India’s massive size and diverse geography bestows it with some of the most astounding natural scenery on the planet. From prismatic landscapes, verdant forests and endless stretches of dunes to enormous mountain ranges, gorgeous waterfalls and frozen lakes, India holds a great depth of stunning locations that would literally take your breath away. Here is a list of 15 most beautiful places in India which we believe are impressive enough to add on your bucket list of must-sees in the country.
In the midst of the expansive Thar Desert is Jaisalmer which is fondly referred to as the India’s Golden City mainly because of its yellow stone architecture marvels. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the six hill forts with the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are many things to see in Jaisalmer ranging from artistic structures and monuments to museums and Jain temples, one thing that you should definitely do here is the exploration of mesmerizing sand dunes on an exquisite camel safari.
Location: In Thar Desert on Indo-Pak border
Best time to visit: October to March
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
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An intricate network of rivers, lakes, lagoons, and manmade canals make up Kerala’s striking backwaters which stretch for more than 900 kilometers. These waterways undeniably looks great from land but the sights are most enchanting from water itself in a kettuvallom or a classic wooden boat. The lush tropical scenery combined with soothing atmosphere makes floating down backwaters of Kerala a marvel to behold.
Location: It extends along the Kerala’s coastline, from Kochi to Kollam. Alleppey which is situated midway between Kochi and Kollam serves as the gateway to these backwaters.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Backwaters of Kerala
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The real charm of Darjeeling lies in its serenity and quietude and one of the main attractions that add to its beauty is the immaculate weave of tea plantations which contribute to about 25% of the country’s overall tea production. A visit to this Himalayan city is said to be not complete without spending some time in these idyllic estates straggling over rolling hills and lush green forests. You must definitely check out Happy Valley Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, and Gomtee Tea Resort–a heritage bungalow tracing back to more than 100 year.
Location: Darjeeling in West Bengal
Best time to visit: March to November
Tea fields of Darjeeling
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At a height of about 1,500 meters from the sea level, this hill station is popular as one of the country’s most gorgeous high altitude escapes, and deservedly so. The panoramic landscape and near perfect weather intermixed with an array of attractions like Tipu’s Drop, ancient shrines, vineyards, and pool as well as lakes assures of immense exploration potential here. Also known as Sunrise Hills, the place further boggles your mind with unrivaled sunrise views.
Location: Chikkaballapur Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka and about 60 kilometers from Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Nandi Hills
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Wowing visitors with its incredible cultural scene and incomparable magnificence, Majuli Island is the nature at its finest. It is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and can be reached only via ferry from Nimatighat, a small town about 13 kilometers from Jorhat. Roughly 350 square kilometers in size, it graces the title of being one of the world’s largest freshwater island rivers. That said, this amazing island which is abode to many unique species of migratory birds is at the verge of extinction as a result of abrasion triggered by the mighty river itself. So don’t delay to visit this beautiful part of the earth before it completely disappears. Avoid visit here during monsoon.
Location: Jorhat district of Assam
Best time to visit: January to March & September to December
Majuli Island
Picture credits: unwindlife.com |
Placed in the midst of a dense jungle on the Goa-Karnataka border, the mind blowing Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in India. From a height of 310 meters, it plunges in four tiers, accompanied by a thunderous rumble that echoes off mighty mountains bounding the falls. What makes it so splendid is its dream-like setting in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, with water flowing like a sea of milk amid landscape drenched in verdant greenery. Goa Express passes through the region, making it one of the country’s most scenic train routes.
Location: On Goa-Karnataka Border, about 105 kilometers from Panaji in Goa
Best time to visit: After monsoon from November to April
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
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The marvelous Valley of Flower National Park, located in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region, is a treat to nature enthusiasts and botanists. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, it is reputable for its pristine surroundings impressively blanketed with hundreds of species of eye-catching alpine flowers in a spectrum of colors, shapes, and designs. Don’t visit here during winter as the entire region will be frozen and covered with snow.
Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Best time to visit: June to October
Valley of Flowers
Picture credits: www.walkthroughindia.com |
This enjoys the reputation of being one of the country’s most beautiful high altitude lakes, placed at a staggering altitude of 14,000 feet. Lying on the Indo – China boundary, only one-fourth of this lake is in India. It takes around 5 hours to reach here from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh region and the route itself is exceptionally fantastic. Once you reach here, there will be a lifetime’s worth of vistas waiting for you. With Trans-Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop, the lake enchants you with multiple colors changing from different tones of green and blue to sometimes even red. It is completely frozen during winter. Being sanctuary for a variety of migratory birds, keep an eye out for Brahmani ducks and bar-headed goose.
