Top 25 Popular travel destinations in India
1.) Munnar
Sprawling tea plantations surround the serene hills of Munnar, which
attract adventure travelers hungry for paragliding, treks to Anaimudi (South
India’s highest peak) and hikes originating at the confluence of three mountain
streams.
Places of Interest
Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park
Tea Gardens
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
2.) Manali
In Hinduism, Manu was said to have survived a great flood that destroyed
the rest of the world. He then recreated mankind in this Kullu Valley town.
What a rush, huh? No wonder the towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali
attracts adventure travelers, with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and
river rafting the favored active pursuits.
Come down from your endorphin high by breathing deeply at the
four-story, wooden Hidimba Devi Temple, which sits in the middle of a nearby
deciduous forest, or take a medicinal soak in the hot springs burbling from the
ground a 30-minute walk from town.
Place of Interest
Manikaran Gurudwara
Hadimba Devi Mandir
River Beas
3.) Hampi
The former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi remains an
essential religious hub, housing the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Hemakuta
Hill, Big Shivlinga, and Vithala temples. The architectural ruins of Hampi are a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rock-climbing enthusiasts will adore Hampi,
considered the bouldering capital of India, and the city’s rocky landscape,
dotted with ancient temple ruins, makes for a unique climbing experience
4.) Goa
East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture
intertwines with Portuguese influences leftover from a 500-year occupation.
The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists.
To the north, the
tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now
skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and
an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques, and wildlife sanctuaries provide
diversions from the beach.
Places of Interest
Old Goa
Dudhsagar Falls
Anjuna Market
5.) Udaipur
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, boasts several sparkling lakes
against a backdrop of the Aravali hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in
Fateh Sagar Lake is the site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden.
Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious
five-star hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring
epic courtyards and stunning paintings.
Place of Interest
Jain Temple – Ranakpur
Shilpgram
City Palace of Udaipur
6.) Gangtok
The capital of the state of
Sikkim, Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique ambiance that derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity.
Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also
bustles like any other thriving town. Some of the key places to visit include
Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, and the
local bazaar, Lal Bazaar.
Places of Interest
Deer Park
Phurchachu Hot Springs
Nathula Pass
7.) Bangalore
Known as both the “Garden
City” and “The Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore (officially “Bengaluru”) is
a techie’s paradise, boasting the highest concentration of IT companies in the
country. When you’re done geeking out, there are plenty of gardens, museums,
natural features, palaces, and temples to fill your dance card. Visit Vidhana
Soudha, Cubbon Park, and the Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore, well known for its
beautiful locales and boating facilities. Bangalore is also a major center of
Indian classical music and dance, and of vivid, cutting-edge nightlife.
Places of Interest
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Bannerghatta National Park
8.) Dharamshala
Serenely spiritual
Dharamsala is home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. It’s known
for its religious iconography and is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, who holds
public lectures a few times a year. Once you’ve restored your spiritual energy,
enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to
bask in stunning views of the Himalayas
Places of Interest
Tsuga Khang
Kangra Valley
Triund Dharamshala
9.) Jaipur
If you take one look at the glorious stucco buildings that line Jaipur’s
wide streets, you’ll understand why this is nicknamed “The Pink City.” Spend
your days exploring City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber and Jaigarh forts. And
if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, head to one of the bazaars, where you
can pick up a pair of camel-leather slippers.
Places of Interest
Amber (Amer) Fort and Palace
Jantar Mantar – Jaipur
Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal)
10.) Leh
The Ladakh capital city of
Leh lies near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, on the crossroads of the historic
“Silk Route” from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. The
humbling monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse, and Lamayuru will nurture
your spiritual needs and the landscape of Leh provides for a number of
adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting, and trekking
along the Markha Valley.
Places of Interest
Tibetan Market
Phyang Monastery
Leh Royal Palace
11.) Havelock Islands
Premium scuba diving and snorkeling are the highlights of the gorgeous
Havelock Island, the most popular of the Andaman Islands. Glass-bottomed boats
provide a similar up-close marine life experience. Jungle treks and camping are
popular landlubbing activities, though the more delicately dispositioned can
choose to retire to one of several luxury resorts. Refuel with fresh coconut
milk and succulent, just-caught seafood, which dominates every meal.
Places of Interest
Radhanagar Beach
Barren Island Volcano
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
12.) Wayanad
The emerald landscape of Wayanad is the ideal destination for both
intense outdoor adventure and calming restoration. Climb the foothills of
Brahmagiri to reach the ancient Thirunelli Temple, hike to the overwhelmingly
stunning Meenmutty Falls, or explore Edakkal Caves, rich with prehistoric
paintings. Wayanad is brimming with healing Ayurvedic healing spas, perfect for
restoring your pleasantly exhausted body after a day of exploring.
Places of Interest
Chembra Peak
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Edakkal Caves
13.) Mysore
The kings of the Wodeyar dynasty set the bar high for the southern
cultural capital of Mysore. Ornate palaces and the Gothic St. Philomena’s
Church with its 175-foot spires pack a visual punch; local institutions keep
Carnatic classical music and dance in the public eye. A prominent 11th-century temple sits atop 1,000 steps on the city’s outskirts. Dress to the nines and
party like a rock star in celebration of Mysore heritage during the lively
Dussehra festival, held for 10 days in October/November.
