Known For : Dal Lake Gulmarg Gondola Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Popularly referred to as the "Paradise on Earth," Kashmir is a breathtaking region in northwestern India. Historically part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir was declared a Union Territory in 2019. The major cities in the Kashmir Valley include Srinagar, Gulmarg, Anantnag, and Baramulla. Nestled in the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges, it is known for its scenic splendor, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people, and local people handicrafts.
Best Time: March - October
Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shankaracharya Temple
Famously known as 'Heaven on Earth', Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.
Best Time: April to October
Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world's largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Cellular Jail Scuba Diving In Andaman Radhanagar Beach
Lagoons of crystal clear water and scenic beaches topped with a little bit of history make Andaman and Nicobar one of the most perfect choices for an enjoyable, laid-back holiday where you can go on long treks, laze around in the backwaters of the island, or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, even go for a bit of deep sea diving. From the pristine, untouched beaches of Neil and Havelock Islands to the bustling town of Port Blair, the Andamans have something to offer to every tourist.
Best Time: October to Jun
Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake
Situated close to the Pakistan Border, Jaisalmer is a major tourist spot located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. It is called the 'golden city' due to its bounteous golden dunes flowing in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples, havelis and castles clad in golden yellowish sandstone. Climb on to the camel saddle and make your way through this desert or camp under the night sky in this golden land for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, Darjeeling is nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations boasting of cool climes all year round. This hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.
Best Time: February to March, September to December
Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Tsongmo Lake
Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The pristine hill station nestled in mountains and clouds is also a base for a whole lot of trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. The mesmerising prismatic beauty and the beautiful winding hill roads are even more breathtaking if seen from a bird’s eye view in a cable car.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Laitlum Canyons
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Known as the 'Scotland of the East', it derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Hidimba Temple Solang Valley Manu Temple
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Sajjangarh Palace
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Amer Fort Jantar Mantar Jaipur Hawa Mahal
Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new highly urbanized pockets and shopping areas have casually sprung up beside gleaming forts and palaces. Jaipur has long been one of the shiniest cultural jewels in the history of the Indian subcontinent, and the royal corridors of the famously named 'Pink City' offer up a plethora of adventures and activities that make for a memorable holiday experience.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti, Varanasi
A city as old as time itself. A city that has stayed in place and watched as the world has turned and the tides have changed. A city that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. Varanasi, the city that is more than just the spiritual capital of India. The city which can be aptly described as a melting pot where both life and death come together. The city that you only need to visit once for it to stay with you forever.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Calangute Beach Fort Aguada Cruise in Goa
Widely considered to be the best place to visit in India among youths, Goa is the epitome of tourism in India with one of the best beaches, food and nightlife. It is getting popular among foreigners as well. When you think of Goa, you think of sandy beaches, amazing parties, beautiful little villages, delicious food, and a magical holiday experience.Nestled in the Konkan Coast Belt, Goa has a coastline stretching for over a 100 kilometres and attracts millions of visitors both from within and outside the country all year round.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav
Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other structures such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and hence makes for a must visit for anyone living in or visiting India.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Mall Road, Shimla The Ridge Jakhu Temple
Probably the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train etc. among honeymooners and families alike.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna
With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Mandalpatti
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Minicoy Island Agatti Islands Bangaram Island
Literally meaning a 'hundred thousand islands', Lakshadweep has few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India.
Best Time: September to May
A delightful town situated in the district of Mandla, Kanha National park is the haven of an exceptionally wide variety of wild animals, including the majestic creature tiger. Wide open grass plains with a backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered bamboo forests play host to a wide variety of wildlife and diverse birdlife with over 300 species recorded. The present-day area stretches over 940-kilometre square which is divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Akshardham Temple Delhi
From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple personalities making it 'The good, the bad and the ugly'. The Capital city of India and the base location to explore North India, Delhi is considered to be the city with a heart.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry and commonly referred as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. is often famously referred to as the French Riviera of the East, and it is indeed one of the most charming and mesmerising places to visit in South India. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is a little town tucked away on the south-east coastline of India, and it is a destination that promises travellers sanctity and serenity, in the real sense of the terms.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alleppey Backwaters Kuttanad
Extremely famous for its beautiful backwaters, the city of Alleppey in Kerala is also known for its beaches, temples and traditional boat races. This popular tourist destination also has some very well reputed Ayurvedic spas and wellness centres.
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Magnetic Hill
A land like no other with superabundance of attractions to visit and phantasmagoric and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. Considered to be one of the top places to visit in India by Indians and foreigners alike, Ladakh is a place not to be missed at any cost.
