Best Places to Visit in India with Friends

Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall

Manali has evolved to be a place loved by young people looking for longer stays for workation. With ambient cafes, good wifi availability, small eateries and convenient shops, Old Manali is among the favourites if that is what you are looking for. In addition, many homestays and hostels offer dorm beds for cheap for longer durations.

You can also go to Rohtang Pass & Solang valley with friends for various adventure activities, including skiing, paragliding, horse-riding & zorbing. Unfortunately, Rohtang Pass is almost always covered with snow and can often get overcrowded and see traffic jams.

Best Time: October to June

50 Manali Attractions

Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat

Heading off to Rishikesh for a short trip or workations is now in demand more than ever. With plenty of affordable hostels, hotels and bed&brekfast options, it is one of the best places to visit in India with friends. The white water rafting is a must-try for adrenaline junkies. Other activities to try include bungee jumping, cliff jumping, firefox, waterfall trekking, kayaking and even rock climbing. For the complete experience, camp out for a night and watch the stars shine on a clear night.

Best Time: Throughout the year

53 Rishikesh Attractions

The Chadar Trek is called the Frozen River Trek because you can actually walk on a frozen river. Also known as the Zanskar Gorge Trek, it is undeniably one of the most thrilling experiences as you wade through the frozen Zanskar river with your friends. The Chadar trek route connects the Zanskar River with the Valley located deep in the mountains. The best time for this trek is from January to February.

Known For : Cellular Jail Elephant Beach Neil Island

Remember the scuba diving sequence from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? Well, that is exactly what you can experience here. The pristine blue water and the sandy beaches hold a whole different world below it. Be ready to be awe-stricken by the mysterious underwater world. Colorful fish, parts of sunken ships, and the fascinating sea life, you name it, and it will be found here. Head off to this place and have your very own ZNMD moment with your friends by your side.

Best Time: October to Jun

82 Andaman Attractions

The heavenly road trip from Manali to Leh is considered as the “Mecca of all road trips.” You will realize how true this is when you go backpacking at this best place to visit in India with friends. The unbelievably beautiful path etched between mountains and villages will give you the memories of a lifetime. Just pack your bags and hit the road. Experience nature at its best!! P.S. Don’t miss out on the delicious Maggi that is available all along the way! You will regret not having it.

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

Situated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala is the most visited hill station in Maharashtra and the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, it is a popular destination for camping, trekking and other adventure sports. Lonavala is also popular for the treks like the Andharban trek that starts from a village called Pimpri and ends in Bhira.

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

The spectacular lake that you witnessed in the ending scene of 3 Idiots is none other than Pangong Lake. Yes, it as mesmerizing as it looks on screen. Bring out the adventure junkie in you as you take in the breathtaking view of this lake. Surrounded by mountains and boasting of freezing temperature, this Lake will give you a feeling of peace and serenity. And who better to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with than your friends!

Going to Goa with your friends is cliché’, but how about taking the road trip to Goa from Mumbai? Flashback to Dil Chahta Hai and you will want to hit the roads right away. Rent a car and head off on the highway heading to Goa. Enjoy the scenery as it changes from the bustling Mumbai to the laid back Goa. We assure you it will be a trip of the lifetime.

You have got to try spooky when it comes to an outing with your friends. This place is touted as the scariest place in India, along with being the most abandoned one. This has never stopped visitors from visiting this scary place, so why should it stop you. Located in Alwar, Rajasthan, you need to be hereafter sundown to experience some real adrenaline pump, though it is prohibited to visit this place after sunset. Find out how brave you and you are friends really are!!

Many of you might not be aware of this place, but Sandakphu is one of the five highest peaks in the world. Boasting of such high peaks, it makes for one dreamy location. Surreal natural beauty and spectacular view are what defines this place. A unique thing about this place is that you can spot around 600 varieties of Orchid here. No, we are not kidding. Visit this place with your friends and boast about the ethereal beauty the next time your group gets together!

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. In 1985, it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Best Time: October to June

Perched at an elevation of 5,029 m above sea level in the lap of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti is Roopkund. Also called ‘Mystery Lake’, it is synonymous with its name owing to the discovery of human skeletons and horse remains from almost 500-600 years ago.

The trekking trail to Roopkund in itself is quite fascinating including the trek through rustic villages, the bewitching alpine meadows and a beautiful sacred pond, BedniKund with its crystal clear water. The trek gets steep from Bedni Bugyal to Roopkund. Almost 5 kms before the final destination lies Baguabasa situated 4,100 m above sea level.

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

If you and your friends have that wild streak, let it unleash in the wilderness of the Bandipur Forests. It is located in the foothills of the Nilgiri and has dense jungles. You can run into Asiatic wild elephants, jungle monkeys or even a stray cat. This Jungle Safari is your adventure-filled trip to get your adrenaline pumping. Just be sure to follow the safety procedures! This is one of the best places to visit in India with friends if looking for a bit of adventure.

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions

Known For : Chandratal Lake Key Monastery Kunzum Pass

Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

31 Spiti Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India which is bounded by the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds.