Places of Interest
Somnathpur Temples
Mysore Zoo – Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Maharajah’s Palace (Amba Vilas)
14.) Mount Abu
Situated amidst lush green, forested hills on the highest peak in the
Aravali range, Mount Abu is the summer capital for the Indian state of
Rajasthan. Its cool and soothing climate makes it an ideal retreat. Explore a
number of Jain temples, including the Dilwara Temples, a complex carved of
while marble, or visit the nearby Achalgarh fort, which houses many beautiful
temples of its own.
Places of Interest
Dilwara Jain Temples
Sunset Point Mount Abu
Nakki Lake
15.) Matheran
Matheran is all about the views. Easily accessible via scenic rail from
Mumbai, this refuge in the Sahyadri Hills is blissfully free of motor vehicles
and affords nearly three dozen lookouts over the Western Ghats and the region’s
village-dotted plains. Porcupine Point is anything but prickly—rather, it’s an ideal spot for gorgeous sunsets, especially at the aptly named Panorama Point.
Avid hikers hit the densely forested and wildlife-rich route to the ruins of
Prabalgad Fort.
Places of Interest
Charlotte Lake
Rambaug Point
Paymasters Park
16.) Amritsar
Amritsar is a major commercial and cultural center in the heart of
Punjab. The city is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion and
is home to the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. Respectfully
marvel at the Indian and Pakistani soldiers who march-off nightly at the Wagha
Border, and at the Jillian Wala Bagh the site of the 1919 Amritsar Massacre in
1919.
Places of Interest
Darbar Sahib
Jallianwala Bagh
Harmandir Sahib
17.) Mahabaleshwar
The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the
only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills,
valleys, and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur’s Seat, and Babington The point, all of which offer spectacular views. Trot along on horseback for a
delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area, and savor juicy
native strawberries, mulberries, and corn.
Places of Interest
Venna Lake
Wilson Point (Sunrise Point)
Mahabaleshwar Temple
18.) Shimla
Snow-capped Himalayan peaks
and green pastures surround Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy a
heritage walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture, labyrinthine bazaars, and lengthy pedestrian shopping mall. Don’t cause too much trouble taking in
the town from Scandal Point, a large, open square; keep in mind that Shimla was
a retreat destination for Mahatma Gandhi, who frequented a Georgian mansion in
Shimla’s suburbs from the mid-1930s to ’40s.
Places of Interest
Kalka – Shimla Railway
Kinnaur
Jakhu Temple
19.) Tirupati
The holy city of Tirupati draws tourists and religious pilgrims alike,
who flock to the Ancient Lord Venkateswara Temple, known for its elaborate
Dravidian style and gold-plated cupola. Prayers are offered daily at this
popular temple, which sits high in the Tirumala hills. Several other temples
dot the town, and the lush countryside contains numerous waterfalls. Tirupati
is also home to a rare, naturally-occurring pre-Jurassic stone arch that is 25
feet long and 10 feet high, one of only three of these geological features in
the world.
Places of Interest
Tirumala Temple
Talakona Waterfall
Tirupati Temple
20.) Kashmir
The valley of Kashmir is as
rich with history and political controversy as it is with culture and natural
phenomena. Sample exquisitely spiced native cuisines and festive teas, then
walk off your meal along the rugged trekking routes to the north. Marvel at the
famous houseboats of Srinagar and take a spiritual moment to reflect at one of the many pilgrimage sites and religious shrines that dot the
region. Of course, native craftsmanship makes for excellent souvenirs—carpets
and textiles are an especial shopping must.
Places of Interest
Dal Lake
Mughal Gardens
Jame Mosque
21.) Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal has an endangered animal called the grizzled giant squirrel.
To us, that alone is reason to book a trip (“grizzled giant squirrel” might be
the best animal name ever). Perched on the woodsy southern crest of the Palani
Hills, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, this popular lakeside resort town is
a magnet for nature lovers. Wander the peaceful slopes, keeping an eye out for
birds, exotic flowers, and, of course, grizzled giant squirrels.
Places of Interest
Kodaikanal Lake
Coakers Walk
Berijam Lake
22.) Kolkata
This former British colonial stronghold boasts evidence of over two
millennia of habitation, with ornate, architecturally diverse buildings,
ranging from crumbling ruins to Victorian treasures. Home to lively festivals
and a vibrant artistic community, clamorous markets, and packed temples, the city is crowded and polluted, but ultimately invigorating.
Places of Interest
Victoria Memorial Hall
Mother House
Kalighat Kali Temple
23.) Coorg
The misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, and acres of tea
and coffee plantations of Kodagu are, in a word, stunning. Also known as Coorg
and dubbed “The Scotland of India,” Kodagu is a postcard-perfect region of
scattered villages and hamlets, which are the epitome of old-world charm.
Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and
white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons),
Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) the festival is a huge draw.
Places of Interest
Omkareshwara Temple
Brahmagiri Hill
Iruppu Falls
24.) Rishikesh
The holy city of Rishikesh, in the base of the Himalayas, holds deep
cultural and spiritual significance for local Hindus. Sacred rivers and
mountains set the scene for yoga and reflective hikes, and rafting here is an
absolute must. The Beatles got in touch with their Eastern spiritual side here,
writing several songs during a 1968 stint at a local ashram.
Places of Interest
Laxman Jhula
Swarg Ashram
Neelkanth Mahadev
25.) Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar translates to “Gateway to God,” and the
breathtaking city, replete with temples, is a magnet for religious pilgrims
from all over the globe. Religious festivals hold even further draw, and
tourists can’t be helped but are compelled by the city’s aura of intense
spirituality. Don’t miss the Har ki Pauri and the Chandi Devi Temple.
Places of Interest
Har ki Pauri
Chandi Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple
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