India is an incredibly beautiful country with a number of tourist places in each part of the country. From thrilling hills to mesmerizing beaches and from heritage forts to national parks, it has a number of captivating places.
Following are 12 destinations you should definitely plan to visit, to actually experience the Indian culture, heritage and beauty:
Kashmir
The heaven on Earth: ‘Kashmir’ is truly one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in India. The place has a bit of everything from picturesque landscapes to serene hills, snow-clad mountains and even tranquil lakes.
Dal lake is the most popular attraction in Kashmir. Take a Shikara ride and explore the nature and markets located over lakes. Some of the other must-visit places include Srinagar, Gulmarg, Chashma Shahi, Pahalgam, Shalimar garden and Patnitop
Must Do: Stay at a Houseboat in Dal lake, take a cable car ride in Gulmarg, Shop Kashmiri stoles and try out Kashmiri Kahwa.
Best time to visit: You can visit Kashmir anytime throughout the year. To experience snowfall, December-January are the best months, while if you are keen to enjoy picturesque landscapes, fresh fruits and flowers, then March and May would be ideal.
How to reach: Kashmir is well connected to the major cities of the country. You can reach here by roadways, railways or airways and land at Srinagar.
Kanyakumari
Located on the southernmost tip of the country, Kanyakumari is a coastal town, popular for its ancient history and culture. It lies on the bottom-most tip of Peninsular India where Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet.
The convergence of these three places is also referred as ‘Triveni Sangam’. Some of the most popular places to visit are Vivekananda Rock memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Bhagavathy Amman temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace and Gandhi memorial.
Must Do: view sun-set at beach, quick bath at Thirparrapu falls, water sports activities at beach (winters)
Best time to visit: October to February during the months of winter, it is the best time to visit.
How to reach: You can visit the place by car/bus/ train. For air-travel, you’ll have to deboard at Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 90 kms away from it.
Sikkim
Sikkim is a north-eastern state sharing its boundaries with Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal. It is evidently an abode of beauty.
The nature lovers can get mesmerized by its awe-inspiring mountains, lakes and greenery. It is also home to a number of sacred pilgrim sites like Buddhist Monasteries, Temples, Churches and Gurudwaras. When on a tour to Sikkim, you must visit Gangtok (The capital ciity), Yuksom, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachung, Namchi and Zuluk.
Must do: Adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting; view of Khangchendzonga and cable car rides
Best time to visit: The months between March-June (summer season) are ideal.
How to reach: You can travel by road, railways or air. It doesn’t have a railway station or airport nearby. If traveling via plane, land in Bagdogra, West Bengal and for train deboard at Siliguri.
Goa
Goa is known for its mesmerizing beaches and stunning history, making it a paradise for both Backpackers and honeymooners. Whether you want to party, relax or have adventure, beaches in Goa will always be above your expectations.
Some of the best beaches you must not miss visiting in Goa are Baga, Morjim, Cola and Majorda. To track back its history you should consider visiting Church of St Cajetan, Chopara Fort, Safa Shahuri Masjid, Reis Magos Fort and Shri Ramnath Temple.
Must Do: Water sports activities like Scuba diving, Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Water Scooter and Wind-surfing, Binge on sea food, hire a scooter, try your luck at casinos.
Best time to visit: October- March
How to reach: Reaching Goa isn’t an issue. It is well connected to the main states and can be traveled by bus, train and airport. You can land at Dabolim Airport which is just 29 km from Panjim, the state’s capital.
Kullu Manali
Kullu Manali is becoming a popular spot in Himachal Pradesh, luring both peace-seeking and adventure-enthusiast travelers. Whether you are planning a honeymoon or a leisure tour, you will surely love the thunder of Manali.
Some must-visit tourist spots include: Tibet Monasteries, Kasol, Nehru Kund, Manikaran, Rohtang valley, Solang Valley, Rahala Waterfalls, Kothi.
Must do: Paragliding, trekking, skiing and camping.
Best time to visit: Moderate Winter (October to February)
How to reach: You can reach the destination by road, train or air. Best way to visit Manali is by own vehicle or train.
Delhi
The Dilwalo ki dilli has something for everyone, and can assure you a great vacation! Looking for a romantic place? Garden of five senses is your go-to place. History-enthusiast? Delhi is a paradise for you. It has a number of Forts with great histories.