Location: On the Indo – China boundary, in Ladakh, about 170 kilometers from Leh.
Best time to visit: June to October
Pangong Lake
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This group of more than 200 islands in Bay of Bengal has long tempted honeymooners, adventurists, history buffs, and sightseers, with its coconut-strewn beaches, crystal clear waters sheltering extraordinary marine life, unspoiled natural beauty, and attractions that once served as the dungeon of torments during British era. The dreamscapes allows for a range of activities including swimming, snorkeling, diving, exploring rain forests, and island hopping.
Location: 950 kilometers off the country’s east coast
Best time to visit: October to May
Andaman Islands
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Mawphlang Sacred Forest is one of the most well-preserved forest groves in India, situated on the East Khasi Hill. Strewn with legends and thought to be inhabited by a deity known as labasa, this untouched ecoregion is where an outstanding collection of plants and trees forms a rich and vivid display – majority of them with exceptional healing properties and some even over 1,000 years old. The big draws for photography lovers are undoubtedly its petite collection of orchids and ferns, among others. Such is the divinity of the place is that visitors are not permitted to cause any harm to its flora and fauna. Those who break this taboo are believed to invite the wrath of the deity, resulting in strange incidents and even sickness. Make sure that you take a guided tour to experience the beauty and mysteriousness of this sacred place at its best.
Location: 25 kilometers from the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong
Best time to visit: Year-round but July is the most perfect
Mawphlang
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It is one of the three historic regions that make up the Golden Triangle, along with Ujjain and Omkareshwar. Dubbed as the Central India’s Hampi, Mandu’s fascinating allure comes in part from its trove of architectural marvels depicting the Mughal’s resplendent lifestyle. Surrounded by a huge wall stretching for more than 45 kilometers, this abandoned hilltop city, at a height of 2,000 feet, stands as a testimony to heartrending romantic tale involving Mandu ruler Baz Bahadur and Rupmati – a beautiful singer. Visit here for its glorious sunset views and also a myriad of attractions that grace the region, including age-old palaces, monuments, and tombs.
Location: About two-hour drive from Indore
Best time to visit: November to February
Mandu
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Khajjar’s awe-inspiring landscape comprising dense deodar forests, serene lakes, exotic flora and fauna, and beautiful shrines should be seen to be believed that there is such a thing as heaven on our planet. Favorite among honeymooners, nature lovers, and adventure-seekers, it is fittingly acknowledged as the Mini Switzerland of India, being one of the world’s stunning places boasting striking resemblance with Switzerland’s tropical paradise.
Location: Chamba District, about 25 kilometers from Dalhousie
Best time to visit: March to October
Khajjar
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The serenity and charm of Yumthang Valley carpeted with an array of colorful and lively Himalayan flowers is just beyond any adjective. No matter how many times you trip here for its entrancing scenery or tranquility amidst green slopes, there is nothing dull or unexciting about this marvelous destination, positioned at an altitude of 3,500 meters in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Location: In North Sikkim District, about 140 kilometers from Gangtok
Best time to visit: April to June
Yumthang Valley
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Lonar Lake in Buldhana District is special in many ways. It is one of the world’s largest saline lakes whose water several times saltier than sea water. Interestingly, this lake which is about 500 feet deep and 6,000 feet wide is the result of a hypervelocity meteorite hit around 50,000 years ago. Legend has it that it was created due to a falling star and hence is sometimes called Taratirth. Another of its uniqueness is that it is the one of its kind lake in basaltic rock. At first glance, the region may not appear attractive but you’re for a great surprise as you reach closer to the seamlessly round lake in the midst of lovely greenery.
Location: Buldhana District of Maharashtra
Best time to visit: November to January
Lonar Sarovar
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The hill station of Araku Valley at a height of 3200 feet is worth an unforgettable trip due to its incredible lush greenery sprinkled with rivers and streams. From its location on hilltop, you can enjoy the utmost serenity in an unspoiled setting. Places of interest include Padmapuram Garden, Katiki waterfall, and Coffee House where you can find different varieties of coffees.
Location: Near Odisha State Border and about 115 kilometers from Vishakapatnam
Best time to visit: October to February
Araku Valley
Picture credits: www.fwdlife.in |
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