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Golden Temple Wagah Border Jallianwala Bagh
Home of the glorious Golden Temple, the iconic city of Amritsar, portrays the heroic character of the Punjab. A day in this peaceful city starts with the spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The original name of first the ancient lake, then of the temple complex, and later the surrounding city, meaning "pool of ambrosial nectar."
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace
Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari
Also Known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners.
Best Time: September to June
Known For : Triund Bhagsu Falls Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Sri Venkateswara Temple Akasaganga Teertham Silathoranam
The very name Tirupati is enough to evoke strong spiritual feelings, and while the name "God's Abode" indeed does justice to the place, Tirupati has quite a few other tourist attractions as well that make it a city worth visiting. Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in the country. Home to many heritage sites, and a plethora of ancient temples and monuments, Tirupati is one of the oldest cities of India and finds mention in plenty of ancient texts.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir Ardhkuwari
Located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra at the height of 1560 m above sea level with bright clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Madhya Pradesh, is known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. A small town located in the Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho is a brilliant example of Indian architecture and its culture back in the medieval period. The architecture of these Hindu and Jain temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Nakki Lake Guru Shikhar Toad Rock
The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Rameshwaram Temple Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach Jatayu Tirtham
Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places in India and is located on a beautiful island. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km south-west of Pune and 285km from Mumbai.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Elephanta Caves Marine Drive, Mumbai Juhu Beach
Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, has a long colonial history, starting from Gandhi's visits to the city to the intense protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, the city has stood witness to many important events in the country's freedom struggle. Today, Mumbai is a beautifully blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. The city soaks in everything into its fabric, making it its very own.
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari Ranthambore Ranthambhore Fort
Spread in an area of 392 sq. Km, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and famed tiger reserves in the country, famous for the magnificent Bengal Tiger found there. Ancient religious ruins found within the forest, surrounded by the rich biodiversity and aesthetically crumbling cenotaphs make Ranthambore Tiger Reserve a favourite spot for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers.
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Fort Kochi Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica
Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
Best Time: July to April
Known For : Borra Caves Submarine Museum Kailasagiri
Visakhapatnam, also commonly known as Vizag, is one of the oldest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape, as well as a rich cultural past, which makes it an ideal spot for a fantastic coastal vacation. The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India, and with a plethora of manmade wonders and natural spectacles, Visakhapatnam is a must-visit tourist destination in South India.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Bara Imambara Chota Imambara British Residency
A city of kebabs and nawabs, of architecture and history, of literature and culture - that is Lucknow in a nutshell for you. The capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Known as the 'City of Nawabs', Lucknow has a charm to it that is hard to resist. While the city itself is rich and opulent, the people of Lucknow also follow an endearing 'pehle aap' (you first) culture. From a slice of rich colonial history to modernized museums, the 'City of Nawabs' beautifully brings together the opulence of a glittering past and the simplicity of a modern city.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
Known For : Ramoji Film City Hussain Sagar Lake Golconda Fort
A veritable melting pot of the old and the new, Hyderabad, also known as the City of the Nawabs, is a city that exudes an old-world charm of its own while still coexisting with the rapidly growing onslaught of commercialization in perfect harmony. Steeped in history, Hyderabad is home to old mosques and bazaars lined parallelly alongside swanky new office buildings and malls, and it is these very contrasts - these glimpses into the city's rich past with inherent promises of an even better future.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas
Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India located in Tamil Nadu. It was ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history and is constructed in the form of a lotus.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sukhna Lake Rock Garden Elante Mall
Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana is a subtle and ideal definition of the word 'city'. In a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as a modernity, Chandigarh is a pretty town resembling a morning dream which is sure to flatter you with its innocence and pleasantness.
Best Time: August to March
Known For : Lalbagh Church Street
Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's third-largest city. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and the many lakes here. Bangalore is renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters and pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world. Brunches, buffets, burgers, rooftop cafes, late-night eats - Bangalore has it all.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math
A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is commonplace in this city. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata's streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity.