In fact, every part of Delhi has a history exploring. Red fort, Lotus temple, Dilli Haat, Hauz Khas and India Gate are among the most popular tourist spots.
Must do: Have Chandni Chowk ke parathe at Parathe wali gali, shop at Sarojini Nagar, visit India Gate at night and explore Connaught Place.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to visit: Being the capital city, it is well-connected to all cities through roadways, railways as well as airways. For airport, you can land at Indira Gandhi international airport.
Jaipur
Also known as the pink city, Jaipur is a popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan. If you want to experience the rich culture and history of Rajasthan and the Rajputs, Jaipur is a must-visit place for you!
For a great sight-seeing experience, you should definitely visit Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh, Jaigarh Fort and Chokhi Dhani.
Must Do: Explore Chokhi Dhani to experience the village life of Rajasthanis and try out Rajasthani Thali.
Best time to visit: Visit during winters (October- March) to avoid scorching heat.
How to reach: It has a flight connectivity (Sanganer Airport-10km away) with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Alternatively, you can travel by your car or popular trains.
Agra
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations, Agra is a city famous for architectural monuments from the Mughal era, and the home to one of the seven wonders of the world-Taj Mahal.
Apart from the epitome of love ‘Taj Mahal’, you should visit Agra Fort to explore history, Mehtab Bagh for a picture-perfect Taj view and Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah to experience real beauty, art and culture.
Must Do: Visit Taj Mahal and take photos, Shop at Kinari Bazar
Best time to visit: October to March and August to October to avoid hot weather.
How to reach: Traveling Agra via bus/car, train or plane isn’t an issue due to its high connectivity with Delhi and other major states.
Andaman Islands
Famous for its mesmerizing beaches, sun set views, pristine water bodies and history, Andaman Island is a bliss located on the midst of the Bay and Bengal. Whether you are looking towards a honeymoon destination or a family vacation, Andaman has all that it takes to make a tour enjoyable.
Your Andaman tour is incomplete without visiting Cellular Jail, Radhanagar beach on Havelock island and Bharatpur beach on Neil island.
Must Do: Watch light and sound show at Cellular jail, take along an extra pair of clothes at Radhanagar beach, try out sea food, indulge in water sports activities (Scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing).
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach: You can travel Andaman Island via air or water. Airways is a better option. Land at Portblair (the capital city) and take a cab to hotel.
Kerala
Also known as the ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is a perfect destination for a leisurely vacation. The place has mesmerizing beaches, picturesque mountains, exotic wildlife and cherishing heritage.
Don’t return from Kerala without visiting Trivandrum, Golden Beach, Chinese net in Kochi, Alleppey backwaters, Munnar and Thekkady.
Must Do: Night stay on Houseboat in Alleppey, watch martial arts at Triveni Kala Sangam
Best time to visit: In a pleasant weather between the months of September and March.
How to reach: Traveling to Karela isn’t complicated. You got roadways, railways, airways as well as waterways to travel. In case of flight, land at Kochi or Trivandrum Airport.
Amritsar
Amritsar is one of the most deeply spiritual cities of the country. The Punjabi culture is popular and loved by people all across the globe.
Talk of Punjabi songs, food, language, worship places and everything that comes with the tag ‘punjabi’ is inspired by people at large! If you are looking for a short yet memorable tour, Amritsar is where you need to visit next! Some of the places you cannot afford to miss out are: Golden temple, Wagah Border, Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh.
Must Do: Have langar prasada at Golden temple, Attend Wagah Border ceremony, Binge on Punjabi food.
Best time to visit: between November and March
How to reach: The best means to travel Amritsar is via train or plane. Both the railway station and airport are located near the main city.
Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a popular hill station, famous for its magnificent snow-clad mountains, gorgeous lakes and the valley of Ladakh. It is a paradise and a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Although every corner of Ladakh is worth a visit, don’t miss out Hemis Diskit Monastery, Pangong lake and Tso Moriri lake.
Must Do: Buy handicrafts and Pashmina shawl, go river rafting, go biking
Best time to visit: April to June
How to reach: The best means to reach Ladakh is by boarding on plane from any major city and land at Leh airport which is just 3.8 km to the main city.
We hope this article helped you decide your next tourist destination. Do let us know which one is it.
