Rounding up India’s most beautiful places: a cultural cradle of UNESCO-recognised temples, palm-fringed coasts, and untamed wilderness awaits.
Following 2022’s arm-chair explorations, ‘revenge travel’ became the buzzword in 2023. As for this year, eco-diving, Astro-tourism, and invigorating odysseys through natural marvels are on the cards. India, with its varied cultures, lip-smacking bonne bouche, and wildlife sanctuaries, sets the stage for soulful expeditions. Let’s traverse the troughs and crests of the nation’s landscape, visiting some of the most beautiful places in India.
Mapping the most beautiful destinations in India
1) Hemis National Park, Ladakh
Home to the highest density of snow leopards in the world, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is the largest national park in India and South Asia. Spread across 4,400 sq km, it is home to about 200 snow leopards, Tibetan Wolves, Asiatic ibex, Eurasian Brown Bear, Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), and Shapu (Ladakhi Wild Sheep), among other species.
2) Kovalam Beach, Kerala
From catamaran cruising to sunbathing and specially curated cultural programmes, the internationally acclaimed Kovalam Beach is a must-visit in Kerala. Constituted of three crescent-shaped beaches, the beach complex boasts Ayurvedic massage centres, cottages, health resorts, swimming pools, yoga workshops, and a string of restaurants.
3) Sarmoli, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s Sarmoli epitomises eco-tourism with its pristine views. Savour the snail-paced village life, admire the snow-capped Panchachuli Himalayan peaks and visit local farms cultivating sweet potatoes and kidney beans. On this off-the-grid holiday, check into one of the many women-run homestays, don the chef’s hat and rustle up local dishes, weave wool, and grow food with the farmers.
4) Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
Visit Lakshadweep’s emerald isle, Kadmat Island, for white sand beaches, lush coconut palm groves, and exotic tourist huts facing the lagoon. This secluded sanctuary away from the metropolitan bustle also delights with an array of marine adventures like scuba diving, skiing boats, sailing yachts, and kayaking. For an uninterrupted rendezvous with the island’s crystal clear waters, opt for the glass bottom boat rides.
5) Chitrakote Waterfalls, Chhatisgarh
Cascading from a height of 95 feet, the Chitrakote Waterfall is often called the Mini Niagara Falls of India. Located 138 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar, this horse-shoe-shaped waterfall is surrounded by the majestic Vindhya ranges.
6) Kabini River, Kozhikode, Kerala
A major tributary of the Cauvery River, the Kabini River originates near Kavilumpara and flows eastward along the Wayanad district. Near the town of Sargur, it forms the breathtaking Kabini Reservoir. As the water recedes in the summer, the backwaters make way for lush meadows. When in the area, make sure to visit the Kabini Wildlife Reserve and the Kabini Dam.
7) Bhogwe, Maharashtra
Nestled close to the popular Tarkali Beach, Bhogwe crafts a calm sanctuary for the weary traveller. The Bhogwe Beach delights with frothy waves and shimmering coasts, and the village elevates the secluded getaway with a fort and swaying palm trees.
8) Damro Village, Arunachal Pradesh
A rendezvous with slow living and soul-soothing rituals awaits at Arunachal Pradesh’s Damro Village. With a population of about 500 people residing in roughly 78 bamboo-thatched homes, the charming village of Damro Gidum is worth exploring. It is also home to the state’s largest hanging bridge, made of bamboo and ropes, swinging merrily above the River Yamne.
9) Belur and Halebid, Karnataka
About 200 km from Bengaluru, Belur and Halebid’s 12th-century Hoysala temples promise a cultural trip through the Hoysala dynasty’s religions, ideologies and traditions. Inside, witness hand-carved sculptures staging scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.
10) Hanle, Ladakh
Become one with the twinkling skies at Ladakh’s charming hamlet, Hanle. Tucked in the Changthang region, Hanle houses India’s first Dark Sky Reserve (part of the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary) and the 17th-century Hanle Monastery on a pristine hilltop. Visit the Indian Astronomic Observatory in Hanle — the highest in the world — at 4,500 metres.
11) Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Built in the 7th century, Chittorgarh Fort stands as the largest fort in Asia, bearing testament to Rajputana bravery and pride. Spread across 700 acres, the fort has endured three violent attacks: in 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji (Sultan of Delhi), in 1533 by Bahadur Shah (Sultan of Gujarat), and in 1568 by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Perched on a 108 ft tall hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its imposing structure and light and sound show.
12) Barren Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Situated 135 km from the capital city of Port Blair, Barren Island in the Andaman Sea is the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent. The last eruption was recorded in 2017. Tourists can take a boat ride to the island, known for scuba diving, black sand beaches, and spotting indigenous fauna.
13) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Constructed between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace showcases the heritage and opulence of Rajasthan in every frame. Built using palm court marble, it is home to the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur and stands as the world’s sixth-largest private residence. Seated atop Chittar Hill, Jodhpur’s highest point, the palace delights with panoramic views of the Blue City, dunes, and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Enjoy a luxurious stay in this five-star hotel amidst 26 acres of lush lawns and Art Deco-style rooms and suites.
14) Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim
Every year from April to July, various species of rhododendron flowers paint the Shingba Rodhodendron Sanctuary in a riot of colours. The reds, purples, and pinks are married to a fragrant scent that runs through the 110 acres of the sanctuary. In addition to the 40-plus species of rhododendron, the sanctuary — a famous trekking site in Sikkim — also houses indigenous birds like Wood Snipe and Hoary-Throated Barwing, along with a variety of plants and trees like primulas, saxifrages, poppies, potentillas, aconites, and gentians.
15) Japfu Peak, Nagaland
Nagaland’s second-highest peak, Japfu Peak, lures trekkers and adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Located 15 km from Kohima, the challenging trek, shrouded in shrubs, takes about 5 hours to scale, and the descent to Kigwema takes roughly 4 hours. The peak is home to the world’s largest rhododendron tree, standing tall at 109 ft.
16) Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra
Declared the Queen Beach of the Konkan region, Tarkali Beach is an ideal choice for remote getaways. Stretching across Marashtra’s Sindhudurg District, the 8-km-long beach offers water sports, uninhibited walks along the white sand coast, backwater boat rides, temples, Maratha bastion and forts, and traditional Konkani cuisine.
________________________________________________________________________
Read Also: Urban agriculture’s contribution to urban sustainability?
________________________________________________________________________
17) Landour, Uttarakhand
Just about 35 km from Dehradun, the quaint cantonment town of Landour is surrounded by refreshing foliage, providing visibility of up to 200 km on clear days. Landour’s British-era architecture adds to its charm, allowing visitors to see Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath with the naked eye.
18) Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, built in 1835, reflects the myriad royal transitions it has undergone. Initially the home of the queen’s choicest handmaiden, then a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and finally the royal residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi. Now a five-star hotel, Rambagh Palace captivates with marble-carved jalis, cenotaphs, sandstone balustrades, cupolas, and sweeping Mughal gardens.
19) Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
Get aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, popularly known as the Ooty Toy Train, for India’s slowest train journey covering 46 km in about 5 hours. This picturesque ride includes 16 tunnels, 208 steep curves, and 250 bridges, providing an animated experience resembling pages from a storybook, The journey traverses quaint towns like Coonoor, Wellington, Ketti, Lovedale, Hillgrove, and Aravankadu.
20) Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2016, Khangchendzonga National Park is home to about 18 glaciers, including the Zemu Glacier. It is a haven for biodiversity, showcasing over 19 mountain peaks, with the famed Mt. Khangchendzonga (popularly called Kanchenjunga), the third highest in the world, touching the skies at 8,586 metres.
21) Kumarakom, Kerala
Emerald green backwaters embraced by cosy houseboats, a string of canals, mangrove forests, and palm-fringed streets await at Kumarakom, Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Vembanad River, Kumarakom is a scenic symphony of man-made wonders and nature’s marvels. Make sure to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, savour the coastal cuisine, and witness the mesmerising sunrise or sunset on a canoeing trip.
22) Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park is home to cheetahs, marking their comeback in the country after being declared extinct for seven decades. Traverse the park on a safari jeep, through the thick forests surrounded by the Vindhyas, and stand a chance to spot close to 200 species of birds, 30 kinds of mammals, and 14 varieties of fish inhabiting the region.
23) Tawang Monastery, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Saunter through the Tawang Monastery — the largest in India and the second largest and oldest in Asia — at Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang. Also called the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in 1860-61 AD, it sits atop a hill. This yellow-roofed fortified complex includes a residential building for monks, a library, and a museum. Attractions feature an 8-metre-high gilded statue of Lord Buddha, priceless thangka, flickering butter lamps, the resonance of monks in prayer, and rotating prayer wheels.
24) Ooty Botanical Garden, Tamil Nadu
Spread over 55 acres, the verdant Ooty Botanical Garden delights with rare species of trees, including the cork tree, monkey puzzle tree, and paper bark tree. Inaugurated in 1897 by the Marquis of Tweedale, the garden houses a 20-million-year-old fossilised tree, an Italian-style garden skirting a clear pool, a fern house, and an annual flower show held in May, among other attractions.
25) Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Tip-toe through Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. Touted to be God’s Own Garden, this village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills delights with panoramic views of Bangladesh, the giant Nohwet Living Root Bridge, the century-old Church of the Epiphany, and striking tree houses that you can climb.
26) The Dooars, Assam and West Bengal
Step into the blanket of serenity at the Dooars, or Duars (translation: door), nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning across the nitrate-rich plains of Assam and North Bengal, the region unfolds like a mesmerising tapestry of lush forests, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife. A haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Dooars also serve as a gateway to India’s Northeast region and Bhutan.
27) Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
Seek divine blessings at Sri Harmandir Sahib, also called the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. In addition to being a spiritual abode and religious sanctum for Sikhs, it stands as a symbol of brotherhood and equality. The temple’s domes, inner walls, and door panels are laden with gold leaves, while the ornate inlay work on marble, studded with semi-precious stones, testifies to the temple’s architectural excellence.
28) Drang Drung Glacier, Kargil, Ladakh
Spread across 23 km, Drang Drung Glacier is the largest glacier in Ladakh accessible to tourists. Resembling a meandering river of ice, it is the source of the Doda and Stod Rivers. Embark on a three-day trek from Padum or a one-day trek from Pensi La to witness the glacier in all its glory.
________________________________________________________________________
Read Also: No Time, Space to Farm At Home? Hyderabad Hydroponics Firm Has a Doorstep Solution!
________________________________________________________________________
29) Nohkalikai Falls, Sohra, Meghalaya
Burrowed in Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on earth, Nohkalikai Falls stands as the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Cascading from a height of 1,100 feet, the falls meander through a high tableland, creating a picturesque pool-like composition. Located just 5 km from the main town, the Nohkalikai Falls are among the most beautiful places in India.
30) Mahabodhi Temple, Gaya, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple, translating to the “Great Awakening”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya. Housing a descendant of the Bodhi Tree, under which the Buddha gained enlightenment, the temple ranks among the oldest brick structures in Eastern India. In 2013, the temple’s upper structure was adorned with 289 kg of gold, a gift from the King of Thailand and Thai devotees.
31) Ganga Ghats, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Embark on a spiritual odyssey at Varanasi’s Ganga ghats, riverfront steps leading to the banks of the holy River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats in total, and most are used for bathing and prayer ceremonies. Notable ones include Assi Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat (the site of an 18th-century battle between Maharaja Chet Singh and the British), Darbhanga Ghat (known for its striking architecture), and Dashashwamedh Ghat (where the famous Ganga aarti takes place every evening).
32) Vantawng Falls, Mizoram
Located 137 km from Aizwal, Vantawng Falls are the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in Mizoram and among the most beautiful places in India. Cascading from a height of 750 ft, the falls are enveloped by thick forestation and bamboo groves. For tourists’ convenience, the Tourism Department has constructed a viewing post.
33) Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
Sprinkled with plateaus, mountains and valleys, the district of Hazaribag is situated 2,000 metres above sea level. Natural wonders like Canary Hill, Hazaribagh Lake, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Konar Dam complement man-made marvels like Sanskriti Museum and Art Gallery and Narsingh Sthan Temple.
34) Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Spread across 7,500 sq km, Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in Kutch district. Encounter tribal hamlets with cylindrical mud bhungas (huts) selling leatherwork, pottery, the famed Rogan paintings, Kutchi embroidery, and bell metal craft, among other delights. Experience the heightened fervour of the annual Rann Utsav (November 10, 2023, to February 25, 2024), immersing in a cultural and culinary extravaganza exhibiting Gujarati heritage.
35) Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Built in 1362 AD, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake that sits in the middle of Udaipur. Ringed by palaces, islands, temples and mansions, a boat ride through the lake offers divine views. Key attractions around the lake include the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Arsi Vilas, Swaroop Sagar Bridge, and the City Palace.
36) Taj Mahal, Agra
A symbol of Indian heritage, the ivory-white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, graces the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly among the most beautiful places in India. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and stands as an exemplar of Indo-Islamic architecture. With opulent arches, domes and a tomb at the end of the quadripartite garden, the Taj Mahal should be on every traveller’s must-visit list.
(Feature Image Credit: Christian Ouellet/Shutterstock)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the most scenic beaches & lakes in India?
The most beautiful beaches in India include Kovalam Beach (Kerala), Varkala Beach (Kerala), Palolem Beach (Goa), Agatti Beach (Lakshadweep), Auroville Beach (Tamil Nadu), and Bhogwe and Tarkali beaches in Maharashtra, among others places. Among the most scenic lakes in India are Pangong Tso (Ladakh), Tarsar Lake (Jammu and Kashmir), Suraj Tal Lake (Himachal Pradesh), Changu Lake (Sikkim), Lake Pichola (Udaipur), Vembanad Lake (Kerala), and Chilika Lake (Odisha).
– What are the most beautiful places in India to visit in winter?
The most beautiful places to visit in India during the winter include Auli in Uttarakhand, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Shimla-Kufri in Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Kumarakom in Kerala, Jaipur in Rajasthan, and Pondicherry, among others.
– What are the most beautiful architectural wonders of India?
The most beautiful places in India in terms of architecture include the Taj Mahal in Agra, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Statue of Gomateshwara in Karnataka, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Sun Temple in Odisha, Mysore Palace in Mysore, and Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, among others.
– What are the most beautiful night destinations in India?
Some of the most beautiful places in India to visit at night include the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, and Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan.
NOTE – This article was originally published in travelandleisureasia and can be viewed here
Tags: #animals, #beautifulplaces, #climate, #environment, #forest, #getgreengetgrowing, #gngagritech, #greenstories, #nature, #revengetravel, #wildlife