Best Time: October to March
Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in the state of Assam in North-Eastern India, its total area is shared by the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong placing it roughly at the centre of the state. Approximately around five hours by road from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park stands tall as the epitome of successful wildlife conservation in India.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the fourth largest city in the country, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South India. A city that has a rich cultural history, Chennai perfectly balances its heritage with its thriving modern lifestyle. A metropolis with a heart, Chennai's skyline is famous for its towering skyscrapers which form a scenic vista along the coast.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Sabarmati Riverfront Dada Hari Wav Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad
A rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city with a magnificent past, Ahmedabad is one of the popular tourist destination. Home to a plethora of remarkable temples, intriguing museums, serene lakes, good restaurants, and classy market, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it, Ahmedabad is a great example of how a city can still retain every bit of its old-world charm while still rapidly progressing on the path of globalization and commercialization.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Grishneshwar Temple Bibi ka Maqbara The Ajanta caves
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to bustling markets brimming with delicate silk items and exquisite hand-woven garments, Aurangabad promises all tourists an exciting holiday experience. History buffs will be excited to know that Aurangabad has quite a bit of history attached to it. While the city is rapidly heading towards industrial growth and globalization, it still retains most of its past glory, heritage, charms and traditions.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira
Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Set in the background of snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand, the sprawling town of Almora is a beautiful hill station. With easy accessibility from Delhi and other major cities of North India, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife. This town has two major rivers- Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali).
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Cafes in Kasol
A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Ganga Aarti in Haridwar Har Ki Pauri Chandi Devi Temple
No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Kanyakumari Beach Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil
Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Earlier known as Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant sea shores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetic elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain.
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Raghurajpur Artist Village Sri Jagannath Puri Temple Puri Beach Markandeswara Temple
Puri in Odisha is one of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of Jagannath Temple that forms the part of Char Dham in India. Puri is a beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal which is one of the favourites among people of West Bengal for a short trip.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Mahabodhi Temple Great Buddha Statue Tibetan Refugee Market
One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, Bodhgaya is a village in the state of Bihar. It was here under the Bodhi tree that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The place is bustling with pilgrims all through the year who come to pay their homage in the monasteries, shrines and temples. It also attracts tourists from India and abroad owing to its magnificent Buddha statue, the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram
Pune is a bustling metropolis of Maharashtra, ranked number one in India in the ease of living. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, it is a hub of diverse people and activities and is in rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition sprinkled with colonial-era charm, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Dawki Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Earlier the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as Sohra, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural attractions. Although Mawsynram is now the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji still holds the record for the highest recorded rainfall in a calendar year. Apart from the famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut.
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Padmanabhaswamy Temple Poovar Island
Offering an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy, the city of Trivandrum has an exceptional vibe to it. Despite being the capital of Kerala, the city has, quite astonishingly, managed to keep itself far removed from the ruthless aura that generally surrounds a capital city. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind - today, Trivandrum is a swanky metropolis with a quaint urban charm and plenty of scenic places to visit.
Best Time: October to February
Formerly a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa, the Bandhavgarh National Park is world-renowned as a tiger reserve and it is known to have the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world. The frequent sightings of royal tigers make this national park a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. In 2012, around 44-49 tigers were living in the park. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of avifauna.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple Shani Shingnapur Samadhi Mandir
Located at a distance of 122 Km from Nasik in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is the home of Sai Baba. It is believed that Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi in 1858 and spent 60 years of his life here until he attained salvation in 1918. Sai Baba is popularly known as the 'child of God', as he always spread the message of universal brotherhood.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple
Pushkar, a small temple town, is located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country. Perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar is located amid Aravali ranges. Known for the world's only dedicated Brahma temple, Pushkar is primarily a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura Birla Mandir Mathura
Mathura is considered one of the most sacred lands of India, and is filled to the brim at any point of the year with people looking to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Located around 150 kilometres from Delhi, Mathura is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and has many sites of both historical and religious significance.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Periyar National Park Periyar Tiger Trail Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Periyar National Park, a major attraction, is where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travelers can also experience night treks in the wilderness of Periyar. The Periyar Lake, part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one option for couples looking to make the most of their honeymoon in Thekkady.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Sun Temple, Konark Chandrabhaga Beach ASI Museum
Konark, in the state of Orissa is renowned world over for the Sun Temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Thanneermukkom Bund
With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake.
Best Time: October - February
Known For : Gwalior Fort Jai Vilas Palace Gujari Mahal (State Archaeological Museum)
Gwalior is a historic city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Popular because of the hilltop fort, Gwalior is full of palaces and glorious temples giving this city a majestic charm which speaks volumes of its glorious past.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Sanchi Stupa The Great Bowl Ashok Pillar
Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Buddhist monuments of Sanchi are one of the oldest stone structures in India. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Great Stupa was installed in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. The sculptures and monuments present at the site are a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture. The stupa sits atop a hill in Sanchi, 46 km from the city of Bhopal.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Now that you have a list for places to visit in India, where are you going next?