India is a land of rich, diverse and assorted lifestyle, flora and fauna. It is a South Asian country with extensive and variant terrain, compiling of the alpine peaks of Himalayas and the coastline of the Indian Ocean. India is a land of ancient civilization as well.
Here are 7 destinations you must visit on your next trip to India!
Table of Contents
Rajasthan
Rajasthan which is also known as the “Land of Maharajas” is the largest state of India, covering an area of about 342,239 sq. km. The glory of the state is retained by its majestic palaces, forts and monuments. The vibrant culture and rich heritage of this princely state draw innumerable tourists from across the globe.
Its major attractions include the ruins of Indus Valley Civilization, the oldest mountain range- Aravalli, a Jain pilgrimage site known as Dilwara Temples, Karni Mata Mandir, the only hill station of Rajasthan- Mount Abu, Keoladeo National Park (formerly known as Bharatpur National Park), the Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Some of its major architectural wonders include Chittorgarh fort, it is the largest fort in Asia, Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur, Jaipur “The Pink City” houses a number of well known tourists spots which include Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Lake Palace, City Palace, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer and many more.
Not only this, the princely state of Rajasthan hosts varied colorful fairs and festivals which are known for their uniqueness and captivates a large number of tourists from India and overseas every year, some of which are Pushkar Fair, Jaipur Literature Festival, Jodhpur Flamenco & Gypsy Festival, Jaipur Heritage International Festival, Desert Festival, Urs at Ajmer, Teej and many more to give you a whole new experience.
Leh Ladakh
Ladakh has emerged as the new tourist destination among the global visitors. Having the influence of Tibetan culture, its capital Leh is still known as the little Tibet. Leh is located at an altitude of 3524 meters above the sea level and it’s tourism has been promoted on a large scale by the Indian government and now all the luxurious facilities can be found in the city. Ladakh is the home of some of the ancient monasteries made in around 11th century. It offers home to thousands of monks while some of the ancient temples can also be witnessed in the monastic complexes. The amazing views and great flora and fauna have made it popular among the tourists. The snow clad mountain ranges do the favor of the tourists more obsessed with adventurous activities. Skiing, trekking, rafting and skating etc make the visitors crazy to obtain some experience in the tranquil arena like of no other. With this hike in the number of touring options in Ladakh and hence the tourists, the accommodation and other facilities have also seen great amendments in the recent years.Being economic, comfortable and safe, Ladakh is the place of unique culture and marvelous natural beauty.
Andaman Nicobar
It is a group of about 300 islands deep in the Bay of Bengal. The land surface is hilly and rocky and is covered with thick forests. The climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is warm and humid. It gets rain almost throughout the year. Before independence these islands were known as Kalaponi. Freedom fighters and life prisoners were sent to the Cellular Jail here. This jail had 698 cells. The prisoners had to live here under very hard conditions. The present inhabitants of Andaman are mostly the descendents of these life prisoners. They are from all parts of India and speak different Indian languages. The original inhabitants of these islands are tribal people. This Union Territory is making progress in industry. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are developing into a major tourism hub with exotic-looking beaches and pristine islands having equally exotic names, wonderful opportunities for adventure sports like snorkelling and sea-walking.Places to visit include the Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Water sports complex, Chatham Saw Mill, Mini Zoo, Corbyn’s cove, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor Beach, Forest Museum, Anthropological Museum,
Fisheries Museum, Naval Museum (Samudrika), Ross Island and Viper Island. Other places include Havelock island famous for Radhanagar Beach, Neil Island for Scuba diving/snorkelling, Cinque island, Saddle peak, Mt Harriet and Mud Volcano. The southern group (Nicobar islands) is mostly inaccessible to tourists.
Varanasi
Banaras also known as Varanasi or Kashi in the modern era, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the spiritual capital of India and the ho-liest of the seven cities in Hinduism and Jainism. Ganga aarti is performed daily at the Dashashwamedh Ghat by a group of priests. This Agni pooja is performed as a dedication to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Surya, Agni and the whole universe. Special aortas are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals. It is located close to the Vishwanath temple. Legend has the Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that death in this holy city would bring Salvation, making it a major place for pilgrimage. Hindus cremate the dead at the Manikarnika Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat.Millions of people plunge into the river to wash off their sins. Assi ghat is described in the Kashi Khand as Assi “Saimbeda Tirtha” which means that anyone who gets a dip here once in his life will get punya of all the TirthaS. Generally Hindu pilgrims are used to of taking the holy dip here in the Chaitya (month of March/April) and Magh (month of Jan/Feb) as well as some other significant events like solar/lunar eclipse etc.
Kerala
Kerala often referred to as Keralam, is a state in the south-west region of India on the Malabar coast. Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime.The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over. That such a small terrain can hold diverse geographical features and cultures is a wonder in itself. Kerala is well known for its beaches, backwaters in Alappuzha and Kollam, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. Other popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Kappad, Cherai and Varkala; backwater tourism and lake resorts around Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam; hill stations and resorts at Munnar, Wayanad, Nelliampathi, Vagamon and Ponmudi; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar, Parambikulam and Eravikulam National Park.
Kashmir
The state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) brings together three incredibly different worlds. Hindu Jammu and Katra, in the south, are the state’s rail hubs and a major draw for domestic pilgrims. Muslim Kashmir is India’s Switzerland, attracting hordes of local tourists seeking cool summer air, alpine scenery and Srinagar’s romantic houseboat accommodation. Kashmir throughout the ages has remained another name for Paradise. Cradled in the lap of majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place on earth. On visiting the Valley of Kashmir, Jehangir, one of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed:
“If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.
Goa
Goa is popularly known as the Pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. It is located in India’s coastal belt on the western called the Konkan coast. It has an alarming scenic beauty. The architectural work done Goan Temples, Churches and old houses have brought great laurels to Goa. It is one of the most preferred option by the people who are planning their holidays.
Goa as compared to other states is not greatly populated but compared in terms of tourists it is the most populated place in India. Apart from attracting tourists from all over India, it also attracts tourists of foreign background. The real essence of Goa lies in its rich history, unique culture and the original natural beauty. Peaceful Goan lifestyle and adventure sports also draw the attention of the travelers within and outside India. All kinds of tourists are expected to visit Goa.
There are more than 36 beaches in Goa, each one is known for its own distinctiveness. North Goa beaches are most popular amongst the tourists while South Goa beaches are now gaining popularity because of its peacefulness.
India is surely your place to be to truly enjoy each and every activity as you may – be it hiking the Himalayas, exploring on ancient rice barges, exploring the paradise of Havelock Islands or cruising in Kerala’s backwaters – and find your true self and the spirit of travelling.


