Anyone who loves to travel knows that India’s beauty lies in its diversity. Our country is an exciting melting pot of different and alluring landscapes, cultures, languages and gourmet delights. No two states are exactly the same, which can make it challenging to plan a trip. You literally might want to go everywhere! However, here, we have eased your task a bit by listing down 30 best places to visit in India. Find out more about them, including when to go, how long to stay, how to reach and their main attractions.
1. Nubra Valley in Ladakh
The barren rugged view of this valley, which lies between Kashmir and Tibet, will take your breath away. You can feast your eyes on charming monasteries, the Nubra and Shyok rivers, Bactrian camels, and sand dunes. A photographer’s delight, the valley is home to people of the Balti culture in Turtuk.
- Best time to visit – June to August
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the nearest airport (162 km), from where you can take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Or, you can travel by train to the Leh railway station from Jammu or Kashmir, and then take a taxi or bus.
- By Road: You can take a taxi from Leh to reach the valley (160 km away)
2. Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh
Popularly known as Mini Switzerland, Khajjiar deserves your attention if you are looking for places in India for honeymoon. The combination of lush green meadows, lofty Himalayas encased in snow and dense forests make this place heavenly. Here, you can enjoy adventures like trekking, zorbing, jungle safari and paragliding.
- Best time to visit – March to October
- Ideal duration – 2-3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: You can fly to Kangra Airport (109 km from Khajjiar) and then take a taxi.
- By Train: The closest station is Pathankot (96 km from Khajjiar), from where you can board a taxi.
- By Road: You can take a taxi from Dalhousie or Chamba (24 km from Khajjiar).
3. Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand
If you are in love with the vibrant colours of nature, this valley should feature on your list of beautiful tourist places in India. Peppered with exotic and rare Himalayan flowers, it attracts trekkers and photographers in droves. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.
- Best time to visit – July to September
- Ideal duration – 1 day of stay, but the trek from Haridwar takes about 6 days.
- How to reach –
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at 284 km, from where you can hire a cab till Joshimath (11 hours). Gobindghat is another hour from here. From Gobindghat, you have to trek for 13 km to reach the Ghangaria base camp.
- By Train: Rishikesh railway station is 273 km from Gobindghat, and you can take a taxi or bus from the station.
- By Road: You can get a bus or taxi from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Pauri, or Chamoli.
4. Dal Lake in Srinagar
The serene Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit before you die. Also known as the Lake of Flowers or Srinagar’s Jewel, it is 1775 m above sea level, and a shikara ride on the lake can lift your spirits instantly.
- Best time to visit – May to November
- Ideal duration – 1 day (in a houseboat if possible)
- How to reach –
- By Air: You can reach Srinagar International Airport (22 km from Dal Lake) and then take a cab. Or, you can hire a cab to reach Lal Chowk and then board a bus.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu (272 km from Srinagar). You can take a bus or taxi from there.
- By Road: Take a taxi or bus from Jammu. Srinagar can also be reached via road from Delhi or Chandigarh.
5. Munnar in Kerala
This idyllic hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats, was once a favourite of the British. Verdant green and rolling hills, beautiful tea plantations, and charming towns make Munnar one of the peaceful and beautiful places in India.
- Best time to visit – October to November
- Ideal duration – 3 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Cochin International Airport (104 km from Munnar) and then take a cab.
- By Train: Take a train to reach the Cochin railway station (125 km from Munnar) and take a cab.
- By Road: You will get private or state-run buses to Munnar from all important cities in Kerala.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Munnar
6. Dudhsagar Falls in Goa
If you wish to witness the true power of waterfalls, do give this one a shot. The gushing water of this 4-tiered majestic fall,on the Mandovi River,creates a magical mist and gives it a milky white appearance. This waterfall promises hikers and trekkers an exhilarating experience.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 1 day
- How to reach –
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Dabolim. From there, you can take a cab to the Mollem Village. Then, hire a jeep to reach the falls.
- By Train: First reach Madgaon railway station in Goa and then board a passenger train to reach Kullem. You can then start trekking.
- By Road: Take a cab to reach the Mollem Village first and then take a jeep.
7. Yumthang Valley in Sikkim
Counted among the most remote and beautiful places in India, this valley gives you stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas, verdant pastures, hot springs and colourful flowers. The sight of yaks grazing will put you in a serene mood at a height of 3700 m above sea level.
- Best time to visit – September to December
- Ideal duration – 2 days
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport (at 220 km), from where you can hire a cab.
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station (214 km from Yumthang). You can take a shared jeep or private taxi to first reach Gangtok and then Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
- By Road: Simply take a taxi from Gangtok.
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