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Rumtek Monastery

Incredibly alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Lying at the height of 1650 m above sea level, the town during its bright sunny days offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Gangtok is a base for adventure enthusiasts comprising of trekkers and campers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. During the months of March to Mid-May, blooming of wild Rhododendrons transform the surrounding regions in vast fields of colourful carpets.

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Gangtok Attractions

This is one of the most spectacular outings you can have with your friends. Walk along the vineyards while you stay in a private villa that offers all the world-class amenities. You can also taste the different varieties of Wine available here, and if you are planning on buying one, well you will get it very cheap here. So walk along the vineyards and taste wine all day long, as you bond with your friends. What more can one ask for!

Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Also known as the 'Scotland of the East', this hill station is known for its beautiful weather, picturesque locations and traditions. The key reasons people visit Shillong are the stunning local attractions, picnic spots, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, cafes, and museums. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture.

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake

This one of the unexplored hill stations in the North-Eastern part of India. Tawang is a sparsely populated hill town which offers a magnificent view. This place will let you experience the fluffy clouds, pristine sky, snow-clad mountain peaks and a spectacular view of the mountains and valleys. This makes it one of the best places to visit in India with friends.

Best Time: September to March

9 Tawang Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Coffee Plantations in Coorg

You might have heard some people referring to this place as the Scotland of India. This is in fact very true as this place boasts of being one of the most romantic places in the country. Surrounded by natural beauty, this place offers austere sights, varied wildlife, a relaxing atmosphere, and world-class coffee. Also, the houseboat available here is altogether a different experience. Picturing yourself with your friends chilling out in Coorg, aren’t you??

Best Time: October to March

35 Coorg Attractions

Known For : The Ridge Mall Road, Shimla Jakhu Temple

Shimla still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants. Shimla is often covered along with nearby towns of Kufri, a hill-station almost always covered by snow and Chail, famous for a huge palace and the highest cricket ground in the world. Tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple and engage in sightseeing at various viewpoints during their trip to Shimla.

Best Time: October to June

63 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

The gem of Uttarakhand - Nainital is a charming hill station that sits prettily at the green foothills of the Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. Located at an elevation of around 1938 metres, the epicentre of the town’s popularity and beauty lies within the gorgeous Naini Lake, after which the town is named. Founded by the British due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake district, Nainital brims with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place. It is a perfect weekend getaway from the Indian capital of Delhi.

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions

Known For : Munnar Tea Plantations Atukkad Waterfalls Rose Garden Munnar

Munnar is a popular hill-station of Kerala perched at an altitude of 1600 metres in the Western Ghats. Famous for its tea estates, various shades of green, blankets of mist and craggy peaks, Munnar is aptly known as the 'Kashmir of South India'. Munnar is divided into Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions.

Best Time: September to May

48 Munnar Attractions

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

31 Hampi Attractions

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. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Billed as India's biggest and most fun outdoor festival, the Ziro Festival of Music displays the best of northeastern talent on a single stage. Over 5500 feet above sea level, the misty mountains make this experience spectacular for anyone attending it. Ziro Music Festival is held in Ziro Valley of Itanagar. Located in the Lower Subansiri District, the lush green valley is a perfect setting for a music festival that's so high on energy and vigour. It is a celebration of independent music, art and culture. The festival brings together some of the best names from the sphere of music and has become a 'go-to' destination for all music enthusiastic youngsters.

Time Required : September

Already excited, huh? Well, you should be as the desert safari in Rajasthan is one of the most quintessential experiences this State has to offer. The desert safari is best experienced in Osian, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. The stories associated with the forts and deserts of Rajasthan are totally captivating. Head off to the remote places with your friends and get in touch with the true ruins of the place.

Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi

This is one of the lesser-known hill stations of Uttarakhand. This place is a perfect mix of history, heritage, culture, and natural beauty. It is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is home to some of the most noted temples like Nanda Devi, Asht Bhairav, and Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple. A visit to this place with your friends will help you get in touch with the culture and nature in a perfect symphony.

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Almora Attractions

Going to a temple tour in Kerala is quite common, but what if we tell you that you can embark on a gold trail along some this temple’s vault. We are not kidding. This is not a much-known place, but a visit to this place is very much possible. Silk Route’s Gold Trail tour lets you through Kerala’s gold-filled temple vaults. How cool would it be to go on a gold trail with your friends!

Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira

Confused on seeing a desert on the list? Well, imagine nothingness, then imagine it some more and then a little more. Now you have the Rann of Kutch which is the largest salt desert in the world. This place comes to life around October and gets an altogether different beauty. Trust us; visiting Rann of Kutch with your friends will be an experience like none other. Also, when going here don’t forget to visit Kala Dungar, also known as Black Hill, which will give you a panoramic view from 458 meters above sea level.

Best Time: July to March

19 Kutch Attractions

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. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Fauna & Flora

Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. Valley of flowers is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. It is open from June to September every year.

Best Time: May to October

3 Valley Of Flowers Attractions

Known For : Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach Edava Beach

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, this hill station is known for its weather, picturesque locations and traditions. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.

Best Time: Throughout the year

25 Varkala Attractions