INCREDIBLE INDIA
India is widely considered a beautiful country due to its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historical heritage. Its cultural tapestry is woven with vibrant festivals, diverse traditions, and intricate architecture, making it a unique and captivating destination.
India is renowned for its diverse and stunning natural beauty, encompassing towering Himalayas, lush forests, pristine beaches, and unique landscapes like the Great Rann of Kutch. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the vibrant flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, India offers a plethora of breathtaking natural wonders.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA
PANGONG TSO, Ladakh
Sitting at an altitude of 13,944ft and stretching more than 62 miles long, Pangong Tso saline lake perfectly embodies the majesty of Ladakh's landscapes. Its peaceful, crystalline waters are framed by imposing mountains and draw in photographers from around the world. While two-thirds of the lake belongs to China, the rest belongs to India, and is the most accessible. You can reach this stunning site in around five hours in a 4x4 from the capital of Ladakh, Leh. A special permit is required to access the lake, so we’d recommend planning ahead if you want to include this impressive natural wonder in your itinerary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The lake freezes over in winter, so visit between June and September for mild temperatures, sunny days and sparkling waters.
RANN OF KUTCH, Gujarat
Divided between the Kutch district of Gujarat state in northwestern India and the Sindh province in southeastern Pakistan, the Rann of Kutch is a vast seasonal salt marsh and one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The dazzling white plains of this otherworldly site are home to a variety of wildlife species, including wild donkeys, wolves and antelopes, plus more than 200 bird species. Visit this biodiversity hotspot in the winter during its annual festival, Rann Utsav, for a dose of culture and celebration.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The winter months (between November and February) offer the most comfortable climate for visiting the salt flats.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS, Uttarakhand
Tucked within the remote Garhwal Himalayas in northern India’s Uttarakhand state, the Valley of Flowers is a delightful dreamscape of lush alpine meadows. Spread over an area of 87 sq km in the Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two core zones (the other being the Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Blanketed in over 500 different flower species, including the blue poppy, the sacred Brahma Kamal flower and the cobra lily, the valley is also home to rare fauna such as the Asiatic black bear and the musk deer. This high-altitude heaven deserves a spot in any roundup of beautiful places in India.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : Visit between July and September to see the fantastic flowers in full bloom.
CHILIKA LAKE, Odisha
One of the most beautiful places in India is Chilika Lake, Located about 30 miles from the coastal city of Puri and nestled among rice fields, swamps and coconut trees, this lovely lake is the largest lagoon in India. Separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land, Chilika is fed fresh water from the rivers and cleaned with saltwater from the sea. This is a tranquil place where fishermen set their nets on thin bamboo poles, migratory birds flock to for the winter and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins play in the waters.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : Visit between October and February for comfortable temperatures, or the equally pleasant shoulder season (June to September) for fewer crowds.
HAWA MAHAL, Jaipur
First up on our list of the most beautiful places in India is the spectacular Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace in Jaipur, this pink sandstone structure is an ornate beauty with over 950 latticed windows. This honeycomb-like design was intended to circulate the breeze in summer (hence the building’s nickname, the ‘Palace of the Winds') and allow royal ladies to watch passing street processions without being seen by the public. To see the palace looking its best, we’d suggest visiting in the early morning when the sun streams in through the windows and bathes the building in syrupy sunlight.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : Visit between October and March for pleasant sightseeing temperatures.
THE BACKWATERS OF ALLEPPEY, Kerala
One of the most popular backwater destinations in India, Alleppey, also lovingly known as the “Venice of the East”. An integral part of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Alleppey is renowned for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed backwater canals, and the houseboats that dot them. Idyllic backwaters, lush paddy fields and tall coconut groves make Alleppey the ideal destination for intimate holidays in the lap of nature. With its cultural experiences, flavorful cuisine and traditional art & architecture, Alleppey provides its guests with truly enriching stays.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : Visit between November and February. for pleasant sightseeing temperatures. During this period, the weather is pleasant with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring the backwaters and enjoying outdoor activities.
MADIKERI, Karnataka
Madikeri in Karnataka’s mountainous Coorg (Kodagu) region, nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’, thanks to its rolling emerald-green landscape. This mist-shrouded hill town is framed by the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats mountains and is famous for its historic Madikeri Fort. From here, you can visit fragrant spice plantations and sprawling coffee estates, trek to Tadiandamol Peak for spellbinding views, and marvel at natural wonders like the jaw-dropping Abbey Falls. Enjoy the warm hospitality from the people in Coorg during your stay in this peaceful part of the country.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The cool, dry conditions from October to February are ideal for outdoor activities. March to May offers warmer temperatures and summer blooms.
SIKKIM
Sikkim proudly stands in the northeastern region of India, bordered by Nepal in the west, West Bengal in the south, Bhutan in its southeast and China in the north. Gangtok is known as the capital city of Sikkim, which covers the southeastern region of this state. One is often captivated by the serenity of the landscape in Sikkim, its vibrant culture, wildlife, heritage and globalised cuisines and overall, the warmth in their hospitality. Sikkim opens its welcoming arms to tourists to experience the amazing panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, crimson rhododendrons, serene monasteries, sparkling rivers, waterfalls, and lush greenery
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
RAMESHWARAN, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is a town on Pamban Island, in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars and sacred water tanks. Devotees bathe in the waters of Agni Theertham, off the beach east of the temple. Gandamadana Parvatham is a hill with island views. A chakra (wheel) here is said to bear an imprint of Lord Rama’s feet. Rameshwaram is significant for many Hindus as a pilgrimage to Varanasi is considered to be incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The town along with the Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham (four divine sites) sites comprising Badrinath, Puri, and Dwarka.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The best time to visit Rameshwaram is from October to April, during the winter season, when the weather is cool and pleasant. This period offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and exploring the town's various attractions.
DARJEELING, West Bengal
Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Flaming red rhododendrons, sparkling white magnolias, miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir – all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The best time to visit Darjeeling is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and stunning views of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga.
SHILLONG, Meghalaya
Dubbed the "Eastern Scotland" for its remarkable resemblance to the Scottish Highlands, Shillong offers an enchanting mix of old-world allure, stunning scenery, and a deep-rooted cultural legacy. Cradled by the undulating hills and verdant foliage of Meghalaya, this natural wonder provides an exhilarating retreat into the embrace of nature, establishing itself as a perfect haven for both thrill-seekers and those searching for tranquility. The journey to Shillong introduces the enchantment that lies ahead, with meandering roads that cut through the cloud-kissed hills and verdant landscapes. The town's rich colonial past is palp able in its architecture, with quaint bungalows, churches, and buildings that hark back to the British era, adding a touch of historical elegance to its verdant surroundings.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : The best time to visit Shillong is September to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. However, each season offers a unique experience, so the "best" time depends on your preferences.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Oldest Civilizations : India is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Oldest Inhabited City : Varanasi is considered one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- Inventions : India is credited with inventing chess, the concept of zero, and the decimal system.
- Yoga's Origin : The practice of yoga originated in India.
- Ayurveda : Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is one of the world's oldest healing systems.
- Diamond Mining : India was the first country to mine and produce diamonds.
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