Goa is also famous for its world heritage architecture and the amazing old churches. The Dudhsagar waterfalls are yet another attraction of Goa. Goa is a biodiversity hotspot, due to its location on the Western Ghats range. It offers water sports such as windsurfing, snorkelling, waterskiing and banana rides. The famous beaches of North Goa are Calangute, Candolim, Arjuna, Baga and Arambol, while some famous South Goan beaches are Agonda, Colva, Mobor and Majorda.
The Andaman Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal has almost 325 islands of different shapes and sizes. The Andaman Islands are surely a traveller’s delight as it houses some of the most pristine beaches. Many unique activities such as sea-walking and glass bottom boat ride are possible when you visit the Andamans. The main places of interest in this isolated group of islands are Baratang, Diglipur, Ross Island, Neil Island, Havelock Island and Port Blaire. The limestone caves of Diglipur and Baratang are places worth visiting. These islands also have some of the most beautiful corals. Scuba diving is very popular, along with other water activities such as speedboat rides and jet skiing. Trying a variety of seafood is a must when you visit the Andaman Islands.
Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is mostly known for the Great Indian Desert or the Thar Desert. Apart from the desert, other tourist spots in Rajasthan include Indus Valley Civilisation in Kalibanga, Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu and the Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve. Rajasthan is mainly famous for the magnificent historical forts, temples, monuments and palaces. People from far and wide visit Rajasthan to experience the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the place.
